Question: I need to wipe my device. I know how to back up my personal data using Desktop Manager-Backup/Restore but how do I keep all my 3rd party apps?
Answer: Backup and Restore your 3rd party apps using the Switch Device Wizard by following the procedure below!
1- Download and install the latest version of Desktop Manager 4.2 from here.
2- Plug in the device and run Desktop Manager.
3- Click on “Switch Device Wizard.”
4- Click on “Switch Blackberry Devices.”
5- Click “Next.”
6- Select USB: Your Pin.
7- Click “Next”.
8- Uncheck “User Data and Settings” and “Include Messages” leaving “Third Party Applications checked.
9- Click “Next”.
10- When it’s finished backing up the apps, DO NOT click “Next” or “Cancel.” Leave that screen as it is and continue these instructions.
11- Search your computer files/folders for a folder labeled with your pin number. Be sure and search in hidden and system files.
- Depending on your OS the location may vary. In one example it is found XP-32bit C:\Documents and Settings\*ProfileName\Local Settings\Temp\*Pin#
12- When you find it copy it to another location.
13- Now go back and “Cancel” the Switch Device Wizard. If you cancel the wizard before copying the folder to another location the folder is automatically emptied.
14- Now wipe your device as desired.
Your backup is complete.
Restore
15- When the OS has been loaded back to the device run Application Loader again and click on “Add”
16- Browse to the folder you copied with your PIN. Double click on the file named yourpin.alx.
17- This should add all your 3rd party apps to the apploader.
18- Finish the installation to load them to your BB.
19- Restore your personal data using the restore feature in Desktop Manager Backup/Restore
- Note: If you are wiping the device because of a problem this procedure may not be wise to perform because the cause of the trouble could possibly be in one of the 3rd party apps.
Thanks for this instructional from John Clark @ BlackBerryForums.com