Note:

Most users do not use the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software, they simply activate wirelessly through an Enterprise Activation option on the BlackBerry. 

What is needed to activate your BlackBerry to sync to your Exchange account?

-You will need the correct data plan through your cell provider that allows access to a BES server.

-Your account must be on the same Exchange/BES server’s network. Contact your Exchange/BES provider to have them add your account to the BES server. They will provide you with a username/password you can use to activate your BlackBerry wirelessly, go to your BB’s options icon, advanced options and choose enterprise activation. Or you can activate through your BlackBerry Desktop Manager. 

*The handheld will sync your Exchange accounts contacts, calendar, tasks, memos and new emails. 

*We recommend confirming that your Outlook has the most current data. Once confirmed, wiping the handheld clean before activation can avoid duplicates. However, unless the data is saved to the handhelds memory card, the wipe will also remove everything that might not re-sync from your exchange account.

For example, older emails, pictures, text messages will be removed. This is where the BlackBerry Desktop manager is needed. The software can help you backup and restore your data. The software is also a great tool to help troubleshoot any handheld issues.

Procedure:

If you do not have the BlackBerry Desktop Software CD, you can go to www.blackberry.com and download and install the newest version of the BlackBerry Desktop Software to your computer. Once installed, the software will launch automatically; if it does not click Start->Programs->BlackBerry->Desktop Manager.

The first time the BlackBerry Desktop Software loads, it will prompt for you to connect to your local Outlook profile. If you’re using multiple Outlook profiles and you’re prompted to choose, select your Exchange accounts profile.

Logon with your Exchange accounts Username, Password (Domain Name if needed), Click OK

The BlackBerry Desktop Software uses the same profile as your Outlook.

The Desktop software will now load in offline mode

Connect your BlackBerry’s USB cable to a free USB port on your computer and to the BlackBerry. Make sure your BlackBerry is turned on.

You will be promoted giving you the 2 options to setup your BlackBerry through the BlackBerry Desktop Manager

1)      Sync your BlackBerry to a Corporate (hosted) Exchange/BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES)

Note: This option will wirelessly sync your emails, contacts, calendar, tasks and memos to your Exchange account.

2)      Sync your BlackBerry through your cell providers BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS).

Note: This option will wirelessly sync your email only, you would need to sync your contact, calendar, task and memo through your BlackBerry Desktop Manager and Outlook using a USB cable.

Click YES to sync with a Corporate Redirector (BlackBerry Enterprise Server)

You will be prompted to generate a new encryption key

You will see the encryption generate

Your desktop software should now indicate that your BlackBerry is connected to your Outlook

Click on Synchronize to sync your device to your Exchange account

Normally we check all  5 boxes- Click Synchronize

A progress bar will show the sync process.  This could take a few minutes depending on how much data you have.

You will be asked to confirm the sync settings- Click OK

Check all boxes to enable synchronization.

Once you’ve synchronized, you will be able to receive email and calendar, contacts, task and memo updates from your Exchange account through your BlackBerry in real-time! Click Close to exit the BlackBerry Desktop Software.

ISSUES to look for: 

NOTE: If your prompted that your account does not exist, contact your exchange /BES provider to confirm your account is setup on the BES server

NOTE: You will need to cancel the current process by clicking YES, close the BlackBerry Desktop Manager and re-start the process from the beginning.

If the BlackBerry Desktop Manager looks to be done syncing the data, but the handheld did not complete the sync. Confirm that the handheld wireless is on. Once this action is completed you will see the data initializing and completing 0-100% to completion.