[hayden]

1) Run a BlackBerry Network dianostics test. This will confirm if you are connected to BlackBerry servers or not. Go to: Options > Mobile Network > ( Press menu button) > Diagnostics Test > Run.

2) Don't always expect PIN to PIN messages to work - During outages don't expect PIN to PIN messages to work sometimes that service will also be down. Check the pin-to-pin status in your diagnostics report. However, you can still "send" a PIN message but it wont be delivered till service is restored.

3) Use SMS text messaging - Make urgent contact using SMS text messages. These are sent over your Carrier's Network by default unless you've changed that setting in Options > SMS text > Network to send over.

4) You've been Temporarily downgraded! - Remember during an outage your BlackBerry will function similar to a regular low-end cell phone. By this we mean No PUSH email, no web browsing, no PIN messaging and no IM (Instant Messaging) services.

5) Repeat the Diagnostics Test when service is restored - If the test fails go to Manage Connections and turn off your Mobile Network option, then check box to turn back on. Still fails? Hold in the power button till the device powers down, then press the power button again to power up. If the service fails and you are 100% certain it's been restored then press and hold power button to shut down device, then remove and replace the battery for a hard reset.*

Bonus tip: Reply to pending emails via PC if possible. Yes we know you are itching to get those thumbs typing but with any outage there will be a flood of messages and data being syncronized once service is restored. Help ease RIM's initial recovery-load by avoiding the use of BB email, browsing, etc for at least the first 30mins unless of course you are away from your desk.


*On QWERTY models this can be quickly accomplished by pressing alt +aA+DEL simultaneously. However, it's a best-practice to press and hold power button, wait for device to shut down, then remove and replace battery. The above shortcut basically can be compared to pressing the reset button on your PC while all your applications are still open. Use it if your device crashes, which as we know that's VERY rare.

[BERRYCURVE]

Thanks for the tips Hayden, my network is running fine and now I know how to check it when there is an issue RIM wise

[moses2628]

Great tips! SMS text were being used like crazy yesterday!~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

[gkatmar]

My Blackberry Registration says "NO" and my connected to Blackberry says "No"? What does that mean?

[RedVR6]

Good procedures here. I learned this on the outage last week after searching for at least an hour.

[powerdog]

This outage happened just when I was starting to test the functions of my new BB!

Is there another way to make sure my email account is working OK?

[lakaw]

Is this for BES only? I'm on BIS and my BlackBerry Registration, Connected to Blackberry, and BlackBerry PIN-to-PIN all say no. Internet is working for me.

[peguero]

Honestly I didn't notice anything during the outage, I don't think I was affected. Email (sending and recieving) were working so were all my other services.

[r1ckynutz]

thanks for the tip Hayden. I'm still out

[brettxw]

Ya wht if my connection to blackberry says No?

[brettxw]

Scratch that. all is fine now

[ash88]

~via BB( my services have been effected, but thought it was because I am driving through different states. My GPS wouldn't work and really went off track.. Thanx all is right now and I'm back on back on track.thank you for the help.

[dtole]

Great info, Hayden...I will out it to good use...

[coreysr]

Ok, quick question! I run my diagnostic and I'm connected to everything but my BB email addy! I resend service books, says they are succesfully sent yet nothing! I've done hard reset,soft reset and every set in between! Any ideas what could be wrong?~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

[jonnyxedge]

Thanks for the information. Very good pointers. I usually tell my customers that emails and pin messaging won't work as fast and may not be up at all. ~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

[blackninja]

Cool post. Don't bb functions that rely on your provider's tcp/apn still function too? Last time my phone was affected by an outage I was still able to use Opera Mini and Jivetalk (set to tcp) though my bis functions were down (such as bbm/browser/push).

[vaughnq]

Thanks for the info hayden. my GPRS has gone gprs since yesterday and the people at my provider are telling me that it is as a result of the outage in the states. Would that affect me in Jamaica[i doubt, but i must ask]. even so, hasnt it been rectified?

Simultaneously and funnily enough I installed webmessenger yesterday evening OTA and a bit after that my service went

[Dragoneer]

~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

Thanks for the tips, Hayden! My Curve is working perfectly fine.

Yesterday was a crazy day for the many of us who were affected.

[Dragoneer]

~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

Oh! By the way, Hayden... Off the topic... I like the new PinStack banner.

[mrknow8all]

It was a pretty crappy deal indeed. I still have a few contacts who work regionally for AT&T and they sent out a mass text about. Good info to know. I will def pass it along to them... btw Hayden, what theme is that pic of the icon page?

[syclone1978]

Thanks for the info, however, I have a question: you state "it's a best-practice to press and hold power button, wait for device to shut down, then remove and replace battery"

However, I guess I haven't read that before so I never considered it unless it crashes. I reset my phone often by just pulling the battery while the Pearl is still on! Am I doing anything to damage my Pearl?

I notice I have to reset often to restore some data features even before the outage everyone is talking about.

I also use the "Soft Reset" program I downloaded, however, I have noticed it takes a lot longer to reboot if I use that program as if I just pull the battery.

Thanks for the assistance!!!!!!!!

[Budwizer]

Originally Posted by mrknow8all btw Hayden, what theme is that pic of the icon page?

Looks like the new Today theme available from mobile blackberry website. It's a great theme for those that like Today themes and it has the Zen icons on a slide out menu on the right. Very slick and professionally done.

[hayden]

Originally Posted by syclone1978 Thanks for the info, however, I have a question: you state "it's a best-practice to press and hold power button, wait for device to shut down, then remove and replace battery" However, I guess I haven't read that before so I never considered it unless it crashes. I reset my phone often by just pulling the battery while the Pearl is still on! Am I doing anything to damage my Pearl? I notice I have to reset often to restore some data features even before the outage everyone is talking about. I also use the "Soft Reset" program I downloaded, however, I have noticed it takes a lot longer to reboot if I use that program as if I just pull the battery. Thanks for the assistance!!!!!!!!

Most likely this will not damage your device. However, it's better to power it down first before pulling the battery. That for SURE will not damage it.

Hope this helps...

[coreysr]

Well if anyone was having the same problem as I was, I called t mobile and they told me to delete my BB email address and set the same one up again! Lo and behold it worked! I should say I'm on BIS not a BES!!!~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

[lldru32]

Great. Thanks!

[The SPCS Guy]

hEY! Great information here. I really appreaciate it. I didn't even know that a diagnostics test could be run. Wow!

JE

[MelissaSue]

~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~
First, I have to ask, did this outage affect Alaska? Cause I haven't noticed anything.

And second I can't seem to find that moble network on my phone, I just have network. I opened it and it just shows my network. Am I over looking something?

And one more thing, do I need to take my phone to my cell phone company because CellOne went to AT&T. Do I need to change my network?

Thanks so very much for the help and information, its so very helpful!

[macallik]

Thanks for the info Hayden

[o1sowise]

Thanks again Hayden!

Step #1 is a great lesson!!!

I was sitting in a Music Center, while my son was getting his weekly Guitar Lesson, and I thought I did something wrong. If I knew how to run that diagnostic test then, I would have stopped trying to figure out what I did