9 Connect Your Device to Your PC
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Connecting your device to your PC probably doesn't seem like it should require a task all its own, but the first time you do it there are a few hoops you must jump through. The main issue is detecting the proper type of connection and then generating a unique encryption key. These are one-time issues that you won't have to worry about again after you've successfully connected your device the first time. After the initial setup, connecting your device to your desktop PC involves nothing more than plugging the device in to the computer, usually via a USB cable.
- Run the BlackBerry Desktop Manager on Your Desktop PC
From your desktop PC, click the Start button on the Windows taskbar to open the main Windows system menu. Then select All Programs, BlackBerry, Desktop Manager. The Desktop Manager application appears. If the Desktop Manager application prompts you for a user ID, domain, and password for a Microsoft Exchange account, enter them and click OK. Depending on your settings, it might also prompt you to select an Outlook user profile; select the user profile you normally use with Outlook and click OK.
- Plug In Your Device
Connect your device to the PC using the USB cable that came with the device; some devices ship with multiple cables, in which case you can use either one. The smaller end of the cable plugs in to a port on the device, while the larger end can plug in to any available USB port on your desktop PC.
- Turn On Your Device
Press the Power button to turn on your device. The Add/Remove Hardware window might pop up on your desktop PC, but you can ignore it.
- Open the Connection Settings Window
For the BlackBerry Desktop Manager to connect to your device for the first time, you must allow it to detect the connection settings. On the BlackBerry Desktop Manager menu, click Options, followed by Connection Settings. The Connection Settings window appears.
- Detect the Connection Settings
Click the Detect button on the Connection Settings window. The Connection Settings window should report that a USB device has been found, along with a PIN for the device. Click OK to accept the connection settings.
You are next prompted to assist in generating a new encryption key for the device. After clicking OK, the Generating New Key window appears.
- Generate an Encryption Key
All you have to do to generate an encryption key is wiggle the mouse around for a few seconds—the fuel gauge in the Generating New Key window will increase as you continue to move the mouse. This random mouse motion is used as the basis for generating a unique encryption key. When the encryption key is finished generating, your device is successfully connected to your desktop PC.