How to remove a BlackBerry Enterprise Server Policy

The purpose of this document is to assist you if you have a BlackBerry handset that is locked by a BES (BlackBerry Enterprise Server) - meaning you're unable to change certain settings, or install Third Party Applications. Essentially, the problem is that your Blackberry has at some point been connected to a BES (Blackberry Enterprise Server), and this BES has placed a restrictive Security Policy (or IT Policy) on your device. A quick check to see if this is the case can be done by going to Options>Security on your Device. If you see any references to IT Policy whatsoever, then you have a potentially restrictive IT Policy that can be removed.

Disclaimer/Intended Usage

This document is intended for use by people that own their own Blackberry, and for whatever reason, have inherited a company's IT Policy on their BlackBerry. The main reasons you would want to use this document:

You have bought a Blackberry on eBay or elsewhere and are unable to make changes to the settings or install Third Party Applications.

You have a Blackberry that was previously connected to a company's BES and, for whatever reason; you no longer intend to make connections to that BES.

If you're still connected to a company BES, and simply want to install the latest and greatest Third Party Application we advise you speak to your company BlackBerry administrators instead of using this document.

Procedure
Step 1	Ensure the Blackberry Desktop Manager is installed using Blackberry Internet Service, and not Blackberry Enterprise Server. If you are unsure, it would probably be a good idea to uninstall the Desktop Manager and start again. If you don't have the CD that came with your Blackberry, the Software can be downloaded here.
Step 2	Download the file policy.bin and save it in your Blackberry installation directory (C:\Program Files\Research In Motion\BlackBerry).
Step 3	Wipe your BlackBerry, creating a backup if necessary. Select Options>Security>Wipe on the device. If this option is unavailable, you may have to install the latest software on your Blackberry. You need to Download and install the latest Desktop Manger Software, then the latest Handheld Software. Connect your device, open the Desktop Manager, select Application Loader, and follow the prompts.
Step 4	Close the Desktop Manager if it is open.
Step 5	From the Windows Start Menu select Run at the prompt type regedit. In the tree on the left hand side, navigate to: HKEY_Current_Users\Software\Research In Motion\BlackBerry\PolicyManager Right-Click the Policy Manager Folder and select New/String Value. Name the value Path. Now, Double-Click the Path Subkey and set Value Data to: C:\Program Files\Research In Motion\BlackBerry\policy.bin
Step 6	Open the Desktop Manager.
Step 7	Connect the Device.
Verification
Step 1	Once complete, the Options>Security screen on your Blackberry should not contain references to an IT Policy, you should now be able to change all settings (including password prompts), and install Third Party Applications.