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We’ve been taking some time to go over the more common BlackBerry error messages and what you can do to fix them without too much of a headache. Today we’re going to run down error 523, one that destroyed my BlackBerry Curve 8330 — twice. Unfortunately, this workaround wouldn’t have helped me much. It requires booting in safe mode, which is available only on devices running OS 4.6 and up (I had 4.5 on my 8330). But if you’re using a newer BlackBerry and run into this, you can try to work around the error and get your device back up and running.

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I never quite understood the purpose of standby mode. I did use the function regularly, though not intentionally. This actually happens a lot with my Tour, since it’s easy to press the mute button while shoving the device into my pocket. I suppose it saves battery, and it’s not really that big a pain if I do accidentally hit it. I’m sure many of you use the function — or used it, depending on your OS version. As Bla1ze reports, RIM has disabled standby mode in recent OS builds, starting with version 5.0. It appears that this isn’t just the mute key that’s changed, but rather the entire feature being disabled. If anyone has a workaround, leave it in the comments.

Encountering a BlackBerry error can be the most frustrating experience. Many of us rely on our devices, and to have it down even for a day can be a catastrophe. When you see an error message, you know you’re in for some pain. They don’t just appear for no reason, and oftentimes it’s not something you can fix yourself. Take, for instance, JVM Error 102. The blackberry.com description claims that, “The only recovery method is to wipe the device and restore a new system.” Yikes. That means you have no chance to backup any of your information. Gone are your applications, your emails, your contacts — everything. Thankfully, it appears there is a workaround for this one.

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We’ve received questions on Twitter relating to BBM symbols for a while now, so I figure I’d take the time to go over the best way to get them for your own device. A big thanks goes to TheOnlyJrod at BBOS, because I only thought of the post because he did up his own guide yesterday. The idea, basically, is to copy and paste characters from a source outside your BlackBerry, email them to yourself, and then copy and paste them to the appropriate spots on your BBM display name. There are a couple of ways you can go about this.

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How many apps do you have installed on your BlackBerry? That’s not a question designed to find out how hardcore a user you are. Instead, it’s to gauge how close you are to filling your device memory. While your BlackBerry might tell you that it have multiple gigabytes of free space, that considers the memory card. But you can’t store applications on and run them from an SD card. They have to be present in the device memory, which currently stands at 256MB for the most recent models. What to do, then, if you run out of space? You could use Aerize Card Loader, but if you get most of your apps from BlackBerry App World, you can also take advantage of their free archiving service.

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In the past we’ve explained how to clean your BlackBerry trackball if it’s starting to stick or otherwise malfunction. Problem is, you can’t use the same method for the Tour 9630. The housing is a bit different, and it doesn’t allow you to remove the ball. Thankfully, CrackBerry forums user kingzee made a video showing you how to clean the trackball using just a strip of paper. If you’re having problems with yours, or just want to keep yours in good repair so you don’t face issues in the future, check out this video.

The following is a lesson in why you should back up your BlackBerry as frequently as possible. At some point you’re going to run into a problem — and I’ve run into my share — where the only feasible option is to wipe the device and start over. If that happens you want to have a recent backup so that you don’t have to start over and send out text messages asking for people’s numbers and new BBM requests. Now that I’ve gotten the idea of backing up your Berry into your head, onto today’s issue. A reader wrote in yesterday to ask about an error message, Reload Software: 552.” This is a serious issue, one that could cost you all of your BlackBerry data. Hopefully you never see it, but if you do, here’s the recovery process.

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One internet feature I’m surprised hasn’t caught on more widely is RSS. It’s a wonderful tool which brings you the stuff you want to read, without you ever going to fetch it. It allows for quick scanning of headlines to determine reading worthiness. It’s basically your own personal magazine. I know that some BlackBerry users use Viigo for their RSS feeds on the go, and, if you wish, you can import your Google Reader feeds into Viigo. For those that want the true Google Reader experience, though, we’re stuck with a simple web interface. Recently, however, Ronen at BerryReview demonstrated how to use the Android and iPhone optimized WebApp from your OS 4.6 and higher browser.

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Take a look at our blogroll. Do a Google search for “BlackBerry blog.” You’ll notice tons and tons of them. Why so many blogs, then, devoted to one topic? Because we all approach it from different angles. This is nice for readers, who can pick the one that best fits their BlackBerry needs. Plus, since we tend to interlink, you can keep up with most others as well. It’s great for the bloggers, too. No one person can think of everything. I love reading the stable of BlackBerry blogs because it gives me ideas for BBGeeks posts, both directly and indirectly. Today’s is a direct influence, from Robb at RIMarkable, one of the good guys in the blogosphere. He has an excellent tip for quickly and easily sending contact information to any email address or BlackBerry user.

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At one point, months ago in history, I didn’t use folders on my BlackBerry. After downloading an application, the icon would sit at the bottom of my app menu — or, if it were important it would move to the home screen. This continued on, with me deleting unused application to keep the clutter to a minimum. Then I got my BlackBerry Tour in November. At first I didn’t like the folders. They were just one more layer between me and my applications. But, after getting used to them, I don’t know how I managed without them. No longer do folders represent a layer between me and my stuff. Now they represent storage bins, in which I carefully place my icons so I can easily find them next time. I feel as accomplished as a kid who puts away his toys when he’s done.

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