BlackBerry - the factory reset procedure

To erase all the data on your BlackBerry device, complete the following steps. This option is available with BlackBerry Device Software 3.8 and later.

1. In the device Options, click Security
2. If you are using BlackBerry Device Software 4.1, click Security Options > General Security.
3. Click the trackwheel and select Wipe Handheld. 3. Click Continue.
4. Type “blackberry”. All the data on the BlackBerry device is erased.

On some new versions of blackberry software the menu navigation is slightly different:

1. Go to Options
2. Select Security Options.
3. Select General Settings
4. Click the Menu key
5. Select Wipe Handheld
6. Click Continue
7. Type “blackberry”. All the data on the BlackBerry device is erased.

Both options require that once it is wiped, hard-reset the handheld (remove the battery and reinsert). You can now perform Blackberry Wireless Activation again.