BlackOps: That GOOGLE Calendar syncing feeling (and how to remove that pesky BB Default Calendar)

[ UPDATE: you can also try "RSET" in step 4.1 below ]


[ UPDATE 2011-12-05: have added in steps for OS6 ]

(If you're looking for the BBM Groups fix, go here)

Sometimes things can go wrong when you're sync'ing your BlackBerry calendar with your GOOGLE account and when things do go wrong, it can be really messy and especially difficult to fix.

Let's presume you're having one of the following problems:

• Multiple entries in your GOOGLE / BlackBerry CALENDAR
• Synchronising not working properly
• Need to reinstall calendars
• Migrated accounts
• Have a pesky DEFAULT calendar you want to remove

There are a few things you can do to fix these problems.

How to fix or reinstall BlackBerry calendars and GOOGLE CALENDAR synchronisation without your data cable handy


Pre-BB OS 6

1. First things first, back up!
1. I've written a post on how to back up GOOGLE CALENDARS quickly and easily.
2. Use BlackBerry Desktop Software* to back up your BB handset
   
2. Disable any synchronisation currently in place
1. If you're using GOOGLE SYNC: 
1. Google Sync --> Options -->
2. When to Sync: Manual
3. Sync Calendar: unchecked
2. If you're using wireless reconciliation with BB:
1. BB Calendar --> Options --> 
2. Choose the calendars in question and turn Wireless Synchronization to "No"
   
3. Delete any service books
1. BB Options --> Advanced Options --> Service Book
2. Find any [CICAL] service books and delete them
   
1. HINT: if you can't read the entire line, click enter and look for a line that says "CID" to see what type of service book it is.
4. WIPE any remaining BB calendars
1. You may want to try "RSET" to reset any OTA calendars. You may end up with some DEFAULT CALENDAR but this will be wiped below... see this page for more info on RSET.
2. BB Calendar --> Options -->
3. Type in "wipe" 
4. Wipe all appointments from all calendars (including base system)
1. Don't be afraid to wipe all the stuff (as long as you've backed up your phone for on-device reminders and Google Calendar for off-device reminders)
5. Delete the GMAIL mailbox
1. BB Setup --> Email Setup
2. Delete mailbox
   
1. Note: you can simply resend service books if you need to reactivate the calendar options on your handheld. No firm deleting necessary.
6. Reset everything
1. Add mailbox (again, as new) via BB Setup --> Email Setup
2. If using wireless reconciliation with BB then allow Wireless Synchronisation otherwise...
3. Set default applications 
4. Google Sync --> Options --> 
1. Reset Calendar Sync
2. When to Sync --> Automatic
3. Sync Contacts and / or Calendar (I use wireless synchronisation for contacts)
4. Sync reminders
5. Sync now

BB OS 6

1. First things first, back up!
1. I've written a post on how to back up GOOGLE CALENDARS quickly and easily.
2. Use BlackBerry Desktop Software* to back up your BB handset
2. Disable any synchronisation currently in place
1. If you're using GOOGLE SYNC: 
1. Google Sync --> Options -->
2. When to Sync: Manual
3. Sync Calendar: unchecked
2. If you're using wireless reconciliation with BB:
1. BB Calendar --> Options --> 
2. Choose the calendars in question and turn Wireless Synchronization to "No"
3. Delete any service books
1. BB Options --> Device --> Advanced System Settings --> Service Book
2. Find any [CICAL] service books and delete them
1. HINT: if you can't read the entire line, click enter and look for a line that says "CID" to see what type of service book it is.
4. WIPE any remaining BB calendars
1. You may want to try "RSET" to reset any OTA calendars. You may end up with some DEFAULT CALENDAR but this will be wiped below... see this page for more info on RSET.
2. BB Calendar --> Options -->
3. Type in "wipe" 
4. Wipe all appointments from all calendars (including base system)
1. Don't be afraid to wipe all the stuff (as long as you've backed up your phone for on-device reminders and Google Calendar for off-device reminders)
5. Delete the GMAIL mailbox
1. BB Setup --> Email Setup
2. Delete mailbox
1. Note: you can simply resend service books if you need to reactivate the calendar options on your handheld. No firm deleting necessary.
6. Reset everything
1. Add mailbox (again, as new) via BB Setup --> Messages --> Email Account Management
   OR
   Simply resend service books
2. If using wireless reconciliation with BB then allow Wireless Synchronisation otherwise...
3. Set default applications
1. Options --> Device --> Advanced System Settings --> Default Services
2. Set up CICAL, SYNC, and CMIME to your preference (if you have options)
4. Google Sync --> Options --> 
1. Reset Calendar Sync
2. When to Sync --> Automatic
3. Sync Contacts and / or Calendar (I use wireless synchronisation for contacts)
4. Sync reminders
5. Sync now

And there you have it!

There's also a method to use BlackBerry Desktop Software to achieve a similar result by deleting the content on your phone but my solution allows you to do it away from home without a data cable being handy (but you can't back up your phone data first).

• Launch your Desktop manager
• Go to Backup and Restore
• Click on Advance
• Find the Calender database by scrolling down
• Select it and press the Clear button

You can check out the BDS solution here and here.