Why Is the Voice Command Locking Up on My Blackberry Curve?

Print this articleThe voice command feature on your BlackBerry Curve is designed to help you control your BlackBerry without having to use your hands. However, the feature can sometimes cause your BlackBerry to lock up when you run it. In addition, because by default the right convenience button launches the voice command feature, you can often inadvertently cause your device to freeze just by holding it.

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The freezing problem with the BlackBerry voice command occurs as soon as you launch the program. A white screen appears, sometimes with the word "Initializing" at the top of the screen, and sometimes without, and then the device simply locks up. When this happens, there is no way to get the Curve working again without removing the battery and reinserting it. It could then be several minutes before the device completes the rebooting process, allowing you to use it again. The root issue of the freezing problem is somewhere in the software that runs the voice command application, although there isn't always a single fix for the issue.

Load the Latest Software

Before you start messing with your BlackBerry's memory, it's best to make sure that the manufacturer hasn't already fixed a known issue. Use your BlackBerry Curve to check for any operating system updates that you may have yet to install. Go into the "Advanced Options" area of the Options menu and choose "Wireless Update." Your Curve automatically queries its server for a new software update, then downloads and installs it if the system finds one. Older BlackBerry devices may not have the "Wireless Update" option, so you have to check your wireless carrier's website for the latest software version, then download it to your PC and use the BlackBerry Desktop Software to load it onto your BlackBerry.

Clean Your Database

The voice command application needs to be able to read your call logs and address book in order to perform its functions, so it is possible that a minor glitch in one of these areas is the cause of the freeze. To determine this, first back up your information using the BlackBerry Desktop Software so you can be sure you won't lose it, then perform a security wipe on the device through the Security menu. Once your information has been wiped, use the BlackBerry Desktop Software's selective restore feature to restore everything except for the address book and call logs. Check to see if the device still freezes when you load the voice command feature, then load the address book and call logs, one at a time, to try and isolate the issue. If the issue is with your call logs, erase the device again but don't load the logs. If the issue is with your address book, enter the address book manually to get the voice command working again. Just the security wipe itself can often fix the problem, allowing you to load your address book and call logs without issue.

Reload OS

If the device continues to have issues after a security wipe, your last option is to completely wipe the device and reload the operating system. First, download and install to your computer the latest BlackBerry Curve software from your wireless carrier, then connect your BlackBerry Curve to your computer and launch the BlackBerry Desktop Software. Select "Update" and click "View Other Versions." Pick the version at the top of the list that appears, then click "Install." This erases all your information, so be sure that you have your data backed up before you begin.

ReferencesBlackBerryCool: Tips and Help With BlackBerry Voice CommandsBlackBerry Knowledge Base: How to Perform a Clean Reload of the BlackBerry Device Software for WindowsRead Next:

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