u/-Daunting

I was about 15 and hadn't long got a PSP (this was very exciting to me as I'd never owned a PS). Went shopping with a friend, and wanted to buy Little Big Planet and GTA Liberty City for it. Got to the checkout and they said they couldn't sell me GTA because of the age rating - which I totally get, but it hadn't even crossed my mind. Was obviously disappointed (I live in a small town and had to get the train/bus to another town to buy, so whilst my mum was happy for me to buy it, I couldn't just call her and ask her to pop in and buy it with my money), but didn't make a fuss or anything.

Anyway, when the cashier was busy getting the Little Big Planet game for me (I think the games we'd bring to the till were just empty display boxes and the real ones behind the till IIRC), the lady behind me in the queue quietly got my attention, and told me to pass her the GTA game, and she'd get it for me. I think I gave her my money first which could have gone wrong, but she seemed kind. And I was right - she checked out after me, then gave me my game!

I still appreciate it so much all these years later. It must have been obvious to the cashier too, but I get they had to enforce the policy unless it was an adult buying. She didn't need to do that, but she did, and it meant I could go home with a game I really wanted to play. I think there was a small amount of change that I didn't ask for back, so I hope she used it to buy herself a small treat.

I bought it a couple of weeks back in great condition. Managed to do a few things relating to software so far, but interested in hardware mods. Doesn't seem to be many interesting shells, although I'd love a metal bezel if that were to exist. I'm looking at the keyboard and trackball - I've ordered a new OEM keyboard as it doesn't look too tricky to replace and mine has minor double/non-typing issues, plus is the only part that has particularly visible wear and tear. I don't wanna mess with a brand new OEM one, but I've been reading about people using sharpies to essentially colour the LEDs in their keys - wondering if anyone has any links or knows what I should look for if I wanted an extra keyboard to mess around with, that doesn't have the red numbers, please? (Not 100% but seems like a branding thing that most have red numbers but some don't?) Anyway, I'm not fussed in this case if it's branded or not, but would be interested to try messing around customizing a keyboard! Same with trackball - love that this one lights up, and I'd like to make the most of it - is it a tricky replacement? Thanks for any help!

For example, if I made a new applications folder so I can change the colour/icon on the folder image, moved all my applications to it, then delete the original folder? I know I can do it as I did before system resetting, but my question is more whether I should? Thanks!

Finally got the hang of installing them using BB Desktop Software! But I don't know which to download - looking for recommendations, please?

In particular, I'm interested to know if there's a better notes app - obviously don't expect anything fancy, but to be able to use bold, underline, and change font colour would be great. Or if there's any games I can download?

Or just anything that is often recommended/helpful! Thanks for any help 😄

Bought an old BB Bold 9000. Was on OS 4.5, downloaded an autoloader which upgraded me to OS 5 - I don't really understand how autoloaders work, but I wanted OS 5 so I was happy.

OS seemed to work fine apart from a glitch with menu background mentioned in my previous post here. But then today I got a white screen, all I did was hold down BB button and look to see what apps were running. I took out the battery and put it back in immediately and the phone wouldn't turn on. So left battery out for a bit which fixed it, it had the loading bar when turning on. Yellow/orange LED was flashing and idk why (low battery?). But doing this caused the glitch with the menu background - which I've fixed now.

But I'm wondering if these things point to a faulty OS - maybe I shouldn't have done the autoloader thing. (Or is it a case of if the OS works and isn't a virus, the autoloader isn't the issue?). It's not issue if I'd be better off factory resetting. Or are these just normal issues with this lovely old phone in 2026? The menu background thing seems weird, and the white screen is worrying.

Thanks for any help!

Or weirdly, more specifically, it's changing to the previous theme - eg I select doodle theme, background only changes on home screen not menu screen. Then change to nightlife theme - now I can see doodle background on menu, but nightlife theme on home screen. It's like the menu shows the previous theme's background?

I downloaded an autoloader, which seemed to automatically update the OS to OS5, from 4.5. Could it be to do with this? Do I need to factory reset the phone? Is this a normal glitch for this day and age, or am I doing something wrong?

Thanks!

UPDATE: I'm using Blackberry Desktop Software, and I've just noticed that after installing more themes and going through initializing process, it's turned back on with the matching menu background and home screen background. Interesting... turning it off and on again alone didn't fix it

Noticed it wasn't lighting up red when charging. Went into options and turned on LED coverage indicator. It seems to work, as it flashed green a few times after that. But now it's on charge and still not lighting up red - I thought it was supposed to? I can't send it a message to check as it's an old SIM of mine that's no longer active

Or the latest BB OS it will support? I'm on v4.6. I've downloaded Blackberry desktop software, I have an SD card I can move between laptop and BB, and I have a cable to connect BB to laptop. But Desktop Software says no updates available?

I'm a bit clueless with this stuff but it sounds like it can be done? I'd appreciate some help, please!

The browser is telling me I need to update it, but I don't seem to be able to. Are there websites that still work and would allow me to download something equivalent to an app store? I mostly just want to get themes and music. I can also use an SD card, or possibly find a cable to connect it to my laptop. Are things like themes and music possible to put on these devices nowadays? It's so cute! Thanks for any help

I'm a bit confused, please explain to me like I'm 5! Thanks!

Bought it as a cheap nostalgia backup phone, for music etc. It's obviously been a long time since I've used BB - tips, please? I remember being able to install custom themes that changed the whole interface - can we still do that? I've read of people modding to a more recent OS but not sure if I want to do that as I bought it for nostalgia - I'd appreciate thoughts on that please, like what it enables vs what it changes? Also I'd appreciate any and all tips!

(Please don't just tell me this phones old and redundant - I know it's old and that's why I love it - I don't intend to use it like my normal phone! Just want to enjoy it the most I can, thanks for any help!