How do I re-install the operating system on my BlackBerry Torch 9800 - I am sure it is hacked.

Question

Greetings,
Can someone point me to instructions on how to re-install the operating system on a BlackBerry Torch 9800 and then upgrade it to the latest release?
I have done this several times in the past, due to recurring hacking, but have lost the instructions. 
Thank you very much for your help.
Regards,
Jean-Pierre
P.S. I would preffer a releas of the OS without any pre-install applicaitons such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, 
        and above all, Whastapp. Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi and Welcome to the Community!
The simplest way is to, on a PC (you cannot do this on MAC):
1) Make sure you have a current and complete backup of your BB...you can find complete instructions via the link in my auto-sig below.
2) Uninstall, from your PC, any BB OS packages
3) Make sure you have the BB Desktop Software already installed
http://us.blackberry.com/software/desktop.html
4) Download and install, to your PC, the BB OS package you desire:
http://us.blackberry.com/support/downloads/downloa​d_sites.jsp
It is sorted first by carrier -- so if all you want are the OS levels your carrier supports, your search will be quick. However, some carriers are much slower than others to release updates. To truly seek out the most up-to-date OS package for your BB, you must dig through and find all carriers that support your specific model BB, and then compare the OS levels that they support.
5) Delete, on your PC, all copies of VENDOR.XML...there will be at least one, and perhaps 2, and they will be located in or similarly to (it changes based on your Windows version) these folders:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Research In Motion\AppLoader
C:\Users\(your Windows UserName)\AppData\Roaming\Research In Motion\BlackBerry\Loader XML
6a) For changing your installed BB OS level (upgrade or downgrade), you can launch the Desktop Software and connect your BB...the software should offer you the OS package you installed to your PC.
6b) Or, for reloading your currently installed BB OS level as well as for changing it, bypass the Desktop Software and use LOADER.EXE directly, by proceeding to step 2 in this process:
http://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/BlackBerry-​Device-Software/How-To-Reload-Your-Operating-Syste​...
Note that while written for "reload" and the Storm, it can be used to upgrade, downgrade, or reload any BB device model -- it all depends on the OS package you download and install to your PC.
If, during the processes of 6a or 6b, your BB presents a "507" error, simply unplug the USB cord from the BB and re-insert it...don't do anything else...this should allow the install to continue.
If you are on MAC, you are limited to only your carriers sanctioned OS packages...but can still use any levels that they currently sanction. See this procedure:
KB19915How to perform a clean reload of BlackBerry smartphone application software using BlackBerry Desktop Software
Good luck and let us know!
Occam's Razor nearly always applies when troubleshooting technology issues!
If anyone has been helpful to you, please show your appreciation by clicking the button inside of their post. Please click here and read, along with the threads to which it links, for helpful information to guide you as you proceed. I always recommend that you treat your BlackBerry like any other computing device, including using a regular backup schedule...click here for an article with instructions.
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