There is a problem with switching devices using RIM¡¦s Desktop Manager Switch Device Wizard when upgrading to T-Mobile¡¦s new BlackBerry Curve 8320.

Usually, when you use the Switch BlackBerry devices feature, which I have done in the past, it works nicely: No need to reset my Profiles or Bookmarks. With the 8320, however, something off the older device, the one you¡¦re upgrading from, causes the Wi-Fi option not to work properly.

The image below shows what should see under Options „³ Mobile Network on a correctly working 8320. If you don't see the line for Connection Preferences, you will have a problem with the new Curve¡¦s Wi-Fi functionality and Hotspot@Home support. It will not connect to Wi-Fi properly and will not let you make calls over the Wi-Fi connection.

Luckily, this glitch is not too hard to fix. Theuberprof on Pinstack pointed it out that all you need to do is wipe the device and then do an advanced restore via Desktop Manager.

Here¡¦s what you should do:

First, you need to backup your BlackBerry. You don't have to do a full wipe, just go into Options „³ Security Options „³ General Settings. From the menu select Wipe Handheld. You can leave the include third party applications box unchecked.

Once the wipe is done, hook the 8320 up to your PC, open Desktop Manager and go into Backup and Restore. Click on advanced and load your address book, messages, profiles and such. Stay away from Service Books. Content Store has your ringtones if they are loaded on your phone.

After all this is done make sure to resend your Service Books. If you check under Options „³ Mobile Network you should now see the Connection Preferences option.

You should also see the little black and white Wi-Fi icon at the top of your home screen and notice the letters UMA there as well (see below). These mean you are hooked up via Wi-Fi and are good to go. UMA stands for unlicensed mobile access and is the technology that enables the 8320 to work with the dual-mode Hotspot@Home service.

I have also not been able to load any applications via Desktop Manager to the 8320, even when using the Desktop Manager installed on the PC. There is a rumor of a coming software update that may resolve this problem. For the time being, 8320 owners can stuck with OTA downloads. We¡¦ll keep you posted.