Installing Blackberry Simulators is a bit of a nightmare. Here are some findings to make the process a little smoother.

Install Java JDK IMPORTANT

• IMPORTANT: Use the Sun JDK, not any other distribution.
• IMPORTANT: Install JDK 1.6 or higher,
• IMPORTANT: Install the 32-bit version even if you are running a 64bit Machine.

Set up JAVA environment

• Create a JAVA_HOME environment variable.

  • Open System Properties -> Advanced -> Environment Variables
  • Create a new system variable
  • Variable name: JAVA_HOME
  • Example value: C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jdk1.6.0_21
  • Add %JAVA_HOME%\bin directory to the PATH system variable

• Add Java bin to PATH

  • Open System Properties -> Advanced -> Environment Variables
  • Under system variables, select PATH and append ;%JAVA_HOME%\bin
  • e.g. %SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%JAVA_HOME%\bin

Verify that Java is installed.

• Open a new command window:

• Start > Run, type in "cmd", and click OK.

• Check Java Version

  C:\>java -version java version "1.6.0_21" Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_21-b07) Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 17.0-b17, mixed mode, sharing)

Install Blackberry Email and MDS Services

• Go to: https://swdownloads.blackberry.com/Downloads/entry.do?code=060AD92489947D410D897474079C1477
• Choose Blackberry Email and MDS Services from the dropdown
• Click "Next"
• Download the latest bundle
• Install by running the executable

Install Blackberry OS Device Simulators

• Go to: https://swdownloads.blackberry.com/Downloads/entry.do?code=060AD92489947D410D897474079C1477
• Choose a Device Simulator for the version of the OS you want to test
• Click "Next"
• Download the latest bundle
• Install by running the executable

Start the MDS and Simulator

• Open the Start Menu and run All Programs > Research In Motion > Blackberry Email and MDS Services > MDS

• Open the Start Menu at

  All Programs > Research In Motion

• You should have a simulators folder for the device you installed previously

• Run it

Disable Graphics Acceleration

• As the simulator is starting I have found it smoother to disable graphics acceleration
• View > Graphics Acceleration > Off

Connect to WIFI

• Use "Manage Connections" to turn off the Mobile Network
• You might be prompted to run a connection wizard when you start up the phone
• Use it to connect to the Default WIFI network
• If you don't then click the Blackberry button and open "Manage Connections" and run "Set up Wi-Fi Network"

Browse the Internet

• You should finally be able to open the browser and use the internet

References

http://wiki.phonegap.com/w/page/31930982/Getting%20Started%20with%20PhoneGap%20BlackBerry%20WebWorks