One Tuesday, RIM (Research In Motion) pushed out a critical firmware update: OS 6.0.0.424. It promised better battery life and a "faster browser." The release notes also had a tiny, easy-to-miss line: "Requires a clean install. Backup data manually before update."
This is the most reliable "proper" method for legacy devices like the 9700. Firmware Change Update on BLACKBERRY Bold 9700
A: Archive sites like BlackBerry OS Downloads (bbos.favware.net) or the Internet Archive (search “BlackBerry 9700 OS 6.0.0.723”). Verify SHA-1 hashes for security. One Tuesday, RIM (Research In Motion) pushed out