Develop Bugs

[Q] Easiest way to root a unlocked bootloader Arc running on 2.3.3 ?

If you have an Xperia Arc version 2.3.3 unlocked bootloader, you can't root using Gingerbreak or Super1click as the update, unwillingly, made sure that stuff doesn't work anymore.
The only way to root, as far as I know, is flashing -> getting 2.3.2 ROM -> root from their -> update.
I can not use that way as everytime I try to update in the last step it wont turn on again after reboot (so I have to flash using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126358, though i'm sure it'll work for most of you.
Question being: Is there atm really no alternative to root for me then? I'm kinda desperate, i've been looking on XDA a lot of hours and this is rly my last hope to get this over with..
thx in advance!

As you said yourself.. You have an unlocked bootloader.. so you don't have to more like you cannot use the FOTA technique cos OTA update bricks the phone..
Simply flash one of the prerooted kernel like DoomLord Kernel.. Should do it .. Or if you want the stock kernel then Serach the forums for something like "Root 4.0.A.2.368" They will usually specifically say that you need unlocked bootloader..

[Guide] All in one 'Namaste guide' to Bootloader unlocking, Rooting, Flashing & more

thx for the replies.
though, I've read that whole guide before, problem is:
"Ques – Ok. So quickly tell me how to unlock my Xperia Arc’s bootloader and install a beautiful Custom ROM.
Not so fast dear. I described a deal about bootloader and benefits of its unlocking but let’s get practical. There are two disadvantages of unlocking the Xperia Arc’s bootloader.
As per my knowledge, till date, there is no Custom ROM designed for your Xperia Arc. So, it’s useless to unlock your bootloader. "
So, if a "non stock kernel" means the same as a "custom ROM", where do I find it? i dont want the original one as that1 is outdated. I know how to flash my phone, but only with delivered folders (which are always X10)
with kind regards,
Tom

Emissia said:
If you have an Xperia Arc version 2.3.3 unlocked bootloader, you can't root using Gingerbreak or Super1click as the update, unwillingly, made sure that stuff doesn't work anymore.
The only way to root, as far as I know, is flashing -> getting 2.3.2 ROM -> root from their -> update.
I can not use that way as everytime I try to update in the last step it wont turn on again after reboot (so I have to flash using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126358, though i'm sure it'll work for most of you.
Question being: Is there atm really no alternative to root for me then? I'm kinda desperate, i've been looking on XDA a lot of hours and this is rly my last hope to get this over with..
thx in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem with my Neo. I've tried flashing 2.2.2, then rooting with Flashtool (just click Xperia X10), but this doesn't work, and after relocking the bootloader and updating, the phone is bricked as well. Tried this like 5 times.
I think I'll just wait for 2.3.4 as my main reasons to root are making screenshots and removing bloatware. 2.3.4 adds screenshots, and currently, my ROM is not totally full.

Same here, just wanna get that bloatware off, starting to look like i'm gonna wait as well... this has already taken enough hours away from me

Emissia said:
Same here, just wanna get that bloatware off, starting to look like i'm gonna wait as well... this has already taken enough hours away from me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash a prerooted image or relock the bootloader and use the more lengthy method.

Emissia said:
thx for the replies.
though, I've read that whole guide before, problem is:
"Ques – Ok. So quickly tell me how to unlock my Xperia Arc’s bootloader and install a beautiful Custom ROM.
Not so fast dear. I described a deal about bootloader and benefits of its unlocking but let’s get practical. There are two disadvantages of unlocking the Xperia Arc’s bootloader.
As per my knowledge, till date, there is no Custom ROM designed for your Xperia Arc. So, it’s useless to unlock your bootloader. "
So, if a "non stock kernel" means the same as a "custom ROM", where do I find it? i dont want the original one as that1 is outdated. I know how to flash my phone, but only with delivered folders (which are always X10)
with kind regards,
Tom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. Only non stock kernels yet around are the DoomLord and CM (FreeXperia) kerenls.. Check the development forums for them..
The Stock aren't really "outdated".. These custom kerenels are based on the original stock code with a few features enabled.. So don't expect android 2.3.4 from them or anything..
As for rooting issues.. Follow the Namaste guide and a few posts in the development forum bout rooting arc properly and carefully.. Noting what is Locked and Unlocked and which method works where.. And it won't take more than 15 minutes to setup everything..

[Q] Rogers Branded Arc - Flashing CM7

Hi,
As it is written in the thread title, I am the proud (and frustrated) owner of a an Xperia Arc on Rogers (Canada). I am frustrated because since the "classic" bootloader unlocking methods do not work with Rogers branded phone, I'm unable to use any flashing method that require fastboot.
Also, I've seen a bootloader unlocking method that involves removing the battery, attaching wires on contacts, ... And I do admit that this kind of stuff scares me a little bit.
I wanted to know if wether or not it was possible to use Clockworkmod recovery (or Rom Manager) with a rooted 2.3.2 version and "just" install CM7 that way ? I know it sounds a little naive, but I'm currently stuck trying to root (after a downgrade to 2.3.2) with Gingerbreak and it stalls and the phone ends up never rebooting.
So if anyone has a solution/idea on how to flash CM7 on my locked bootloader Arc, that would make me (and probably dozens of other Rogers Arc owners) sooooo happy.
Also, I just wanted to know if it was possible to flash CM7 with Flashtool ? Before having my Arc, I had an X10 and used flashtool about 15 times to flash MiUI Roms... If yes, would it be by "converting" the CM7 files into a .ftf file ?
Thank you very much

if i were you i would save the hassle. unlock bootloader, and go. i just did it this past weekend so i can get root without jumping through hoops.. i was extremely anxious about it too..but if you follow the instructions you really cant go wrong. ps. im using rogers arc too! and as to your questions.. i really dont think you can.

gk_terato said:
if i were you i would save the hassle. unlock bootloader, and go. i just did it this past weekend so i can get root without jumping through hoops.. i was extremely anxious about it too..but if you follow the instructions you really cant go wrong. ps. im using rogers arc too! and as to your questions.. i really dont think you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 If you can follow instructions then everything is pretty straight forward.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

Roger's Arc owner here as well.
So the the official method via the sony website dont work for us?
As CM7 is getting stable and since its pretty much release, I was gonna start to work on this ...
I was hoping to unlock bootloader ( through either sony , or one fo the threads and peeps that can do it here ) , root it and enjoy CM7.
Hope the official one works :S

fredastere said:
Hope the official one works :S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't, no Operator locked handset can, so you will need to use Alejandrissimo or Jinx13. Worth every penny.

Allright thanks for the heads up , I'll set up an apointment or somethin with Alejandrissimo

gk_terato said:
if i were you i would save the hassle. unlock bootloader, and go. i just did it this past weekend so i can get root without jumping through hoops.. i was extremely anxious about it too..but if you follow the instructions you really cant go wrong. ps. im using rogers arc too! and as to your questions.. i really dont think you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thanks for your quick answer gk_terato. So is the 24 USD $ really worth it (e.g. with alejandrissimo) ? I know a fraction of this amount is used to pay the tokens, but I don't know how much this is really worth... I've (sim) unlocked all of my previous phones and it was never over 15 CAD $.
And btw, I was just wondering wether or not unlocking the bootloader would, at the same time, remove the sim restriction ?
Thanks again !

antoinedl said:
Hi,
Thanks for your quick answer gk_terato. So is the 24 USD $ really worth it (e.g. with alejandrissimo) ? I know a fraction of this amount is used to pay the tokens, but I don't know how much this is really worth... I've (sim) unlocked all of my previous phones and it was never over 15 CAD $.
And btw, I was just wondering wether or not unlocking the bootloader would, at the same time, remove the sim restriction ?
Thanks again !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, i'm jus coming back to the forums checking out a way to unlock the bootloader ...(rogers arc....*sigh) WHo's alejandrissimo or Jinx13...
Please post a link for me newbie guy... thanks

Just look right here :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232050
He'll ask you to add him as a Google talk contact and to install Teamviewer, some drivers and a little application that lets you emulate a USB port over the internet. Good luck !

xperia arc LT15i .62

Is there anyway to get more internal memory on my phone without having to root it?

Nope.
Swyped from my SE Xperia arc (LT15i) using Tapatalk 2

Thanks. I was hoping that there was an easy way round it.. but no such luck! I notice on some sites that some people are downgrading to .42 to root but then are bricking there phone. Is there any step by step, in fact tip toe by tip toe! for us that are not(and never will be) as knowledgeable as yourselves. Thanks again

remember, that the devices with lockable/unlockable bootloaders never get bricked. in fact you hard brick your phone only when there is a fault with the hardware also. and whever, you read out there, was all false b'coz they were just amateur guys who couldnt get theeir phone working and thought it was a brick. well and about root, i wold recommend you to unlock the bootloader. unlocking the bootloader hives you the assurity that nothing beyond repair can go wrong with the phone howevr you lose warranty. but remember that bootloader can always be relocked. hence dont worry about warranty. search for the following guides respectively.
1) how to unlock bootloader for arc
2) how to downgrade from .62 to .42 on arc
3) how to root .42 for arc
press thanks if my reply was helpful....:highfive:

Thanks for that. Sometimes in all the reading you get lost! You start with one thing and then another and before you know it your baffled. Simplifying helps.
I take it I need to unlock my bootloader before I can downgrade to .42 ?
Thanks again!

Also I have read (whether right or wrong), that you can root without unlocking bootloader, or is that just on certain phones?

You can root a phone with a locked bootloader. But rooting a phone with an unlocked bootloader is even easier.
Swyped from my SE Xperia arc (LT15i) using Tapatalk 2

Hi all!
You can't brick your phone,and even when you unlock bootloader you will be able to flash any .ftf file via flashtool.I have Arc lt15i for a year now,i have unlocked the bootloader when Recovery via fastboot came out,and till now i have downgrading like 10 times.For me the best fw is .42 everything works fine,on .62 Gangstar rio lags to much.And 4.0.4 its too laggy and slow.So when Ics came out i updated it,i didn't like it so i downgrade it to .62 and used it for a while,but gangstar rioo was too laggy the i downgraded to .42 and i just love it.
I have:fw .42,bootloader unlocked,rooted,flashed Arconium 8.2(its build on stock,just less sys apps/junk apps),doomkernel v22(with this kernel you'll get more ram,userdata/phone memmory incrased from 380mb to 420mb.
All this can do anyone,'couse there are tutorials with step by step,showing ho to do all this.
Unlocking bootloader i a bit harder but other things are easy.
Sry if i wrote something wrong,i'm not the best at writing.Cheers
EDIT:
Here is the web site: www.theandroidsoul.com/how-to-unlock-bootloader-xperia-arc-play-neo-pro/
Thats the easyest way ti unlock bootloader,just follow it step by step,take your time don't think its to hard just do it step by step,and you'll make it.Good luck
Sent from my Xperia Arc using XDA

Thanks for that . I will try that site tonight. Its just a pity they dont let you remove all the tripe apps that you never use. Not much point to it really. I would see the point if we used them, then fair enough. Maybe something they could think about in the future. If your listening out there.
Listen to what users want.. APPS THAT WE DONT WANT TO USE, LET US REMOVE THEM TO FREE UP OUR PHONES..................
Thanks again you lot for all your help.

pren22's avatar could you tell me... on the website that you gave me it says that to find out if i can unlock my bootloader...hold the menu key down while conecting to computer. it should turn blue. does this matter? I held it down and it stayed orange. The phone was still switched on at the time.

moff1 said:
pren22's avatar could you tell me... on the website that you gave me it says that to find out if i can unlock my bootloader...hold the menu key down while conecting to computer. it should turn blue. does this matter? I held it down and it stayed orange. The phone was still switched on at the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't remember if i hade this problem,but if you have arc you can unlock your bootloader,The light turns orange 'cause you have locked bootloader.Just proceed with tut.
Here try this http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions just read it,i think that you will be able to unlock it.Good luck.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1653188 excellent thread
hit thanks if i helped

Thanks for that, I will have a look at them tomorrow.
Looking at trying the test point method to unlock the bootloader as yoo dont seem to lose the drm keys.
Then hopefully get down to rooting.
Thanks

[Q] In need of guidance :)

Hello, and sorry for bugging everyone, but I have somewhat of a problem. I'll just start from the beggining.
First of all I own a SGS II, so I'm used to flashing roms and kernels custom stuff and all...on that. My girlfriend is the one who owns a Xperia Arc S (LT18a, US version if it's relevant or not). And for the live of me, I can't summon the courage to flash it, the process being somewhat different than the flashing of a S2. That's just idiot proof in my opinion, can't go wrong. I'm seeing all over the place guides and stuff for flashing a Xperia Arc S, and don't really know wich one is good/bad etc. So...the actual questions :
1. Where can I find the stock firmwares for Xperia Arc S ? I was hopping on a website something like sammobile for samsung, where I can find every release etc.
2. She now has 2.3.4 (I think not 100% sure) build 4.0.2.A.0.62 and from what I heard that cannot be rooted, or it involved something like unlocking the bootloader or something like that, safe to say that kinda freaked me out a bit.
3. I'm guessing that this build 62 is like on my samsung, where different stock rom's are differentiated by letters (eg. XXLPG, XWLPQ etc) so, someone please confirm that.
4. Is there any noticeable difference between these gingebread builds, cause if build 62 can't be rooted, I'll downgrade to previous build that can be more easily rooted.
5. I really need a idiot proof guide to flashing this thing. She has no warranty on it and I really don't want to mess it up
6. And last (finally, I know ) some links for safe versions of flashtool (equivalent of odin from what I understand) and firmwares, stuff I need to root it etc.
I apologise for such a long post but this stuff is pretty overwhelming for me. Also I apologise for spelling errors (english is not my first language)

Wow, the things we do for love...
OK, here's a quick run-down of how it works.
Firstly the bootloader thing: -
The bootloader is where the "kernel" sits. If you unlock the bootloader then you can pretty much put anything on the phone.
You can flash a custom kernel, and from there on you can use ClockworkMod recovery the same way you do on your Samsung.
(
custom kernels have ClockworkMod recovery built into them since the XPERIA doesn't have a "/recovery" partition for the standard ClockworkMod recovery.
If that didn't make sense then here's a translation "There's no special space for CWM recovery on Sony phones! So custom kernels have CWM recovery built in for easy access."
When one of these kernels starts up the phone there's a point where the hardware buttons light up, and the LED flashes purple. If you press "volume down" at this point then the kernel starts up ClockworkMod recovery instead of booting the phone.
Most roms come with their own kernel that you can use like this. The XPERIA is different to the SGS phone because you can't flash a kernel from the phone itself. You need an unlocked bootloader and fastboot to flash a kernel.
)
So unlocking the bootloader is a good idea, but only after you've made a backup of all your stuff off the memory card.
Here's a really good thread that brings together all sorts of pieces of information that you might need to root the phone - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1653188
OK, so that's the unlock thing, and the kernel thing. Once the kernel has CWM recovery built in you can pretty much flash any rom you feel like flashing. There are already some JellyBean roms out that are fast and usable if you're prepared to read up on them and experiment a bit.
Next thing is the "BaseBand". This is the driver for the "cell phone radio". The part of the hardware that's actually responsible for behaving like a phone
Here's a thread where you can get all of the different base-band versions: - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1688049
Personally I know that base-bands 72 and 77 both work perfectly. Since they are the 2 newest versions you can choose which-ever one you want. The newer basebands give much better signal strength on the phone, and the call quality is really good.
Good luck with the experimenting - hope you enjoy.

Are you looking to upgrade her arc to ics? It is much easier to find the resources if that is the case
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium

navras1719 said:
I can't summon the courage to flash it, the process being somewhat different than the flashing of a S2. That's just idiot proof in my opinion, can't go wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is flashing on the Arc/S, so long as you can read.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1304634

Thanks for taking the time to answer such a long and frankly, annoying post Seems I got a bit of homework, manny things to read, so...coffee and patience Hope everything will add up nicely

jman2131 said:
Are you looking to upgrade her arc to ics? It is much easier to find the resources if that is the case
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really, from what I hear ICS dumbs down the phone sort of speak. Now I really can't say, but I would test it out a bit, as long as I learn how to go back to GB.
Another thing that I'm a bit concerned is that all the stuff I find are for LT18i and my gf's phone is a american model LT18a. Will this be a problem ? Or that's just to differentiate the hardware stuff in them ? I hope flashing a LT18i firmware doesn't screw anything up

navras1719 said:
Not really, from what I hear ICS dumbs down the phone sort of speak. Now I really can't say, but I would test it out a bit, as long as I learn how to go back to GB.
Another thing that I'm a bit concerned is that all the stuff I find are for LT18i and my gf's phone is a american model LT18a. Will this be a problem ? Or that's just to differentiate the hardware stuff in them ? I hope flashing a LT18i firmware doesn't screw anything up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, the differentiating factor is the hardware. the lt18i and lt18a roms are the same as far as I know. ICS does tend to be more resource heavy especially on the arcs but downgrading back to GB is basically the same method as flashing the ICS, just with another rom.
And also, in response to your first post, you can downgrade to the rootable build of GB, root that, and then flash the build 62 kernel back onto your phone so it's rooted and of the desired build
There's a lot of flashing guides on youtube regarding the arc s. I did a quick search and this one seemed pretty accurate and straight to the point.

Ok I pretty much understood the whole shabang, my last question is about the bootloader, if I unlock it once that's it ? I can flash whatever I want and not need to reunclock it...sort of speak. I read that for warranty reasons it can be relocked but that's not the case for me. Also for flashing a stock rom is it necessary to unlock the bootloader or that's just for rooting ?
Oh and almost forgot...if I understood right...I can downgrade...root...then upgrade to 62 and it will still be rooted ? On my samsung if it'a rooted and I flash abother stock rom...bye bye root, so pretty weird for me. Thank you again, I can't stress enough how helpfull you guys were.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

unlocking the bootloader allows a whole lot more things to be done with the arc, but does make some apps defunct such as track id and music facebook like (which many can do without). flashing and/or rooting a stock rom doesn't need an unlocked bootloader because it's stock and yep, you can downgrade/upgrade, root, and then go back to what build you want by flashing a kernel only

jman2131 said:
unlocking the bootloader allows a whole lot more things to be done with the arc, but does make some apps defunct such as track id and music facebook like (which many can do without).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That only applies if you use the official method to unlock, use SETool and you'll retain DRM.
Sent from my CM9'd Ray

XperienceD said:
That only applies if you use the official method to unlock, use SETool and you'll retain DRM.
Sent from my CM9'd Ray
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification. I never knew much about bootloaders and all that

XperienceD said:
That only applies if you use the official method to unlock, use SETool and you'll retain DRM.
Sent from my CM9'd Ray
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you could help me out with a SETool link and a basic set of instructions that would be awsome
LE: From what I've seen there are 2 versions of SETool and one's free the other is not. Can the free version be used to unlock the bootloader or do I have to get the full version ? Or even simpler, is there anyway to unlock it (LT18a) free and without losing DRM ?

XperienceD said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1304634
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

So basically from what I read there, no way for free unlock and retain DRM.

navras1719 said:
So basically from what I read there, no way for free unlock and retain DRM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow the instructions up to the point just before patching and tell me what it says please?

if you unlock the bootloader NEVER UPDATE OVER THE AIR this will brick the phone.
The're 2 ways to unlock bootloader
1 via Sony web site but this only works for non branded phones,
2 is to pay if you use a service with setools this will unlock bootloader and make phone SIM free.
Xda member jinx13 offers this service contract him for more info.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium

zolaisugly said:
2 is to pay if you use a service with setools this will unlock bootloader and make phone SIM free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If SETool can unlock any handset I'm not sure why the S1Tool wouldn't, has anyone confirmed in the thread it doesn't work for the Arc S?

XperienceD said:
If SETool can unlock any handset I'm not sure why the S1Tool wouldn't, has anyone confirmed in the thread it doesn't work for the Arc S?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since my bootloader was opened the setools has been upgraded to setools2 which now covers more phones but not sure which.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium

XperienceD said:
Follow the instructions up to the point just before patching and tell me what it says please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry but what are you refering to ? The process that involves opening the backcover under the battery ?
Some additional info, it's not carrier branded, not sim locked...and using the service code in the dialer says bootloader unlockable : yes
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

Should have had this done already.
Sent from my CM9'd Ray

r800a unlock bootloader

Read the FAQ, then noticed the sticky saying the topic I posted in general will be deleted cause technically its a question.
So I just wanna simply pay to have my xperia r800a's bootloader unlocked. I read to pm but, it wont let me do that and the website linked to in the faq is virtually a blank page with nothing.
How do I go about paying to have the bootloader unlocked.
Also do I need to have the bootload unlocked to overclock my phone or is having it rooted good enough as i've already done that with super one click.

Clessy said:
Read the FAQ, then noticed the sticky saying the topic I posted in general will be deleted cause technically its a question.
So I just wanna simply pay to have my xperia r800a's bootloader unlocked. I read to pm but, it wont let me do that and the website linked to in the faq is virtually a blank page with nothing.
How do I go about paying to have the bootloader unlocked.
Also do I need to have the bootload unlocked to overclock my phone or is having it rooted good enough as i've already done that with super one click.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is free Bootloader Unlock for the R800a:
[GUIDE] Bootloader Unlock Status: No / No Fastboot
This will not give you access to Fast Boot Mode but you can still Flash Custom Kernels using Flash Mode. Here is a link to Kernels you can Flash using Flash Mode(I have converted them from .img to .ftf):
[Depository]FTF Kernels for the Xperia Play
To Over Clock you need a Custom Kernel, and to Flash a Custom Kernel you need to Unlock your Bootloader.

TheScriptKitty said:
This is free Bootloader Unlock for the R800a:
[GUIDE] Bootloader Unlock Status: No / No Fastboot
This will not give you access to Fast Boot Mode but you can still Flash Custom Kernels using Flash Mode. Here is a link to Kernels you can Flash using Flash Mode(I have converted them from .img to .ftf):
[Depository]FTF Kernels for the Xperia Play
To Over Clock you need a Custom Kernel, and to Flash a Custom Kernel you need to Unlock your Bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the speedy reply hopefully I can figure it all out.
I will say right now im horribly unimpressed with the frustration of android lol. All I wanted was some ppsspp like all the videos I was seeing on youtube. That way I could stop carry around my vita and a phone.
Also dead links instantly in the first post with the required files -_-
Also after reading the guide I wouldnt say that its user friendly at all and spoken with so much easy and over glancing of its technical level. I much rather pay if I can just do that still. Is that possible?

Clessy said:
Thanks for the speedy reply hopefully I can figure it all out.
I will say right now im horribly unimpressed with the frustration of android lol. All I wanted was some ppsspp like all the videos I was seeing on youtube. That way I could stop carry around my vita and a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem
Just remember to click on the THANKS button.

hi
Clessy said:
Read the FAQ, then noticed the sticky saying the topic I posted in general will be deleted cause technically its a question.
So I just wanna simply pay to have my xperia r800a's bootloader unlocked. I read to pm but, it wont let me do that and the website linked to in the faq is virtually a blank page with nothing.
How do I go about paying to have the bootloader unlocked.
Also do I need to have the bootload unlocked to overclock my phone or is having it rooted good enough as i've already done that with super one click.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i can unlock it ... contact me on gtalk [email protected]