Confused with Debrading and Rooting...SOS, help pls? - Xperia Arc Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi everybody, Frist if all I apology if this is a repost and dumb question. Feel free do give a link that can answer my confussion.
I have Rogers branded Xperia Arc (LT15a.181). Now I want to debrand it, remove this junks from Rogers, unlock bootloader abd then root. I also want to upgrade to 2.3.3 as I host my protect 365 in facebook and fix those security issues they fixed. I woukd love if I will keep getting future updates as well (better not via rogers as they are always late).
What should I do? First debrand or Bootloader+Root? There are many artices and XDA-posts. But I'm really confused because I want both.
Also, is it possible to unlock the phone?
Thanks a lot, please help me. At least, a brief answer with details are enough.
Sent from my LT15a using XDA Premium App

Read read, then read some more, bit of practicing what you've read then read some more when you screw up.

To Sim-Unlock you need the code which you have to pay
To de-brand you can use Flashtool and flash the file you like into your phone(get more information by reading @ development section)
There is no 4.3.3
Its 2.3.3 and its not available for North America, but some people have reported that you can flash World Generic.
There are links for all these and you should be able to find them by searching.

Nimche said:
To Sim-Unlock you need the code which you have to pay
To de-brand you can use Flashtool and flash the file you like into your phone(get more information by reading @ development section)
There is no 4.3.3
Its 2.3.3 and its not available for North America, but some people have reported that you can flash World Generic.
There are links for all these and you should be able to find them by searching.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks you both!
Yeah, I read that I need to pay to get a code. I wonder if I should Root the phone first or de-brand first.
I wonder if I will lost future updates from Sony Ericsson because of any of those methods?

Your phone is branded(got it from Rogers right?)
- bootloader can not be unlocked (for now)
- If you want 2.3.3 on your phone then you need to get World Generic (i have NOT tried this myself) and install it (get the version with 181 ending) root it and then do an OTA update.(I am not sure if this method works on lt15a)
If you are fine with North American version which is 2.3.2 then you get the file HERE and then use Gingerbreak to root.
Good Luck

binku said:
Thanks you both!
Yeah, I read that I need to pay to get a code. I wonder if I should Root the phone first or de-brand first.
I wonder if I will lost future updates from Sony Ericsson because of any of those methods?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to have your bootloader unlocked to flash your phone. You could use Flashtool to flash an unbranded (Generic) firmware to your phone. There is the .181 generic firmware on Development forum which you can use. That firmware is the latest Generic one for LT15a.
If you want to go further, there is a .184 firmware UK Generic (LT15i), it's a little more stable and faster than the .181, and you still could use Gingerbreak to get your phone rooted. The only downside (minimal), is that your phone will say that you have the LT15i Model, but it still will use american bands (850/1900/2100). it's Hardware related, not firmware.
The Generic .145 firmware is the latest, but by now, it can't be rooted if you have a locked bootloader, in fact, I'm waiting for a new gingerbreak or something to apply that firmware.
If you root your phone, you still have support from SEUS, don't worry.
Cheers.

Everyone's already answered so hopefully you're on your way.
Just a few extra points:
SIM/network unlocking is ONCE and PERMANENT. Flashing/rooting does not affect it.
Rooting is done after flashing and is optional.
Debranding the arc:
Check out the other videos. Almost everything should be covered.

Dear BlueChipJ, Nimche and chaqo71, Thanks VERY much for the complete guide on rooting and debranding this awesome phone. I really appricate it.
I will follow this and root on this sunday or Monday! *fingers crossed*
Have a good weekend!
Sent from my LT15a using XDA Premium App

Related

[Q] Rooting the R800i without unlocking bootloader

Hello!
I'm interested in rooting my recently acquired Xperia PLAY (French version), because the bloatware is taking up too much space. However, I don't want to unlock the bootloader as I don't want to void my guarantee. Is this possible?
On a side note, I've heard that some people buy phones that have allready unlocked bootloaders; is there any way to find out if mine is too?
Thanks a lot,
Si1ver Shad0w
Buying phones with unlocked bootloaders is impossible unless it's used. You heard wrong
You can relock bootloader anytime anyways, but track id and qriocity will be gone forever
I used the XDA App to post this, what did you use?
Yeah, I knew that I could relock it, but still, I would prefer a rooting method that doesn't require this.
Also, to root it, I have to install some kind of new kernel or firmware, right?
OK, apparently a way to root without unlocking is to install the 2.3.2 FW and then do an OTA upgrade. But I can't find the ftf file. Can someone help me?
Also, for a French Xperia PLAY, I guess the UK ftf file is the best?
EDIT: Also, the XDA forums are very restrictive to newbies, no replying in the development section, have to wait 5 minutes between posts, etc...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1287584&page=2

[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 !

[Doubt] Updating Firmware with Root

Hello
I thank everyone who helped me make my Xperia Root, was difficult but with everyone's help I finally did, then, Thanks!
However I still remained a doubt, I think it's the last of them
My Xperia Arc and S used LT18i 4.0.2.a.0.62 Version (Without Root)
So I downloaded the version 4.0.2.a.0.42 and done using Root UnlockRoot, worked perfectly and now my phone is LT18i, With ROOT version 4.0.2.a.0.42
But I wish I could enjoy the latest version of Firmware (To keep my phone updated), it is possible to update it for newer versions and still keep the Root it? Or I would have to download the new firmware, unlock the bootloader and make the various processes Root?
If in case the answer is "Yes" it is possible to upgrade, what are the possible means? At PCC could update it without losing the Root?
Thank you!
Did you really need to start a new thread.
READ! - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1653188
XperienceD said:
Did you really need to start a new thread.
READ! - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1653188
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked this Topic, but not what I thought would be appropriate to update my firmware and still keep my Root
I'm kinda lost on that topic because I am not American, I am using the Google translation
Would you tell me what topic I should follow?
Sorry for the problems, but besides being Noob I do not know English
thank you
raitos said:
I looked this Topic, but not what I thought would be appropriate to update my firmware and still keep my Root
I'm kinda lost on that topic because I am not American, I am using the Google translation
Would you tell me what topic I should follow?
Sorry for the problems, but besides being Noob I do not know English
thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you understand and write English well enough.
Flashing via PCC or SEUS will wipe your Phone, so the best way is to use the flashtool to flash a ICS ROM then use the Root kit to root.
As I'm a bit lost, I'll do a different kind of question
If I download the Firmware 4.1.B.0.431, I am able to do it with Root SuperOne Click or UnlockRoot? Or it would be necessary as well as the various processes .62 ftf?
@Edit
Ready! I think now I finally got
But wanted to know if we do not have any problem doing that ...
1-I downloaded the .42 version and did ftf Root (I do not know if it was unlocked BootLoader)
2-I did the update to version .62 ftf by phone
3-Ready, the phone is working and is also active with the Super Admin (Root)
4-With this process I have some problem with the phone?
raitos said:
As I'm a bit lost, I'll do a different kind of question
If I download the Firmware 4.1.B.0.431, I am able to do it with Root SuperOne Click or UnlockRoot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am here to help you learn, not spoon feed you information. So read the links I have given you which answer that question. If you can read my my replies well enough then you should be able to read the guides.
XperienceD said:
I am here to help you learn, not spoon feed you information. So read the links I have given you which answer that question. If you can read my my replies well enough then you should be able to read the guides.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This well know, do what ...
I just think it would not kill me know dara is no problem or not, after all is what i have a doubt
But okay, thanks for everything

[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

[Q] How to install rom in my Sony Xperia MK16i (have no idea how this works)

Good afternoon,
I've been reading the topics but I don't really get it, how it works and which kernel and rom to select and how to do everything (BTW, I'm using a Mac).
I'm using a Sony Xperia Pro MK16i @ Android 2.3.4
Kernel: 2.6.32.9-perf ([email protected] #1)
Build: 4.0.2.A.0.62
It was bought in Hong Kong, I don't know if this brings any change to this.
Thanks in advance,
Rhuido
P.S.: Will a new ROM put my android a bit faster? The 512mb RAM aren't really enough for the ROM it comes with...
Go to general and read some guides
Sent from my Xperia Arc S using xda premium
Try out different combinations of ROMs and kernels, make notes and then you will find out, which suits you.
We cannot say that, every person is different. Every person requires different kind of features or possibilities, you have to find the one, which covers your needs.
first of all, fellow mk16 user... this thread is your best friend here on XDA:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1642480
secondly: the first thing you need to determine is whether your phone has an unlockable bootloader or not.. because the only way of rebooting into fastboot mode, which is required for flashing kernels, is unlocking your bootloader first. If you keep your booloader locked, you can't flash kernels but you can still flash ROMs that support unlocked bootloaders... most ICS and GB roms are stock based and do support unlocked bootloaders.
check this thread, first post, preliminary info section
If your phone says "bootloader unlock allowed: yes" or something similar (I don't remember the correct phrase) it means it can be unlocked. And if it says "no", it means you can't unlock it through the methods found in here... but you can still unlock it though 3rd party tools that will require you to buy a "license" to unlock 1 device.
Third: if you stick (or you are stuck) with locked bootloader, you need to learn about rooting your phone... for which let me tell you that your .62 version is not rootable as fas as I know. You would need to start with flashing a .58 GB first and root that one.
Fourth: speaking of flashing... flashmode is another mode that lets you flash a full package of stock ROM+kernel... this mode is always enabled.
Fifth: all flashing happens in Flashtool... get the latest version.
I hope this is a good start. With the thread I pinpointed and the search button, you will surely find any questions you bump into as you surely are not the first one to have them.
good luck.
atmos929 said:
let me tell you that your .62 version is not rootable as fas as I know. You would need to start with flashing a .58 GB first and root that one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although that used to be true, according to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2219711 .62 is now directly rootable using Eroot.

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