Hi All!
Just got myself a SE Arc that is charging right now. I have resisted playing with it for a good few hours.
Anyway was wondering should i unlock the bootloader and reflash? I am interested in stripping away the rubbish that slows the phone down. To do this, do i just find a firmware that has already removed the crap, or is there a way to remove stuff like timescape.
The phone currently has 2.3.3 HK firmware.
Sorry if this sort of info is located elsewhere...
You don't need to unlock your bootloader for that. You just need root access and Titanium Backup. With that, you should be able to remove the stuff which you don't want. Please refer to this link to know what is safe to remove and what's not.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1089470
Many THanks. I was just looking at that list myself... Anyway i will give it a go. Was just wondering if there were any benefits to reflashing the firmware.
How do i get root access? Or should i already have root access?
Thanks
Bolo
I'm assuming you haven't unlocked your bootloader.
If you're already running 2.3.3, then consider flashing 2.3.2. Root it with Gingerbreak. And then update it OTA (Over The Air) to 2.3.3. Don't try this with an unlocked bootloader!
With an unlocked bootloader, you can just flash a rooted firmware onto your device. But do note that once you unlock your bootloader, you won't be able to use TrackID and also the facebook 'Like' feature on tracks as unlocking deletes the DRM files.
For all custom ROMS and kernals, you would need to unlock your bootloader. You can use Shazam as an alternative to SE's TrackID.
Hi xtacy.
Thanks for the info.
Any reason why i need to go back to 2.3.2 and then update again? Is it to give me root access?
Thanks!
xtacy! said:
I'm assuming you haven't unlocked your bootloader.
If you're already running 2.3.3, then consider flashing 2.3.2. Root it with Gingerbreak. And then update it OTA (Over The Air) to 2.3.3. Don't try this with an unlocked bootloader!
With an unlocked bootloader, you can just flash a rooted firmware onto your device. But do note that once you unlock your bootloader, you won't be able to use TrackID and also the facebook 'Like' feature on tracks as unlocking deletes the DRM files.
For all custom ROMS and kernals, you would need to unlock your bootloader. You can use Shazam as an alternative to SE's TrackID.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is indeed to give you root access. Gingerbreak doesn't work on 2.3.3. The exploit that Gingerbreak used was fixed on the 2.3.3 ROM and hence the need to downgrade to 2.3.2.
Have you heard if anybody is working on root access for 2.3.3?
The exploit that Gingerbreak uses was fixed in 2.3.4 but SE implemented the fix in its 2.3.3 ROM. With a locked bootloader, I don't know of any other way.
But our resident geniuses here at XDA have released kernals which can root any ROM [Unlocked bootloader required] (I believe it was Blagus). Just browse our Development section and you'll come across various solutions.
xtacy! said:
Yes, it is indeed to give you root access. Gingerbreak doesn't work on 2.3.3. The exploit that Gingerbreak used was fixed on the 2.3.3 ROM and hence the need to downgrade to 2.3.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi just got another question.
I have the 2.3.3 usb connection problem. Therefore, is it worth updating from 2.3.2. to 2.3.3?
Many thanks for your help!
What exactly is the 2.3.3 USB connection problem?
2.3.3 does bring in improvements like facebook integration, better wifi stability, improved battery life etc. For these reasons, I would update to 2.3.3
xtacy! said:
What exactly is the 2.3.3 USB connection problem?
2.3.3 does bring in improvements like facebook integration, better wifi stability, improved battery life etc. For these reasons, I would update to 2.3.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when connecting to the pc, the mtp device driver fails to load properly, meaning you can't connect to the pc. i hve tried both mtp and msc modes. I think this is a problem with 2.3.3 and not the arc...
Try reinstalling SEUS and PC Companion. Might solve your problem.
bolochan said:
when connecting to the pc, the mtp device driver fails to load properly, meaning you can't connect to the pc. i hve tried both mtp and msc modes. I think this is a problem with 2.3.3 and not the arc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the prompt window on your phone "Install" "Skip" when you are connecting the phone to the PC? (If not go to Settings-SonyEricsson-Connectivity- Install PC Companion)
Are you using Windows 7?
Have you formated your SD card via Windows Explorer (right click - format...)?
For proper connecting you need Media Transfer mode (MTP).
Normaly, when you have selected MTP and you connect your phone to the PC and you press the "Install" option on the phone, Windows should locate the MTU driver and install it.
I had same problem and I found that my phone was in MSC mode.
Btw I tried reinstaling the PC companion and SEUS it didnt help.
I have searched for the driver to download it from internet but no luck.
The whole point is that I believe the driver is located somewhere in the phone and when you connect it windows should get it from there.
Related
I've been researching rooting for a while now but I still don't quite get what the consequences, requirements and benefits are of rooting, flashing etc. The wiki seems to be rather out of date, and doesn't even have an arc section.
What I want is:
1.To stop all the crappy software rogers and sony have forced on there, constantly autostarting themselves(Hotshots golf, setup guide, liveware manager, mobile backup, storefront, postcard, even maps likes to run on its own)
2. Swype
What I am concerned of is:
1. Do I have to erase everything on my phone to root?
2. Would I lose any of the default functionality of the arc?
3. What would I require to do this modification?
4. Can I reverse this process and go back to factory settings?
5. Would I be able to update later on?
and most of all, 6. Would it actually allow me to do what I want as stated above?
I've got an LT15a running 2.3.3 on Rogers with no attempted modifications.
bunktacular said:
I've been researching rooting for a while now but I still don't quite get what the consequences, requirements and benefits are of rooting, flashing etc. The wiki seems to be rather out of date, and doesn't even have an arc section.
What I want is:
1.To stop all the crappy software rogers and sony have forced on there, constantly autostarting themselves(Hotshots golf, setup guide, liveware manager, mobile backup, storefront, postcard, even maps likes to run on its own)
2. Swype
What I am concerned of is:
1. Do I have to erase everything on my phone to root?
2. Would I lose any of the default functionality of the arc?
3. What would I require to do this modification?
4. Can I reverse this process and go back to factory settings?
5. Would I be able to update later on?
and most of all, 6. Would it actually allow me to do what I want as stated above?
I've got an LT15a running 2.3.3 on Rogers with no attempted modifications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Nope at all, if you have unlocked bootloader and flash prerooted kernel correlate to your firmware
2. Nope, the phone still remains intact after rooting, just add superuser to your phone
3. Just need your phone rooted and do exactly as the thread owner said, ur gonna be fine.
4. Yes, all you need is flash back to your stock rom
5. Yes, absolutely possible
6. Yes again, once you have root permission (superuser), you can delete those craps and use Swype.
*just a side note,
you can root your phone without unlocking your bootloader but yeah, that would mean loosing your data completely
@Babygau
Alright, thank you very much.
On a follow up then, can you point me towards the best method of rooting an arc, bearing in mind that Rogers has disabled Sony's bootloader?
And also where I would be able to get Swype? Swype's site is pointless and google just brought up people talking about using it, not how to get it.
@cryogenix
Yeah, thats what I was afraid of :/
Rogers disabled the arcs bootloader, I'm trying to figure out what I can do and hopefully not erase my data.
So long as I can achieve the 2 objectives at the top, I'd be happy though.
You'll lose the ability for ota updates when you delete system files. That's the only bad thing at your plan.
Rooting alone won't remove any abilitys.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA Premium App
@bunktacular
You would need to flash a 2.3.2 ROM onto your phone (Ignore this if you are on 2.3.2). Rooting is as simple as installing Gingerbreak and running it (Gingerbreak doesn't work on 2.3.3 and hence the need to downgrade to 2.3.2). Then do an OTA (Over The Air) update to 2.3.3 to retain root.
I suggest you wipe user data. Make a backup if need be.
Also, get the latest Swype 3.0 beta from here.
Once you have your rooted 2.3.3, install Titanium Backup. It will allow you to remove all the Rogers and SE bloatware. No, you won't lose the functionality of the arc. You stand to gain with rooting not vice-versa.
The only caveat is that once you remove system apps as Flo95 pointed out is that the next time you want to update your phone, you'd have to resort to SEUS instead of an OTA update.
[With the latest update from SE (i.e. the update from August 1, 2011), I'm not sure about root status.]
xtacy! said:
@bunktacular
You would need to flash a 2.3.2 ROM onto your phone (Ignore this if you are on 2.3.2). Rooting is as simple as installing Gingerbreak and running it (Gingerbreak doesn't work on 2.3.3 and hence the need to downgrade to 2.3.2). Then do an OTA (Over The Air) update to 2.3.3 to retain root.
I suggest you wipe user data. Make a backup if need be.
Also, get the latest Swype 3.0 beta from here.
Once you have your rooted 2.3.3, install Titanium Backup. It will allow you to remove all the Rogers and SE bloatware. No, you won't lose the functionality of the arc. You stand to gain with rooting not vice-versa.
The only caveat is that once you remove system apps as Flo95 pointed out is that the next time you want to update your phone, you'd have to resort to SEUS instead of an OTA update.
[With the latest update from SE (i.e. the update from August 1, 2011), I'm not sure about root status.]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the other easier way is go to this website: http://www.wotanserver.com
create a free account, download their client software, and they will do the rest for you
droidlessons.com/what-is-rooting-on-android-the-advantages-and-disadvantages
Rooting v2.3.2, posted May 15th, 2011:
Updating over-the-air to v2.3.3 and keeping root, posted June 22nd, 2011:
Swype doesn't require root. It's just a regular application install.
Alright then, it seems what I really need is to flash 2.3.2 then, at least until gingerbreak works for 2.3.3.
What's the best method for me to do this?
EDIT:
I have found a fairly detailed guide on doing so, let's see how this goes.
Flashing: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1088539
Sucess! Aside from mybackup completely messing up my contacts, everything went smoothly.
if u already have your bootloader unlocked, just flash lastest firmware including prerooted kernel
if not, using gingerbreak
bunktacular said:
Alright then, it seems what I really need is to flash 2.3.2 then, at least until gingerbreak works for 2.3.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt Gingerbreak will patch 2.3.3.
The issue is that the exploits in 2.3.2, 2.3.3 were patched in 2.3.4 by Google and because Sony's version of 2.3.3 was released after 2.3.4 was released, those security fixes from 2.3.4 were backported into Sony's version of 2.3.3.
bunktacular said:
EDIT:
I have found a fairly detailed guide on doing so, let's see how this goes.
Flashing: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1088539
Sucess! Aside from mybackup completely messing up my contacts, everything went smoothly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup & Restore from v2.1 is compatible with v2.3.x.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1196908
babygau said:
if u already have your bootloader unlocked, just flash lastest firmware including prerooted kernel
if not, using gingerbreak
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's got a Rogers branded arc branded arc. Therefore, he can't unlock the bootloader (yet).
Hi,
Can someone please write a noob's guide to rooting the AT&T xperia play (r800at)? The phone is carrier locked and bootloader locked. Is there a easy way to just get root permissions on the stock AT&T rom (2.3.3) without unlocking bootloader? All I want to do is remove AT&T apps which I don't use and free up internal memory (I only have 40 mb left). I couldn't find a thread which clearly explains this (have been searching for more than a week now).
PS: This is my first android phone, so I don't have a very good idea about how all this works.
Thanks.
turbo789 said:
Hi,
Can someone please write a noob's guide to rooting the AT&T xperia play (r800at)? The phone is carrier locked and bootloader locked. Is there a easy way to just get root permissions on the stock AT&T rom (2.3.3) without unlocking bootloader? All I want to do is remove AT&T apps which I don't use and free up internal memory (I only have 40 mb left). I couldn't find a thread which clearly explains this (have been searching for more than a week now).
PS: This is my first android phone, so I don't have a very good idea about how all this works.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are basically in the same place i was in a few weeks ago.
First off let me link you this this thread
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1270295)
You'll find there that you cannot currently root the r800at without first unlocking the bootloader!
The bad news is that unlocking the bootloader is the the most difficult part
here is the bootloader unlock guide by Alejandrissimo.
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232050)
Its a pain in the butt on this particular phone so i highly recommend you have Alejandrissimo remote support you. Be prepared to pay 24 bucks for the unlock since the software requires it either way.
If you have Alejandrissimo help you he will also install the CWM recovery for you.
THIS is important as it installs a custom recovery mode for your phone that you will use to backup your phone, install kernels, and ROOT your phone.
If you are going the DIY route here is the Clockwork Recovery thread
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130639)
I hope this helps. After all the hard stuff is done the rest is pretty easy. Learning how to put your phone into recovery is important into jumping into all the other great things you can do with your phone.
The first like has an excellent post by xSoNiCcRaCkErSx who has basically tested many of the custom rom/kernel combinations on the r800at!
I hope this helps you and all the other r800at users out there!
Thanks DrROBschiz
From what I have read, [unlocking bootloader + applying clockwork recovery patch + Over-the-air updates] can brick the xperia play. Is this true? Have you tried OTA updates?
Also, I found another method (but I am not sure if it works with r800at). You flash 2.3.2 firmware using tools from wotanserver (cannot paste link because I am a new user). Then use gingerbreak to obtain root (this should work because of downgrading to 2.3.2) and update with OTA to get the latest version of android (claimed to retain root on the latest version). This method also doesn't seem to need unlocked bootloader.
Has someone with AT&T xperia play (r800at) tried the second method?
Also curious, can you unlock the bootloader via the process from Sony on their official site (which I cant link to right now)? Is there a downside outside of not having help (which don't get me wrong may be needed)
@8-Bit: You cannot unlock bootloader following Sony's website if you have carrier locked phone (r800at is locked to AT&T US). When I tried that, I realized that carried locked phones are not 'fastboot' enabled. Also, sim unlocking the phone using 'unlock codes' won't enable 'fastboot'. It will just make the phone capable of accepting other networks sim cards.
Also yes its important to note that if your bootloader is unlocked OTA will brick the phone.
MAKE A BACKUP!
I understand not wanting to deal with the complicated process of the current unlock method but it really is the only viable option for the AT&T version of the Play unfortunately.
I finally have root!!!
turbo789 said:
Thanks DrROBschiz
From what I have read, [unlocking bootloader + applying clockwork recovery patch + Over-the-air updates] can brick the xperia play. Is this true? Have you tried OTA updates?
Also, I found another method (but I am not sure if it works with r800at). You flash 2.3.2 firmware using tools from wotanserver (cannot paste link because I am a new user). Then use gingerbreak to obtain root (this should work because of downgrading to 2.3.2) and update with OTA to get the latest version of android (claimed to retain root on the latest version). This method also doesn't seem to need unlocked bootloader.
Has someone with AT&T xperia play (r800at) tried the second method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the second method. It works. But you do loose the AT&T branding (phone will be identified as r800a/r800i based on which ROM you flash). Also, when connected to mobile data it says "H" instead of "H+", though I didn't notice any difference in data speeds.
@8-Bit: if you need any details, I would be glad to help.
I just did this today. Started with stock 2.3.3 on an r800at. I used Wotanserver ( which is currently free for some reason) to flash to 2.32 as an r800a model. Then I installed gingerbreak. I now have root including wireless hotspot!
The only gotcha was I needed to load gingerbreak via my pc, a direct API download from the web would not work.
My speeds are fine as verified on speed test.org and I was able to get back to 2.3.3. Over the air.
Phone is much faster and has much more memory due to the Att bloatware being gone.
Give it a try!
Will doing this enable fastboot so you can unlock the bootloader and install custom roms?
Sent from my R800at using XDA App
tgh0wnz said:
Will doing this enable fastboot so you can unlock the bootloader and install custom roms?
Sent from my R800at using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you talking about the Wotanserver method? I'm not sure how it works it's magic. I think the boot loader probably was unlocked to ge the firmware on but then re locked. At least I hope so because my hope is to get thE 2.3.4 OTA update on somehow
I believe the att, and firmware update supports 4g, hence when you flash it to generic you lose that... But it's speed difference between really fast and really faster.. So it's not even noticeable. Personally I believe it's better if the phone is rooted and bloats removed.
Sent from my XPlay using XDA App.
Ok guys I told a friend I'd help him get rooted. And ive been reading here and im lost.. From what I gather. The bootloader on the att version is locked and to gain root. That needs to be unlocked.. This is where I'm lost. Why is the best method to go through someone else. What does that involve? Sorry to sound dumb I'm just really lost here. haha.
Sent from AT&T Galaxy S2
turbo789 said:
Thanks DrROBschiz
From what I have read, [unlocking bootloader + applying clockwork recovery patch + Over-the-air updates] can brick the xperia play. Is this true? Have you tried OTA updates?
Also, I found another method (but I am not sure if it works with r800at). You flash 2.3.2 firmware using tools from wotanserver (cannot paste link because I am a new user). Then use gingerbreak to obtain root (this should work because of downgrading to 2.3.2) and update with OTA to get the latest version of android (claimed to retain root on the latest version). This method also doesn't seem to need unlocked bootloader.
Has someone with AT&T xperia play (r800at) tried the second method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does work except you lose att bloatware which is a good thing
---------- Post added at 09:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:27 PM ----------
joshyy_rey said:
Ok guys I told a friend I'd help him get rooted. And ive been reading here and im lost.. From what I gather. The bootloader on the att version is locked and to gain root. That needs to be unlocked.. This is where I'm lost. Why is the best method to go through someone else. What does that involve? Sorry to sound dumb I'm just really lost here. haha.
Sent from AT&T Galaxy S2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just want root then go to wontanserver and register and download driver and client software and follow their directions. Choose r800a 2.3.2 (3.0.A.2.184) . Now use gingerbreak1.2 (search forums) and follow direction. Now update over the air only. You have rooted 2.3.3 r800a enjoy
Okay, so I'm having problems with my phone randomly not getting a signal ever since doing this method... is there currently any way to go back to AT&T stock? Also, has anybody else been having signal issues? It says I have bars, but I can't call/text and I have to restart the phone. Very irritating.
turbo789 said:
Hi,
Can someone please write a noob's guide to rooting the AT&T xperia play (r800at)? The phone is carrier locked and bootloader locked. Is there a easy way to just get root permissions on the stock AT&T rom (2.3.3) without unlocking bootloader? All I want to do is remove AT&T apps which I don't use and free up internal memory (I only have 40 mb left). I couldn't find a thread which clearly explains this (have been searching for more than a week now).
PS: This is my first android phone, so I don't have a very good idea about how all this works.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi... first off all, sorry my bad english
If you have locked bootloader (SIM-locked) and want to root whitout unlocking bootloader, try this:
"Working Root on 2.3.3 locked bootloaders! (Works on all Xperia Plays except R800X)"
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1116090
Worked like a charm form me...
Portugal - TMN
Xperia Play R800i locked bootloader.
Gingerbreak worked very fast for me, BUT only after turning off Wifi connections and UN-plugging the USB-cable
Have froozen lots off app's (think is the correct term) with Titanium backup
Have used Link2SD to move other apps to SDcard
When I bouthg the phone it cames with 2.3.2. I made the mistake OTA upgrading before reading about root.
At beggining (2.3.2) the phone boot, from startup to PIN code, about 3-5 minutes.
After OTA upgrade (2.3.3) i noticed some diferences (about 2 minutes to boot)...
After rooting phone MAKES BOOT IN 45 SECONDS!!! (from begining to PIN CODE)
Always have about 250mb ram free
Internal storage 150mb free (Im still afraid of using Insecure ADB to move dalvik cache to SD)...
I read lots of pages on XDA forum to know about rooting and all the benefits&risk's involved, and root related tools, before rooting so advise all the others newbies like me, doing the same
Thanks to all make this possible (must thanks here because I dont have post permission in develoment area)...
Once again, thanks a lot...
shiftylock said:
Okay, so I'm having problems with my phone randomly not getting a signal ever since doing this method... is there currently any way to go back to AT&T stock? Also, has anybody else been having signal issues? It says I have bars, but I can't call/text and I have to restart the phone. Very irritating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might be a late reply, but it might still help some one. I had similar problems (mainly with data connectivity). I fixed it by adding APN profiles for AT&T under settings >> wireless & network setting >> Mobile networks >> Access Point Names. Let me know if you need the details of the APN profile.
guys im having the same problem, i got a friend who needs helps with his xperia play at&t, he wants to unlock the bootloader, and install a custom os, i was looking for the 1st option on the first page, but the link doesnt works anymore, any suggestion?
DrROBschiz said:
Also yes its important to note that if your bootloader is unlocked OTA will brick the phone.
MAKE A BACKUP!
I understand not wanting to deal with the complicated process of the current unlock method but it really is the only viable option for the AT&T version of the Play unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi bro. am new to xda new to android new to android modding.so please help. i recently purchased used xperia play r800at from ebay its carrier unlocked.now what i want to know: phone is carrier unlocked can you please say is my phones bootloader unlocked. how can i root it or just give me a link. please please pleaaaasseeee!!!! am super noob i dont even fully know what is bootloader kernel rom and suck thing i just need to overclock and free up some space. please help because i cant find answers online please ((
DrROBschiz said:
You'll find there that you cannot currently root the r800at without first unlocking the bootloader!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that isn't true. I was able to root phone without unlocking bootloader using superoneclick. do the search.
Rooting R800AT
legacygt777 said:
that isn't true. I was able to root phone without unlocking bootloader using superoneclick. do the search.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he was anything like me, then he searched, searched, searched, and after that, searched some more. Superoneclick does not work for our phones. All the guides for xperia plays don't mention a damn thing about rolling back firmware from version 2.3.3 to 2.3.2 in order to root. I was loosing my mind trying to figure this out at the time; tried multiple PCs/multiple USB ports, thought maybe my syntax was wrong on the manual methods so I tried a couple of automated methods like superoneclick and DoomLord Root, when those didn't work I thought maybe the drivers weren't quite right so I investigated that issue for ages but couldn't find any more up to date ones than the ones I was using. I then tried messing with a few automated rooters right from my phone like z4root and Gingerbreak which didn't work either. Finally I found this thread(same one linked a couple of posts up) which did the trick (I have it saved in my favorites). It's not missing any steps and is accurate to the T. Worked for me the first time and didn't require any special hexes, voodoo, or rain dances.
I just checked and since that thread is so old, the links are now dead. I would post there, but I'm not allowed (developer's thread). Here are some links to the software needed:
Flashtool
Android 2.3.2 (.184 as referred to in that thread)
And finally Gingerbreak v1.2 - should download this from your phone and install to it's internal memory (not the SD card) prior to flashing
The other methods of rooting may have worked once downgraded to 2.3.2, but I just followed that guide and used Gingerbreak as it seemed the simplest way.
So I just bought a Play today and have been wondering if i should go ahead with an update to the latest version or if I should root and do something cool. I'm not really sure what to do and looking for suggestions.
Thanks,
Kris
Root it using gingerbreak first, then update it on the phone itself. That way you can have newer software, and still be rooted. Being rooted is definitely nice, if anything it gives you access to some pretty nifty apps on the market that require root to work.
speedyink said:
Root it using gingerbreak first, then update it on the phone itself. That way you can have newer software, and still be rooted. Being rooted is definitely nice, if anything it gives you access to some pretty nifty apps on the market that require root to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks although when I go to software update on the phone it says it cannt connect to the network. I'm connected to wifi and browsing and market work. I'm guessing if I used the SE software on the pc it would not allow me to root or would not save the root?
Or do i need to root first for the software update to work?
Thanks in advance,
Kris
What version are you using? R800a, r800i, or r800x.
Sent from my rooted R800a 2.3.3 BL locked
I wouldnt know >_< how do i find out?
NVM its R800i
EDIT: Just rooted the Play, now to try and get the on phone software update to work I guess.
EDIT2: Yea it still says searching for update and then cannont connect to the network.
EDIT3: Well i updated using the PC and it removed SuperUser so... i'm guessing no more root. I dont wanan run the gingerbreak again incase ti messes up and bricks or something.
If you want a do-over, go to this thread.
I've been at this literally all night, and I've given up on rooting my phone without asking for help. I've been scouring the forums, this and others for answers, but still haven't been able to root my phone. It's an At&t Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, or R800at. I believe I have the latest factory OS as I have checked for updates via Sony PC Companion and there are none, that and this was a recent new phone purchase. I have tried superoneclick and have gotten to step 7 where it freezes, and I have tried doomlord's v4 root kit and it repeatedly says that the file pathways do not exist before failing and rebooting my phone. I have obtained an unlock code from sony and the imei number but am unable to get to the fastboot mode, as holding down the search button only yeilds a green light, indicating flash mode. I have debug mode activated, have tried both media transfer mode and mass storage mode, have up to date working drivers, and have downloaded android sdk, though I am unsure what to do with it; I tried using a driver within that folder instead of the ones I have but that didn't seem to help. I am at a loss, help would be appreciated, and as I said I have already thoroughly searched the forums so like the n00b video says I'm just special like that
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=21272961
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA
I followed that thread particularly the root link at the first post but I still cannot root my phone. To clarify, are you suggesting I reply under that thread instead of using this one?
i used to have the same problem, what i did is downgrade the firmware to
3.0.1.B.0.270 and using flashtool i flashed that firmware, when the phone was up again, it was rooted i spend like 15 minutes doing it so
I was planning on trying to flash then root next, but wanted to save that as a last resort mostly for fear of loosing contacts data, the rest can go however (the whole point of rooting is to gain internal memory in the first place).
i dont think theres a way of rooting using the 285 firmware, the only is unlocking but if you want it just for that you better use the flashin form, contacts if they are in the google address then you will get them back, and with the new store you can download really quick the apps you just downloaded
The downgrade enabled me to root the device, and like you said there was no loss of contacts. The only downside is that I can't update to current firmware without loosing root access. Small price to pay, thanks for the tip!
cant OTA... (error: plz wait a while & try again later?)
cant Update Via Sony PC companion... (dont see the phone, wants me to update software, but already latest version)
cant unlock bootloader (because cant find "Android Boot loader Interface-file" followed this to the letter: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions )
cant root cuz cant get 2.3.3?
ive literally just wasted the last 4 hrs of my life and i want to pull my hair out. all i want to do is root and kill the bloat. can you help a brotha out?
well you can simply flash 2.3.3 wih flashtool
and as i know you can root all 2.3.2 devices with gingerbreak made by chainfire
pedyvirus said:
well you can simply flash 2.3.3 wih flashtool
and as i know you can root all 2.3.2 devices with gingerbreak made by chainfire
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
after your post i looked into flashtool again and found a much easier method vs the Sony one i was trying.
thanks. :good: