Develop Bugs

Bring me up to speed please

I've come into possession of an Arc that belongs to a friend. She says she's been having error messages & force closes (although it's done nothing but run perfectly for me so far today - sod's law!).
It's running 2.3.2 Build 3.0.A.2.181 and after a quick look through the dev and general section here, I gather I can root it using Gingerbreak, and install a standard 2.3.3 rom.
* Any known issues with (2.3.3) 4.0.A.2.368 or 3.0.1.A.0.145?
* Is there any reason for me not to go with 4.0.A.2.368?
* Also, is there any Nandroid or equivalent for the Arc yet?
Ideally I want to root, back up the current rom (as it has all my friend's preferred setup), and then install an updated rom.
* If there's no Nandroid then I assume I can just downgrade back to 3.0.A.2.181 by flashing that rom?
It all seems straightforward and I'm far from new to rooting/flashing (HTCs mainly), but just thought I'd check in case I'd missed something, as I don't have time to properly read all the Arc forums before I deal with this phone tonight!

The Namaste guide is worth reading and should help.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

XperienceD said:
The Namaste guide is worth reading and should help.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did read that, and it's quite comprehensive so that's why I feel confident in the process. What I really need to know is, are there any show-stopping bugs in the newer roms? I don't want to go through the hassle of rooting and flashing a new rom if there are obvious problems with it?
Also no mention in the guide of nandroid/backups (unless I'm being blind - very possible!) :-D

setspeed said:
Also no mention in the guide of nandroid/backups (unless I'm being blind - very possible!) :-D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might be an idea to find out if the bootloader can be unlocked first and unless it was bought simfree it probably can't unless you pay for it.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

XperienceD said:
Might be an idea to find out if the bootloader can be unlocked first and unless it was bought simfree it probably can't unless you pay for it.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a TMobile phone, although unlocked since my friend uses a 3 sim, and I've had a Vodafone sim in it all day.
I've been reading a bit more and apparently the Arc doesn't have a recovery partition, so no ClockWorkMod - how would unlocking the bootloader help me with back ups?
I've only ever used Nandroid as part of CWM (as I said before, I'm an HTC guy).
EDIT: Forget that last part, of course the bootloader would need to be unlocked, I'm being der....
In which case I guess my only options are to use something like Titanium (once it's rooted) to backup apps, and then restore later on.

My bootloader isn't unlocked so can't really advise on that front, and as I only really need to root I'm not too fused for now, but would make life a tad easier I guess.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

setspeed said:
It's a TMobile phone, although unlocked since my friend uses a 3 sim, and I've had a Vodafone sim in it all day.
I've been reading a bit more and apparently the Arc doesn't have a recovery partition, so no ClockWorkMod - how would unlocking the bootloader help me with back ups?
I've only ever used Nandroid as part of CWM (as I said before, I'm an HTC guy).
EDIT: Forget that last part, of course the bootloader would need to be unlocked, I'm being der....
In which case I guess my only options are to use something like Titanium (once it's rooted) to backup apps, and then restore later on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Arc does not have a Recovery partition but using Custom Kernel our Developers has made CWM Recovery possible. There is a backup and restore function. But only work with unlocked bootloader. You would need to use Fastboot Mode and flash the kernel.
Custom Kernel (Recovery is included): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1172885
More info about Recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1044874

R800i 4.0.A.2.368 UK on the Verizon R800x

This is a long shot, but this is something I've love to know whether it is possble or not. I have heard a couple people say that they pulled this off.
Obviously, the R800x Xperia Play on Verizon is the stripped down version of the UK version. The R800i has the whole Sony Experience, and I wish to have that on mine. So I thought to myself, couldn't I just flash the R800i 4.0.A.2.368 UK ROM found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1221105
onto my R800x Xperia Play? And before anybody says it, I KNOW that the network won't work, no phone and no sms. Only Wifi would work. That is fine by me. I would be perfectly fine with this just being an Android WiFi gaming device with the whole Sony Experience that the R800x lacks.
I've tried flashing this R800i ROM with FlashTool, and it keeps failing. Which sort of surprises me, because a couple of others in the thread in the link I posted above claim that it worked for them. (I can't post there. Dev section. Not enough posts yet)
Is is just a fantasy that will never come true? Or am I simply doing something wrong? If I was not very clear about something, please let me know, and I will edit this post with corrections. Thank you for your kind advice or suggestions.
(trying to avoid buying an unlocked GSM Xperia Play)

i think its been confirmed that itll brick it someone tried to see if they could enable the sim card slot flashing a generic rom to the r800x yes the r800x has a sim card slot has a plastic thing covering it right behind/on top of the sd card

edokassiah said:
i think its been confirmed that itll brick it someone tried to see if they could enable the sim card slot flashing a generic rom to the r800x yes the r800x has a sim card slot has a plastic thing covering it right behind/on top of the sd card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm not trying to enable the sim card slot. I just want the ROM on there so I can replace the horrible VCast with the Playstation Store, give me the Sony Ericsson widgets, basically all of the stuff that the R800i gets to have.
And since this phone is just my backup (WiFi only) device anyway, no network access does not concern me at all.

TSBroich said:
Well I'm not trying to enable the sim card slot. I just want the ROM on there so I can replace the horrible VCast with the Playstation Store, give me the Sony Ericsson widgets, basically all of the stuff that the R800i gets to have.
And since this phone is just my backup (WiFi only) device anyway, no network access does not concern me at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i get what ur saying but im sure itll brick it
i mean it if it was that easy why is there gsm roms and cdma?
keep trying is your bootloader unlocked? if not prolly y ur getting a failed error

TSBroich said:
Well I'm not trying to enable the sim card slot. I just want the ROM on there so I can replace the horrible VCast with the Playstation Store, give me the Sony Ericsson widgets, basically all of the stuff that the R800i gets to have.
And since this phone is just my backup (WiFi only) device anyway, no network access does not concern me at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, yes, this! I may not want the whole she-bang, but if I can find a way to replace the framework that wants to pull everything from the VZWapps store *shudder* then I would be a tad happier. Just replacing the "Play" app doesn't do it. So where is the framework that tells it where to go?
Second, I know there are portions of the SE Experience framework still in the R800x, as some of the widgets, when installed, still work. Also, there is something blocking the normal facebook app from installing an account hook like on other stock phones, even though the rest of the r800x is "stock". I think we can pretty much all see that the R800x was not "Stock" but rather just stripped. Almost all the hooks are still there, plus some that are VZW specific.

UPDATE:
I have gone ahead and tried this, done some testing. So far, I'm making progress!
I have gotten the European R800i ROM on my R800x Xperia Play.
It boots up just fine (new boot animation).
However, I am stuck at one spot. I cannot do anything except bring down the notification bar, view the Xperia Play games when I slide out the gamepad (VCast is gone!), and change USB options when plugged into the computer.
Here are the steps that I have taken:
-Full stock restore with FlashTool
-Flashed doomlords boot.img with the command "fastboot flash boot boot.img"
-Flashed frasertag's system.img with the command "fastboot flash system system.img"
-Flashed the system.sin from the R800i Firmware (I extracted it) with the command "fastboot flash system system.sin"
-Disconnected USB then turned the phone on. It boots just fine.
Now the reason that nothing actually functions at this point is because I only flashed the system.sin from the R800i firmware (this is just a theory!). Trying to flash the whole ROM in FlashTool will result in an error and fail. I have read in another post that a trick to bring full functionality (besides the network) is to create a Nandroid backup before flashing all of this, delete the system.img from the backup, then restore the Nandroid backup after all of the flashing is done. The restoration part has got me stumped so far..
I will keep trying, and will ask the guy who I got this idea from how he got past the restoring backup stage (where I'm stuck).
I am determined to make this work! haha
edokassiah said:
yeah i get what ur saying but im sure itll brick it
i mean it if it was that easy why is there gsm roms and cdma?
keep trying is your bootloader unlocked? if not prolly y ur getting a failed error
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes my bootloader is unlocked.

dam thats badass been alot of confirms that itll brick do us a favor and try inserting a sim card take the batt cover off and right under the sd card theres a sim card slot a piece of plastic is covering easily comes off see if it detects it

edokassiah said:
dam thats badass been alot of confirms that itll brick do us a favor and try inserting a sim card take the batt cover off and right under the sd card theres a sim card slot a piece of plastic is covering easily comes off see if it detects it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
During my experimentations, I bricked my Xperia Play a couple times. Luckily it must have been a "soft brick" or something, because I was able to restore it by doing a full restore to factory stock. Nothing else would register in the bricked state.
I do not have a SIM card for this phone at the moment. The only SIM card I have on me is the 4G card for the Droid Charge.
I tried restoring the Nandroid backups without including the system.img in the restore, and it still wouldn't fix the problem.
Here are a few theories I have on why it didn't work, and what might work:
-The Nandroid backup was from factory stock, and NOT rooted.
-The inability to do anything on the homescreen may be due to the lack of a launcher.
So what I'm going to try next is:
-Do a Nandroid backup while in a rooted state, and all of the Verizon related software removed. Try restoring that.
-Download the system dump from the R800i, and install the Launcher APK via ADB Shell.
Not giving up.

I have succeeded in putting the Sony Ericsson Experience from R800i onto the Verizon R800x.
I'll post pictures a little later.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

TSBroich said:
I have succeeded in putting the Sony Ericsson Experience from R800i onto the Verizon R800x.
I'll post pictures a little later.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
post tut buddy and try to include any important info

Posted edited. Scroll down.

how did you manage to flash it. can you help me with the procedure
please post step by step method. please,.. for everyone...

Search in development about using flashtool.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App

NahuXtrme said:
how did you manage to flash it. can you help me with the procedure
please post step by step method. please,.. for everyone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry for "abandoning" this thread, but I got incredibly busy with school. Here is what's going on. I got good news, and bad news.
Bad news, I got the ROM to flash onto the R800x, but encountered problems to the point where it's not even worth posting anything for.
Good news, so instead, I took a good chunk of goodies from the R800i dump, and put it on the R800x. A good number of the stuff works, but some doesn't. All these apps/widgets come straight from the R800i.
I am not taking the credit for any of these finds. I am just sharing things that I have found after searching the internet high and low.
First is the SE launcher. This will make your phone look and act a lot like the R800i. This includes the SE app drawer, the folders, the dock and the "jiggly" movements. Everything works except for the themes. Here is a download link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?zuq8hsexodjk3bx
Next is the Playstation Pocket/Suite app. This is the official Playstation app from SE. On the R800x, the widgets work perfectly, the app works fine, and the game launcher looks beautiful. The only problem is that when going to the section to buy more games, it doesn't show any games available for USA. But that's what PSXperia is for. If you aren't familiar with PSXperia, you must check it out.
Here is the link for Playstation Pocket:
http://www.mediafire.com/?mmhduygvlmsjdim
Here is the Media Shortcut widget. This just lets you select music, wallpapers or videos all in one widget. This of course comes from the R800i.
http://www.mediafire.com/?w41bp8wr7d81rb8
Here is the Photo gallery widget. I really like this one. It revolves in a circular motion with your fingers. Works fine in portrait mode, but does not work in landscape for me.
http://www.mediafire.com/?1yuvjhf2f7m1b4l
[ROOT REQUIRED:] And lastly for now, here is the Sony Xperia Play game launcher WITHOUT the VCast. You must remove the Xperia Play game launcher, and VCast. You can remove these using Titanium Backup. Then install this one. This removed VCast for me, and instead gave an icon in the corner that takes you to the Xperia Play optimized games from the Android Market.
http://www.mediafire.com/?5kmog06w4s3qn3i
UPDATE: jgregoryj1 has posted a better and easier method to remove VCast. See his post below (it's #18). It's way simpler, but know that root is still required.
I cannot seem to get the SE R800i music widget to work without crashing. But of course, the R800x stock one and others work like normal, so oh well...
Again, I am not taking any credit for these finds. I just tried these things for myself, and I am now sharing them with any who are interested in making their Verizon R800x's look and feel like the way the Xperia Play was MEANT to look.
In closing, I just want to reiterate, I am very sorry about not accomplishing the task of getting the ROM to work 100% (it was still unusable). But for anybody who wants the R800i look, these should tide you over.
Thank you guys for your understanding, and thanks to everyone for making XDA such a good place.
Travis

I wasn't even aware that verizon held out on these features. Thanks for getting then out there.

These features were indeed stripped from our model(s), and it was very disappointing to learn that they didn't include the Playstation Suite on these. Oh well, for I'm glad I didn't return it now. I love this thing.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium

TSBroich said:
I've tried flashing this R800i ROM with FlashTool, and it keeps failing. Which sort of surprises me, because a couple of others in the thread in the link I posted above claim that it worked for them. (I can't post there. Dev section. Not enough posts yet)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't use flashtool. Use Fastboot (ie Fastboot flash system system.sin)
Also the radio will still work if you flash chevys nandroid backup after flashing the UK firmware.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App

I was able to get rid of the vcast market in the xperia play launcher by removing the vcast app from the /system/app folder and rebooting. If thats all you want to get rid of then just do that. The android market will then be in plce of the vcast. Although I have flashed te UK rom and have the full Timescape rom onmy phone for a few weeks now. Its pretty sweet and fast. But kudos for posting the helpful information

iliketrains said:
Don't use flashtool. Use Fastboot (ie Fastboot flash system system.sin)
Also the radio will still work if you flash chevys nandroid backup after flashing the UK firmware.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also you need to flash Doomlord's kernel for 3.0.1.A.0.145 found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=15805471&postcount=2
Then apply chevy's FTSv05 CDMA Patch v2. You will have a fully functional phone with the exception of multimedia messaging.
None of this works with 4.0.A.2.368 Roms though. I have been working on trying to get the radio functional on the newer Roms.

Or you could pull the kernel from a tft file like I did. dooms kernel had too many problems for me. No wifi, low volume, etc.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App

[Q] Xperia Play and Cola

So, I installed Cola on my XPeria Play - my first custom ROM ever, and also my first true "root" ever. Yay!
So, it seems like all is well... except, well, I can't access the 'net... period. I have no 3G/4G at all, and I can't enable wireless without the phone rebooting... and disabling wifi again.
Anyone experienced this or know what might be going on?
I would post this in the Cola thread... but, well, I don't have the required 10 posts yet... heh.
For what it's worth - all I want is a WORKING (fully) phone that doesn't have all the pre-loaded crap (like some of the games) taking up space.
(reposted from the general forums per another members request)
Yeah, I'm kinda new to the whole custom-rom thing... like I said, I really just wanted something faster that didn't have all the bloatware - it's the 800at as far as I can tell, but it looks like I can't unlock the bootloader (the info doesn't show when I attempt to view it, and from what I read here, that means I can't unlock it?)

Kittamaru said:
So, I installed Cola on my XPeria Play - my first custom ROM ever, and also my first true "root" ever. Yay!
So, it seems like all is well... except, well, I can't access the 'net... period. I have no 3G/4G at all, and I can't enable wireless without the phone rebooting... and disabling wifi again.
Anyone experienced this or know what might be going on?
I would post this in the Cola thread... but, well, I don't have the required 10 posts yet... heh.
For what it's worth - all I want is a WORKING (fully) phone that doesn't have all the pre-loaded crap (like some of the games) taking up space.
(reposted from the general forums per another members request)
Yeah, I'm kinda new to the whole custom-rom thing... like I said, I really just wanted something faster that didn't have all the bloatware - it's the 800at as far as I can tell, but it looks like I can't unlock the bootloader (the info doesn't show when I attempt to view it, and from what I read here, that means I can't unlock it?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you flashed a CDMA rom and you have a GSM phone, try my rom and see if it works, folow the Instructions and you'r done
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1631144

Is this from a stock kernal or Doomlords? If its doomlords, you might need to add the network modules.
I havent done this thing before myself, but have hung around the boards to gather the above advice.
Best of luck

I think he is talking about this rom:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1442557

Did you set up your apn for your carrier?
Sent from my R800i using XDA

As vokal1992 said, you flashed CDMA rom on your GSM (R800at I see) phone. That's why 3G/4G doesn't work and WON'T WORK AT ALL.
Sent from my beautiful Xperia PLAY using Tapatalk 2

Ah, aha... thank you so much! Lol, told you I was new to all this
I'll give the suggested ROM a try and let ya know how it turns out!

Well, quick update - i flashed the new firmware - that seems to have worked well, but I have no 3G/4G again - I'm attempting to install the new ROM now - I'll report back how that goes.
I did have one issue - my computer still reports that clockworks mod is installed even after the firmware flash... but I can't seem to run it within the system - I'll try to run it from boot to do the flash - if it doesn't work... well... I'll have to think of something lol
EDIT - so, further update... I can connect to wifi, but can't go anywhere on it, including the play store or to put in my google account info. I also still have no 3G/4G access... and clockworks mod doesn't work.
I'm... really not sure what to do at this point. Followed the instructions to the letter but... well, yeah. Now I've got a smart phone that apparently isn't so smart lol

Okay, so, in a "stroke" of genius, I realized that it was the APN's causing the issue (I didn't have any) - so I simply copied them over from my wife's phone (she also has an XPeria Play). So, yay, now I have internet access and 3g/4g again...
Now, next thing I need to do is figure out how to put clockworks back on this thing with my computer thinking it's already there lol
OH, and for what it's worth - at present, my network mode is WCDMA preferred / GSM - trying to use the GSM only doesn't work... at all SO I guess I have a WCDMA phone?
EDIT AGAIN - Okay, so I got Clockworks back on it, I'm re-rooting it now... hopefully i can get the ROM installed then!
New Edit - Okay, I'm at the point of using Clockworks to install the new ROM - however, it gives me an MD5 mismatch... hm...

Uh oh
Since you have the MD5 mismatch I would try downloading the file again. Also make sure you wipe the cache partition and Dalvic cache in advance before flashing.

You don't have an unlocked bootloader. You must install ROMs specifically meant for locked bootloader.
Sent from my R800x using XDA

savage24x said:
You don't have an unlocked bootloader. You must install ROMs specifically meant for locked bootloader.
Sent from my R800x using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Far as I can tell, Vokal's works for a locked bootloader, does it not?
@ Zack - wipe the what and the who now?

Okay, so, the phone is working normally now with just the updated firmware - however, I still am having a few issues with MD5 errors with Clockworks, and I'm not sure exactly how to remedy this - found a few suggestions online, but I'm afraid to try any of them without a little more guidance

ROM not showing on CWM...

Alright so here's my problem: I unzipped ColaROM and made it into a folder into recovery. But CWM isn't finding it. It sees the backups I made with the CWM Recovery/Backup menu so it isn't completely broken. I have NOT played with any settings.
I have an R800x, currently UNACTIVATED but it will be activated on Verizon once I figure this all out.
Here's what I've done to the phone:
1. Unlock Bootloader
2. Install DoomKernel CDMA v2 and it's WiFi module.
3. Installed Xperia NXT Light Edition (THIS IS A GMS ROM. I was merely testing "Install from Zip". It works, but phone isn't activated and I assume it won't work with Verizon.
Does anyone know how to fix this issue or can recommend an extremely light weight (.ZIP) ROM to go with DoomKernel? I don't want flash effects or anything like that, I just want it to be fast so I can load emulators on it and play without hassle.

I always stick to my own heavily debloated and performance enhanced stock Tom.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
Edit: I made this some time ago.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1828144&nocache=1

ozzmanj1 said:
I always stick to my own heavily debloated and performance enhanced stock Tom.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
Edit: I made this some time ago.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1828144&nocache=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So 2.x would be fine for performance for these emulators? Do i need to root it to have emulators? Also, where can I find them? The wiki's emulator link only has N64 paid emulator left on it. How does once "debloat" the device?

DevGate said:
So 2.x would be fine for performance for these emulators? Do i need to root it to have emulators? Also, where can I find them? The wiki's emulator link only has N64 paid emulator left on it. How does once "debloat" the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest. From a gaming approach GB in the way to go. No doubt about it. And I run the following emulators currently.
Tiger Arcade (NeoGeo, CPS1, CPS2 Emu(
GameBoid (GameBoy Advance Emu)
Gensoid (Sega Genesis)
Mupen64 PLUS AE (Nintendo 64)
NESoid (Nintendo NES)
PCE.emu (Turbograpfx-16 / PC-Engine)
SNESoid (Super Nintendo)
All these emu's run excellent on my phone with the ROM I linked to above. You are welcome to try my ROM, if not no pressue, just thought I would share it in case you decided to

Thanks for the help!
What is exactly is that ROM? I am new to recovery and such and;
A) Don't know how to use it
B) Does it have the bloatware removed from Android or is it just the same as a new Xperia Play with root?

Your going have to do some reading on your own time. Posting a question like that require very brief explanations. Here i posted a thread to answer your noobie questions.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1439474

ColaROM. Made for the R800x, and I used it before I unlocked my bootloader. Super fast, no bloatware, and it looks just so sexy

DubleJayJ said:
ColaROM. Made for the R800x, and I used it before I unlocked my bootloader. Super fast, no bloatware, and it looks just so sexy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the information guys! My only question is to achieve your results, do I need to install a custom kernel as well? Or just the ROM? I don't suppose there is a good quality video guide to it is there?

DevGate said:
Thanks for the information guys! My only question is to achieve your results, do I need to install a custom kernel as well? Or just the ROM? I don't suppose there is a good quality video guide to it is there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stay on Stock Kernel(if you want) and get ColaROM. Battery life, and performance is great.

DubleJayJ said:
Stay on Stock Kernel(if you want) and get ColaROM. Battery life, and performance is great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cola won't let you use the phone as a phone, just as a gamepad. Tried it this morning and there was no Mobile Networks support.

netizenmt said:
Cola won't let you use the phone as a phone, just as a gamepad. Tried it this morning and there was no Mobile Networks support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not true. I've been using Cola 6 on my R800x with DoomKernel for two months without any connectivity issues. I don't use data, but I do make calls and send texts.
That would be my recommendation for others as well. The only issue I have had with this ROM (and it may not be widespread) is that my dialer does not search my contacts as I dial (for example, I dial area code and I'm not shown all of the contacts with that area code), but I got around that by simply using a different dialer app.
The latest CDMA JB ROMs seem quite nice as well. General performance seems to be much better than ICS ROMs from my experience, but I also experienced more problems and far worse battery life, which is why I've gone back to GB with the Cola ROM for the time being. That was a few weeks ago though, so I'm planning on trying the latest JB ROMs and Kernels again very soon.
... I'll always keep a nandroid backup of my current Cola setup though. It works great. =)

First of all thanks to everyone who has helped me so far. I think I have it down but can someone double check my plan of attack now that I have my phone? This is the order I'd do it, but I don't know if it's correct.
If it matters, I am going to use is...
DooMKernel
Ozzmanj1's ROM (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1828144&nocache=1)
What To Do To Get Custom Kernel / ROM
1. Unlock bootloader through Sony
2. Root device using SuperOneClick
3. Download XParts from Store, create backup of stock ROM from here and save it to computer just in case. Do this by pushing volume down at startup.
4. Install ROM by putting file in \clockwork\backup\ and using same menu but to install it.
5. Flash Kernel with Flashtool
The ROM is still up in the air... I want a ROM that doesn't have all the bloatware that I see on the phone now that I have it, or at least doesn't have it running:
-Preinstalled games (no interest in any of them)
-Verizon Stuff (If it is worth removing)

DevGate said:
First of all thanks to everyone who has helped me so far. I think I have it down but can someone double check my plan of attack now that I have my phone? This is the order I'd do it, but I don't know if it's correct.
If it matters, I am going to use is...
DooMKernel
Ozzmanj1's ROM (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1828144&nocache=1)
What To Do To Get Custom Kernel / ROM
1. Unlock bootloader through Sony
2. Root device using SuperOneClick
3. Download XParts from Store, create backup of stock ROM from here and save it to computer just in case. Do this by pushing volume down at startup.
4. Install ROM by putting file in \clockwork\backup\ and using same menu but to install it.
5. Flash Kernel with Flashtool
The ROM is still up in the air... I want a ROM that doesn't have all the bloatware that I see on the phone now that I have it, or at least doesn't have it running:
-Preinstalled games (no interest in any of them)
-Verizon Stuff (If it is worth removing)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If memory serves me right, made that nandroid back in August.But if I remember right it is rooted and debloated. As for stock games I dont remember off hand if those are still in there....

Alright I got thrown a curveball... I can't root my phone. When i check for root status on service menu, I lack the line that says whether I can or not... meaning I can't.

DevGate said:
Alright I got thrown a curveball... I can't root my phone. When i check for root status on service menu, I lack the line that says whether I can or not... meaning I can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried flashing root.zip in recovery?
See Method 2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2054504

ozzmanj1 said:
Have you tried flashing root.zip in recovery?
See Method 2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2054504
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should be more specific. I am trying to unlock my bootloader on my slow windows machines (I am on a Linux Machine typing this). I thought I couldn't because Sony's website says if I am missing that line I can't unlock the bootloader. Waiting to download JDK and Android SDK to try to unlock bootloader.

DevGate said:
I should be more specific. I am trying to unlock my bootloader on my slow windows machines (I am on a Linux Machine typing this). I thought I couldn't because Sony's website says if I am missing that line I can't unlock the bootloader. Waiting to download JDK and Android SDK to try to unlock bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you download the unlock tool from Wotan Server:
http://static.wotanserver.com/downloads/X_Unlock_Tool_Setup_Wotan.exe
And install it will install the fastboot drivers and files. Then all you will need to do is go into fastboot mode (power off hold back button and plug in your usb cable, to enter fastboot mode)
Then you can boot into the temporary recovery listed in Method 2 via the fastboot command:
fastboot boot recovery.img

See below.

DevGate said:
I should be more specific. I am trying to unlock my bootloader on my slow windows machines (I am on a Linux Machine typing this). I thought I couldn't because Sony's website says if I am missing that line I can't unlock the bootloader. Waiting to download JDK and Android SDK to try to unlock bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I unlocked my bootloader using the same method I lacked any lines stating whether or not my bootloader was unlocked. I remember reading somewhere that Verizon hid these lines in their r800x's. Also, why are you trying to install flashtool? Are you trying to downgrade your phone?
The SuperOneClick root method only works if your phone's on 2.3.3, if it updated to 2.3.4 then you would have to use flashtool to downgrade. 2.3.4.

Okay I have finally managed to flash DoomKernel... I used a guide off a different site that explained it a bit better and all in one place.
*Edit* And internet was the issue... have Xparts, installed CWM... but I made the folders like ColaROM says too but it isn't showing up in CWM Recovery menu. Thoughts?

[Q] Easiest way to copy entire rom and contents of one Xperia Play phone to another?

My current Xperia Play (r800x, rooted, Gingerbread 2.3.4, Verizon) of 3 years is starting to fail/shutdown when I open the slider - I have to restart the phone to get it running again - it works fine as long as I don't open the slider which fails randomly). I bought another Xperia Play online (r800x, rooted, Gingerbread, 2.3.3) to replace the existing one.
There has to be a way for me to copy the entire rom contents from the existing phone to the new one since the phones are exactly the same - correct? If so, how would I do this? (I currently have ROM Toolkit and Titanium Backup paid versions with installed key on both phones). The replacement phone works fine. It may be obvious to you how to do this but your help would be VERY much appreciated since I've never done this before. ROM Toolkit doesn't make it obvious if there's a way to do that. I've also searched the forums a bit and no luck so far unless I missed something. Thanks for your time!

haskamr2 said:
My current Xperia Play (r800x, rooted, Gingerbread 2.3.4, Verizon) of 3 years is starting to fail/shutdown when I open the slider - I have to restart the phone to get it running again - it works fine as long as I don't open the slider which fails randomly). I bought another Xperia Play online (r800x, rooted, Gingerbread, 2.3.3) to replace the existing one.
There has to be a way for me to copy the entire rom contents from the existing phone to the new one since the phones are exactly the same - correct? If so, how would I do this? (I currently have ROM Toolkit and Titanium Backup paid versions with installed key on both phones). The replacement phone works fine. It may be obvious to you how to do this but your help would be VERY much appreciated since I've never done this before. ROM Toolkit doesn't make it obvious if there's a way to do that. I've also searched the forums a bit and no luck so far unless I missed something. Thanks for your time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As your doing a straight copy from R800x to R800x, best thing is to make a nandroid backup from Clockwork Mod then take out the memory card dferom your old PLAY and put it in the new phone. Boot into recovery and restore the nandroid. BAM.... done

I wish it were that simple...still no luck
ozzmanj1 said:
As your doing a straight copy from R800x to R800x, best thing is to make a nandroid backup from Clockwork Mod then take out the memory card dferom your old PLAY and put it in the new phone. Boot into recovery and restore the nandroid. BAM.... done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know for sure the phone is rooted, which I did myself. It has Superuser access, I was able to remove Verizon bloatware, etc... I downloaded/paid for ROM Manager Premium v5.5.3.2 and I already had the paid version of ROM ToolBox Pro. I have tried to create a backup of my existing rom on both apps and no luck. It restarts the phone but it comes back up just like a regular reboot. ROM Manager didn't create the folder it designated for the backup.
There is no mention to do so but am I supposed to unlock the bootloader before trrying to backup my rom? When I goto Sony's page about unlocking the bootloader(http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions) it walks me through the first steps to check if the bootloader is locked or not - it tells me this:
"First, you should confirm that it is possible to unlock the boot loader of your device by checking the service menu. In your device, open the dialler and enter *#*#7378423#*#* to access the service menu. If you have a tablet, click here to learn how access the service menu.
In your device, tap Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. If Bootloader unlock allowed says Yes, then you can continue with the next step. If it says No, or if the status is missing, your device cannot be unlocked." - well, I enter the code, goto Service Info, Configuration, and that's it - I can't get to "Rooting Status". The page shows the MEID #, MEID Software version, Available Speech Codecs, and Working Bands.That's it - and I get the same result on the other phone I have.
So if I don't need to worry about unlocking the bootloader(because it wasn't mentioned in several how to guides online like this one: http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/0...nandroid-backup-and-clockworkmod-rom-manager/ , then how come I'm not able to backup my existing rom using either apps before I attempt to copy over the rom from my other phone? *sigh*
Thanks for your time once again.

Yes you need to have an unlocked bootloader. For the r800x I would recommend doomkernel. If you need more help there is a thread for it on the developement thread, I believe that tells you exactly how to do it.
Sent from my R800at using xda premium

Here is the DoomKernel:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1368636
If the download links in the thread are dead let me know and I will provide a link to my collection.

Thanks Ozzmanj1...but....
ozzmanj1 said:
Here is the DoomKernel:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1368636
If the download links in the thread are dead let me know and I will provide a link to my collection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I decided I don't want to go that far(messing with Kernel and Bootloader) since the phone is working great - I got all my games/apps installed with the 64gb MicroSDHC class 10 card, cleaned up all the dead files using SD Maid, deleted and restored the Dalvik Cache, cleaned out ../system/app/ folder of unneeded apks, and I'm running at optimum now(no low disk space icon showing which is a nag for this phone). This phone is "pimped out" to the max and I've decided to just use Mybackup Pro to save everything out and I'm going to make a full copy of the sd card in the next couple days so I don't lose anything again. I'm concerned that if I tinker with bootloader/kernel that something will go wrong. I have no problem rooting or doing extensive fiddling for optimal performance however. :cyclops:
Internal has 43MB free, 342MB used.
SD card has 24GB free, 35GB used.
Thanks again for your efforts & time to help out!!!

Have you tried using x-Parts? I got recovery through this way, and it doesn't require an Unlocked Bootloader, you just have to be rooted.
However, I'm unsure as to whether it would still work on yours, as yours is an R800x and mine is a R800i.
Link to the App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pvy.CWMinstaler&hl=en_GB

Thanks AzNTypeR!...
AzNTypeR said:
Have you tried using x-Parts? I got recovery through this way, and it doesn't require an Unlocked Bootloader, you just have to be rooted.
However, I'm unsure as to whether it would still work on yours, as yours is an R800x and mine is a R800i.
Link to the App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pvy.CWMinstaler&hl=en_GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will check it out - from the user comments in Google Play it appears that it does work on r800x's - to access installed recovery it was noted that the update says to push any button on reboot but users found that the volume down button was the only button that works(maybe this was fixed in an update?). It sure looks like the r800x is more of a pain to toy with than the r800i and other gsm phones. I love Verizon networks but I don't care for their extra headaches using cdma.

X-tools uses a portion of your system folder to store the recovery. So if you install x-parts/tools and flash a new rom you will lose the recovery an will have to re-install the software.