Develop Bugs

Can't update to 2.3.3 Arc, bootloader unlocked

I got my new Xperia Arc today, ive rooted it and unlocked the bootloader but now whenever i try and update it bricks the phone.
Im on 2.3.2 and the irst thing I did was unlock the bootloader via fastboot, then used gingerbreak to root the phone, i then tried an ota update which bricked the phone.
I used Flashtool FOTAUnbrick, this got the phone working again, so I tried again, I flashed the generic UK 2.3.2 which worked fine, re-rooted and tried an OTA Update again and rebricked do used the FOTAUnlock again, working again, tried the PC Companion which said there was modified software and that it couldn't update.
So its not possible for me to use the phone companion and its not possible or me to use the OTA how do I get my phone onto 2.3.3 as the 2 official ways i've tried are bricking my phone
Any idea

Well there is a topic about this problem in the development forum:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126358
The idea is that when you unlock the bootloader you can't use OTA updates or pc companion updates to update your phone because you will brick it. In fact it should not even be possible to get the OTA update but this is bug at SE.
If you want to get the update there is 2 possibilities. First is to relock the bootloader and update either through OTA or through PC companion. Second is to just flash generic or rooted official image using fastboot. Here is the latest official firmware for the second method:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1202441

So even though the thread says its for the neo this is actually for arc, right well ill give it a flash now see what the end damage is

Sorry this is for Neo. I gave a link for Neo by mistake because i have Neo. You should use one for Arc.

[Q] Unlocking bootloader Xperia Play question

I bought a few weeks ago an Xperia Play locked on the 3 Network of UK. I removed the sim locked through one of the many sites that offer this service (htccode to be exact) and debranded it through wotanserver.com.
The problem I have is that I tried unlocking the bootlader of the device to no avail since I just can't enter fastboot mode no matter how many times I try (the blue light just doesn't light up). I've read quite a few other posts on this forum and a few other sites but I just can't find a clear answer as to why this is happening. I mean I unlocked the sim lock, I changed the firmware with a "clean one" and still it refuses to enter fastboot mode.
I tried rooting my phone through Gingerbreak or Superoneclick but they didn't work either. Is there any method (preferably an easy one) to root my phone? It's on Android 2.3.3.

Just a quick update to inform you that after a little more tinkering I managed to root my phone, and I might as well share with you how I did it.
Basically again using the wotanclient I returned my FW to 2.3.2 and tried Gingerbreak again. This time it worked like a charm! I also discovered that in 2.3.2 the 3g that didn't work on 2.3.3 now works like a charm so I might stuck with this FW for a while longer (maybe I will try 2.3.4 at some point as well).

Your bootloader is locked by your provider and it won't help unlocking the sim nor debrand it with flashing another FW. That's why it didn't help doing the stuff you did.
Look at this thread for unlocking the bootloader and accessing fastboot (it'll cost some money though, not much afaik):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232050
Further more gingerbreak/superoneclick etc. only works on gingerbread 2.3.2 as the loophole got patched in the higher builds. So if you want to retain root when updating do it by OTA or if you get fastboot going you can do it via CWM (clockworkmod) with a flashable .zip.
Regardcs Dousan.

Dousan said:
Further more gingerbreak/superoneclick etc. only works on gingerbread 2.3.2 as the loophole got patched in the higher builds. So if you want to retain root when updating do it by OTA or if you get fastboot going you can do it via CWM (clockworkmod) with a flashable .zip.
Regardcs Dousan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or you can flash doomkernel (which has many advantages, but again, need to enable fastboot mode on your phone, to then unlock bootloader before you can flash the kernel)
i highly recomend using alejandrissimo's service. i did, and i've never looked back

Is there a way to downgrade my phone's fw if im on 2.3.3?

cj360 said:
Is there a way to downgrade my phone's fw if im on 2.3.3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there is mate. I take you have a R800i.
Go to the dev section and find a FTF file of FW build 2.3.2. Then grab flashtool 0.2.9.1 beta. Flash the FTF file and there you go. Downgraded and ready to root.
There's an easier way to root now, i take that's why you want to downgrade, just use the zergRush to do it. That works on any FW build. Check out the dev section for a thread about 'rooting with zergRush'.
Regards Dousan...

I forgot about the zergRush post cuz I bookmarked it but didn't read it that well. Are their bugs for doing it on the higher fw tho?

[Q] (ROOTED) Why can't I update to .62 build?

Hi All,
I have been reading up on rooting and all that for a while now, managed to root my Arc and got the bootloader unlocked.
So anyway, this evening the phone prompted that it had a little update for me, and I got all exited and thought it was gonna be android 4.0 (It's not, I know)
so I hooked my phone up to my laptop and started up PC Companion, It started downloading (bladibladibla)..
And then It prompted (roughty translated): "Your phone contains unofficial software, can't be updated"
And as I just read in other threads, other people just lost their root and got the .62 build on there.
Has this got anything to do with the bootloader or is it something else?
And is it even worth (I just tried to do this, but failed): Unrooting -- updating -- waiting for the new build to get root??
Thanks in advance guys!!

flash .42 fw using flashtool or wotan,update to .62,but .62 have no root..

Don't you think it's best for me to wait for 4.0 update next month to start all this unrooting business?
And I can't figure out how to flash stuff to be honest..
Thanks

is it next month??are you sure??official se ics update??yeah wait for it mate,better than .62!!
from the ARC

get .42 fw from wotan server , root and the update ota to .62

martijnrosielle said:
Hi All,
I have been reading up on rooting and all that for a while now, managed to root my Arc and got the bootloader unlocked.
So anyway, this evening the phone prompted that it had a little update for me, and I got all exited and thought it was gonna be android 4.0 (It's not, I know)
so I hooked my phone up to my laptop and started up PC Companion, It started downloading (bladibladibla)..
And then It prompted (roughty translated): "Your phone contains unofficial software, can't be updated"
And as I just read in other threads, other people just lost their root and got the .62 build on there.
Has this got anything to do with the bootloader or is it something else?
And is it even worth (I just tried to do this, but failed): Unrooting -- updating -- waiting for the new build to get root??
Thanks in advance guys!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
very simple solution i had the same problem in able to update via pc or OTA you must relock the bootloader and have /system as sony have it don't delete any application of sony after root.Then update via OTA and you don't lose your root

rashid.fairus said:
is it next month??are you sure??official se ics update??yeah wait for it mate,better than .62!!
from the ARC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what they say all over the internet yea. In march they start spreading it; starting with 2012 phones, but the Arc is up after those.
I sure hope so, a colleague of mine has a nexus phone he got ics about 2 months ago !!
And then something else; is there something I'm missing out on when I don't go to .62?(except for having the new software icon on screen constantly, haha). Sony descriptions are always pretty unclear.
Cheers

Also I can't figure out how to update ota,, the update originally requires pc companion.
So what should I do/change/install to be able to do this update ota?
Thanks!

unlocked bootloader
you can use the fact that your bootloader is unlocked. ... use flashtool ... flash fw 62 and flash doomlord kernel it comes with cwm. ... flash root from ther with xperiaroot.zip ..... voila ...... thanks to doomlord and binary our life is easier lol

Update to .62
First backup all your Data Apps and Settings using Titanium Backup Pro.
No need to buy that, just google it and download.
Install Titanium Backup Pro,
Backup all your Data Apps and Settings
If u want to update OTA ........
a) Your Boot loader should not be unlocked (Default setting by Sony Ericsson) so relock your bootloader
b) Root your phone which is running on .42 firmware using the latest Flashtools v 0.6.8
Note :
i.First install Flash tool.
ii.Connect the phone in Flash Mode
iii.Flash it with 4.0.2.A.0.42
iv.Turn on the phone when flashing complete
v.Connect the phone with usb debbuging enabled.
vi.Open the Flashtool
vii.Then press the lock icon on flashtool.
viii.Phone will automatically reeboot after done
c) After rooting update your phone OTA
---------- Post added at 03:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:35 PM ----------
martijnrosielle said:
Also I can't figure out how to update ota,, the update originally requires pc companion.
So what should I do/change/install to be able to do this update ota?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turn on data network and use the Update center app which is by default in your applist
If u have accidently removed it then i am uploading it to BOX for you to download
Link ...
http://www.box.com/s/scxny2fk0fghi03ei737

meyourchum said:
First backup all your Data Apps and Settings using Titanium Backup Pro.
No need to buy that, just google it and download.
Install Titanium Backup Pro,
Backup all your Data Apps and Settings
If u want to update OTA ........
a) Your Boot loader should not be unlocked (Default setting by Sony Ericsson) so relock your bootloader
b) Root your phone which is running on .42 firmware using the latest Flashtools v 0.6.8
Note :
i.First install Flash tool.
ii.Connect the phone in Flash Mode
iii.Flash it with 4.0.2.A.0.42
iv.Turn on the phone when flashing complete
v.Connect the phone with usb debbuging enabled.
vi.Open the Flashtool
vii.Then press the lock icon on flashtool.
viii.Phone will automatically reeboot after done
c) After rooting update your phone OTA
---------- Post added at 03:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:35 PM ----------
Turn on data network and use the Update center app which is by default in your applist
If u have accidently removed it then i an uploading it to BOX for you to download
I deleted the Update Center app using Root Manager thinking it to be a waste ....
Thank You Mr.Merychum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Arc unable to update beause of modified FW

Hi all,
PC companion detect a new FW for my arc. The ICS, great, but :
PC companion does not allow me to update because my system if modified (?)
I previously downgrade (?) from 4.0.2.A.0.69 to 62 and now I wonder what should I do to upgrade to ICS?
I've read lot of topic but I'm not able to understand either what is a boot unlock, I should I have to do to unlock, what is CFW of I don't know what.
As you can read, I'm a noob and english is not my mother tongue
Any help is welcome

If you have an unlocked bootloader?? If so dont update via PC companion. It will cause problems.
If you want to upgrade to ICS , jsut download the official ICS (.431) tft file and flash it with flash tools(locked/unclocked) and it shd take you to ICS.

I 've try many things and as a result I thing my bootloader is unlocked
(I used flashtools and a tft file from this forum)
So if I understand, I need to do the same for ICS.
I hope I will find a ICS to flash
Thank you for your answer

Just being able to use Flashtool or flashing .ftf doesn't mean that your bootloader is unlocked. Because even those on locked bootloaders can use it.
If you're not certain whether you unlocked your bootloader or not, then there's a good chance that your bootloader is STILL locked.
And you can find the stock ICS ROM in this thread. I'd suggest going with General Global World as there's little bloatware and performance is good.
Cheers!

Thank you for the link.
Not sure about unlocking effectively. I've try the official sony method using the url and emei but seems unsiccessfull.
I will try will GGW and maybe trying to remove boatware on a second times
TY!!!

PC Companion causes problems when trying to update to ICS.
Better use SUS (Sony Update Service).

succeed using flashtool and LT15i_4.1.B.0.431_Generic Global World.ftf from the link above!
Don't know what is teh SUS, but my next step is remove bloatware

[Q] Rooted Ion (2.3.7) denied by SEUS (SUS)

Hello all,
I have Ion LT28i rooted running 2.3.7, when I try to update it to ICS using SUS, I get an error message "The phone contains modified software that cannot be updated"
Granted, I can fix this by flashing back the stock ROM, and update using SUS the regular way...
BUT, I am trying to avoid the hassle and risk of backing up/restoring everything on the phone, I did the upgrade yesterday on my brother's non-rooted Ion using SUS, and the phone migrated all system settings and apps without missing a beat... I would love to have the same luxury on my phone...
I tried 3rd party apps to backup my current rom (Nandroid and ROM manager) both crashed and burned due to compatibility issues with Ion.
Is there anyway to trick SUS into thinking my ROM is stock, and accept to update it?

bayhas1 said:
Hello all,
I have Ion LT28i rooted running 2.3.7, when I try to update it to ICS using SUS, I get an error message "The phone contains modified software that cannot be updated"
Granted, I can fix this by flashing back the stock ROM, and update using SUS the regular way...
BUT, I am trying to avoid the hassle and risk of backing up/restoring everything on the phone, I did the upgrade yesterday on my brother's non-rooted Ion using SUS, and the phone migrated all system settings and apps without missing a beat... I would love to have the same luxury on my phone...
I tried 3rd party apps to backup my current rom (Nandroid and ROM manager) both crashed and burned due to compatibility issues with Ion.
Is there anyway to trick SUS into thinking my ROM is stock, and accept to update it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. You must be stock to use PC Companion or SUS to update.

Spectre51 said:
Nope. You must be stock to use PC Companion or SUS to update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any recommendation on the best backup method to migrate? I have a Titanium backup now, but that obviously needs ICS rooted to restore from it after I am done SUS upgrading...
Back in the X10 days, SE released a backup/restore app that migrated user data from 1.6 to 2.1 after upgrading with SEUS...it was pretty seamless...

Actually, a better question I should ask here, to confirm, flashing back stock build 6.0.F.0.111 will delete user data... correct?

bayhas1 said:
Actually, a better question I should ask here, to confirm, flashing back stock build 6.0.F.0.111 will delete user data... correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use flashtools to flash back to the stock ftf and uncheck wipe data. That should get you back to stock with your data still intact. Just remember any issues that pop up will probably require a wipe. What did you use to root GB? a prerooted system image or kernel? Either way probably means you unlocked your bootloader which will need to be locked also before you can update via official methods.

Spectre51 said:
You can use flashtools to flash back to the stock ftf and uncheck wipe data. That should get you back to stock with your data still intact. Just remember any issues that pop up will probably require a wipe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, happened to me when I rooted, and the phone crashed at first boot, and took it on its own to wipe data, although I told it not to... I was not a happy camper...
Spectre51 said:
What did you use to root GB? a prerooted system image or kernel? Either way probably means you unlocked your bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did indeed... I unlocked the BL, and used flashtool to load a rooted ftf

With the unlocked bootloader, means you stop getting updates from Sony completely if I remember correctly and you will have to upgrade by flashing only.

Spectre,
Would SUS be happy enough if I lock back the BL (per your instructions in a different thread), but keep the rooted ftf? SEUS never got bothered by rooting with X10i...
would relocking wipe data? (it wasnt mentioned in your instructions)

Relocking shouldn't wipe data and should be enough for flashtools as long as you are using a stock kernel.
Sent from my Sony Xperia™ ion

Alright, I decided to bite the bullet, and figured if I lose the data, I lose the data...
None the less, came up with a hybrid solution to relock the BL, get ICS, and not lose data... not a single bit!!!
in details, anyone that Unlocked BL and Rooted their 2.3.7 ION, and now getting an error when trying to upgrade with SUS, here is how you can resolve this issue:
1- relock the bootloader as explained by Spectre51:
Spectre51 said:
RELOCKING BOOTLOADER WILL ALLOW YOU TO GET NEWEST UPDATES & REPAIR DEVICE USING SEUS/PCC
Before we begin relocking the bootloader make sure that u have flashtool download & installed
You can get the latest version of FlashTool from:
http://androxyde.github.com/Flashtool/
Download link is under "Installation" tab
If you have not use FlashTool before read this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1526866
Download this FTF:
Xperia ion -> LT28-ION_Relock_bootloader_Dogsly-TEST.ftf // Mirror 1
NOTE: This file has not been tested. If you attempt to relock the bootloader using this file please post your results
Flash this FTF via FlashTool:
When it says enter flashmode, power down device and keeping VOLUME DOWN button pressed connect usb cable to phone, the device will now enter flashmode (green LED)
After this file is flashed reboot phone
Bootloader will now be relocked!!!
Incase device doesn't boot DO NOT PANIC...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2-when the phone is "broken" as described above, and stuck in endless flashmode boot loop, DO NOT FLASH STOCK ftf with flash tool, instead, start SUS, and allow it to update as usual.
3- since your BL is now locked, SUS will be happy to download 383MB FW, and install it on your phone, SUS will actually upgrade your phone to ICS, and in the meantime, fix your boot, AND retain all of your data.
4- once SUS is done, diconnect, and start the phone, Android will upgrade and migrate your data
5- enjoy ICS, and all of your data and history... the only thing you lose in the process is root...
6- feel free to root the phone again if you still need it rooted for any reason...

bayhas1 said:
Alright, I decided to bite the bullet, and figured if I lose the data, I lose the data...
None the less, came up with a hybrid solution to relock the BL, get ICS, and not lose data... not a single bit!!!
in details, anyone that Unlocked BL and Rooted their 2.3.7 ION, and now getting an error when trying to upgrade with SUS, here is how you can resolve this issue:
1- relock the bootloader as explained by Spectre51:
2-when the phone is "broken" as described above, and stuck in endless flashmode boot loop, DO NOT FLASH STOCK ftf with flash tool, instead, start SUS, and allow it to update as usual.
3- since your BL is now locked, SUS will be happy to download 383MB FW, and install it on your phone, SUS will actually upgrade your phone to ICS, and in the meantime, fix your boot, AND retain all of your data.
4- once SUS is done, diconnect, and start the phone, Android will upgrade and migrate your data
5- enjoy ICS, and all of your data and history... the only thing you lose in the process is root...
6- feel free to root the phone again if you still need it rooted for any reason...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi bayhas, I have a question regarding what you did.
I have a Xperia S, BL unlocked rooted 2.3.7.
And I have actually the same annoying fear and question:
1. Is it even possible to upgrade via official PCC?
2. if not, and the only way is via flashtool, can I upgrade to 4.0 without losing a single data? with that I mean contacts, sms, some phone settings (not that important), most important are all my games and app DATA which are stored on both internal SD card as well as on internal phone memory (Android/data...etc).
I have this bl unlocked + rooted Xperia S since May 2012 and am really scared to lose anything due to a past experience with Xperia Arc S, by upgrading a rooted which wiped a lot of my data via the official way... afterwards I couldnt even upgrade and had the same error you had.. I really dont know what to do now. Im fine with how my Xperia S is but I have 2 big problems nowadays:
1. when ever I play certain games or very sometimes open browser a certain site, my phone freezes and I can do nothing except a reboot (power button + volume up).
2. now the reboot is annoying, AFTER reboot I happen almost every time to have "application not found" issue, which can be fixed by REBOOTING again or reload SD card or just install that app (overwrite) again. which is also super annoying if you know what I mean.
I dont know if you experience above 2 problems when u were using 2.3.7. but I have now and the FREEZING appears every 1 to 2 days when during gaming (not all games...some)... what do you advise? I really dont want to go to trhough all the panic of losing data or other new problems....