Develop Bugs

Problem installing CM7.2

Hi everyone.....
after trying to install CM7.2 using this Guide by ridder215215 I ran into a weird problem.
*I was running R800a 2.3.4 rooted and with an unlcoked bootloader.
after I flashed the Kernel and rebooted the phone (step #6,7) the phone just died after the reboot.
I couldn't get it into Clockwordmode what ever I do I only get a vibration and the screen turns on with a black background.
after a miracle I got my phone into recovery mode and flashed the R800a firmware using flashtool. then I tried to install CM7.2 again.
the same problem occurred.... but now, I can't even get the phone into recovery mod to flash a stock rom!!!
HELP!!!!!
how can I force a recovery mode???
if anyone can propose an idea on how to install CM7.2, I would really appreciate it!

Right, using flash tool, select the stock ftf you want to return to (2.3.4 by the look of it) and set it off preparing the file for flashing. When it prompts you, with the phone turned off, hold the back button and connect your USB. That should put you back to stock firmware.
Now for CM7:
With the CM7 zip on your computer, extract the "boot.img" file located within and drop it int your fastboot folder within your Android SDK folder (usually platform-tools folder within the SDK folder). Make sure not to unzip the file. If you're using WinRAR, just double click the file and drag the boot file onto your desktop then move it from there to your fastboot folder.
Move the CM7 zip (now minus the boot.img) onto your SD Card. Also download the Google Apps (Gapps) zip to your SD
Turn your phone off. In your folder with the boot.img hold shift and right click, open command window here.
Hold the search button on your phone and connect it to your PC. type the following: fastboot flash boot boot.img
After thats done type fastboot boot boot.img and you should hear the USB disconnected sound. Your phone will then reboot. Keep spamming the Volume Down and Back button (some kernels use either one so spamming both always works) and you should get into CWM.
From there, Factoryreset/data wipe...Wipe cache...Advanced, Wipe dalvik cache.
With those wiped, you can flash the ROM with CWM.
You want to "choose zip from sd" and select the CM7 zip file. Wait for it to do its stuff then using the same method, flash the gapps.zip package.
Reboot (first one takes a while) and enjoy

CTU_Loscombe said:
Right, using flash tool, select the stock ftf you want to return to (2.3.4 by the look of it) and set it off preparing the file for flashing. When it prompts you, with the phone turned off, hold the back button and connect your USB. That should put you back to stock firmware.
Now for CM7:
With the CM7 zip on your computer, extract the "boot.img" file located within and drop it int your fastboot folder within your Android SDK folder (usually platform-tools folder within the SDK folder). Make sure not to unzip the file. If you're using WinRAR, just double click the file and drag the boot file onto your desktop then move it from there to your fastboot folder.
Move the CM7 zip (now minus the boot.img) onto your SD Card. Also download the Google Apps (Gapps) zip to your SD
Turn your phone off. In your folder with the boot.img hold shift and right click, open command window here.
Hold the search button on your phone and connect it to your PC. type the following: fastboot flash boot boot.img
After thats done type fastboot boot boot.img and you should hear the USB disconnected sound. Your phone will then reboot. Keep spamming the Volume Down and Back button (some kernels use either one so spamming both always works) and you should get into CWM.
From there, Factoryreset/data wipe...Wipe cache...Advanced, Wipe dalvik cache.
With those wiped, you can flash the ROM with CWM.
You want to "choose zip from sd" and select the CM7 zip file. Wait for it to do its stuff then using the same method, flash the gapps.zip package.
Reboot (first one takes a while) and enjoy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try that when I get my phone into recovery mode to flash the stock firmware....
thanks

I still can't get my phone into recovery mode.... anyone?

FRKD said:
I still can't get my phone into recovery mode.... anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you install cwm from that "cwm installer" app from the market?

agraceful said:
Did you install cwm from that "cwm installer" app from the market?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES!
is that the problem?

can anyone tell me a way of putting my phone into recovery(flash) mode???
it's just not working!

get your phone into flash recovery doing this:
Remove battery, connect usb cable, hold the back button and insert battery, your phone should start in flash recovery, flash a stock ftf
when thats done, youll have to root your phone(you can do it via flashtool) then install
busybox through flashtool then install this cwm : http://www.mediafire.com/?u26cuggxd2x54vb
inside the archive theres several files run the one that says cwm1
then when the sony logo appears check the led on your play as soon as it turns blue, tap the volume - button on a rampage, it will get you inside clockworkmod recovery.
i find it easier to flash the boot image through flashtool might want to give it a shot. hope i helped.

elnacho said:
get your phone into flash recovery doing this:
Remove battery, connect usb cable, hold the back button and insert battery, your phone should start in flash recovery, flash a stock ftf
when thats done, youll have to root your phone(you can do it via flashtool) then install
busybox through flashtool then install this cwm : http://www.mediafire.com/?u26cuggxd2x54vb
inside the archive theres several files run the one that says cwm1
then when the sony logo appears check the led on your play as soon as it turns blue, tap the volume - button on a rampage, it will get you inside clockworkmod recovery.
i find it easier to flash the boot image through flashtool might want to give it a shot. hope i helped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The flash recovery method didn't work ;(

does the phone boot at all?

elnacho said:
does the phone boot at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get nothing but a vibration and the screen lights up with a black backround
but when I plug it to the computer, I don't get the vibration

if you turn your phone off, then hold the back key while connecting the usb, does the led on your power button light up on any color?

no light, no color );

how about fastboot, if you turn the phone off and while you hold the search button you plug the usb is there a blue light?

elnacho said:
how about fastboot, if you turn the phone off and while you hold the search button you plug the usb is there a blue light?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope.... i even tried the circle, X, triangle, and square buttons...

HAHA... Thanks elnacho!!!
I was so desperate I started blowing at the buttons and it worked!!!
now, i have another question.
I flashed the stock att rom (R800at) unlocked and rooted, can I install CM9 or CM7.2 without having to flash an R800i rom? or it doesn't matter?
another problem, even though my phone is from att the touch screen isn't working with (R800at). I also had the same problem when I flashed 2.3.4 R800i, and R800a
whats wrong?

FRKD said:
HAHA... Thanks elnacho!!!
I was so desperate I started blowing at the buttons and it worked!!!
now, i have another question.
I flashed the stock att rom (R800at) unlocked and rooted, can I install CM9 or CM7.2 without having to flash an R800i rom? or it doesn't matter?
another problem, even though my phone is from att the touch screen isn't working with (R800at). I also had the same problem when I flashed 2.3.4 R800i, and R800a
whats wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was the rom rooted? or you flashed a stock ftf and then rooted?

elnacho said:
Was the rom rooted? or you flashed a stock ftf and then rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no the rom isn't rooted yet
plus, I can't charge or connect to computer unless I turn off the phone then plug it in..... and if I unplug the usb or charger, it restarts :/

so..... can anyone help?

[Q] Very weird root issue - didn't sleep for two days

When I first bought my ZL, I rooted the phone using binary4 V27 on superuser mode and that was very fast and simple. I could modify system files and do everything.
One day using my ultimate stupidness, I updated the firmware to 10.1.1.....253 then I did factory reset without doing a backup for my root.
Right now, when I go to settings -----> about ----> I get Kernal version 3.4.0 with android version 4.1.2 but unfortunately It seems like I don't have a rooted phone + I am unable to do any function of a rooted phone like modifying system files or ....etc .
I've tried million ways such as:
1- rooting the phone using the same method --------> the result is stucking at the wight screen and nothing happened.
2- Using motochopper method --------> doesn't work
3- Using the method of installing Android SDK and using the command prompt window to push (Su-busybox-superuser.apk) files to data/local/tmp/ --------> when reach sysrw step (sysrw not found)
tried to type SU (su not found)
tried to use one of the alternative commands like cd /system/usr/we-need-root or ./su-backup -----> file not found
or mount -o remount,rw '' /systemmount ---------> Operation not permitted
I will be following your instructions directly and give u the feed back
I am not gonna move anywhere until solving this issue BC I am getting crazy
I would highly appreciate your help guys , ... Thank you so much in advance

Check this out:
I did the same, was on rooted 434 version and updated to 253 and it unrooted. The 253 update can't be rooted by the normal exploit methods, but this post worked for me:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41727431&postcount=39
Took a little time, and everything on my phone was wiped when I had to unlock the bootloader again, but I now have my stock 253 ZL rooted and unlocked.

mattabyte said:
I did the same, was on rooted 434 version and updated to 253 and it unrooted. The 253 update can't be rooted by the normal exploit methods, but this post worked for me:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41727431&postcount=39
Took a little time, and everything on my phone was wiped when I had to unlock the bootloader again, but I now have my stock 253 ZL rooted and unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for your reply but you know, that really seems to be so complicated
Ufffff

It's a lot more simple than it looks. Here's a slimmed-down version of the instructions:
Since you're already on the 253 update, you can skip numbers 1 & 2 from the other page and just start with numbers 1 & 2 below.
1) Download from this link the 0.9.10.2beta6 version of Flashtool: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2201189 and run the installer. Make sure to install to your computer's HDD root (ie; C:\Flashtool).
2) Make sure you have flashmode and fastboot drivers installed for your device. Easiest way to tell if they're done correctly is to open your Device Manager (in Windows), power off your phone, and plug it into a USB port in each of the modes and make sure no errors show up in the Device Manager.
3) Unlock your bootloader with the Flashtool. It'll have you first go into flashmode, and then prompt you to unplug and plug back into fastboot mode.
4) Download v07 of DooMKernel from this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2230826 and extract the boot.img file from the ZIP. Place the boot.img file into this directory: C:\Flashtool\x10flasher_lib where the fastboot.exe file is located.
5) Open a command window and type this while your phone is connected in fastboot mode:
Code:
cd C:\Flashtool\x10flasher_lib
- and then:
Code:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
- and then:
Code:
fastboot reboot
6) If you miss the chance to boot into recovery after that last step, reboot the phone once it has booted all the way and when you see the DooMKernel splash screen press (repeatedly, if necessary) the volume+ button. It should vibrate once. Once in recovery, just select to reboot system and it'll prompt whether you would like to root or not. Select the option to root and once it's done it should reboot.
Then just go and reconnect (in Android OS, not flash or fastboot modes) to Flashtool and install BusyBox, and download whichever SuperUser app you'd like from the Google Play Store and you're all set!

mattabyte said:
It's a lot more simple than it looks. Here's a slimmed-down version of the instructions:
Since you're already on the 253 update, you can skip numbers 1 & 2 from the other page and just start with numbers 1 & 2 below.
1) Download from this link the 0.9.10.2beta6 version of Flashtool: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2201189 and run the installer. Make sure to install to your computer's HDD root (ie; C:\Flashtool).
2) Make sure you have flashmode and fastboot drivers installed for your device. Easiest way to tell if they're done correctly is to open your Device Manager (in Windows), power off your phone, and plug it into a USB port in each of the modes and make sure no errors show up in the Device Manager.
3) Unlock your bootloader with the Flashtool. It'll have you first go into flashmode, and then prompt you to unplug and plug back into fastboot mode.
4) Download v07 of DooMKernel from this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2230826 and extract the boot.img file from the ZIP. Place the boot.img file into this directory: C:\Flashtool\x10flasher_lib where the fastboot.exe file is located.
5) Open a command window and type this while your phone is connected in fastboot mode:
Code:
cd C:\Flashtool\x10flasher_lib
- and then:
Code:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
- and then:
Code:
fastboot reboot
6) If you miss the chance to boot into recovery after that last step, reboot the phone once it has booted all the way and when you see the DooMKernel splash screen press (repeatedly, if necessary) the volume+ button. It should vibrate once. Once in recovery, just select to reboot system and it'll prompt whether you would like to root or not. Select the option to root and once it's done it should reboot.
Then just go and reconnect (in Android OS, not flash or fastboot modes) to Flashtool and install BusyBox, and download whichever SuperUser app you'd like from the Google Play Store and you're all set!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOOOOOOW this is really an awesome reply
Well done and well organized
I will try this very soon and reply to you with the results
I really don't know how to thank you for this help , hope it works fine
Thank you again and again mate :good: :good: :good:

mahmoud.kunbaz said:
WOOOOOOW this is really an awesome reply
Well done and well organized
I will try this very soon and reply to you with the results
I really don't know how to thank you for this help , hope it works fine
Thank you again and again mate :good: :good: :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am so sorry for these silly questions,
But I honestly couldn't understand how to perform step 6
and lastly how to reconnect to flash tool in android system????
Thanks a lot in advance

mahmoud.kunbaz said:
I am so sorry for these silly questions,
But I honestly couldn't understand how to perform step 6
and lastly how to reconnect to flash tool in android system????
Thanks a lot in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For step 6 just repeatedly press the VOLUME+ button after you reboot your phone, and it will vibrate once after you see the splash screen for the kernel. The light at the bottom should turn fuchsia or pinkish, and you'll know it's going to boot into recovery. Once there, just select to reboot and it'll ask you if you want to root.
The last part about connecting back into the Flashtool is simple. Just boot your phone normally after it's rooted, and once your phone is powered on and USB debugging is enabled then start the Flashtool and plug your phone into your computer with a USB cable.

mattabyte said:
For step 6 just repeatedly press the VOLUME+ button after you reboot your phone, and it will vibrate once after you see the splash screen for the kernel. The light at the bottom should turn fuchsia or pinkish, and you'll know it's going to boot into recovery. Once there, just select to reboot and it'll ask you if you want to root.
The last part about connecting back into the Flashtool is simple. Just boot your phone normally after it's rooted, and once your phone is powered on and USB debugging is enabled then start the Flashtool and plug your phone into your computer with a USB cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything has worked perfectly :victory:
I honestly don't know how to thank you
you did a great favor for me
May god bless you

[Q] [HELP] C1905 stuck on bootloop, USB debugging off

I modified the build.prop file in the /system because I tried to enable a feature from Xperia Z1 I found somewhere in this forum. (I was a fool, yes.) When I rebooted my phone, it got stuck in a bootloop and I can no longer access recovery mode. I tried to flash stock ROM but unfortunately, USB debugging is off. What should I do? I know a Nexus user who was able to flash his phone with USB debugging off but his procedures are specific for Nexus only. Help me, please
Details:
C1905 15.4.A.1.9
Rooted using Nicki root
Unlocked bootloader

bananabee said:
I modified the build.prop file in the /system because I tried to enable a feature from Xperia Z1 I found somewhere in this forum. (I was a fool, yes.) When I rebooted my phone, it got stuck in a bootloop and I can no longer access recovery mode. I tried to flash stock ROM but unfortunately, USB debugging is off. What should I do? I know a Nexus user who was able to flash his phone with USB debugging off but his procedures are specific for Nexus only. Help me, please
Details:
C1905 15.4.A.1.9
Rooted using Nicki root
Unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never had a problem flashing ftfs with UDB debugging off, just make sure you have all of the drivers installed and then select the ftf to flash in flashmode. Once it asks you to connect the phone you will have to take the battery out, put it back in and put the cover back on to connect the USB cable and the flashmode button. When it goes into flashmode the LED will go green and then go off, this is normal. Flashtool will then restore your device to stock.

gamer649 said:
I've never had a problem flashing ftfs with UDB debugging off, just make sure you have all of the drivers installed and then select the ftf to flash in flashmode. Once it asks you to connect the phone you will have to take the battery out, put it back in and put the cover back on to connect the USB cable and the flashmode button. When it goes into flashmode the LED will go green and then go off, this is normal. Flashtool will then restore your device to stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get a line containing this:
ERROR - Processing of loader.sin finished with errors.

bananabee said:
I get a line containing this:
ERROR - Processing of loader.sin finished with errors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Make a backup of the firmware you already have.
2) Open your original firmware file with WinRar or something like that.
3) Delete the loader.sin file out of the firmware.
4) Proceed to flash your firmware again, this time unticking the wipe cache and data boxes and excluding everything but the system.

Download latest backup from Bonoboo thread.. it has full root and CWM, just restore it via CWM

syedafzal.shah said:
Download latest backup from Bonoboo thread.. it has full root and CWM, just restore it via CWM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can no longer access recovery mode, it says that in the OP. The only option is flashtool.
Sent from my C1905 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

gamer649 said:
They can no longer access recovery mode, it says that in the OP. The only option is flashtool.
Sent from my C1905 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can use fastboot drivers to flash CWM.. First download the backup and move it your SD card (use card reader) and insert it back in your phone .Download fastboot drivers and extract it on your computer.
)
Download CWM file and extract it. Now copy the .img file from the folder and copy to the fast boot folder.
Now switch off your phone and connect to the PC in fastboot mode. Press and hold volume up key and connect the phone in the USB cable. [Make sure that you have installed necessary drivers. Else it wont work. ]
open a command window there by holding shift key and right clicking on the white space in fastboot folder (replace boot_image_name.img with the name of .img file in the cwm folder)
Example:::"fastboot flash boot boot_image_name.img"
Wait till it finishes the shell. Done... Now power on your device and when LED turns **** click volume up and down few times, CWM will be opened then restore backup of bonoboo which you moved to your SD card

C:\Flashtool\Fastboot>Boot_image_name.img
'Boot_image_name.img' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.
it turn like this in the command window, could somebody help me.
i need the step in more detail how to flash the CMW.

you should type(after changing the directory to the one that has the recovery):
fastboot flash recovery recoveryname.img
Sometimes it doesnt work saying remote command not allowed or something like that, so dont hesitate to flash the boot partition instead because ultimately you are going to restore everything
if the former doesnt work then type:
fastboot flash boot recovery.img
Note:you will first have to change the directory to the one that contains the recovery ex, if i have the recovery file in c:\ then type:
cd C:\

help me guyz.. i have c1904 but its never bootup even if i flash the firmware . alwasys bootlop in xperia animation .. tried to install cwm then from their flash any rom but it never been started .. means its stuck in flashing for every.. please help me.. tried ressurection cm13 both same. unlock bootloader. any way to get in back. seems like its dead in eveyway.

Unlocking/Relocking Bootloader/Kernel/Root/ROM

Unlocking/Relocking Bootloader
Install Kernel (CMW)
Install Root
Install custom ROM
I've made this tutorial because I haven't found all, complete and put together information regarding fully debugging Xperia M phone. And now that my phone is up and running beautifully I can share my experience.This is all the info in one place, for any problems you may encounter during rooting/installing custom roms.
First you will need the following (you have the link attached to this thread):
Download and install FlashTool - Linux version is recommended. I never could use all the FlashTool options and drivers on Windows (XP and 8). Do not use Sony Flashtool, Emma - it's rubbish. Don't use any other software that promise to root/unlock bootloader with one click.
Download kernel
Download SuperSU
Download drivers for windows - if you're doing this on Windows (not recommended). For Linux you know need no additional drivers. You can also find drivers in FlashTool folder at c:/FlashTool/Drivers.
Download ROM and Apps
Download FTF original firmware
Note: Final FTF download is not necessary if you're not in bootloop or don't have any other bricking problems.
Step 1. Unlocking bootloader.
Warning: Do not use the official Sony method because this will cause your phone to enter in bootloop. In case your phone is already bootlooping see below.
- Install all the drivers and then start FlashTool.
- Power off phone
- Connect USB cable to PC. With the phone powered off keep pressing the volume up button while plugging the other end of the usb cable into the phone. Now your phone is in bootloader mode and the blue led is on.
- Press the BLU button in FlashTool
- Choose the correct phone model (Xperia M) from the list. Double click on it.
- Your phone's IMEI will be automatically be copied into FlashTool, all you need to do is hit Unlock.
- You can then disconnect your phone from PC and boot it up. Now your bootloader is UNLOCKED.
Step 2. Flashing Kernel.
- Power off phone.
- With FlashTool running connect the USB cable to PC
- Now you will have to put the phone in FLASHMODE: this time you will hold the DOWN volume button while plugging the other end of the USB cable into phone. The led will be off. Now you're in FLASH MODE.
- Click on the thunder button in FlashTool, select Fastboot
- Click on Select kernel to flash and from the open windows, on the bottom, select the .img file type.
- Choose one of the kernels you've downloaded in the above link.
- Flashing will be made automatically. You can now manual restart your phone or choose Reboot into system option from FlashTool.
- Your recovery is now installed. You can enter into recovery by pressing 2 TIMES very quickly the DOWN or UP volume button at boot when the purple led is on. Depending on the kernel, you will have to use either the Up or Down volume button.
Step 3. Rooting.
- Copy the SuperSU on SD card
- Enter recovery mode
- Install from zip
- Done
Step 4. Install custom ROM and Apps.
- Copy ROM image and Apps zip on SD card
- Enter recovery.
- Wipe all data, cache and Dalvik
- Install from zip, first ROM and then Apps.
- Optional, depending on the ROM, you can choose during Rom setup if you want to keep the kernel or install another one.
IN CASE YOU'RE IN BOOTLOOP (phone restarting over and over again or boot image stays on forever without the phone completing bootup).
This can happen if you have used the official Sony bootloader unlocking.
To fix the problem you will have to re-lock your bootloaded, flash the original firmware and then unlock the bootloader again using the correct way (FlashTool).
Relocking the bootloader is the same as unlocking (see Step 1), but instead of Unlock button you will have the Relock button.
The you will have to flash the original firmware (see download list).
- Power off and disconnect your phone from PC.
- With FlashTool runing connect USB cable into PC
- Copy the FTF file into c:/FlashTool/firmwares
- Press the thunder button in Flashtool and choose Flashmode. You will see the image you just put in /firmwares in the list. Choose it and hit FLASH.
- FlashTool will prepare the firmware. In a few minutes you will be asked to connect the phone in FLASHMODE. (Connect usb cable while presing the volume Down button)
- Now flashing will start automatically. At the end disconnect your phone and reboot.
Now, you're fresh and funky with a stock phone. To root your phone start from step one and unlock bootloader with FlashTool.

Unlock bootloader
I did all the steps to unlock the bootloader but my phone don't boot up. It stays at the animation. Can you help me?

konstantinos Gr said:
I did all the steps to unlock the bootloader but my phone don't boot up. It stays at the animation. Can you help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its normal... you have to flash ftf via flashtool...

imdkiller said:
its normal... you have to flash ftf via flashtool...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did it but it stops loading when it flashing... I have to wait too many time? (Sorry for bad english)
---------- Post added at 05:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:47 PM ----------
konstantinos Gr said:
I did it but it stops loading when it flashing... I have to wait too many time? (Sorry for bad english)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it normal to late so much? :/

Please explain what exactly did you try to do and I'll do my best to help. Did you come from stock rom? Have you unlocked the bl with flashtool? Now that you're in bootloop have you tried the special method exposed above? Try to lock the bl again, load os and unlock it once again.

Hey, when i click on the blu button, xperia M is not in the list! Can You help me ?
hitlerII said:
Unlocking/Relocking Bootloader
Install Kernel (CMW)
Install Root
Install custom ROM
I've made this tutorial because I haven't found all, complete and put together information regarding fully debugging Xperia M phone. And now that my phone is up and running beautifully I can share my experience.This is all the info in one place, for any problems you may encounter during rooting/installing custom roms.
First you will need the following (you have the link attached to this thread):
Download and install FlashTool - Linux version is recommended. I never could use all the FlashTool options and drivers on Windows (XP and 8). Do not use Sony Flashtool, Emma - it's rubbish. Don't use any other software that promise to root/unlock bootloader with one click.
Download kernel
Download SuperSU
Download drivers for windows - if you're doing this on Windows (not recommended). For Linux you know need no additional drivers. You can also find drivers in FlashTool folder at c:/FlashTool/Drivers.
Download ROM and Apps
Download FTF original firmware
Note: Final FTF download is not necessary if you're not in bootloop or don't have any other bricking problems.
Step 1. Unlocking bootloader.
Warning: Do not use the official Sony method because this will cause your phone to enter in bootloop. In case your phone is already bootlooping see below.
- Install all the drivers and then start FlashTool.
- Power off phone
- Connect USB cable to PC. With the phone powered off keep pressing the volume up button while plugging the other end of the usb cable into the phone. Now your phone is in bootloader mode and the blue led is on.
- Press the BLU button in FlashTool
- Choose the correct phone model (Xperia M) from the list. Double click on it.
- Your phone's IMEI will be automatically be copied into FlashTool, all you need to do is hit Unlock.
- You can then disconnect your phone from PC and boot it up. Now your bootloader is UNLOCKED.
Step 2. Flashing Kernel.
- Power off phone.
- With FlashTool running connect the USB cable to PC
- Now you will have to put the phone in FLASHMODE: this time you will hold the DOWN volume button while plugging the other end of the USB cable into phone. The led will be off. Now you're in FLASH MODE.
- Click on the thunder button in FlashTool, select Fastboot
- Click on Select kernel to flash and from the open windows, on the bottom, select the .img file type.
- Choose one of the kernels you've downloaded in the above link.
- Flashing will be made automatically. You can now manual restart your phone or choose Reboot into system option from FlashTool.
- Your recovery is now installed. You can enter into recovery by pressing 2 TIMES very quickly the DOWN or UP volume button at boot when the purple led is on. Depending on the kernel, you will have to use either the Up or Down volume button.
Step 3. Rooting.
- Copy the SuperSU on SD card
- Enter recovery mode
- Install from zip
- Done
Step 4. Install custom ROM and Apps.
- Copy ROM image and Apps zip on SD card
- Enter recovery.
- Wipe all data, cache and Dalvik
- Install from zip, first ROM and then Apps.
- Optional, depending on the ROM, you can choose during Rom setup if you want to keep the kernel or install another one.
IN CASE YOU'RE IN BOOTLOOP (phone restarting over and over again or boot image stays on forever without the phone completing bootup).
This can happen if you have used the official Sony bootloader unlocking.
To fix the problem you will have to re-lock your bootloaded, flash the original firmware and then unlock the bootloader again using the correct way (FlashTool).
Relocking the bootloader is the same as unlocking (see Step 1), but instead of Unlock button you will have the Relock button.
The you will have to flash the original firmware (see download list).
- Power off and disconnect your phone from PC.
- With FlashTool runing connect USB cable into PC
- Copy the FTF file into c:/FlashTool/firmwares
- Press the thunder button in Flashtool and choose Flashmode. You will see the image you just put in /firmwares in the list. Choose it and hit FLASH.
- FlashTool will prepare the firmware. In a few minutes you will be asked to connect the phone in FLASHMODE. (Connect usb cable while presing the volume Down button)
- Now flashing will start automatically. At the end disconnect your phone and reboot.
Now, you're fresh and funky with a stock phone. To root your phone start from step one and unlock bootloader with FlashTool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

My Xperia SL wont flash with custom ROM

Hi guys
I'm just a new guy here.
I need help with my Xperia SL. I have tried to flash it with many ways but nothing worked.
My SL is unlocked and its running with Android 4.1.2 ( Build# 6.2.B.1.96)
and its successfully rooted with Root Mster.
I have tried Flash Tool while following many toturials but it didnt work.
I also tried to restart my phone in recovery mode by installing CWM but also nothing happin
please if any one could help me with this problem. I want to flash my SL with stable and smooth ROM.

3ly.a7mad said:
Hi guys
I'm just a new guy here.
I need help with my Xperia SL. I have tried to flash it with many ways but nothing worked.
My SL is unlocked and its running with Android 4.1.2 ( Build# 6.2.B.1.96)
and its successfully rooted with Root Mster.
I have tried Flash Tool while following many toturials but it didnt work.
I also tried to restart my phone in recovery mode by installing CWM but also nothing happin
please if any one could help me with this problem. I want to flash my SL with stable and smooth ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which ROM's are You trying to install? Also, which recovery are You trying to use?

Mirhawk said:
Which ROM's are You trying to install? Also, which recovery are You trying to use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I'm trying to install Pure AOSP custom ROM, because I read that its stable and smooth wiht Xperia S so I think it would work fine with my SL.
if you suggest better ROM for the Xperia SL I will be thankfull.
I have followed toturials to use CWM recovery but i didnt get anything usefull. Also I have tried the Falsh Tool but nothing happen.
I do all the steps but when I get to restart the phone in recovery nothing happen.

3ly.a7mad said:
Hi,
I'm trying to install Pure AOSP custom ROM, because I read that its stable and smooth wiht Xperia S so I think it would work fine with my SL.
if you suggest better ROM for the Xperia SL I will be thankfull.
I have followed toturials to use CWM recovery but i didnt get anything usefull. Also I have tried the Falsh Tool but nothing happen.
I do all the steps but when I get to restart the phone in recovery nothing happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do You mean this one? You need to unlock bootloader for that first.

I need pure ROM either 4.4.2 or 4.4.3. And BTW bootloader is unlocked
Sent from my LT26ii using XDA Free mobile app

3ly.a7mad said:
I need pure ROM either 4.4.2 or 4.4.3. And BTW bootloader is unlocked
Sent from my LT26ii using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can You provide a link for the ROM You are trying to flash as I'm not able to get You. And Why 4.4.2/4.4.3 only?

Mirhawk said:
Can You provide a link for the ROM You are trying to flash as I'm not able to get You. And Why 4.4.2/4.4.3 only?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks Mirhawk for your helping.
I want to flash my SL with this ROM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2606528
I really appreciate your helping .

3ly.a7mad said:
thanks Mirhawk for your helping.
I want to flash my SL with this ROM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2606528
I really appreciate your helping .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah no biggies!
You need to have unlocked bootloader for this.
You can unlock bootloader here. But first backup DRM keys using procedure here.
This Guide is for Kitkat ROM's.​
Got everything now. Follow the following steps, You will have the ROM in Your phone by it:
1) Copy both the ROM.zip and gapps.zip to Your phone.
1) This step is on PC.. Download this boot.img. This is required as the boot.img of some Kitkat ROM's don't have TWRP built in or have incompatible recovery. Rename it to boot.img
3) Then copy it to "C:\Flashtool\x10flasher_lib" or wherever You installed the flashtool. We need to copy this to there since we need to use 'adb.exe' and 'fastboot.exe' from here.
4) Open command prompt on the same path as above.
5) Switch off Your phone. Then connect the cable to PC but not to phone. Press volume up button on Your phone and while pressing it, connect the cable to phone. Blue LED will lit up. If there is no blue LED, do this step again.
6) Then use these commands in command prompt to flash the boot.img to the phone:
Code:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
The boot.img is used to just get the TWRP to the phone to flash the ROM.
7) Now Your phone won't boot normally if You try to do that. What You need to do is as soon as the device powers up, try entering recovery. Since we flashed the boot.img, it will boot into recovery.
8) Then format system, data, and cache. This will delete all Your apps and their data. It won't delete Your sdcard data. Be careful, don't format sdcard by mistake!
9) Now flash the ROM.zip from recovery.
10) Format cache and dalvik cache only.
11) Flash gapps from recovery.
12) Reboot! Done!
The first boot and reboot are a bit long. During reboot, the phone will seem to be stuck at the Sony logo, but it is just processing, so no need to worry.
In case You don't have TWRP after flashing the ROM, You can follow the procedure from here to flash the recovery.
Kitkat instructions end here.
Lollipop ROM:​Link to Android Lollipop (5.0) gapps : Link.
For flashing the AOSP ROM's:
1) This step is on PC.. Download this boot.img. This is required as the boot.img from AOSP Lollipop ROM's don't have inbuilt recovery. Download the the root binaries from here if You are using Pure AOSP ROM by billchen1977 only.
2) Copy the ROM.zip, gapps.zip and SuperSU.zip to Your phone.
3) Then copy boot.img to "C:\Flashtool\x10flasher_lib" or wherever You installed the flashtool. We need to copy this to there since we need to use 'adb.exe' and 'fastboot.exe' from here.
4) Open command prompt on the same path as above.
5) Switch off Your phone. Then connect the cable to PC but not to phone. Press volume up button on Your phone and while pressing it, connect the cable to phone. Blue LED will lit up. If there is no blue LED, do this step again.
6) Then use these commands in command prompt to flash the boot.img to the phone:
Code:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
The boot.img is used to just get the TWRP to the phone to flash the ROM.
7) Now Your phone won't boot normally if You try to do that. What You need to do is as soon as the device powers up, try entering recovery by pressing volume up button when the LED turn blue. Since we flashed the boot.img, it will boot into recovery.
8) Then format system, data, and cache.. This will delete all Your apps and their data. It won't delete Your sdcard data. Be careful, don't format sdcard by mistake!
9) Now flash the ROM.zip from recovery.
10) Format cache and dalvik cache only.
11) Flash gapps from recovery.
12) Do this step only for billchen1977's Pure AOSP ROM! Flash the SUperSU downloaded in the first instruction. If You are flashing nAOSP by mickybart, don't follow this step, skip to next step.
13) Reboot!
14) After flashing the Lollipop ROM, You loose Your recovery, You can get it back by following the procedure here.
15) After flashing a Lollipop ROM, the first boot displays only boot animation for 10-15 minutes. This doesn't mean Your phone is bricked, it is just initializing the apps. During second boot, it will seem to be stuck at "Sony" logo for 5 minutes. This is also normal.
Suppose You are not able to recover at some point and can't wait for next reply, You can flash a stock firmware using flashtool.
first
second

:crying: :crying:
Mirhawk said:
Ah no biggies!
Got everything now. Follow the following steps, You will have the ROM in Your phone by it:
1) Copy both the ROM.zip and gapps.zip to Your phone.
2) This step is on PC.. Extract the boot.img from the ROM.zip
3) Then copy it to "C:\Flashtool\x10flasher_lib\" or wherever You installed the flashtool. We need to copy this to there since we need to use 'adb.exe' and 'fastboot.exe' from here.
4) Open command prompt on the same path as above.
5) Connect Your phone to PC switched on, unlocked(from lock screen) and Developer options enabled.
6) Then use these commands in command prompt to flash the boot.img to the phone:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash boot boot.img
The first command is used to reboot phone to bootloader. Bootloader reboot is usually used to flash kernels to phone.
The boot.img here consists a kernel specific to this ROM. It also has inbuilt recovery(either a CWM or TWRP.)
7) Now Your phone won't boot normally if You try to do that. What You need to do is as soon as the device powers up, try entering recovery. Since we flashed the boot.img, it will boot into recovery.
8) Then format system, data, and cache.. This will delete all Your apps and their data. It won't delete Your sdcard data. Be careful, don't format sdcard by mistake!
9) Now flash the ROM.zip from recovery.
10) Format cache and dalvik cache only.
11) Flash gapps from recovery.
12) Reboot! Done!
Suppose You are not able to recover at some point and can't wait for next reply, You can flash a stock firmware using flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:crying: :crying: :crying:
I think there is a problem with my SL. i did every thing correctly, but when I enter the commands my phone restart and the blue light turns on for three seconds then it turns off. then the phone just boot normally
I have done this many times but it didnt work :crying:

3ly.a7mad said:
:crying: :crying: :crying:
I think there is a problem with my SL. i did every thing correctly, but when I enter the commands my phone restart and the blue light turns on for three seconds then it turns off. then the phone just boot normally
I have done this many times but it didnt work :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then You have not installed fastboot drivers. You need to install them from drivers folder in the setup location of Flashtool.
Else instead of step 5, switch off Your phone and disconnect it from PC. Then hold the volume up button and connect the phone to PC. The blue light will come on. And the release the volume up button. And just use the "fastboot flash boot boot.img" command.

Mirhawk said:
Then You have not installed fastboot drivers. You need to install them from drivers folder in the setup location of Flashtool.
Else instead of step 5, switch off Your phone and disconnect it from PC. Then hold the volume up button and connect the phone to PC. The blue light will come on. And the release the volume up button. And just use the "fastboot flash boot boot.img" command.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also use an app called Rashr to flash the boot.img kernel instead of fastboot (at your own risk of course)...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.mkrtchyan.recoverytools