Develop Bugs

CM7 or CM9 and a Story

Hey I've asked a similar question in the past although didn't ask it properly and I HAVE searched many a time so I thought I'd ask and a good answer would be extremely appreciated so here goes:
I bought my Play (R800a) the day before Ice Cream Sandwich was cancelled for the device *Sadface* and then I soon after discovered that without paying extra for a Test Point unlock I was stuck with a pesky locked bootloader. Now, I thought this was the end for me but then I discovered something amazing! I can still install CWM and flash firmware via Flashtool, So did this mean custom roms on a locked Bootloader?! Yes, yes it did! Now that wasn't the end of my hassles, I also discovered that flashing kernels was impossible with a locked bootloader but what did that matter to me? I just figured I'd ignore Kernels all together, I'm fine with that!
>So what that made me wonder was are there any versions of CM7 or (preferably) CM9 that do not require a custom Kernel? And if so what firmware should my phone be on for it? I am currently on .42 but If it means a custom rom I'm happy to change!
>Next, if there are no safe versions of CM7 or 9 for a locked Bootloader, what other amazing roms are out there that I can use?
>If I were to stay on the stock rom should I update to something else from .42 or stick with it?
ps. Please do not go and say I should just buy a Test Point unlock, I have absolutely no money, I'm 17 with no Job and my parents don't have money either (I just lent mum my money the other day to buy milk).
pps. Will updating the firmware via flashtool wipe my phones memory? If so is titanium backup the best backup tool? (I am rooted)

I am Carrier unlocked (Previously locked to Telstra Australia)

Unfortunately most of the GOOD roms use different kernels...especially the CM7 and 9....so you would more than likely have to pay to unlock your phone. Still reading you post, just though I'd put what I've read from the forums here.
Searching around the dev section is normally your best bet to find roms that run through locked bootloader. Make sure you do a nandroid backup before you restore using the rom you choose. Using Titanium Backup is good for backing up games, save data and the data for those games. In your case you should look for GSM locked bootloader roms in the Dev section.
Sent from my R800x using XDA

brsingr said:
Unfortunately most of the GOOD roms use different kernels...especially the CM7 and 9....so you would more than likely have to pay to unlock your phone. Still reading you post, just though I'd put what I've read from the forums here.
Searching around the dev section is normally your best bet to find roms that run through locked bootloader. Make sure you do a nandroid backup before you restore using the rom you choose. Using Titanium Backup is good for backing up games, save data and the data for those games. In your case you should look for GSM locked bootloader roms in the Dev section.
Sent from my R800x using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thanks mate I'll have a look around!

[Q] root

hello,
My wife has a WFS and has a lot of apps preinstalled on her phone.
i looked a time ago to root it to remove them, but in that time, i didn't found a solution.
Now i see that there are a lot of apps an methots to root it, putting it S-off, ...
but i'm not sure which one to use.
What do i want?
I want to be able to remove all preinstalled apps, without loosing all the data/other apps/... there are on at this moment.
What is a good methot doing so?
tx!

I am definitely not an expert, but I've been playing a lot with my WFS. To clear those pre installed apps, you need admin privileges, ie root access. The most simple solution I used was a dedicated tool, unlockroot http://www.unlockroot.com. But, as a prerequisite, phone must be S-on. Otherwise, you will have to S-On it first.
Sent from my HTC Wildfire S A510e using xda app-developers app

koenh78 said:
hello,
My wife has a WFS and has a lot of apps preinstalled on her phone.
i looked a time ago to root it to remove them, but in that time, i didn't found a solution.
Now i see that there are a lot of apps an methots to root it, putting it S-off, ...
but i'm not sure which one to use.
What do i want?
I want to be able to remove all preinstalled apps, without loosing all the data/other apps/... there are on at this moment.
What is a good methot doing so?
tx!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here you go...
these are the tutorial links...
1) to unlock bootloader http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1432199
2) to root ur device http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1195275
*************************************************************** Hit Thanks if I helped You *****************************************************************

Tx!
What is see in the tutorials is that
1) you need an unlocked bootloader to step 2.
2) You loose all data in step 1.
They advice to do a full phone backup, but how can i do this?
Isn't there another way of rooting, without loosing all data?
gr

koenh78 said:
Tx!
What is see in the tutorials is that
1) you need an unlocked bootloader to step 2.
2) You loose all data in step 1.
They advice to do a full phone backup, but how can i do this?
Isn't there another way of rooting, without loosing all data?
gr
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im not sure about that.... take all apk backup...(using some market software like android assistant) but you have to lose your preferences and settings..... this is what i done....
************************************************** ************* Hit Thanks if I helped You ************************************************** ***************

koenh78 said:
Tx!
What is see in the tutorials is that
1) you need an unlocked bootloader to step 2.
2) You loose all data in step 1.
They advice to do a full phone backup, but how can i do this?
Isn't there another way of rooting, without loosing all data?
gr
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your phone has already an unlocked bootloader (ie S-off) and then you just want to root it, without loosing anything and without having to backup any single piece of data, unlockroot is the simple way to go. I gave the link in my previous post.
But if you need to S-off it first, then you definitely need to backup some data. As far as I know, you may have to backup call logs, sms. Exports your contacts lists as vCard on your sDcard (or synchronized them with an online account, as you like).
You may also want to backup some user applications. You can use ApkManagerPlus (search it on the Google store), it can export user apps as apk files on the sdCard. Or just use Airdroid (available on the Google Store, too), which is awesome at that, too.
All of them are freely available apps.
If you have access to a stock based recovery, perform a nandroid backup too.
Then connect the phone as a mass storage and copy the whole contents on your PC.
That should be enough precautions before trying to unlock the bootloader.

[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.

Noob question for TA backups and Root

Sorry if this is a dumb question. Can someone please explain what it means that Bravia in Album will no longer work if I unlock the bootloader? I've been reading through many resources and have seen some old and new reports that either make no sense or contradict one another. This is my first Sony device so I'm not used to having to backup a TA partition or anything like that. My goal is to have a fully functional rooted stock firmware. I'm mainly sticking with stock to preserve the camera app since I will use it the most. From the sound of it, It seems like I'll be breaking something by rooting my device. Is this the case? If so, what gets broken and is there a way to root the stock firmware otherwise?

Xentar712 said:
Sorry if this is a dumb question. Can someone please explain what it means that Bravia in Album will no longer work if I unlock the bootloader? I've been reading through many resources and have seen some old and new reports that either make no sense or contradict one another. This is my first Sony device so I'm not used to having to backup a TA partition or anything like that. My goal is to have a fully functional rooted stock firmware. I'm mainly sticking with stock to preserve the camera app since I will use it the most. From the sound of it, It seems like I'll be breaking something by rooting my device. Is this the case? If so, what gets broken and is there a way to root the stock firmware otherwise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting doesn't require unlocking bootloader. Unlocking bootloader is when you will need to start worrying about TA and DRM and such. Just root using this method and you won't need to worry about backing up TA first: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900

camaro is right, as long as the root exploit works (i.e. as long as the upstream aosp kernel bugfix isn't merged) an unlocked bootloader is only required to flash a different kernel.

Thanks guys, every thing worked great

camaro322hp said:
Rooting doesn't require unlocking bootloader. Unlocking bootloader is when you will need to start worrying about TA and DRM and such. Just root using this method and you won't need to worry about backing up TA first: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm probably going to go the next step and unlock the bootloader soon. I'll do a TA backup before, for sure. Does unlocking the bootloader break any of the apps or services?

Xentar712 said:
So I'm probably going to go the next step and unlock the bootloader soon. I'll do a TA backup before, for sure. Does unlocking the bootloader break any of the apps or services?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2745704
Sent from my D5503

camaro322hp said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2745704
Sent from my D5503
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, thanks! So basically just the X-reality(Bravia engine) will be gone. Not sure if I need that so maybe I'll take a spin with it off for a few days and see if I like it still. I read somewhere that Netflix was broken from it but that report was old so I'm guessing it's fixed now.

Xentar712 said:
Cool, thanks! So basically just the X-reality(Bravia engine) will be gone. Not sure if I need that so maybe I'll take a spin with it off for a few days and see if I like it still. I read somewhere that Netflix was broken from it but that report was old so I'm guessing it's fixed now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may want to resurrect that old thread to see if anyone else has input. I never unlocked bootloader as the stock ROM rooted was sufficient for me, so I can't say for sure what gets lost.
Sent from my D5503

Help Tech-Savvy NOOB get started

I have an old Sony Xperia M C1905 that I want to root/load a custom, cut-down ROM to free up space for the Apps that seem to be growing with every update. I am a NOOB (as you say) to installing custom F/W on my phone, BUT I am tech-savvy. What I need is access to a set of instructions/tools that I can use with my phone and PC combination. I realise that this is an old phone and you are trying to help, but for me it is frustrating when all the links to tools from the threads seem to be dead or don't work. Please can someone have a read and let me know a way to do this that has a set of working tools. Thanks
My PC is a MS Windows 10 laptop – If necessary, I could resurrect an old laptop and install Linux on it, if that is a simpler approach.
I have had a look at what is available and will probably load the ROM from:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-m/orig-development/rom-slim6-marshmallow-t3418258
What I think I need to do (and have tried to start) is:
1. Root the phone.
2. Backup the current ROM.
3. Unlock the boot-loader.
4. Load the Slim6 ROM.
To do 1. I have tried two methods, the first recommended from the backup thread and a second found by searching.
i. Easy Rooting toolkit: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598 but the download link for DooMLoRD_Easy-Rooting-Toolkit_v17_perf-event-exploit.zip. The Download site for this tool tells me (eventually) that the file has expired or has been deleted by the owner - so i can't get this tool. Any Ideas How to get this?
ii. Also tried: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2529561 but for me, the cydia impactor tool does not see my phone or have any options. Yes, I have enabled - and allowed USB debug mode, before you ask. And yes the PC can see the phone so the connection is good.
To do 2. I am proposing to use the instructions from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598 Please confirm this is still valid.
iii. [Update] Also tried rooting by using this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2457174 but this requires Framaroot 1.5.3, When I try and download this, the download site says: "The file link that you requested is not valid. Please contact link publisher or try to make a search."
Update 2. Managed to get a download of Framaroot, installed, but does not work for Xperia M with Android 4.3. Any idea of a way forward?
To do 3. I am proposing to use: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2484622 Please confirm this thread is still valid - and the best approach.
To do 4. https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-m/orig-development/rom-slim6-marshmallow-t3418258 - Please let me know if there is a more appropriate ROM to install to free up some space.

You can follow this link :
And for root, I think slim6 is pre rooted. Means in Developer options, select root for adb and apps.

What about backing up the current ROME?
Thanks for your reply, but to my understanding this just does 2. & 3. from my list. Most of the ROM installation guides say to take a backup of the current ROM so that you can restore the original system.
To do this I need to get root access with the current build. Is this now impossible?
Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and just not bother with the backup.

You should definitely take a backup.
This is because of the TA partition. As soon as you unlock the bootloader of your phone it will format the TA partition, so without the backup you won't be able to restore it which might be needed. Using a TA backup from another phone will NOT work.
So you are right about the steps, you need to root the phone, backup, unlock the boot loader and flash the new ROM. I didn't check all of the links you posted now, but if Framearoot is not working for you you might want to try out iovyroot. Also check that you downloaded the right tool to root for your Android version.
If it's still relevant and you need any additional help I'll post some instructions for you another day.

Thanks for the confirmation of the process.
Iovyroot is not a root method I have tried. I will Investigate tomorrow.
I will post back here when I have tried it.
I have tried a couple of versions of Framaroot, one recommended version for the phone, and the latest version I could find. Neither worked.

Maninfrontofpc said:
Thanks for your reply, but to my understanding this just does 2. & 3. from my list. Most of the ROM installation guides say to take a backup of the current ROM so that you can restore the original system.
To do this I need to get root access with the current build. Is this now impossible?
Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and just not bother with the backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to get root access to have a backup. Just unlock your bootloader and install cwm or twrp through fastboot and take backup with help of it. Now if you are on stock rom and you need root anyway, you can use towelroot. And then install supersu from playstore. OR flash superSU through cwm. In that case no need to install towelroot.

Is nidhoegg mistaken?
Please can you confirm that the TA partition will Be NOT be formatted when I unlock the boot loader?

Maninfrontofpc said:
Please can you confirm that the TA partition will Be NOT be formatted when I unlock the boot loader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you so much worried about TA partition?

My understanding is that this contains various sets of system data including: S/W signatures for the Sony Apps (if I want to restore the Sony ROM to the phone); calibration data of the various devices on the phone - accelerometer etc. So surely, even if just for the calibration data, I would not want to lose this data even if I loaded a custom ROM - I have no way of re-calibrating the devices, so would need the factory acceptance calibration values.
Am I mistaken?

TA backup for our device isn't necessary. Actually I don't know anyone from xda taking TA backup. TA backup is for newer sony devices and z series devices. In those devices, somethings like sony camera wouldn't work if you lose drm keys. It's not the case with our mobile.

Are you saying that all the threads from when this was the current phone are wrong, and I don't need to backup this partition?
TA = Trim Area; as well as holding the DRM Keys/S/W signatures, my understanding is that at contains Trim data to adjust the various sensors on the phone to read accurately. I have been led to believe that these are written during the automated Factory Acceptance Testing to adjust for small differences in the components on the phone, and are unique to the device. Surely if I lose this data the sensors will not read accurately.
Is this wrong?