[Q] Unlocking and flashing kernel for O/C - Xperia Play Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi all !
I've rooted my Play and looking forward to O/C it (mainly for N64 emulation ).
Reading several threads, I gathered that I need to unlock my bootloader and flash a custom kernel (DoomLord's for example).
My Play is not simlocked, so I can use the official unlocking for my bootloader.
If I understand well, I'll then lose some DRM-credentials... But I could not find exactly what that would mean. I guess there would be no problem with apps bought from the android market. But would I lose the games pre-installed on the play? Or the free games I got from EA (Dead Space, etc.) ??
Another n00b question: when flashing a custom kernel (keeping the stock rom), vill I lose everything on my phone and therefore, do I have to backup/restore everything? And if so, what would you recommand in order to have a full backup?
Thanks so much for your help !!

FixB said:
Hi all !
I've rooted my Play and looking forward to O/C it (mainly for N64 emulation ).
Reading several threads, I gathered that I need to unlock my bootloader and flash a custom kernel (DoomLord's for example).
My Play is not simlocked, so I can use the official unlocking for my bootloader.
If I understand well, I'll then lose some DRM-credentials... But I could not find exactly what that would mean. I guess there would be no problem with apps bought from the android market. But would I lose the games pre-installed on the play? Or the free games I got from EA (Dead Space, etc.) ??
Another n00b question: when flashing a custom kernel (keeping the stock rom), vill I lose everything on my phone and therefore, do I have to backup/restore everything? And if so, what would you recommand in order to have a full backup?
Thanks so much for your help !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Drm is your your certificate for official updates and if you lose your drm official updates would brick your phone now, if you can't do a official update you can always flash using flash tool. You won't lose any of your games or the xperia store. There is a touch point method so you won't lose your drm. You won't lose any data from your rom when flashing a kernel. When do flash a kernel then you can do a full back up through cwm.
Sent from my R800i using xda premium

danlivesey said:
Drm is your your certificate for official updates and if you lose your drm official updates would brick your phone now, if you can't do a official update you can always flash using flash tool. You won't lose any of your games or the xperia store. There is a touch point method so you won't lose your drm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this the method you are referring to:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1285285 ??
I'll look into it thanks !
danlivesey said:
You won't lose any data from your rom when flashing a kernel. When do flash a kernel then you can do a full back up through cwm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't quite get it, sorry
Unlocking the bootloader + flashing a custom kernel: must I backup everything before and restore afterwards, or do these operations keep everything intact (apps, datas, etc.) ??
Thanks for your kind help dan !

Yes that's the method and no you don't need to back your data up or anything when flashing a kernel. You only need to back your data up when installing custom roms.
Sent from my R800i using xda premium

Related

updating rooted Desire to the latest OTA

Hey guys,
I've got the latest update OTA ready to install, but since my device is rooted I'm wondering what do I do?
I've read threads stating to just update and re root it and others say it won't go through and I'd have to disable signatures in clockwork recovery !
hence I'm confused, please help
Cheers
Jackie
Its not safe to perform official ota updates on rooted devices.
Most of the time nothing happens, you just lose root. But anything could happen from losing your custom recovery to a non booting device, which is known to happen.
If you want updated software on your phone install a custom rom.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
same situation, my question is can i apply this RUU from PC, and what will happen exactly? Lose root, data?
i found this RUU RUU_Bravo_Froyo_HTC_WWE_2.29.405.5_Radio_32.49.00.32U_5.11.05.27_release_159811_signed
you can apply that RUU but you will lose root and all of your data so back everything up beforehand.
you may also need a Goldcard depending on whether your phone was unbranded from new or not.
mikep99 said:
you can apply that RUU but you will lose root and all of your data so back everything up beforehand.
you may also need a Goldcard depending on whether your phone was unbranded from new or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know about the Goldcard. Any idea on how to do a backup, i have read about using Titanium but i found it confusing. Little help would be useful
yeah, just use Titanium and back up all user apps as a batch process.
Backuo/Restore at the top of the initial screen.
Menu button and choose Batch
Then Backup all user apps.
you can then restore them after you've flashed the RUU.
also, make sure your contacts are backed up (probably by Google / Gmail).
mikep99 said:
yeah, just use Titanium and back up all user apps as a batch process.
Backuo/Restore at the top of the initial screen.
Menu button and choose Batch
Then Backup all user apps.
you can then restore them after you've flashed the RUU.
also, make sure your contacts are backed up (probably by Google / Gmail).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, but there is an option all apps and data. what is data? is it app data?
Just back up user apps.
You don't want to restore any system data as you are changing roms.
Also, make sure you do a nand backup to go back to if needed.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
mikep99 said:
Just back up user apps.
You don't want to restore any system data as you are changing roms.
Also, make sure you do a nand backup to go back to if needed.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did it just now, went fine. Thanks for the help
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
So there is still no way to just update by update.zip?
I dont want to reflash my whole phone, I got everything backed up propper
but I find it crap because its just a very small update.
Just ignore the update then, if your phone is working fine
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
hmm an official update from htc, great. but if you are rooted and have tried a custom rom or even many such as me, then you dont want to loose that ability to flash great custom roms, just because htc released an update.
i am not sure, but i think that some users just unrevoked (rooted) their devices, but havent installed any custom roms and dont have the joy of it. i never want go to back to original rom. my future updates would be out of a custom rom. great forum here, love it
I just use the stock rom because i'm happy with it.
I rooted my phone because some apps wont work without it. I would try a custom rom but I still remember my HD2 and all the reconfigging I had to do.
Can you flash custom roms without reconfiguring everything?
Like.. when I flashed the last update.zip (405.2) I just installed it and I could start using my phone right away after the update. thats how I like it, but im not sure (more unsure) that this will work the same when I use a custom rom right?
pt0x said:
I just use the stock rom because i'm happy with it.
I rooted my phone because some apps wont work without it. I would try a custom rom but I still remember my HD2 and all the reconfigging I had to do.
Can you flash custom roms without reconfiguring everything?
Like.. when I flashed the last update.zip (405.2) I just installed it and I could start using my phone right away after the update. thats how I like it, but im not sure (more unsure) that this will work the same when I use a custom rom right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so you installed the latest update.zip on a rooted device? and did not loose your root functionality?
I'm willing to reroot my phone, I just wanna know if a rooted device when update could mess up !?
I wanna try custom ROMs sadly I can't due to the rebooting issue, will be sending in for repair soon this week !
jackie_jagger said:
so you installed the latest update.zip on a rooted device? and did not loose your root functionality?
I'm willing to reroot my phone, I just wanna know if a rooted device when update could mess up !?
I wanna try custom ROMs sadly I can't due to the rebooting issue, will be sending in for repair soon this week !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting your device voids your warranty just as much as flashing a custom rom would. Either way would have to use the stock ruu before you send if back so it makes no difference if your stock rooted or have a custom rom.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

[Q] unlock bootloader backup plan confirmation

I would like to unlock the bootloader in order to flash doomlords kernel for overclocking.
My device is rooted (gingerbreak) and updated via OTA to 2.3.4.
I read that unlocking the bootloader via official SE way will wipe all data, so i need some confirmation regarding my backup-plan.
This is how I plan to do it:
1. backup all my apps and data (sms,call-log etc.) with titanium backup (i really need my savegames and stuff..)
2. unlock bootloader as described here http://unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com/
3. flash doomlord kernel for stock firmware as described here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176502
4. install titanium backup and recover all backups (reboot)
5. fry device via overclocking
So here comes my question. Could this plan work? i really really dont want to reinstall all my apps.
Thanks for any help.
covux said:
I would like to unlock the bootloader in order to flash doomlords kernel for overclocking.
My device is rooted (gingerbreak) and updated via OTA to 2.3.4.
I read that unlocking the bootloader via official SE way will wipe all data, so i need some confirmation regarding my backup-plan.
This is how I plan to do it:
1. backup all my apps and data (sms,call-log etc.) with titanium backup (i really need my savegames and stuff..)
2. unlock bootloader as described here http://unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com/
3. flash doomlord kernel for stock firmware as described here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176502
4. install titanium backup and recover all backups (reboot)
5. fry device via overclocking
So here comes my question. Could this plan work? i really really dont want to reinstall all my apps.
Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. It should but when modding/hacking you never say yes,lol
Swyped from my Xperia Play via Tapatalk
I had a bit trouble getting fastboot to work, but after that it was a piece of cake. thanks again for confirmation.

[Q] [S] Future OTA if I root with locked bootloader?

Hi all,
Just got my Xperia S and really love the phone with fantastic design and awesome screen. I really intend to gain root access for my phone to troubleshoot the battery drain issue further (and using some app for better control over the setting). Here's a few queries I have (and some partially answered by some of my searches on the forum):
Will I get any OTA or official firmware update shall I just root my phone with locked bootloader? (I won't mess with custom recovery or ROM)
I suppose I could still claim my warranty. But is there anyway to remove any traces completely to prevent them from finding out? Just removing the superuser app?
If in the future I would like to have access to custom recovery so that I could flash ROM, I suppose I must unlock the bootloader right? (at least until someone gets a workaround for locked bootloader)
The tool I will use for rooting is by Bin4ry. I am on the latest ICS firmware.
tanjinjack said:
Hi all,
Just got my Xperia S and really love the phone with fantastic design and awesome screen. I really intend to gain root access for my phone to troubleshoot the battery drain issue further (and using some app for better control over the setting). Here's a few queries I have (and some partially answered by some of my searches on the forum):
Will I get any OTA or official firmware update shall I just root my phone with locked bootloader? (I won't mess with custom recovery or ROM)
I suppose I could still claim my warranty. But is there anyway to remove any traces completely to prevent them from finding out? Just removing the superuser app?
If in the future I would like to have access to custom recovery so that I could flash ROM, I suppose I must unlock the bootloader right? (at least until someone gets a workaround for locked bootloader)
The tool I will use for rooting is by Bin4ry. I am on the latest ICS firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you'll definitely get official update
To remove trace completely just flash an official ROM via flashtool (official fw can be obtained at dev section)
No can install some stock based Custom Rom and CWM in locked bootloader
Eg : XTX,dualcore,Xcream,etc
What you can't do is flash a kernel. You'll need to flash a kernel to install Cyanogen Mod or Paranoid based rom
Sent from my Xperia S using xda premium
Theonlyzii said:
Yes you'll definitely get official update
To remove trace completely just flash an official ROM via flashtool (official fw can be obtained at dev section)
No can install some stock based Custom Rom and CWM in locked bootloader
Eg : XTX,dualcore,Xcream,etc
What you can't do is flash a kernel. You'll need to flash a kernel to install Cyanogen Mod or Paranoid based rom
Sent from my Xperia S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I guess I could get official update, just worry that I would lose root during the update. I think I could still try to retain my root using some app right? (LOL, I am a bit outdated about all these stuff - was using a HTC Desire where 2.3 is the best we could go)
I am observing that my screen is a bit yellowish throughout, perhaps I will send in for a warranty before I do anything.
Thanks for the reply. Really appreciate it and clear off some doubts.

[Q] Updated to 6.1.A.0.2.55 Can't get to root

I have just updated my Sony Xperia S from 6.1.A.0.2.45 to 6.1.A.0.2.55 via PC companion, after the update I wanted to root my phone again too allow some apps to have root access. As I went to check to see if my phone was rooted I noticed that it wasn't for my apps weren't allowed super user. I then attemted to root via Bin4ry like I did previously in version .45. It didn't work.
I'm wondering if anyone else has had this issue and if it has been resolved without having to unlock the bootloader / install a custom kernel, I don't want to do either of those, I just want root. Has anyone been able to root on .55 on Stock sony ICS firmware .55?
dantistruct said:
I have just updated my Sony Xperia S from 6.1.A.0.2.45 to 6.1.A.0.2.55 via PC companion, after the update I wanted to root my phone again too allow some apps to have root access. As I went to check to see if my phone was rooted I noticed that it wasn't for my apps weren't allowed super user. I then attemted to root via Bin4ry like I did previously in version .45. It didn't work.
I'm wondering if anyone else has had this issue and if it has been resolved without having to unlock the bootloader / install a custom kernel, I don't want to do either of those, I just want root. Has anyone been able to root on .55 on Stock sony ICS firmware .55?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've the same problem, I can't root this new version .55! Any ideas? Thanks
ArmDT said:
I've the same problem, I can't root this new version .55! Any ideas? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been reading around and they've said Bin4ry's root method hasn't yet been updated too root .55 firmware I guesss we'll have to wat :< I hope someone posts in this thread when it's released.
yup updated mine too. now i have to restart all mods,hahahaha..but the problem is the root, will try to unlock again then install custom kernel then stock kernel to gain root, then relocked again.
Simple, downgrade to .40 , root it, install CWM, download prerooted .55 system, flash via CWM , connect to flashtool, flash stock .55 ftf only kernel and baseband ...
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
mmm273 said:
Simple, downgrade to .40 , root it, install CWM, download prerooted .55 system, flash via CWM , connect to flashtool, flash stock .55 ftf only kernel and baseband ...
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot, it's not so simple but I will try! :fingers-crossed:
its looks hard, but its simple, Flash--root-cwm-flash via cwm- flash kernel and baseband... about 20mins...
the problem with flashing pre rooted system, is the change in region, ive unlocked then flash recovery nozomi then flash supersu, flash stock kernel.sin,flash cwm, then relocked and deodexed my firmware,and now im reinstalling all mods on my previous rom..hahahaha..cause dont want to change region .
So you think its better unlock BL ?
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
unlocked BL to gain root then relocked again to use download music info
mharckk said:
unlocked BL to gain root then relocked again to use download music info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TrackID works after unlocking and relocking bootloader? I thougt it stops working because of loosing DRM-KEYS while unlocking a bootloader.
ZyrByt said:
TrackID works after unlocking and relocking bootloader? I thougt it stops working because of loosing DRM-KEYS while unlocking a bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download music info works again if you relock you BL, but TrackID (I think) and FB music likes via Walkman will not work anymore, so it's your decision if you want to lose that functions.
and lose your waranty... for this i rootet with my way...

How to keep root and fresh install .757?

Hi there, i managed to root my device a few days ago by downgrading, rooting and upgrading to .757 again.
Is it possible to delete apps, settings etc etc and fresh install .757 but keep Dual Recovery and root available without going through several downgrades and upgrades again? I have a locked bootloader and a backup of TA but would prefer to keep it locked if possible.
Ive been messing with root apps and installed something thats burning through my battery at double the usual rate and want to go back to a fresh copy of .757 rooted.
Also whats the easiest way to make whole backup of device once fresh installed again so can restore quickly to rooted .757?
Thanks for look.
Use this guide
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2688933
But dont uncheck wipe data on flashtool process for a fresh .757 install
p.s Personally i use titanium backup pal
gerg81 said:
Hi there, i managed to root my device a few days ago by downgrading, rooting and upgrading to .757 again.
Is it possible to delete apps, settings etc etc and fresh install .757 but keep Dual Recovery and root available without going through several downgrades and upgrades again? I have a locked bootloader and a backup of TA but would prefer to keep it locked if possible.
Ive been messing with root apps and installed something thats burning through my battery at double the usual rate and want to go back to a fresh copy of .757 rooted.
Also whats the easiest way to make whole backup of device once fresh installed again so can restore quickly to rooted .757?
Thanks for look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u have backup of TA then the easiest way will be unlock BL, flash 757 firmware, flash doomlord kernel with cwm recovery, root using cwm, flash dual recovery using cwm, flash stock kernel using flashtool and then restore TA.. It would be the easiest way and all the drm keys will be intact....
Sent from my Xperia Z1 Compact (D5503)
Sweet thanks guys, i used the tutorial posted and had it done in 5 minutes. I will be unlocking bootloader eventually but have not found a need to yet, is it really required for anything except custom kernels and cd drive emulation?
Ive also seen a few custom roms listed with stock kernel, modded with things like CM privacy guard and other tweaks and such. Can these roms be run on a locked bootloader if using stock kernel and will these roms still have the Sony DRM required features enabled if run on a locked bootloader?
Thanks again!
U will get the requirements about locked and unlocked bootloader in each rom thread
Sent from my Xperia Z1 Compact (D5503)

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