Develop Bugs

[Q] SE ARC help.

Hey all, I’m pretty new to this, have been reading throughout this forum and others for weeks. I got a few things I would REALLY appreciate some help with.
I have a SE ARC lt15A running 2.3.3 with 3.0.1.a.0.145 firmware. (I’m in Canada, phone is with Rogers) I bought it locked and unlocked it as I used it for a recent trip to europe no problem there.
It seems very slow like when I press the button for my contacts it takes about 5 seconds to open, so this brings me to where I am now, I’d like to put cyanogenmod on it and get rid of all the pre-loaded stuff.
Do I need to update the firmware before I put on cyanogenmod?
If so I can’t seem to get FastBoot to recognize phone.
But I can get Wotanserver to recognize my phone, there are different firmwares but none from Canada, can I use another region firmware on my phone and have it still work on with my carrier?
I don’t know if this matters but I was trying to flash firmware earlier and phone stopped working, was able to restore it with SEUS, can that lock my phone again?
Could be that i missed a thread that answers my questions, if so would appreciated being pointed in right direction.
Thanks again

homeygomey said:
Hey all, I’m pretty new to this, have been reading throughout this forum and others for weeks. I got a few things I would REALLY appreciate some help with.
I have a SE ARC lt15A running 2.3.3 with 3.0.1.a.0.145 firmware. (I’m in Canada, phone is with Rogers) I bought it locked and unlocked it as I used it for a recent trip to europe no problem there.
It seems very slow like when I press the button for my contacts it takes about 5 seconds to open, so this brings me to where I am now, I’d like to put cyanogenmod on it and get rid of all the pre-loaded stuff.
Do I need to update the firmware before I put on cyanogenmod?
If so I can’t seem to get FastBoot to recognize phone.
But I can get Wotanserver to recognize my phone, there are different firmwares but none from Canada, can I use another region firmware on my phone and have it still work on with my carrier?
I don’t know if this matters but I was trying to flash firmware earlier and phone stopped working, was able to restore it with SEUS, can that lock my phone again?
Could be that i missed a thread that answers my questions, if so would appreciated being pointed in right direction.
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mate i have the same issue. the thing is that once we (you) bought the phone locked the bootloader is locked and it cant acces fastboot - even if u got the unlocking code and even if uwill flash debranded firmware. there is no way to do so now. all u can do is root it and get rid of some bloatware. - yes root it without unlocking the bootloader. check out android dev section and DOOM'S version for windows! perfect and easy.
thats the only thing u can do so far - the same as me. just wait.
thanks

What's doom's version for windows? Can you point me to it? Is it better/easier to use than Gingerbreak?
Also can i update the firmware with a different region without screwing up my phone/provider? Is it possible to get 2.3.4 on a branded phone or do i have to wait for SE to release it for my region?

homeygomey said:
What's doom's version for windows? Can you point me to it? Is it better/easier to use than Gingerbreak?
Also can i update the firmware with a different region without screwing up my phone/provider? Is it possible to get 2.3.4 on a branded phone or do i have to wait for SE to release it for my region?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here u go mate
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1320350
follow the instructions - this is the easiest root ever made for android!
hit the thanks button if i helped you!

homeygomey said:
What's doom's version for windows? Can you point me to it? Is it better/easier to use than Gingerbreak?
Also can i update the firmware with a different region without screwing up my phone/provider? Is it possible to get 2.3.4 on a branded phone or do i have to wait for SE to release it for my region?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make a backup of your ROM with PC Companion or Update Service then flash the latest firmware and root.
You can flash any arc firmware onto any arc.

If you still want fastboot enabled then contact me

i did...thanks god u r here..

Thanks guys i'm installing Doomlord.
For anyone else like me who dont know much of what their doing, i flashed 2.3.4 US on my phone with wotan but then had to add apn for rogers to get 3G back.

Downgrade How-To

I've gotten some PMs on how to downgrade from 4.2.2 (10.3.A.0.423) back to 4.1.2 (10.1.A.1.434 or 10.1.1.A.1.253), and thought I'd go ahead and post the steps for all to use. This works for both locked and unlocked bootloaders, and obviously keeps their state intact. The basic idea here is to use Flashtool to simply flash the stock FTF from Sony, no more, no less. It is the same process as restoring your phone via PCC/SUS/Mac Bridge, with the exception here that Sony isn't forcing the latest firmware on you and thus allowing you to select your choice of firmware version.
Rooting Notice
I know for certain you can root the 434 (4.1.2) firmware via Bin4ry's method, and I know for certain you can root the 423 (4.2.2) via DoomLoRD's method. However, I'm fairly sure you cannot root the 253 (4.1.2) firmware via any available method, unless you update from 434 to 253 via an OTA update...which is no longer available. So, if you need root, flash 434, if not, then 253.
The Standard Disclaimer:
I am not responsible for any damage that may happen to your phone by following these instructions. Do so at your own risk.
What You Need:
Flashtool (Official Site)
Correct FTF that matches your device's customization (e.g. Generic US 1270-7584)
To check your customization, dial *#8#7378423#*#*, Service Info > Software Info
You can search this forum for FTFs posted by fellow users, or get them from here. You can downgrade to 434 or 253, it's your choice. Just keep in mind that if you go back to 434, you won't be able to update to 253 via the OTA, you'll have to use this method again.
Before You Begin:
BACKUP ALL YOUR DATA!! When flashing the stock FTF, your phone is wiped 100% clean, as if right out of the factory. Even if you have a custom recovery installed, that will be gone as well.
Flashing Instructions:
Switch off your phone and make sure the USB cable is unplugged from the computer (leave it attached to the phone)
Make sure all Sony software (PCC, SUS, Mac Bridge) are closed and not running on the computer
With the phone completely off, press and hold the VOLUME DOWN button and plug the USB cable to the computer.
You're not going to see anything happen on the phone, but this will put it in Flashmode
Fire up Flashtool
It should say phone is connected in Flashmode
Click on the lighting bolt icon (Flash Device)
When prompted for Flashmode or Fastboot Mode, select Flashmode (default selection)
Navigate on your computer to where the FTF is stored
Flashtool will then display the details of the FTF
When flashing a stock FTF, make sure you keep Wipe Data/Cache/Appslog checked, and all Excludes unchecked.
Click Flash
At this point, the Flashtool will start the flashing process and should take anywhere between 10-15 minutes
If the Flashtool errors out or crashes, 9 out of 10 times you forgot the Sony software running in the background. Close, and try again.
After it's done, simply unplug the USB cable and start the phone.
The phone might prompt you for an NFC update, followed by a Power Off or Use Phone selection. I usually select Power Off and start the phone back up again to make sure the update completed all the way, but that's just my paranoia

Once if I use flashtool to downgrade firmware, Would I still be able to get updates officially from SONY via SUS or OTA or PCC, or I will have to always use flashtool to update?
Sent from my XPERIA ZL

mangatparamveer said:
Once if I use flashtool to downgrade firmware, Would I still be able to get updates officially from SONY via SUS or OTA or PCC, or I will have to always use flashtool to update?
Sent from my XPERIA ZL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes u still will be able to get the update from Sony, in fact every time when u will connect to pc will tell u that u have a new update ignore it when a better update will come than u can download it
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app

Yes, like he said

nutzuTo said:
Yes u still will be able to get the update from Sony, in fact every time when u will connect to pc will tell u that u have a new update
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that they will always show update, but they may say "modified software, so can't update". I just want to confirm as this problem happened earlier on my Xperia neo v. I was having unlocked bootloader on that. Or this problem occours only on unlocked bootloaders? Please let me know
Sent via XPERIA ZL

That's only for unlocked bootloaders
mangatparamveer said:
I know that they will always show update, but they may say "modified software, so can't update". I just want to confirm as this problem happened earlier on my Xperia neo v. I was having unlocked bootloader on that. Or this problem occours only on unlocked bootloaders? Please let me know
Sent via XPERIA ZL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks so much for taking the time to create this. I just got the ZL yesterday and it was buttery smooth, I then got the 4.2 update notice an hour later, updated and it is not smooth anymore.
I see that you mention two 4.1 versions - .434 and .243 . Which one do you recommend? Honestly I wish I had taken note which one exactly came with my phone out of the box, I want to go back to that but obviously can't verify what it came with since I am on 4.2
THANKS!!
spielnicht said:
I've gotten some PMs on how to downgrade from 4.2.2 (10.3.A.0.423) back to 4.1.2 (10.1.A.1.434 or 10.1.1.A.1.253), and thought I'd go ahead and post the steps for all to use. This works for both locked and unlocked bootloaders, and obviously keeps their state intact. The basic idea here is to use Flashtool to simply flash the stock FTF from Sony, no more, no less. It is the same process as restoring your phone via PCC/SUS/Mac Bridge, with the exception here that Sony isn't forcing the latest firmware on you and thus allowing you to select your choice of firmware version.
Rooting Notice
I know for certain you can root the 434 (4.1.2) firmware via Bin4ry's method, and I know for certain you can root the 423 (4.2.2) via DoomLoRD's method. However, I'm fairly sure you cannot root the 253 (4.1.2) firmware via any available method, unless you update from 434 to 253 via an OTA update...which is no longer available. So, if you need root, flash 434, if not, then 253.
The Standard Disclaimer:
I am not responsible for any damage that may happen to your phone by following these instructions. Do so at your own risk.
What You Need:
Flashtool (Official Site)
Correct FTF that matches your device's customization (e.g. Generic US 1270-7584)
To check your customization, dial *#8#7378423#*#*, Service Info > Software Info
You can search this forum for FTFs posted by fellow users, or get them from here. You can downgrade to 434 or 253, it's your choice. Just keep in mind that if you go back to 434, you won't be able to update to 253 via the OTA, you'll have to use this method again.
Before You Begin:
BACKUP ALL YOUR DATA!! When flashing the stock FTF, your phone is wiped 100% clean, as if right out of the factory. Even if you have a custom recovery installed, that will be gone as well.
Flashing Instructions:
Switch off your phone and make sure the USB cable is unplugged from the computer (leave it attached to the phone)
Make sure all Sony software (PCC, SUS, Mac Bridge) are closed and not running on the computer
With the phone completely off, press and hold the VOLUME DOWN button and plug the USB cable to the computer.
You're not going to see anything happen on the phone, but this will put it in Flashmode
Fire up Flashtool
It should say phone is connected in Flashmode
Click on the lighting bolt icon (Flash Device)
When prompted for Flashmode or Fastboot Mode, select Flashmode (default selection)
Navigate on your computer to where the FTF is stored
Flashtool will then display the details of the FTF
When flashing a stock FTF, make sure you keep Wipe Data/Cache/Appslog checked, and all Excludes unchecked.
Click Flash
At this point, the Flashtool will start the flashing process and should take anywhere between 10-15 minutes
If the Flashtool errors out or crashes, 9 out of 10 times you forgot the Sony software running in the background. Close, and try again.
After it's done, simply unplug the USB cable and start the phone.
The phone might prompt you for an NFC update, followed by a Power Off or Use Phone selection. I usually select Power Off and start the phone back up again to make sure the update completed all the way, but that's just my paranoia
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 11:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:25 AM ----------
Ps I forgot to add I do not need to root, I was just curious solely on the two different versions of downgrade and what was best choice if there were different.

Congrats on your new ZL.
Yeah, sadly Sony dropped the ball with the latest update, but some of the blame also falls onto the Android 4.2.2 itself...it wasn't the smoothest. I'm actually testing out the latest 4.3 on my Nexus 7...seems like an improvement.
Anyway, the .434 firmware is Android 4.1.2, where as .423 firmware is Android 4.2.2. So with that said, you need to flashback to 4.1.2 with the .434 firmware, which is what your phone came with, and thus will take your phone back to being buttery smooth
As for rooting, follow Bin4ry's method and you'll be good to go.
radlink14 said:
Thanks so much for taking the time to create this. I just got the ZL yesterday and it was buttery smooth, I then got the 4.2 update notice an hour later, updated and it is not smooth anymore.
I see that you mention two 4.1 versions - .434 and .243 . Which one do you recommend? Honestly I wish I had taken note which one exactly came with my phone out of the box, I want to go back to that but obviously can't verify what it came with since I am on 4.2
THANKS!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Ah thanks so much!!!! I was more referring to this statement you made " 4.1.2 (10.1.A.1.434 or 10.1.1.A.1.253),"
That is what I was confused about
spielnicht said:
Congrats on your new ZL.
Yeah, sadly Sony dropped the ball with the latest update, but some of the blame also falls onto the Android 4.2.2 itself...it wasn't the smoothest. I'm actually testing out the latest 4.3 on my Nexus 7...seems like an improvement.
Anyway, the .434 firmware is Android 4.1.2, where as .423 firmware is Android 4.2.2. So with that said, you need to flashback to 4.1.2 with the .434 firmware, which is what your phone came with, and thus will take your phone back to being buttery smooth
As for rooting, follow Bin4ry's method and you'll be good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

NP. If you need to root, then you'll want to go with .434 instead of .253.
radlink14 said:
Ah thanks so much!!!! I was more referring to this statement you made " 4.1.2 (10.1.A.1.434 or 10.1.1.A.1.253),"
That is what I was confused about
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I do not want to root nor need, this is my first android phone that works efficient outside the box and no keyboard lag!!
So basically there are no difference between the two except one you can root and one you can't?
I bought the xperia Z not knowing about the ZL!!! Now to go return the Z :>
spielnicht said:
NP. If you need to root, then you'll want to go with .434 instead of .253.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Should I be concerned that my phone gets super hot now? Flashed back to the 434 and notice my bars keep going up and down.
Don't recall that behavior before

Locked Bootloader in a new Xperia ZL

I just bought a couple of days ago mi new Xperia ZL, i think the phone is great, but today when i tried to get mi phone rooted, i realized the bootloader is locked.
Im kind of new at this, but i really dont know why mi phone is on that status, so does that mean that i never be able to fully root mi phone?
I tried to do it with a dooloard applicatión, but it seems that the android compilation version is not compatible with the doomlord software.
Could someone help me please! i want to erase all the garbage from my service provider.
I have a Xperia Zl C6502, 10.1.1.A.1.253
By the way, Im From Guatemala, sorry for the crappy english.
Best Regards

wichobig said:
I just bought a couple of days ago mi new Xperia ZL, i think the phone is great, but today when i tried to get mi phone rooted, i realized the bootloader is locked.
Im kind of new at this, but i really dont know why mi phone is on that status, so does that mean that i never be able to fully root mi phone?
I tried to do it with a dooloard applicatión, but it seems that the android compilation version is not compatible with the doomlord software.
Could someone help me please! i want to erase all the garbage from my service provider.
I have a Xperia Zl C6502, 10.1.1.A.1.253
By the way, Im From Guatemala, sorry for the crappy english.
Best Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A locked bootloader doesn't stop you from rooting. Mine is locked (and is unlockable) and I have root.
Use this method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2332407

LenAsh said:
A locked bootloader doesn't stop you from rooting. Mine is locked (and is unlockable) and I have root.
Use this method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2332407
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried before, but it seems that the app is not compatible with the version i have.
Always gave me an error.
Please any additional assistence would be appreciated.!!
Regards

wichobig said:
I tried before, but it seems that the app is not compatible with the version i have.
Always gave me an error.
Please any additional assistence would be appreciated.!!
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In order to root the 253 build, you need to follow Nut's thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2299092
Read everything carefully before doing it, I think the build 253 was the most complicated build to root not because it's hard but it has more steps than any other builds.
Why don't you upgrade to the latest 4.2.2 build 244. It's very stable and good. Plus, it's easy to root.... :good:
Even if your BL is locked, every build can be rooted.

Crash338 said:
In order to root the 253 build, you need to follow Nut's thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2299092
Read everything carefully before doing it, I think the build 253 was the most complicated build to root not because it's hard but it has more steps than any other builds.
Why don't you upgrade to the latest 4.2.2 build 244. It's very stable and good. Plus, it's easy to root.... :good:
Even if your BL is locked, every build can be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Crash 3338
Is not that i want to do it on that build, is just that is the software that came with mi ph, and unfortunately in my country i dont know why, we dont get OTA upgrades. So could you please show me or post the link where i can get the instructions on how to upgrade to that build, and also how to root it.
Thanks in advance for the assistence,

wichobig said:
Hello Crash 3338
Is not that i want to do it on that build, is just that is the software that came with mi ph, and unfortunately in my country i dont know why, we dont get OTA upgrades. So could you please show me or post the link where i can get the instructions on how to upgrade to that build, and also how to root it.
Thanks in advance for the assistence,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are not getting the OTA because your carrier is not pushing it. If your phone is branded to xyz carrier than you need to wait for them to push their new bloaded firmware via OTA.
If you flash the Sony generic firmware, you will be getting OTA's as soon as Sony pushes them out.
If you want to flash your phone to the latest Sony generic, you will need:
Flashtool : http://androxyde.github.io/
PC Companion
C6502 FTF: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2389305
Installed drivers for your Xperia ZL (can be found inside Drivers folder when flashtool is installed)
This thread has screenshots on how to use flashtool:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=928343
Don't forget to Turn on "Unknown sources" and "USB Debugging" before flashing the phone.
Once you have flashed this firmware, you will root by
1 - Flashing the FW 423 Kernel ONLY
2 - Reboot and root with DoomLord's latest exploit (v.18)
3 - Flash back the FW 244 Kernel ONLY
4- Reboot and you are done!
Happy flashing!! :highfive:

Crash338 said:
You are not getting the OTA because your carrier is not pushing it. If your phone is branded to xyz carrier than you need to wait for them to push their new bloaded firmware via OTA.
If you flash the Sony generic firmware, you will be getting OTA's as soon as Sony pushes them out.
If you want to flash your phone to the latest Sony generic, you will need:
Flashtool : http://androxyde.github.io/
PC Companion
C6502 FTF: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2389305
Installed drivers for your Xperia ZL (can be found inside Drivers folder when flashtool is installed)
This thread has screenshots on how to use flashtool:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=928343
Don't forget to Turn on "Unknown sources" and "USB Debugging" before flashing the phone.
Once you have flashed this firmware, you will root by
1 - Flashing the FW 423 Kernel ONLY
2 - Reboot and root with DoomLord's latest exploit (v.18)
3 - Flash back the FW 244 Kernel ONLY
4- Reboot and you are done!
Happy flashing!! :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are the men Crash338, i did everything like you said, and now i have my phone fully rooted. Im very thankful with you and with all the people that belongs to this forum.
Just one more thing, i hope you dont mind, which are the pros an cons of having the bootloader locked.
Thanks in advance.
Regards

Google it.

wichobig said:
You are the men Crash338, i did everything like you said, and now i have my phone fully rooted. Im very thankful with you and with all the people that belongs to this forum.
Just one more thing, i hope you dont mind, which are the pros an cons of having the bootloader locked.
Thanks in advance.
'Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked bootloader allows you to flash custom kernels so that you can flash cooked roms which may require a custom kernel. If you like the Sony stock rom and just want to root on it then dont bother unlocking it.
Also, rooting doesnt void your warranty, unlocking your bootloader does.
Glad everything worked out for you!

[Q] Some gentle help for an Android, Xperia and rooting noob

I'm new to the flexibility of Android as a user of Blackberry 10. I have always run beta leaks in the BB world and have been reading and learning on the android world but there is so much diversity I am tentative.
I have a ZL that was a Bell Mobility locked phone. I purchased unlock code (took a few days from a reputable provider) and I have a bunch of those code groups, one of which was used as directed to unlock successfully. I am using it on Rogers and am running the latest 10.3.A.0.423.
I have installed the flash tools etc. My intent is to root in order to rid the phone of Bell crap and other nuisance things that I don't want around and hopefully get more flexibility in power consumption changes.
Can someone point me in the right direction? I had tried the root process that is posted here but find that it hangs on the "display" part of the process on a white screen and doesn't go further. My conclusion was that the process isn't supporting the firmware level that I am at.

cwoodffr said:
I'm new to the flexibility of Android as a user of Blackberry 10. I have always run beta leaks in the BB world and have been reading and learning on the android world but there is so much diversity I am tentative.
I have a ZL that was a Bell Mobility locked phone. I purchased unlock code (took a few days from a reputable provider) and I have a bunch of those code groups, one of which was used as directed to unlock successfully. I am using it on Rogers and am running the latest 10.3.A.0.423.
I have installed the flash tools etc. My intent is to root in order to rid the phone of Bell crap and other nuisance things that I don't want around and hopefully get more flexibility in power consumption changes.
Can someone point me in the right direction? I had tried the root process that is posted here but find that it hangs on the "display" part of the process on a white screen and doesn't go further. My conclusion was that the process isn't supporting the firmware level that I am at.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the .423 firmware you can use DoomLord's Easy Rooting Toolkit v17, found in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2332407
If you decide to flash a newer stock firmware (.244 or .67 - which I advise you to do, after you get yourself acquainted with Android, Xperia and, of course, your ZL), the rooting process is different - until firmware .423 there was an exploit used to root our devices, but, since firmware .244, this exploit has been fixed by Sony. This rooting process is described in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2458268
Best regards and welcome to the Android world.

Tiu Fiu said:
For the .423 firmware you can use DoomLord's Easy Rooting Toolkit v17, found in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2332407
If you decide to flash a newer stock firmware (.244 or .67 - which I advise you to do, after you get yourself acquainted with Android, Xperia and, of course, your ZL), the rooting process is different - until firmware .423 there was an exploit used to root our devices, but, since firmware .244, this exploit has been fixed by Sony. This rooting process is described in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2458268
Best regards and welcome to the Android world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for the reply. So you would say to flash .67 as my next level of "maturation" prior to messing with rooting? I assume as that is what you are running per your sig.
Oh, and will I have an issue with these things if the phone has been unlocked by an on-line provider?

cwoodffr said:
Thanks so much for the reply. So you would say to flash .67 as my next level of "maturation" prior to messing with rooting? I assume as that is what you are running per your sig.
Oh, and will I have an issue with these things if the phone has been unlocked by an on-line provider?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically once the unlock code has been accepted, that is it, it is unlocked and it is supposed to stay that way. In any case, it would be wise to keep the unlock code safe somewhere, just in case.
I said that because, with DoomLord's v17 rooting toolkit for the .423, it is basically a one click, straight-forward operation. However, for the .67, things get a tiny bit more complicated (it will seem very simple once you get familiar with flashing firmwares with Flashtools, trust me).
Anyway, I do advise you to flash .67 since it is a far more mature firmware than .423 (and by mature, I mean less bugs and a more optimized and stable OS, just as is expected of a newer firmware). You need to keep a close eye to your ZL model (C6502, C6503 or C6506). I don't know which one Bell/Rogers sells, but it is easy to find out (Settings -> About the phone -> Model Number). Flashing a firmware created for a device different than yours might be troublesome and, though I've read from time to time about people using different firmwares on different models without any problems (e.g. flashing a C6503 firmware on a C6502 ZL), I definitely advise against it.
Either way, the one true rule here is to take your time to read the info/guide/tutorial threads around in the forum.

Tiu Fiu said:
Technically once the unlock code has been accepted, that is it, it is unlocked and it is supposed to stay that way. In any case, it would be wise to keep the unlock code safe somewhere, just in case.
I said that because, with DoomLord's v17 rooting toolkit for the .423, it is basically a one click, straight-forward operation. However, for the .67, things get a tiny bit more complicated (it will seem very simple once you get familiar with flashing firmwares with Flashtools, trust me).
Anyway, I do advise you to flash .67 since it is a far more mature firmware than .423 (and by mature, I mean less bugs and a more optimized and stable OS, just as is expected of a newer firmware). You need to keep a close eye to your ZL model (C6502, C6503 or C6506). I don't know which one Bell/Rogers sells, but it is easy to find out (Settings -> About the phone -> Model Number). Flashing a firmware created for a device different than yours might be troublesome and, though I've read from time to time about people using different firmwares on different models without any problems (e.g. flashing a C6503 firmware on a C6502 ZL), I definitely advise against it.
Either way, the one true rule here is to take your time to read the info/guide/tutorial threads around in the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is a 6506 so I think I should be fine with the directions you provided.

cwoodffr said:
it is a 6506 so I think I should be fine with the directions you provided.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case, since there is no Generic Canadian firmware for the C6506, I would suggest the Generic US one found in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2459497
It should be absolutely fine to flash the US Generic firmware (since it is supposed to be operator/bloatware free and fully functional for any C6506 as the German/Baltic/Middle-Eastern-and-Asian/Brazilian generic firmwares are for the C6503)
For info on stock firmwares available, check this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2333187
You should be able to find the small .ftf files for the "old" (.423) kernel and the "new" (.67) kernel alone. If you don't find the kernel-only files, you'll also need to download any C6506 .423 full firmware .ftf file and follow the "Using complete ftf packages" mentioned on the OP (opening post) of sanjulgupta's rooting thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2458268 ).
Best regards and good luck.

Done! Moved to .67, then Rooted using the small files. No issues except that I lost the native browser?

[Q] Need .108 or .157 US FTF or info on flashing other region

It seems every link for the US versions of .108 or .157 ftf are dead. Does anybody have the file sitting somewhere that I can use? (I'd rather be on .157, but I remember rooting being easier on .108 and I'm hoping that if I'm on .108, Sony will want me to install .157 before trying to get me to install Lollipop. If I'm wrong, please let me know.)
Alternately, what is the risk in flashing a different region? XperiFirm shows the Netherlands (T-Mobile NL) .108 file still available, and there are many .157 files to choose from, but I don't want to have issues using the firmware in the U.S. I googled the hell out of this question, but couldn't find any answers (I figure that either means the drawbacks should be completely apparent or there are no drawbacks, but I'm too dumb to know which).
Help is greatly appreciated. My phone didn't make it through yesterday on stock Lollipop, and in ten months of having the phone, that's a first. I can't stand what Lollipop has done to my phone.