Develop Bugs

[Help][UPDATE2]CWM and returning to stock

Hello everyone at XDA.
I currently have Cyanogenmod 7.2 on my Xperia Play. I used CWM to install Cyanogenmod. I installed CWM using the apk here. My Xperia Play is an r800a with unlocked bootloader.
I have 3 questions left to answer.
1.If I want to return to factory condition do I just flash the original .ftf file? Will this cause any problems to CWM? Will having CM7 then flashing a stock .ftf possibly cause any problems?
2.The thread that shows how to install CWM has a warning that says
Do NOT use this recovery if you are not in Stock 2.3 firmware.
Well right now I am on CM7.2 can I still use this recovery if I want to flash other roms like miui? What does this warning mean?
Here is the thread
3. Also if I need to is there anyway to remove CWM?
Thanks so much for any help.

Deleted

I know bumping is wrong but I made this into a new question and rather than posting a new message I edited it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

when u flash stock rom it should wipe everything - even recovery (im not sure). Flashing ftf file should give u phone like u had when u got it (but with unlocked bootloader if u did it)

ch3mn3y said:
when u flash stock rom it should wipe everything - even recovery (im not sure). Flashing ftf file should give u phone like u had when u got it (but with unlocked bootloader if u did it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But won't already having CM7.2 cause any problems? Also won't have a custom kernel cause any problems?

when u flash stock rom ftf it overwrite kernel using stock contained in ftf file (kernel.sin)

RacecarBMW said:
But won't already having CM7.2 cause any problems? Also won't have a custom kernel cause any problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Flashing the ftf will wipe all traces of the custom kernel and any custom rom. It's like doing a factory refresh.
Sent from my R800x using XDA

Ok that's good to know. What about getting rid of CWM?

RacecarBMW said:
But won't already having CM7.2 cause any problems? Also won't have a custom kernel cause any problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most Custom Kernels have Recovery In Built, Installing that Recovery wil cancel the Other one out No Value in That app If you have Custom Kernel

[Q] How to Backup stock Kernel + ROM ?

Hello Guys !
I wanna try some custom ROM so before doing that want to backup my Kernel & ROM. If anything gone wrong so I can revert back to original ROM.
My Cell details:
Xperia Arc S
LT18i
Android Version 2.3.4
Baseband Version -64
Build number
4.0.2.a.0.62
Locked bootloader
& unrooted.
Please someone guide me....
Thanks in advance...

If your bootloader's locked then you can't back up. You can only reload(repair)it from PC companion.
sinkster©

Thanks sinkster !
Ok done unlocked bootloader.
Then advice the further steps...

XPERIA CWM AUTO INSTALLER
download this app and install CWM recovery on ur phone...
Then reboot ur phone into recovery mode...
TO DO THIS, LONG PRESS BACK BUTTON WHILE THE PHONE RE-BOOTS
(OR)
KEEP TAPPING VOLUME DOWN BUTTON...
After it boots into recovery, go to BACKUP & RESTORE and Select Backup...
This will create a NANDROID BACKUP on your phone exactly as it is...including apps n contacts n all other data..
you can find it in SDCARD/Clockworkmod/Backup/
Good day...

If you wanted to take a backup without installing CWM you can use fastboot to boot (not flash) a kernel that has CWM built in.

thanks amulbaby
I will try and get back here with comment ...
EDIT:
I tried that steps but it will works only on rooted phone ..., can not enter in to recovery mode by pressing any key, it normally boots up and appear home ...

smartarse93 said:
If you wanted to take a backup without installing CWM you can use fastboot to boot (not flash) a kernel that has CWM built in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to do so... any guide links pls .. .

ShresthasR said:
thanks amulbaby
I will try and get back here with comment ...
EDIT:
I tried that steps but it will works only on rooted phone ..., can not enter in to recovery mode by pressing any key, it normally boots up and appear home ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you root it with flashtool then?
But for that u wud have to downgrade to .42, with flashtool before rooting

Hey I am also wondering about this. I have lt15i flashed with Official .562, locked bootloader and CWM installed via flashtool.
Which ICS roms will work with official .562 and locked bootloader? I have been searching all morning but not a lot of updates regarding this since the official .562 release.

djsneak1 said:
Hey I am also wondering about this. I have lt15i flashed with Official .562, locked bootloader and CWM installed via flashtool.
Which ICS roms will work with official .562 and locked bootloader? I have been searching all morning but not a lot of updates regarding this since the official .562 release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PROBABLY THIS ..... NOT SURE ....
T.E.A.M. Stock Rom for 2011 Xperia devices

amulbaby said:
Why don't you root it with flashtool then?
But for that u wud have to downgrade to .42, with flashtool before rooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the point I was looking for these alternative . . .
I have STOCK ROM with 4.0.2.a.0.62, actually I want to backup these stuff, I read about that downgrading via flashtool and root, if I flashed via flashtool that STOCK ROM will wipe...
Anyway here what I did to make a copy of my stock firmware & upgraded to ICS firmware & rooted.
Repaired my phone using Sony update service to download and backup STOCK firmware
Flashed with flashtool official firmware LT18i 4.1.A.0.562 NCB Icecream Sandwich Official

First you need to download a kernel that has cwm built in, I would search for recoveryARC.IMG then you also need fastboot from the SDK.
All you would do is connect your phone I'm fastboot then run in a command prompt fastboot boot recoveryARC.IMG. Your phone would then boot using that kernel and you can enter cwm by pressing the vol down several times. This process wouldn't flash your kernel only load it temporarily.
I would try and find a guide about them but I'm on my phone.
Sorry just noticed you've already done it, congrats enjoy ics.
Sent from my LT18i using XDA

smartarse93 said:
First you need to download a kernel that has cwm built in, I would search for recoveryARC.IMG then you also need fastboot from the SDK.
All you would do is connect your phone I'm fastboot then run in a command prompt fastboot boot recoveryARC.IMG. Your phone would then boot using that kernel and you can enter cwm by pressing the vol down several times. This process wouldn't flash your kernel only load it temporarily.
I would try and find a guide about them but I'm on my phone.
Sorry just noticed you've already done it, congrats enjoy ics.
Sent from my LT18i using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks bro ...
I already upgraded, anyway I want to know the process, you mentioned here this process wouldn't flash kernel only load it temporarily, I am confused...
Could you describe in details .. ? Actual what happens if we flash recovery img...

Well you can use fastboot to install the kernel which overwrites the previous one, or you can use it boot the kernel which just sends the kernel to the phone which the boots and temporarily uses the kernel. However when the phone next shuts down it will return to normal use.
If you flash a kernel it writes the .IMG to the boot partition. So if I wanted to use a kernel that stayed between reboots I would use 'fastboot flash boot kernelname.IMG'
However if I was running stock I could use recoveryARC.IMG with cwm, and do fastboot boot recoveryARC.IMG then run update.zip as normal. Then all you have to do is reboot, you'll be back to stock but the update would still be installed.
Sorry if it's not cleat, the best I could do on my phone.
Sent from my LT18i using XDA

Please elaborate on backing up STOCK ROM
ShresthasR said:
Here is the point I was looking for these alternative . . .
I have STOCK ROM with 4.0.2.a.0.62, actually I want to backup these stuff, I read about that downgrading via flashtool and root, if I flashed via flashtool that STOCK ROM will wipe...
Anyway here what I did to make a copy of my stock firmware & upgraded to ICS firmware & rooted.
Repaired my phone using Sony update service to download and backup STOCK firmware
Flashed with flashtool official firmware LT18i 4.1.A.0.562 NCB Icecream Sandwich Official
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please give me details on you did this? It is precisely what I want to do (ie. Backup the stock carrier rom on my Xperia Arc before flashinging an old ROM in order to root it).
Did you use the "repair" option from "Sony PC Companion 2.1>Support Zone>Phone software update>repair phone"?
Or did you use the software from here: http: // w ww(dot)sonymobile(dot)com/gb/tools/update-service/
Can you please tell me the whole procedure on how you did the backup of the STOCK ROM? Thanks!

King of Procrastinators said:
Can you please give me details on you did this? It is precisely what I want to do (ie. Backup the stock carrier rom on my Xperia Arc before flashinging an old ROM in order to root it).
Did you use the "repair" option from "Sony PC Companion 2.1>Support Zone>Phone software update>repair phone"?
Or did you use the software from here: http: // w ww(dot)sonymobile(dot)com/gb/tools/update-service/
Can you please tell me the whole procedure on how you did the backup of the STOCK ROM? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually what I did just followed this guide
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1304634
At this thread just follow the video tutorial under section
"How to backup your carrier firmware using Update Service"
Youtube link: http://youtu.be/bB77gWRUI_A
Thanks XperienceD for nice guide

just want to ask, does CWM backup also backups the kernel or firmware?
and how do i restore stock kernel with or without using ODIN?
how do i go on flashing custom firmware? i really do need explanation especially for the .img file that i have been seeing guys.
please help me out because i really want to learn more about software and stuff.
thank you very much and god bless you guys.

ROM backup OK; How to take backup of Kernel
I am using Sony Xperia Ray ST18i
used it for a year with stock kernel and ROM
rooted it long ago, but was afraid of custom ROMs
last month I unlocked bootloader, flashed ROM and custom ROM (beanstalk 4.3.075), enjoying it but obviously not so stable like stock
Now if I wish to move back to my stock kernel and ROM
what steps are required.
I suppose
1. flash the stock kernel
2. restore from backed up ROM (I do have nandroid backup of stock ROM)
but how to achieve the step 1, as I learnt nandroid backup doesn't backs up ROM.
My collegue is having same phone still on stock, Can I use his phone somehow to extract kernel. I searched and found a zip to be used through CWM which backs up kernel it was meant for some samsung phone I tried but failed.
Thanks in advance.
Do I need to supply some more information to get help?

Backup stock ROM
I used this backup guide, but dont know if it will work for you http://helpadude.com/how-to-backup-your-android-rom/
If it does plz give thanks

BOOTLOOP downgrading from ics to gb with GB cmw restore

hello, before upgrading with pc companion the new ics on my arc s i made a cwm 5 full backup. now when i try to restore i got a bootloop
why this? shouldnt all the data and kernel and system have been restored with cwm backup?
what can i do to go back

raniero1 said:
hello, before upgrading with pc companion the new ics on my arc s i made a cwm 5 full backup. now when i try to restore i got a bootloop
why this? shouldnt all the data and kernel and system have been restored with cwm backup?
what can i do to go back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need to flash the kernel. kernel CANNOT be backed up by CMW on our devices
Pvy.

i tough that it was backed up too. where could i find the stock kernel now as i didnt backed it up? and as i dont have unlocked bootloader is this a problem? i just rooted the phone and installed the cwm for xperia from the play store, the easy way. i would like to not unlock the bootloader.
how could i restore the old kernel now?

raniero1 said:
i tough that it was backed up too. where could i find the stock kernel now as i didnt backed it up? and as i dont have unlocked bootloader is this a problem? i just rooted the phone and installed the cwm for xperia from the play store, the easy way. i would like to not unlock the bootloader.
how could i restore the old kernel now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
download the gb stock ftf for your device and then flash it via flashtool.. use the latest version as it supports locked bootloadrs also.. then unckeck everything in the pre flashing dialog box except kernel.. Maybe this worls for you..
But keep SEUS ready if something goes wrong
Hit thanks if I helped..

i would recomend the ASK kernel by doom
has rooting and CWM all sorted for you with the stock kernel if you are looking for a stock kernel.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1421992
Pvy.

now.i.feel said:
download the gb stock ftf for your device and then flash it via flashtool.. use the latest version as it supports locked bootloadrs also.. then unckeck everything in the pre flashing dialog box except kernel.. Maybe this worls for you..
But keep SEUS ready if something goes wrong
Hit thanks if I helped..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ur a genius! it worked thank u very much

[Q] XTXperience 9 problem. don't bite my head off guys.

I am pretty new to flashing ROMS and rooting. I rooted my S2 back in 2011. but since then I haven't. So i though I would do it with the Xperia S.
I installed XTXperience 9, unlocked bootloader. rooted n fastboot. I downloaded cwm recovery. cleared everything. installed the ROM, and It has got stuck in boot loop.
I was on the 6.1.A.2.45 firmware if that helps?
could someone please give me some short instructions and tell me what I am doing wrong I need this ROM looks so cool!
Please don't bite my head off either. I need help. it's only way i'll learn

Please someone

If you have unlocked bootloader, why don't you install a custom kernel? Like Advanced ICS Kernel, ELiTE, etc.

Nek0x90 said:
If you have unlocked bootloader, why don't you install a custom kernel? Like Advanced ICS Kernel, ELiTE, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how to do that yet. would that possibly fix the boot loop I am having??

I've never installed a recovery manually, because I've always flashed a custom kernel with a recovery included, maybe that's why you're having a boot loop but I'm not sure.
If you already unlocked the bootloader you should flash a stock based kernel and that's it.

Nek0x90 said:
I've never installed a recovery manually, because I've always flashed a custom kernel with a recovery included, maybe that's why you're having a boot loop but I'm not sure.
If you already unlocked the bootloader you should flash a stock based kernel and that's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay well I have stock kernal I only tried flashing the ROM. how do I get out of this boot loop?

Flash a stock firmware with Flashtool.

Nek0x90 said:
Flash a stock firmware with Flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That did it. back on stock now. should I try flashing the custom ROM again?

Yes, and you can also try flashing a custom kernel.
Just follow this tutorial: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1527159

Nek0x90 said:
Yes, and you can also try flashing a custom kernel.
Just follow this tutorial: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1527159
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked the bootloader before it got in the bootloop. after flashing firmware I guess it is still unlocked. just need to root it again

If you already have you bootloader unlocked just flash a custom kernel! If you flash a ROM after that, it will be pre-rooted.

Nek0x90 said:
If you already have you bootloader unlocked just flash a custom kernel! If you flash a ROM after that, it will be pre-rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any short instructions or link where I can learn how to install a custom kernel?

hey click my signature "Read ME"

technostein said:
any short instructions or link where I can learn how to install a custom kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just download zip & flash in your phone's recovery. Clear cache & dalvik cache before that
Press Thanks
Sent from my Xperia S using xda premium

technostein said:
I am pretty new to flashing ROMS and rooting. I rooted my S2 back in 2011. but since then I haven't. So i though I would do it with the Xperia S.
I installed XTXperience 9, unlocked bootloader. rooted n fastboot. I downloaded cwm recovery. cleared everything. installed the ROM, and It has got stuck in boot loop.
I was on the 6.1.A.2.45 firmware if that helps?
could someone please give me some short instructions and tell me what I am doing wrong I need this ROM looks so cool!
Please don't bite my head off either. I need help. it's only way i'll learn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried with .45. .55 .50 Gb firmwares . Only .50 firmware gave me success like mentioned in the tutorial. :good:
Hit thanks if i helped

[Q] Xperia SL from stock to beast :)

Hi,
I'm new and quite a newbie with android so, please bare with me
I will try to write a comprehensive guide on this during the process.
My device is XperiaSL LT26ii / Android 4.1.2 / Kernel 6.2.B.1.96 (stock, or default kernel) Rooted with bootloader locked. Busybox installed.
So the only thing I'v done after buying is rooting it.
- How to fully-backup / recovery if anything goes wrong
Before doing any operation with it I wanted to backup everything (applications, ROM, System, documents) , and I hear that there is CWM or Xrecovery for that (mentioned in some guides), nandroid, but I found different applications on Playstore and don't know which one is the right one for my device.
I understand that backing up and restoring each of these system parts requries order and probably different applications,
Can we specify here which app should I use and how it's done?
- ROM and Kernel without unlocking possibly
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2593806 it looks like possible but considering that now there is cm-11 out and not yet for "nozomi" http://download.cyanogenmod.org/?device=nozomi , I would like to try any stable, fast , light ROM out there which works for my device. Preferibly with possibility to remove any google app .
If not, how can I unlock the bootloader and do the rest?
I saw also http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1617219 which looks a nice kernel.
So , what's the most adaptive ROM / kernel for my phone and how to install / flash them?
- Getting back the applications
Once it's done, how to restore back applications and data? / with what tool, without loosing anything.

Download flashtool (xda fileserver)
You can use that to unlock your bootloader
Also backbuton = volume up = BOOTLOADET MODE
Menu button = volume down =flashmode
May come in useful for unlocking your Bootloader
Also emma flashtool isnt the same as this flashtool
Also google if your not sure
If you want to know anything else then ask
Sony Xperia S was my first android
Had a nokia brick before (3310)/N95)

Envious_Data said:
Download flashtool (xda fileserver)
You can use that to unlock your bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
Before unlocking the bootloader , I'd like to backup everything with CWM or Xrecovery or nandroid ,
I tried installing CWM but it said my phone was not supported, so I gues I'm on the wrong place, so could you point to the right CWM?
Also, CWM I think recovers only the ROM and the kernel but no system applications, any app to do that and save everything to my PC?

xperiasl said:
Thanks.
Before unlocking the bootloader , I'd like to backup everything with CWM or Xrecovery or nandroid ,
I tried installing CWM but it said my phone was not supported, so I gues I'm on the wrong place, so could you point to the right CWM?
Also, CWM I think recovers only the ROM and the kernel but no system applications, any app to do that and save everything to my PC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for locked bootloaders recovery try this......http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2308493.....
after that go into recovery and make a nandroid backup of ur fon.....this will create a backup image of ur fon including rom,kernel,system applications.....them u can save it on ur pc....

mohit378 said:
for locked bootloaders recovery try this......http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2308493.....
after that go into recovery and make a nandroid backup of ur fon.....this will create a backup image of ur fon including rom,kernel,system applications.....them u can save it on ur pc....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
on the post it says "rooted STOCK JB ROM .200 with busybox installed"
the only thing is that I donwloaded the official .201 , is there any CWM version for locked bootloaders for that?

xperiasl said:
Thanks,
on the post it says "rooted STOCK JB ROM .200 with busybox installed"
the only thing is that I donwloaded the official .201 , is there any CWM version for locked bootloaders for that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
chk out this for XPERIA SL...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2245327....

mohit378 said:
chk out this for XPERIA SL...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2245327....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you suggested DRW Backup tool I will probably go ahead and unlock the bootloader, the only thing is now that I'm stuck at the backup point,
Before flashing the ROM or any kernel they say "backup", and it's used CWM or other tools, and when you go to install CWM they say backup first before installing...
Am I missing something here?
It's like a loop but no solution on how to backup what it's currently installing before putting any CWM or flashing a kernel...
How did you get out of this?

hey mate first of all backup ur TA partition....then unlock ur bootloaders.....then u can flash any custom kernel with CWM recovery......from recovery u can flash any custom rom or mod .zip file.....
UNLOCKING ur bootloaders voids ur warranty so always make a TA backup before unlocking.....u can search various thread for root,unlocking bootloaders,flashing custom kernel,custom roms within the thread.....
Hope this helps.....

mohit378 said:
hey mate first of all backup ur TA partition....then unlock ur bootloaders.....then u can flash any custom kernel with CWM recovery......from recovery u can flash any custom rom or mod .zip file.....
UNLOCKING ur bootloaders voids ur warranty so always make a TA backup before unlocking.....u can search various thread for root,unlocking bootloaders,flashing custom kernel,custom roms within the thread.....
Hope this helps.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, thanks that's all clear, what I wanted to know is how to backup everything before installing any custome kernel/ROM or Recovery tool (CWM, Xrecovery, etc)..

Got it,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2075736
Basically we need SUS, we update and get the files, than we decrypt and get a perfect image of the system + we backup with PC Companion + We backup the TA partitions with TA-backup and we are ready to go