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Hi Guys,
I recently got my Xperia Arc, and I love it, however it has a Chinese keyboard app on it, amongst others (Let's Golf, youku etc) and I cannpt uninstall them via the applications section.
All options are greyed out and there is no uninstall option regardless.
Is there anyway to get rid of these?
Thanks
PLEASE use the search feature first. It's there for a reason.
Anyway, you need to root your phone. Install Titanium Backup and you'll be able to remove all the unwanted stuff from your phone.
Once again, please do use the search. It'll help you to answer the questions which you've got after reading this reply. LOL!
Thanks for the reply and suggestion.
I did search, however it was most likely far too specific.
Furthermore, I understand I have to root the phone before I can use Titanium backup.
Is this a risk, can it brick the phone? Is it illegal to do so? Is this the equivilent of a iphone jailbreak?
I don't want to do anything illegal, I just want to get rid of some apps that are annoying.
vaibhavknockout answered all your question. Its the first topic in Xperia Arc General forum!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1133650
urgh I am confused about it all.
I don't know if I want to risk doing it, I still don't understand it.
Basically I want to get rid of the chinese apps.
I have an Xperia Arc with 2.3.3.
I live in Australia but have the Hong Kong version of the phone.
I understand I can unlock it via bootloader and I will need to root it to be able to install Titanium Backup which will uninstall the apps.
But can I just install the UK or Global image/rom and that will load it as if I got the phone from the UK/Global?
Rooting your phone isn't illegal nor is it going to void your warranty. You don't have to unlock the bootloader for rooting.
Do refer to [Guide] All in one 'Namaste guide' to Bootloader unlocking, Rooting, Flashing & more.
You can flash a generic 2.3.2 ROM (or UK if you prefer), then root using Gingerbreak and then upgrade OTA (Over The Air) to the 2.3.3 ROM and you'll still retain root.
Using Gingerbreak is simple and straight forward. Do note that Gingerbreak won't work on 2.3.3 and hence the need to root on 2.3.2 and then update OTA to 2.3.3 and still retain root.
There's a free version of Titanium Backup on the market. It requires root access to work. And it should help you get rid of the stuff which you don't require.
Hope this helps! And LOL! Use the thanks button to show your gratitude
Hi,
Can someone please write a noob's guide to rooting the AT&T xperia play (r800at)? The phone is carrier locked and bootloader locked. Is there a easy way to just get root permissions on the stock AT&T rom (2.3.3) without unlocking bootloader? All I want to do is remove AT&T apps which I don't use and free up internal memory (I only have 40 mb left). I couldn't find a thread which clearly explains this (have been searching for more than a week now).
PS: This is my first android phone, so I don't have a very good idea about how all this works.
Thanks.
turbo789 said:
Hi,
Can someone please write a noob's guide to rooting the AT&T xperia play (r800at)? The phone is carrier locked and bootloader locked. Is there a easy way to just get root permissions on the stock AT&T rom (2.3.3) without unlocking bootloader? All I want to do is remove AT&T apps which I don't use and free up internal memory (I only have 40 mb left). I couldn't find a thread which clearly explains this (have been searching for more than a week now).
PS: This is my first android phone, so I don't have a very good idea about how all this works.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are basically in the same place i was in a few weeks ago.
First off let me link you this this thread
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1270295)
You'll find there that you cannot currently root the r800at without first unlocking the bootloader!
The bad news is that unlocking the bootloader is the the most difficult part
here is the bootloader unlock guide by Alejandrissimo.
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232050)
Its a pain in the butt on this particular phone so i highly recommend you have Alejandrissimo remote support you. Be prepared to pay 24 bucks for the unlock since the software requires it either way.
If you have Alejandrissimo help you he will also install the CWM recovery for you.
THIS is important as it installs a custom recovery mode for your phone that you will use to backup your phone, install kernels, and ROOT your phone.
If you are going the DIY route here is the Clockwork Recovery thread
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130639)
I hope this helps. After all the hard stuff is done the rest is pretty easy. Learning how to put your phone into recovery is important into jumping into all the other great things you can do with your phone.
The first like has an excellent post by xSoNiCcRaCkErSx who has basically tested many of the custom rom/kernel combinations on the r800at!
I hope this helps you and all the other r800at users out there!
Thanks DrROBschiz
From what I have read, [unlocking bootloader + applying clockwork recovery patch + Over-the-air updates] can brick the xperia play. Is this true? Have you tried OTA updates?
Also, I found another method (but I am not sure if it works with r800at). You flash 2.3.2 firmware using tools from wotanserver (cannot paste link because I am a new user). Then use gingerbreak to obtain root (this should work because of downgrading to 2.3.2) and update with OTA to get the latest version of android (claimed to retain root on the latest version). This method also doesn't seem to need unlocked bootloader.
Has someone with AT&T xperia play (r800at) tried the second method?
Also curious, can you unlock the bootloader via the process from Sony on their official site (which I cant link to right now)? Is there a downside outside of not having help (which don't get me wrong may be needed)
@8-Bit: You cannot unlock bootloader following Sony's website if you have carrier locked phone (r800at is locked to AT&T US). When I tried that, I realized that carried locked phones are not 'fastboot' enabled. Also, sim unlocking the phone using 'unlock codes' won't enable 'fastboot'. It will just make the phone capable of accepting other networks sim cards.
Also yes its important to note that if your bootloader is unlocked OTA will brick the phone.
MAKE A BACKUP!
I understand not wanting to deal with the complicated process of the current unlock method but it really is the only viable option for the AT&T version of the Play unfortunately.
I finally have root!!!
turbo789 said:
Thanks DrROBschiz
From what I have read, [unlocking bootloader + applying clockwork recovery patch + Over-the-air updates] can brick the xperia play. Is this true? Have you tried OTA updates?
Also, I found another method (but I am not sure if it works with r800at). You flash 2.3.2 firmware using tools from wotanserver (cannot paste link because I am a new user). Then use gingerbreak to obtain root (this should work because of downgrading to 2.3.2) and update with OTA to get the latest version of android (claimed to retain root on the latest version). This method also doesn't seem to need unlocked bootloader.
Has someone with AT&T xperia play (r800at) tried the second method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the second method. It works. But you do loose the AT&T branding (phone will be identified as r800a/r800i based on which ROM you flash). Also, when connected to mobile data it says "H" instead of "H+", though I didn't notice any difference in data speeds.
@8-Bit: if you need any details, I would be glad to help.
I just did this today. Started with stock 2.3.3 on an r800at. I used Wotanserver ( which is currently free for some reason) to flash to 2.32 as an r800a model. Then I installed gingerbreak. I now have root including wireless hotspot!
The only gotcha was I needed to load gingerbreak via my pc, a direct API download from the web would not work.
My speeds are fine as verified on speed test.org and I was able to get back to 2.3.3. Over the air.
Phone is much faster and has much more memory due to the Att bloatware being gone.
Give it a try!
Will doing this enable fastboot so you can unlock the bootloader and install custom roms?
Sent from my R800at using XDA App
tgh0wnz said:
Will doing this enable fastboot so you can unlock the bootloader and install custom roms?
Sent from my R800at using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you talking about the Wotanserver method? I'm not sure how it works it's magic. I think the boot loader probably was unlocked to ge the firmware on but then re locked. At least I hope so because my hope is to get thE 2.3.4 OTA update on somehow
I believe the att, and firmware update supports 4g, hence when you flash it to generic you lose that... But it's speed difference between really fast and really faster.. So it's not even noticeable. Personally I believe it's better if the phone is rooted and bloats removed.
Sent from my XPlay using XDA App.
Ok guys I told a friend I'd help him get rooted. And ive been reading here and im lost.. From what I gather. The bootloader on the att version is locked and to gain root. That needs to be unlocked.. This is where I'm lost. Why is the best method to go through someone else. What does that involve? Sorry to sound dumb I'm just really lost here. haha.
Sent from AT&T Galaxy S2
turbo789 said:
Thanks DrROBschiz
From what I have read, [unlocking bootloader + applying clockwork recovery patch + Over-the-air updates] can brick the xperia play. Is this true? Have you tried OTA updates?
Also, I found another method (but I am not sure if it works with r800at). You flash 2.3.2 firmware using tools from wotanserver (cannot paste link because I am a new user). Then use gingerbreak to obtain root (this should work because of downgrading to 2.3.2) and update with OTA to get the latest version of android (claimed to retain root on the latest version). This method also doesn't seem to need unlocked bootloader.
Has someone with AT&T xperia play (r800at) tried the second method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does work except you lose att bloatware which is a good thing
---------- Post added at 09:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:27 PM ----------
joshyy_rey said:
Ok guys I told a friend I'd help him get rooted. And ive been reading here and im lost.. From what I gather. The bootloader on the att version is locked and to gain root. That needs to be unlocked.. This is where I'm lost. Why is the best method to go through someone else. What does that involve? Sorry to sound dumb I'm just really lost here. haha.
Sent from AT&T Galaxy S2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just want root then go to wontanserver and register and download driver and client software and follow their directions. Choose r800a 2.3.2 (3.0.A.2.184) . Now use gingerbreak1.2 (search forums) and follow direction. Now update over the air only. You have rooted 2.3.3 r800a enjoy
Okay, so I'm having problems with my phone randomly not getting a signal ever since doing this method... is there currently any way to go back to AT&T stock? Also, has anybody else been having signal issues? It says I have bars, but I can't call/text and I have to restart the phone. Very irritating.
turbo789 said:
Hi,
Can someone please write a noob's guide to rooting the AT&T xperia play (r800at)? The phone is carrier locked and bootloader locked. Is there a easy way to just get root permissions on the stock AT&T rom (2.3.3) without unlocking bootloader? All I want to do is remove AT&T apps which I don't use and free up internal memory (I only have 40 mb left). I couldn't find a thread which clearly explains this (have been searching for more than a week now).
PS: This is my first android phone, so I don't have a very good idea about how all this works.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi... first off all, sorry my bad english
If you have locked bootloader (SIM-locked) and want to root whitout unlocking bootloader, try this:
"Working Root on 2.3.3 locked bootloaders! (Works on all Xperia Plays except R800X)"
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1116090
Worked like a charm form me...
Portugal - TMN
Xperia Play R800i locked bootloader.
Gingerbreak worked very fast for me, BUT only after turning off Wifi connections and UN-plugging the USB-cable
Have froozen lots off app's (think is the correct term) with Titanium backup
Have used Link2SD to move other apps to SDcard
When I bouthg the phone it cames with 2.3.2. I made the mistake OTA upgrading before reading about root.
At beggining (2.3.2) the phone boot, from startup to PIN code, about 3-5 minutes.
After OTA upgrade (2.3.3) i noticed some diferences (about 2 minutes to boot)...
After rooting phone MAKES BOOT IN 45 SECONDS!!! (from begining to PIN CODE)
Always have about 250mb ram free
Internal storage 150mb free (Im still afraid of using Insecure ADB to move dalvik cache to SD)...
I read lots of pages on XDA forum to know about rooting and all the benefits&risk's involved, and root related tools, before rooting so advise all the others newbies like me, doing the same
Thanks to all make this possible (must thanks here because I dont have post permission in develoment area)...
Once again, thanks a lot...
shiftylock said:
Okay, so I'm having problems with my phone randomly not getting a signal ever since doing this method... is there currently any way to go back to AT&T stock? Also, has anybody else been having signal issues? It says I have bars, but I can't call/text and I have to restart the phone. Very irritating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might be a late reply, but it might still help some one. I had similar problems (mainly with data connectivity). I fixed it by adding APN profiles for AT&T under settings >> wireless & network setting >> Mobile networks >> Access Point Names. Let me know if you need the details of the APN profile.
guys im having the same problem, i got a friend who needs helps with his xperia play at&t, he wants to unlock the bootloader, and install a custom os, i was looking for the 1st option on the first page, but the link doesnt works anymore, any suggestion?
DrROBschiz said:
Also yes its important to note that if your bootloader is unlocked OTA will brick the phone.
MAKE A BACKUP!
I understand not wanting to deal with the complicated process of the current unlock method but it really is the only viable option for the AT&T version of the Play unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi bro. am new to xda new to android new to android modding.so please help. i recently purchased used xperia play r800at from ebay its carrier unlocked.now what i want to know: phone is carrier unlocked can you please say is my phones bootloader unlocked. how can i root it or just give me a link. please please pleaaaasseeee!!!! am super noob i dont even fully know what is bootloader kernel rom and suck thing i just need to overclock and free up some space. please help because i cant find answers online please ((
DrROBschiz said:
You'll find there that you cannot currently root the r800at without first unlocking the bootloader!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that isn't true. I was able to root phone without unlocking bootloader using superoneclick. do the search.
Rooting R800AT
legacygt777 said:
that isn't true. I was able to root phone without unlocking bootloader using superoneclick. do the search.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he was anything like me, then he searched, searched, searched, and after that, searched some more. Superoneclick does not work for our phones. All the guides for xperia plays don't mention a damn thing about rolling back firmware from version 2.3.3 to 2.3.2 in order to root. I was loosing my mind trying to figure this out at the time; tried multiple PCs/multiple USB ports, thought maybe my syntax was wrong on the manual methods so I tried a couple of automated methods like superoneclick and DoomLord Root, when those didn't work I thought maybe the drivers weren't quite right so I investigated that issue for ages but couldn't find any more up to date ones than the ones I was using. I then tried messing with a few automated rooters right from my phone like z4root and Gingerbreak which didn't work either. Finally I found this thread(same one linked a couple of posts up) which did the trick (I have it saved in my favorites). It's not missing any steps and is accurate to the T. Worked for me the first time and didn't require any special hexes, voodoo, or rain dances.
I just checked and since that thread is so old, the links are now dead. I would post there, but I'm not allowed (developer's thread). Here are some links to the software needed:
Flashtool
Android 2.3.2 (.184 as referred to in that thread)
And finally Gingerbreak v1.2 - should download this from your phone and install to it's internal memory (not the SD card) prior to flashing
The other methods of rooting may have worked once downgraded to 2.3.2, but I just followed that guide and used Gingerbreak as it seemed the simplest way.
Hey guys,
I am thinking of getting an Xperia play. I am not a newbie to rooting and Custom ROMS, but I am a newbie with regards to the Xperia Play.
I am purchasing a T-MOBILE Locked Xperia Play which I will be getting unlocked by T-mobile for £15.
One question I do have is. When rooting this device is it permanent, even after receiving OTA updates etc ?
Do I need to mess around with the Bootloader at all ? I would like the ability to be fully unlocked, however I hear it can cause issue with OTA updates,I would like to use the upcoming software update which may very well be ICS. If I unlock the bootloader but can no longer update over the air can I do it via my PC ?
Thanks guys.
Tons of topics about this
Short answer, yes
Long answer, use the search
Ok. I would be glad if someone could point me in the right direction here, and answer this question.
I am planning on buying an Xplay, mainly for phoning and gaming. I am very keen on keeping the Xplay "clean" and fast, and therefore wish to remove all bloatware from the beginning.
Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on? What´s the best thing to do if I want to remove the bloatware. I might as well say that I´m pretty much a beginner when it comes to all the terms "rooting" and stuff. But I want to do it a safe way, without taking risks of breaking or bricking anything.
Thanks.
Some of the bloatware can be simply uninstalled, some cannot. For the latter you need to root your phone. I like to use SuperOneClick for rooting. Note that some firmwares (the ones whose version ends with .62 or greater) cannot be rooted, so I wouldn't update to them.
Once rooted, removing the bloatware is pretty simple. The most common way is to use Titanium Backup to uninstall it or you can even do it manually by deleting the relevant .apk files from /system/app.
Root your phone ,this is the first step that you must to do. After rooting ,you can remove bloatware from your phone and gain more free space on you internal memory.
I think that the best rooting way is the (zergRush Method):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1312859
After rooting ,download 'Root Explorer' ,go to system/app and remove all the things you don't need.
If you are getting an AT&T Xplay I would suggest installing the generic north American rom which is 2.3.4 and missing the AT&T bloat. I backed up the games from the stock rom first then installed the NA rom and reinstalled them.
First use pc companion and install the latest update. Then root and remove bloat and get everything set up like your contacts and apps. After that install cwm and make a nandroid backup and start flashing roms! Back-up your info if the rom won't carry it over. Optional: Unlock bootloader before roms. There are plenty of stock based roms to for people with locked bootloaders.
EDIT: Don't do the below, just read you don't want risk!
1. Unlock the bootloader
2. Use flashtool to install a generic ROM .FTF file (.368 has CRT animation but is old, .42 is good, .62 is good)
3. Install a kernel (DooM's is great). This will allow you to overclock, and give automatic ROOT (no need to exploit or install anything else)
4. Buy/acquire an app called "Titanium Backup" (it needs ROOT to run), and check the guide in these forums for which apps are safe to remove
The first thing to do? Here's a list:
1. READ everything you can find related to your model version of the Play. There are different versions depending on where you are in the world and who your service provider is. If you have a GSM capable phone (Europe, Canada, ATT in US just to name a few), you will have a lot more modification options available. If you have a CDMA capable phone (Verizon), you have fewer choices but there are more coming almost every day.
2. READ again - you know you only understood maybe a 10th of what you just read!
3. POST specific questions AFTER you have searched the forums. Don't be afraid to try Google - that's what it's there for.
4. THINK !!! - what is it that you expect to get from modifying your phone that it doesn't do now? If you just want to remove bloatware, you can simply root, install a custom recovery, make a backup and then go to town. No need for unlocking the bootloader or loading a custom rom.
5. SLOW DOWN !!! - don't be in such a hurry to modify your phone that you leap before you look. Most bricked phones could be avoided in the first place by taking time to understand the steps involved before making changes.
6. DON'T PANIC !!! - There are very few things you can do to your phone that the experienced folks here on the forums can't help you resolved.
7. HAVE FUN !!!
---------- Post added at 01:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:14 AM ----------
Potato13 said:
First use pc companion and install the latest update. Then root and remove bloat and get everything set up like your contacts and apps. After that install cwm and make a nandroid backup and start flashing roms! Back-up your info if the rom won't carry it over. Optional: Unlock bootloader before roms. There are plenty of stock based roms to for people with locked bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily. If you install some of the latest updates, you no longer can root. That's why some research needs to be done first.
Search google and read xda forums on a daily basis. That's the shortest route lol
1. Root using zergrush or use flashtool rooting feature
2. Unlock bootloader (this will void your warranty)
3. Install clockworkmod 5.0.2.7 for xperia phones (get it free on play store fka android market)
4. Install titanium backup and perform batch backup of your apps to your sd card
5. Get doomlord's kernel v11 (link is on my signature) and wifi modules
6. Reboot into recovery and hold down or tap volume down to enter CWM recovery
7. Flash the kernel, then reboot and flash the wifi module
8. Flash your custom rom
9. There your phone is bricked! Haha
netizenmt said:
4. THINK !!! - what is it that you expect to get from modifying your phone that it doesn't do now? If you just want to remove bloatware, you can simply root, install a custom recovery, make a backup and then go to town. No need for unlocking the bootloader or loading a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input.
The only thing that I plan to do, is probably just remove bloatware and nothing more. So I guess it´s just down to rooting the phone then, and delete the things that I don´t want? No need for unlocking bootloaders etc.?
Is there a list of what stuff that can be deleted? Or other things that can be achieved by only rooting the phone?
And the last question. Is it totally ok to accept android updates after the rooting and removing of bloatware?
silmes said:
Thanks for the input.
The only thing that I plan to do, is probably just remove bloatware and nothing more. So I guess it´s just down to rooting the phone then, and delete the things that I don´t want? No need for unlocking bootloaders etc.?
Is there a list of what stuff that can be deleted? Or other things that can be achieved by only rooting the phone?
And the last question. Is it totally ok to accept android updates after the rooting and removing of bloatware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you aren't going to get into custom kernels and overclocking, then no, you can do what you want without unlocking the bootloader.
There are some links in General and here in Q & A that make suggestions of what can be removed safely.
If you only rooted and didn't remove anything, you could accept updates. If you remove bloatware, the update won't even install. That's why I suggest installing CWM (ClockWorkMod) Recovery and doing a Nandroid Backup after you root but before you debloat.
Here are some useful links for you:
Rooted (Locked Bootloader) Phone - App Removal (Safe List)
[GUIDE] R800x owners - You got Custom ROM questions? I've got Answers!
The second one there was one I posted up for R800x users with locked bootloaders. It was all the stuff I had to glean for myself when mine was locked.
Hope this helps.
Sigh...hope this isn't too late.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23845116#post23845116
First thing: Root right away with Flashtool (http://androxyde.github.com/) and don't listen to the others, the Flashtool nowdays contains the Exploit that you need and it works perfect to root on 2.3.4 (I did it myself when I root'd mine the first time).
I am planning on buying an Xplay, mainly for phoning and gaming. I am very keen on keeping the Xplay "clean" and fast, and therefore wish to remove all bloatware from the beginning.
I recommend the Titanium Backup as all the others, and you can use this list as help: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1046699&highlight=remove+app+list
Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
Q: Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
A: Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
The interesting thing is that the answer to this seems to differ on who you ask. Further back in this thread, someone advised me NOT to update, as it might lead to problems when trying to root my phone. What´s the deal here?
silmes said:
Q: Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
A: Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
The interesting thing is that the answer to this seems to differ on who you ask. Further back in this thread, someone advised me NOT to update, as it might lead to problems when trying to root my phone. What´s the deal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you update to the .62 firmware you can't root.
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk
silmes said:
Q: Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
A: Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
The interesting thing is that the answer to this seems to differ on who you ask. Further back in this thread, someone advised me NOT to update, as it might lead to problems when trying to root my phone. What´s the deal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because it differs between models and some people aren't aware of that, while others like to be argumentative!
If you have a Verizon R800x Play, our firmware only goes up to Version 2.3.3 (3.0.1.E.0.88). If yours comes with 2.3.2, you're safe to update. You will be able to root with no problem.
If you have one of the other phones, you can apply updates below 4.0.2.A.0.62 and still root. .62 and higher, no root.
Check out this thread [HOW-TO] Root Phones w/ Android v2.2.x-2.3.x (zergRush Method) for additional information.
I've been at this literally all night, and I've given up on rooting my phone without asking for help. I've been scouring the forums, this and others for answers, but still haven't been able to root my phone. It's an At&t Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, or R800at. I believe I have the latest factory OS as I have checked for updates via Sony PC Companion and there are none, that and this was a recent new phone purchase. I have tried superoneclick and have gotten to step 7 where it freezes, and I have tried doomlord's v4 root kit and it repeatedly says that the file pathways do not exist before failing and rebooting my phone. I have obtained an unlock code from sony and the imei number but am unable to get to the fastboot mode, as holding down the search button only yeilds a green light, indicating flash mode. I have debug mode activated, have tried both media transfer mode and mass storage mode, have up to date working drivers, and have downloaded android sdk, though I am unsure what to do with it; I tried using a driver within that folder instead of the ones I have but that didn't seem to help. I am at a loss, help would be appreciated, and as I said I have already thoroughly searched the forums so like the n00b video says I'm just special like that
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=21272961
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA
I followed that thread particularly the root link at the first post but I still cannot root my phone. To clarify, are you suggesting I reply under that thread instead of using this one?
i used to have the same problem, what i did is downgrade the firmware to
3.0.1.B.0.270 and using flashtool i flashed that firmware, when the phone was up again, it was rooted i spend like 15 minutes doing it so
I was planning on trying to flash then root next, but wanted to save that as a last resort mostly for fear of loosing contacts data, the rest can go however (the whole point of rooting is to gain internal memory in the first place).
i dont think theres a way of rooting using the 285 firmware, the only is unlocking but if you want it just for that you better use the flashin form, contacts if they are in the google address then you will get them back, and with the new store you can download really quick the apps you just downloaded
The downgrade enabled me to root the device, and like you said there was no loss of contacts. The only downside is that I can't update to current firmware without loosing root access. Small price to pay, thanks for the tip!