Develop Bugs

[Q] Verizon Xperia Play Paid Bootloader Unlock

Hello everybody. I just picked up a Verizon Xperia Play today, and I am now aware that there is no free solution to unlock the bootloader at this time, but there is a paid solution.
After playing around with this phone for a few hours, I am desperate for root now. All of this bloatware and this auto-brightness "feature" is driving me absolutely insane. So I have reached the point where I am willing to pay for a bootloader unlock solution so I can root. I wish to know how I can go about going through with the paid solution?
I have tried sending a PM to Ashergray, and Blagus regarding this solution (as instructed to do in his topic), but for some reason I cannot send PMs..? Also, I couldn't reply to the thread in the dev topic to ask this question because I don't have ten posts yet. If a kind fellow nerd could tell me what I should do? There is nothing to click on Blagus' site that allows me to obtain this service.
I really don't want to regret buying this phone. The gaming experience on this is so fantastic, and an unlocked bootloader with rooting would make this guy happy.
Thank you for any replies.
<waits to be flamed for doing something wrong>

PMs are a pain in the butt, sometimes they show up when you send them, sometimes they don't
Over in the General section, Alejandrissimo has the paid solution to rooting/unlocking your play.
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232050
Sent from my R800x using XDA App

@TSBroich you don't have enough posts yet to send pm's, you'll need 8 I think.
Regards Dousan...

Got the paid service, and now my bootloader is unlocked. It was very easy.
Thank you guys for your suggestions and input.

No problemo, just be careful when an OTA comes out, the euoropean edition (800i) was bricked by having an unlocked bootloader...
Sent from my R800x using XDA App

Wow that sucks. I will definitely be extra careful, especially since I'm trying to install the European R800i stock ROM onto the Verizon R800x Xperia Play.
I've gotten it to boot up, I just cannot do anything except bring the notification bar down, and browse through the Xperia Play games cover flow..thing.
Still trying everything to get this to work.

Why would you have regretted buying it without the root ability? I'm still on the fence about this phone and trying to gather info
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium

Well if you like playing SNES, N64, GBA and PS1 games, it shouldn't even be a question about whether you should buy it or not IMO.
Although, if I could go back in time, I would have bought the unlocked R800i version instead of the one from the Verizon store (R800x).
Even without root, the R800x is still a great phone, and gaming is top notch. However, without root, you will have to live with quite a bit of bloatware and the screen is permanently set to auto-brightness.
But the one thing that really gets me is that the Verizon version is stripped of the whole Sony Experience (No Playstation store, etc).
I dould definitely recommend this phone to you, but root it and get the unlocked version.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

Are you using a CDMA or GSM Verizon for your image? I know Verizon is CDMA and AT&T is GSM, so make sure you're using a CDMA version.
Also, try installing a home replacement app, see if that lets you do more...
Also, downloading the 800i apks (they are in the system dumps somewhere in the development section) can allow you to install the apps we're missing on the 800x.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App

paxChristos said:
Are you using a CDMA or GSM Verizon for your image? I know Verizon is CDMA and AT&T is GSM, so make sure you're using a CDMA version.
Also, try installing a home replacement app, see if that lets you do more...
Also, downloading the 800i apks (they are in the system dumps somewhere in the development section) can allow you to install the apps we're missing on the 800x.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The CDMA version is Verizon's version, so it doesn't have the features I'm looking for. That's why I'm flashing the EURO R800i image. Here is my process so far, and the outcomes:
It boots up just fine (new boot animation).
However, I am stuck at one spot. I cannot do anything except bring down the notification bar, view the Xperia Play games when I slide out the gamepad (VCast is gone!), and change USB options when plugged into the computer.
Here are the steps that I have taken:
-Full stock restore with FlashTool
-Flashed doomlords boot.img with the command "fastboot flash boot boot.img"
-Flashed frasertag's system.img with the command "fastboot flash system system.img"
-Flashed the system.sin from the R800i Firmware (I extracted it) with the command "fastboot flash system system.sin"
-Disconnected USB then turned the phone on. It boots just fine.
Hmm, you don't say. I wonder how I would go about installing APKs (including a new launcher) on the device even though I cannot navigate through any menus...or anything else.
ADB here I come..haha.

Hope this helps, it's a quick guide on using adb to install apps:
http://androidcommunity.com/forums/f4/how-to-install-apps-using-adb-4482/

Thank you for this reference. I was going to look for that myself, but you saved me the trouble.
A theory I have on why it didn't work is that the Nandroid backup was from factory stock, and NOT rooted.
So what I'm going to try next is:
-Do a Nandroid backup while in a rooted state, and all of the Verizon related software removed. Try restoring that.
-Download the system dump from the R800i, and install the R800i Launcher APK via ADB Shell.
With a launcher installed, hopefully we'll be able to, you know...do stuff.
Once the launcher is there, and it's confirmed that we can navigate the pages, we can go about installing the R800i apps if they aren't already there. But I shouldn't be getting ahead of myself now.

Haha, you good sir, are my hero, i read the other thread you opened, and i think i'll start following that one now
I'm curious if they were lazy and left the framework for the apps in there, but just removed the apps... well, we'll know since you're our brave guinea pig.

Got the Playstation Pocket Widget/App/Store onto the R800x successfully, along with the other Sony Ericsson widgets.
If I can confirm that the launcher will work, then I will do a Nandroid backup of this (so I can come back to it later, and to test in the restoration process), and go ahead and try all of this again. haha

2.3.3, really wishing gingerbreak would work right about now :/

retrogrymlyn said:
2.3.3, really wishing gingerbreak would work right about now :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't you re-unlock the bootloader and root again even on 2.3.3? I have seen it done by other people (not me though. I am sticking with 2.3.2 unlocked and rooted).
Also, if anybody wants to make their R800x Verizon Plays look, feel and act like the R800i, here is the link to my long post about using the R800i launcher, widgets and apps. I failed at getting the ROM to fully function, but these are almost as good as having it on there.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=18516468#post18516468

kexec-tools
Hey everybody first post so I hope I don't sound like a total noob. I don't know if this will work but after rooting my phone and exploring some of the files I found a kexec-tools file. I have read that some phones have been able to have a custom kernal flashed using kexec-tools. Just thought I would put it out there and see what others had to say.

can a verizon be unlocked and used on gsm carriers?
TSBroich said:
The CDMA version is Verizon's version, so it doesn't have the features I'm looking for. That's why I'm flashing the EURO R800i image. Here is my process so far, and the outcomes:
It boots up just fine (new boot animation).
However, I am stuck at one spot. I cannot do anything except bring down the notification bar, view the Xperia Play games when I slide out the gamepad (VCast is gone!), and change USB options when plugged into the computer.
Here are the steps that I have taken:
-Full stock restore with FlashTool
-Flashed doomlords boot.img with the command "fastboot flash boot boot.img"
-Flashed frasertag's system.img with the command "fastboot flash system system.img"
-Flashed the system.sin from the R800i Firmware (I extracted it) with the command "fastboot flash system system.sin"
-Disconnected USB then turned the phone on. It boots just fine.
Hmm, you don't say. I wonder how I would go about installing APKs (including a new launcher) on the device even though I cannot navigate through any menus...or anything else.
ADB here I come..haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Editing, since I posted in the wrong place, sorry.
(SIM card on Verizon issue)
Tks

dead link
Hi. I've already rooted my phone. Now I want to try the ICS firmware from Sony and need to unlock my bootloader. The link provided. Above appears to be dead. I would be happy to pay for the unlock code or service. Thanks for any info.

Unlocking R800x
Okay I don't think I'm a complete noob at this as I've already rooted an HTC Hero, Droid1, and Nook Color. Could someone please explain how I'm supposed to unlock my R800x bootloader in simple terms? I'm getting conflicting directions everywhere I go and I'm more than willing to pay for it but no one I pm will reply for the unlock code.

R800i 4.0.A.2.368 UK on the Verizon R800x

This is a long shot, but this is something I've love to know whether it is possble or not. I have heard a couple people say that they pulled this off.
Obviously, the R800x Xperia Play on Verizon is the stripped down version of the UK version. The R800i has the whole Sony Experience, and I wish to have that on mine. So I thought to myself, couldn't I just flash the R800i 4.0.A.2.368 UK ROM found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1221105
onto my R800x Xperia Play? And before anybody says it, I KNOW that the network won't work, no phone and no sms. Only Wifi would work. That is fine by me. I would be perfectly fine with this just being an Android WiFi gaming device with the whole Sony Experience that the R800x lacks.
I've tried flashing this R800i ROM with FlashTool, and it keeps failing. Which sort of surprises me, because a couple of others in the thread in the link I posted above claim that it worked for them. (I can't post there. Dev section. Not enough posts yet)
Is is just a fantasy that will never come true? Or am I simply doing something wrong? If I was not very clear about something, please let me know, and I will edit this post with corrections. Thank you for your kind advice or suggestions.
(trying to avoid buying an unlocked GSM Xperia Play)

i think its been confirmed that itll brick it someone tried to see if they could enable the sim card slot flashing a generic rom to the r800x yes the r800x has a sim card slot has a plastic thing covering it right behind/on top of the sd card

edokassiah said:
i think its been confirmed that itll brick it someone tried to see if they could enable the sim card slot flashing a generic rom to the r800x yes the r800x has a sim card slot has a plastic thing covering it right behind/on top of the sd card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm not trying to enable the sim card slot. I just want the ROM on there so I can replace the horrible VCast with the Playstation Store, give me the Sony Ericsson widgets, basically all of the stuff that the R800i gets to have.
And since this phone is just my backup (WiFi only) device anyway, no network access does not concern me at all.

TSBroich said:
Well I'm not trying to enable the sim card slot. I just want the ROM on there so I can replace the horrible VCast with the Playstation Store, give me the Sony Ericsson widgets, basically all of the stuff that the R800i gets to have.
And since this phone is just my backup (WiFi only) device anyway, no network access does not concern me at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i get what ur saying but im sure itll brick it
i mean it if it was that easy why is there gsm roms and cdma?
keep trying is your bootloader unlocked? if not prolly y ur getting a failed error

TSBroich said:
Well I'm not trying to enable the sim card slot. I just want the ROM on there so I can replace the horrible VCast with the Playstation Store, give me the Sony Ericsson widgets, basically all of the stuff that the R800i gets to have.
And since this phone is just my backup (WiFi only) device anyway, no network access does not concern me at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, yes, this! I may not want the whole she-bang, but if I can find a way to replace the framework that wants to pull everything from the VZWapps store *shudder* then I would be a tad happier. Just replacing the "Play" app doesn't do it. So where is the framework that tells it where to go?
Second, I know there are portions of the SE Experience framework still in the R800x, as some of the widgets, when installed, still work. Also, there is something blocking the normal facebook app from installing an account hook like on other stock phones, even though the rest of the r800x is "stock". I think we can pretty much all see that the R800x was not "Stock" but rather just stripped. Almost all the hooks are still there, plus some that are VZW specific.

UPDATE:
I have gone ahead and tried this, done some testing. So far, I'm making progress!
I have gotten the European R800i ROM on my R800x Xperia Play.
It boots up just fine (new boot animation).
However, I am stuck at one spot. I cannot do anything except bring down the notification bar, view the Xperia Play games when I slide out the gamepad (VCast is gone!), and change USB options when plugged into the computer.
Here are the steps that I have taken:
-Full stock restore with FlashTool
-Flashed doomlords boot.img with the command "fastboot flash boot boot.img"
-Flashed frasertag's system.img with the command "fastboot flash system system.img"
-Flashed the system.sin from the R800i Firmware (I extracted it) with the command "fastboot flash system system.sin"
-Disconnected USB then turned the phone on. It boots just fine.
Now the reason that nothing actually functions at this point is because I only flashed the system.sin from the R800i firmware (this is just a theory!). Trying to flash the whole ROM in FlashTool will result in an error and fail. I have read in another post that a trick to bring full functionality (besides the network) is to create a Nandroid backup before flashing all of this, delete the system.img from the backup, then restore the Nandroid backup after all of the flashing is done. The restoration part has got me stumped so far..
I will keep trying, and will ask the guy who I got this idea from how he got past the restoring backup stage (where I'm stuck).
I am determined to make this work! haha
edokassiah said:
yeah i get what ur saying but im sure itll brick it
i mean it if it was that easy why is there gsm roms and cdma?
keep trying is your bootloader unlocked? if not prolly y ur getting a failed error
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes my bootloader is unlocked.

dam thats badass been alot of confirms that itll brick do us a favor and try inserting a sim card take the batt cover off and right under the sd card theres a sim card slot a piece of plastic is covering easily comes off see if it detects it

edokassiah said:
dam thats badass been alot of confirms that itll brick do us a favor and try inserting a sim card take the batt cover off and right under the sd card theres a sim card slot a piece of plastic is covering easily comes off see if it detects it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
During my experimentations, I bricked my Xperia Play a couple times. Luckily it must have been a "soft brick" or something, because I was able to restore it by doing a full restore to factory stock. Nothing else would register in the bricked state.
I do not have a SIM card for this phone at the moment. The only SIM card I have on me is the 4G card for the Droid Charge.
I tried restoring the Nandroid backups without including the system.img in the restore, and it still wouldn't fix the problem.
Here are a few theories I have on why it didn't work, and what might work:
-The Nandroid backup was from factory stock, and NOT rooted.
-The inability to do anything on the homescreen may be due to the lack of a launcher.
So what I'm going to try next is:
-Do a Nandroid backup while in a rooted state, and all of the Verizon related software removed. Try restoring that.
-Download the system dump from the R800i, and install the Launcher APK via ADB Shell.
Not giving up.

I have succeeded in putting the Sony Ericsson Experience from R800i onto the Verizon R800x.
I'll post pictures a little later.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

TSBroich said:
I have succeeded in putting the Sony Ericsson Experience from R800i onto the Verizon R800x.
I'll post pictures a little later.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
post tut buddy and try to include any important info

Posted edited. Scroll down.

how did you manage to flash it. can you help me with the procedure
please post step by step method. please,.. for everyone...

Search in development about using flashtool.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App

NahuXtrme said:
how did you manage to flash it. can you help me with the procedure
please post step by step method. please,.. for everyone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry for "abandoning" this thread, but I got incredibly busy with school. Here is what's going on. I got good news, and bad news.
Bad news, I got the ROM to flash onto the R800x, but encountered problems to the point where it's not even worth posting anything for.
Good news, so instead, I took a good chunk of goodies from the R800i dump, and put it on the R800x. A good number of the stuff works, but some doesn't. All these apps/widgets come straight from the R800i.
I am not taking the credit for any of these finds. I am just sharing things that I have found after searching the internet high and low.
First is the SE launcher. This will make your phone look and act a lot like the R800i. This includes the SE app drawer, the folders, the dock and the "jiggly" movements. Everything works except for the themes. Here is a download link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?zuq8hsexodjk3bx
Next is the Playstation Pocket/Suite app. This is the official Playstation app from SE. On the R800x, the widgets work perfectly, the app works fine, and the game launcher looks beautiful. The only problem is that when going to the section to buy more games, it doesn't show any games available for USA. But that's what PSXperia is for. If you aren't familiar with PSXperia, you must check it out.
Here is the link for Playstation Pocket:
http://www.mediafire.com/?mmhduygvlmsjdim
Here is the Media Shortcut widget. This just lets you select music, wallpapers or videos all in one widget. This of course comes from the R800i.
http://www.mediafire.com/?w41bp8wr7d81rb8
Here is the Photo gallery widget. I really like this one. It revolves in a circular motion with your fingers. Works fine in portrait mode, but does not work in landscape for me.
http://www.mediafire.com/?1yuvjhf2f7m1b4l
[ROOT REQUIRED:] And lastly for now, here is the Sony Xperia Play game launcher WITHOUT the VCast. You must remove the Xperia Play game launcher, and VCast. You can remove these using Titanium Backup. Then install this one. This removed VCast for me, and instead gave an icon in the corner that takes you to the Xperia Play optimized games from the Android Market.
http://www.mediafire.com/?5kmog06w4s3qn3i
UPDATE: jgregoryj1 has posted a better and easier method to remove VCast. See his post below (it's #18). It's way simpler, but know that root is still required.
I cannot seem to get the SE R800i music widget to work without crashing. But of course, the R800x stock one and others work like normal, so oh well...
Again, I am not taking any credit for these finds. I just tried these things for myself, and I am now sharing them with any who are interested in making their Verizon R800x's look and feel like the way the Xperia Play was MEANT to look.
In closing, I just want to reiterate, I am very sorry about not accomplishing the task of getting the ROM to work 100% (it was still unusable). But for anybody who wants the R800i look, these should tide you over.
Thank you guys for your understanding, and thanks to everyone for making XDA such a good place.
Travis

I wasn't even aware that verizon held out on these features. Thanks for getting then out there.

These features were indeed stripped from our model(s), and it was very disappointing to learn that they didn't include the Playstation Suite on these. Oh well, for I'm glad I didn't return it now. I love this thing.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium

TSBroich said:
I've tried flashing this R800i ROM with FlashTool, and it keeps failing. Which sort of surprises me, because a couple of others in the thread in the link I posted above claim that it worked for them. (I can't post there. Dev section. Not enough posts yet)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't use flashtool. Use Fastboot (ie Fastboot flash system system.sin)
Also the radio will still work if you flash chevys nandroid backup after flashing the UK firmware.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App

I was able to get rid of the vcast market in the xperia play launcher by removing the vcast app from the /system/app folder and rebooting. If thats all you want to get rid of then just do that. The android market will then be in plce of the vcast. Although I have flashed te UK rom and have the full Timescape rom onmy phone for a few weeks now. Its pretty sweet and fast. But kudos for posting the helpful information

iliketrains said:
Don't use flashtool. Use Fastboot (ie Fastboot flash system system.sin)
Also the radio will still work if you flash chevys nandroid backup after flashing the UK firmware.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also you need to flash Doomlord's kernel for 3.0.1.A.0.145 found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=15805471&postcount=2
Then apply chevy's FTSv05 CDMA Patch v2. You will have a fully functional phone with the exception of multimedia messaging.
None of this works with 4.0.A.2.368 Roms though. I have been working on trying to get the radio functional on the newer Roms.

Or you could pull the kernel from a tft file like I did. dooms kernel had too many problems for me. No wifi, low volume, etc.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App

[ROM] Stock 2.3.4, Sense 2.1 [Rooted][Apps2sd][US Cellular] - Only for marvelc A510c

A cursory warning that this rom has A2sd installed; so, one will definately want to format their sd card [and particularly /sd-ext] correctly. I recommend [for this rom] ext2 on /sd-ext not over 1.5 gigs, no swap, whatevers left or you prefer to set for fat32. Also, though written in, you might want to dl and install A2SDGUI from market; link to guide for it and Links2SD found later in thread.
This is a rebuilt nandroid backup from dsixda's Android Kitchen. Be sure to do a nandroid and do NOT flash this on any other model wildfire s [A510c ONLY]. 2.3.4 as is stock to US Cellular, added everything including busybox, A2SD, and su, If any devs would like to pull it apart and meld your kernel in, go for it. Again, make nandroid. Should have full HTC sense 2.1. Download Link2SD from market for some space savings, and don't say I didn't warn you to nandroid [three times].
Also, as with any new rom installation. I recommend doing the following in your recovery: a factory reset [which wipes your data and cache] and advanced clear dalvik cache. If you do those two things, you usually don't have any transference issues; Superwipe is also a good alternative primer for wiping.
Code:
Android OS version : 2.3.4
Device : marvelc
...
Rooted (Superuser.apk + su) : YES
Rooted (unsecured boot.img) : YES
BusyBox installed : YES
BusyBox run-parts support : YES
Apps2SD (Apps to EXT) enabled : YES
/data/app enabled : NO
Custom boot animation allowed : NO
Nano text editor installed : NO
Bash shell support : YES
/system/framework is deodexed : NO
/system/app is deodexed : NO
radio.img found : NO
ROM will wipe all data : NO
--Download Link--
Changelog:
12-13-11 got contribution of
Oldest nandroid PoGoP had (made shortly after root)
built from that.
Known Issues:
Friendstream only has HTC Twitter - no other choices
This is how it came stock; I tried to fix it, but will have to port another sense to get it right.
Thanks
So many I can't remember them all.
eoghan2t7 - for his work developing s-off [w/o xtc clip]
GotsOJ - for being the first to document his s-off experience (was very helpful).
alquez - for his work on the Unoffical CWM Recovery and port of CyanogenMod [which is where I'll be spending some development time next (kernel editing)]
dsixda - of course for his kitchen
jikantaru - lots of sense development for the Euro-side of this phone
simonsimons34 - for making Superwipe marvelc edition, once supplied w/ idea and src links
PoGoP - for contribution of files and being first tester

Works on Virgin Mobile as well
Although this will have US Cellular branding (and apps). So far everything I've tried works on VM USA too. These guys got HTC FM Radio and WiFi hotspot native and not as gunked up. Still need to test some stuff, but so far its nice. This Rom as my other one does not include radio.img; which, is probably why it works.
Rob
Tested network,sms,mms,fm radio, WiFi (and hotspot)... All working. Amended OP.

insink71 said:
This Rom as my other one does not include radio.img; which, is probably why it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so does this mean that I could potentially use the other custom roms around here and just not include the radio.img file?
on a side note apart from what I just asked, any way to include data2sd with this rom so that you could use one of the sd card partitions for internal storage?? Similar to how [ROM]Wildfire S -JikantaruROM XE™|Sense2.1|DATA2SD|HighQuality & Performance 10-30-11 uses data2sd.

answers
xxcrashxx said:
so does this mean that I could potentially use the other custom roms around here and just not include the radio.img file?
on a side note apart from what I just asked, any way to include data2sd with this rom so that you could use one of the sd card partitions for internal storage?? Similar to how [ROM]Wildfire S -JikantaruROM XE™|Sense2.1|DATA2SD|HighQuality & Performance 10-30-11 uses data2sd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably could. Apps2sd does the same thing for me; Just download a app like Link2sd, let it flash the script [according to the partitioning of your personal sd card], reboot and voila... All apps and dalvik vm can be moved to sdcard.
Most of the other custom roms are written for GSM phones and most marvelc flashers have reported wifi, data, bt, etc not working [major flaws]. You can get calling if you backup your APN info [APN backup & restore - app on market] but no data... you won't keep the rom(s) longer than to test it... no PRL data etc [important for us CDMAers ]. Short answer... not yet. I know of one dev universalizing his rom... but as of this writing, not yet. Only mine and simonsimon's roms work for marvelc as of this writing.
Rob

yea, I'm already using link2sd, but after moving everything possible, or linking everything possible, it still only leaves me with like 20mb of internal storage. with the rom I mentioned earlier, using data2sd, it would basically install the rom directly to the sd card, and use the 2nd partition as the "internal" storage. making the internal storage around 700+mb available.
There's this one gps app that I am dying to try, just to see how good it is myself, but it tells me that theres no room to install the maps This is after the app itself is moved to the sd card, and with about 20mb available. That's part of the reason I would like to have data2sd on this device.
At least that's what I have discovered so far, btw, im still a n00b to android phones. so im not totally up to date on all the diff apps and what they all do, so please correct me if i am at a wrong assumption.

noted
xxcrashxx said:
yea, I'm already using link2sd, but after moving everything possible, or linking everything possible, it still only leaves me with like 20mb of internal storage. with the rom I mentioned earlier, using data2sd, it would basically install the rom directly to the sd card, and use the 2nd partition as the "internal" storage. making the internal storage around 700+mb available.
There's this one gps app that I am dying to try, just to see how good it is myself, but it tells me that theres no room to install the maps This is after the app itself is moved to the sd card, and with about 20mb available. That's part of the reason I would like to have data2sd on this device.
At least that's what I have discovered so far, btw, im still a n00b to android phones. so im not totally up to date on all the diff apps and what they all do, so please correct me if i am at a wrong assumption.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't like Google Maps eh? I have a hard time justifying adding (or even trying) an app over 10mb... Google's apk limit I think is 25mb for the market. That being said, I am working on a custom marvelc rom that I will release with option for Apps2sd or data2sd etc. flashable zip mods and release the rom without them. [this would mean your practice would be full wipe, install rom zip, install [your choice of mod] zip, etc. I might even look into this guy that wrote some roms for the G2 ILWT or something like that... he had a lil text script you could modify...[makes it all one command]. Either way, it will be a new thread when I release the custom rom. Won't be immediate either; I'm 40 and move like a turtle. I am shooting for a release before Christmas though. [looking at everything inc. compiling 2.3.5 kernel and seeing if I can get that running on our cdma's, possible sense porting [true 3.0 if it works], etc.]
The best system file size scenario you will see is with an AOSP rom [like CyanogenMod]. A couple devs are working on those type roms for the marvelc (simon[2] and alquez). I'll assist where I can, but stay out of their way. Alas, I catch myself rambling yet again.
Looked over Data2sd... It basically uses your sd card as your data partition, but most prefer DarkTremor's A2sd still. Just hard to get rolling sometimes. I did post a mini-guide on it over on the VM USA stock rom thread here.

i know this device is sort of "old hat" i have a question, the rom from this OP works well on uscc wildfire s (cdma) one thing i dont understand is how come the rom reflects "virgin mobile" carrier brand on lockscreen, and notification pull down, also in settings/network/operator name...
will someone please explain this to me.
i do not see much uscc support for this device, rightfully so. i have yet to flash a rom for a510c that reflects the uscc official "get your phone back to stock roms" am i missing something?

Well there was a uscc dev early in the game, but to answer your question, the rom probably touched my phone. I know you guys have had an update.. as has vm usa and metro. Unfortunately, going back and updating.. their could be a possibility of ten different hboots (for the three carriers, that I know of [original, htc unlock, update1, [update2-only metropcs]]). Also, the newest ones aren't as easily hackable. For uscc there would be three possible hboots, and these provide a base. If you would like to get back to stock entirely, use football's RUU. I paid for and he agreed to release these for all marvelc carriers. Otherwise, I could do something now without it touching my phone Early on, had no RUU and little way to test otherwise.
Rob
PS Thank you for letting me know. And your post counts toward interest. So far, the guy [Pogop] who shared his nandroid has pm'd me.. but I guaged interest as low; and thus match my priority for uscc specific development. But you've raised it from a 1 to a 2 If it gets to 10 it gets done right then.. but I got a list of tasks. Sadly those under 5, I have not been able to make time for despite my best efforts. If any other uscc users would like Team Blueridge attention, now would be the time to chime in with a +1
Sent from my HTC_A510c using Tapatalk 2

insink71 said:
Well there was a uscc dev early in the game, but to answer your question, the rom probably touched my phone. I know you guys have had an update.. as has vm usa and metro. Unfortunately, going back and updating.. their could be a possibility of ten different hboots (for the three carriers, that I know of [original, htc unlock, update1, [update2-only metropcs]]). Also, the newest ones aren't as easily hackable. For uscc there would be three possible hboots, and these provide a base. If you would like to get back to stock entirely, use football's RUU. I paid for and he agreed to release these for all marvelc carriers. Otherwise, I could do something now without it touching my phone Early on, had no RUU and little way to test otherwise.
Rob
PS Thank you for letting me know. And your post counts toward interest. So far, the guy [Pogop] who shared his nandroid has pm'd me.. but I guaged interest as low; and thus match my priority for uscc specific development. But you've raised it from a 1 to a 2 If it gets to 10 it gets done right then.. but I got a list of tasks. Sadly those under 5, I have not been able to make time for despite my best efforts. If any other uscc users would like Team Blueridge attention, now would be the time to chime in with a +1
Sent from my HTC_A510c using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the reply back :good: i do see that you have other things going on, would like too +1 again... was thinking that perhaps you might be able to not touch the rom? its definitely a uscc rom. nandroid BU would be sweet.

Works with US Cellular A6230 Wildfire S
This ROM is working great on my US Cellular A6230 HTC Wildfire S
Nice to back to fully working ROM.. cannot find any customs that work with my model :/
Thanks very much chap..

errr... hold up....
Hold up a sec... I don't seem to be able to install market apps from Google Play...When I try the phone reboots and I get a Tell HTC notice.. anything I should know? Is there any control over Apps2SD ?
US CELLULAR WILDFIRE S a6230 Marvel C Everyting seems to work great otherwise
Fixed! Was my own fault regarding the market apps, figured it out...

safe to install OTA System Updates?
Hello,
This question refers to this ROM which I installed a week ago...
I have flashed this great, stable Stock Rom to work with my Marvelc Wildfire s, which took me forver to find and I'm very happy with. However, I have now got a notification stuck on the bar telling me there is a System Update available. My first question is; IS IT SAFE TO INSTALL THE OTA UPDATE OVER MY CURRENT ROOTED ROM? If so, is there anything I should know prior to doing that?
My second related question is; If it is not safe to install the update, or uneccessary, unimportant or just a plain nuisance, how do I get rid of the notification that will not clear and prevent them from appearing in the future?
Thanks in advance for your help!

I don't think you can update it, you don't have the original HTC recovery that came on your phone anymore...if you don't want that message to pop up go to settings-->about phone--> and somewhere in there there's an option to turn the update checker off. sorry I don't know the exact menus I've been using cyanogen since august.
Sent from my Marvelc using xda app-developers app

demi_fiend said:
I don't think you can update it, you don't have the original HTC recovery that came on your phone anymore...if you don't want that message to pop up go to settings-->about phone--> and somewhere in there there's an option to turn the update checker off. sorry I don't know the exact menus I've been using cyanogen since august.
Sent from my Marvelc using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm... can't find the option to turn off update checker anywhere... like it doesn't exist.... ?? strange isn't it?

it says "check for updates"
Sent from my Marvelc using xda app-developers app

I know this is prob a pita.. But there is an old VM USA thread that answers disabling the updater. Should be same or similar for uscc rom. If you have trouble finding it, I'll look up and link post (in thread)
Rob

demi_fiend said:
it says "check for updates"
Sent from my Marvelc using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
insink71 said:
I know this is prob a pita.. But there is an old VM USA thread that answers disabling the updater. Should be same or similar for uscc rom. If you have trouble finding it, I'll look up and link post (in thread)
Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
demi_friend... I do NOT have that option...
insink71... If you could find that link regarding disabling the updater I would be very grateful, it's the only downside to this ROM I have...

link
gryffon said:
demi_friend... I do NOT have that option...
insink71... If you could find that link regarding disabling the updater I would be very grateful, it's the only downside to this ROM I have...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=26340613&postcount=132

Thanks!
insink71 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=26340613&postcount=132
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That link did the job great! You know I tried searching for that yesterday using keywords "ota, notices and updates" but never got that result... strange that....
Anyway, thanks Rob, I did what was instructed with no issues, hopefully it prevents those stinky updates. I don't know why I would want to update anything while I have everything just how I like it.
You may want to add "Working with the US Cellular A6230" to your description as I know many folk are looking for a 'working' rom...
Cheers!

no more USC logo on boot...
Hey... I fiddled a bit more with this and got a few apps loaded and working great... still no problems with this ROM...
Fixed OTA Updates as per insink17's instructions...
Have excellent, phone,data,gps,sms,mms etc...
removed or froze much of the remaining sytem apps that were chewing up battery/ram...
added some nice live wallpapers...
and best of all, got rid of the US Cellular bootanimationimage and can now add any boot animation I like! (Have a smart little glowing Droid on startup at present... cool!)
Thumbs Up!

GSM Google Nexus coming tomorrow, what should I do immediately?

Hey everyone,
Im relatively confused about this phone since there are so many threads that are for the other versions(VZW/Sprint/Intnl).
What Im looking for is any help(direction?) as to what I should do first on my Nexus that I ordered from Google Play.
What is the first thing I should do(root or unlock bootloader?) and what should I download(Roms or kernals?). Any links to said advice would be much appreciated also.
Many thanks in advance.

Put sim in . Then battery then back cover . Then best of all turn it on
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

stewartk said:
Put sim in . Then battery then back cover . Then best of all turn it on
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Touche...
Thank you for the obvious and the laugh. However, I really am looking to get past the two weeks of thread reading, and get guidance from those who have this Google Play version with working roms and stuff.

unlock the bootloader, you can decide to root or flash whatever later. unlocking the bootloader does a factory reset which is why you want to do it before you do any setup or add anything to the phone

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529058
This has everything you need to know.

nodstuff said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529058
This has everything you need to know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, now I saw this, and I might sound newbish here, but the title of that thread is for the VZA/Sprint/GSM versions of the phone. To my understanding, even the unlocked GSM version originally sold is not the same as the current one in the Google Play store.
If the link above will work for all the phones including mine then that is what I was looking for.

HyperM3 said:
Ok, now I saw this, and I might sound newbish here, but the title of that thread is for the VZA/Sprint/GSM versions of the phone. To my understanding, even the unlocked GSM version originally sold is not the same as the current one in the Google Play store.
If the link above will work for all the phones including mine then that is what I was looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lucky for you even if u unlock the boot loader after u sign in and sync all ur stuff your data won't be erased... something about the Takju version that allows users to unlock boot loader without wiping any data =P
- Google

HyperM3 said:
Ok, now I saw this, and I might sound newbish here, but the title of that thread is for the VZA/Sprint/GSM versions of the phone. To my understanding, even the unlocked GSM version originally sold is not the same as the current one in the Google Play store.
If the link above will work for all the phones including mine then that is what I was looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will work. Yours is still GSM, yakju, takju, yakjuux, whatever. Its still GSM.

first thing you should is jump up and down, and pat yourself on the back for being tied to your carrier for a phone upgrade

I would unlock the bootloader before anything else...
Then if you're feeling brave (and before you start configuring the device to your liking) flash a third-party ROM based on 4.0.3/4 (The most recent ICS versions):
l'd recommended Cyanogenmod 9 nightlies if you like to be on the bleeding edge (Although you might have to get used to flashing EVERY day, which isn't so bad once you get used to it)
Or, moving to something like LiquidSmooth (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1555667)
or
EaglesBlood ROM (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1388728).
Each of which will bring different things to the table, you'll have to do your research as to which one you'd like if you go that way.
Alternatively, just stay on stock ROM and enjoy your phone the way they intended you to...

^ Thank you for that. I was actually confused as to what order Im supposed to do things(root, unlock bootloader...Rom...Kernal??)
Ive seen a lot of positive reviews for an AOKP rom and a Frances(?) Kernal. Anyone agree they make a good match?

HyperM3 said:
^ Thank you for that. I was actually confused as to what order Im supposed to do things(root, unlock bootloader...Rom...Kernal??)
Ive seen a lot of positive reviews for an AOKP rom and a Frances(?) Kernal. Anyone agree they make a good match?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You unlock the bootloader first because it wipes your phone, SD card as well.
Flash clockwork mod recovery.
Flash a custom rom and kernel.
Sorted.

The guide I wrote (previously linked) details how you can also back up your applications (not that you'll really have any to begin with...but if you decide to wait) without root.
Then unlock and restore...and backup again with titanium for all future restorations.

nodstuff said:
It will work. Yours is still GSM, yakju, takju, yakjuux, whatever. Its still GSM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true and if you use the toolkit i linked below you will need to know that your phone is specifically the takju or its also labeled as the gsm version with google wallet
GNex TOOLKIT V6.2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1392310

HyperM3 said:
^ Thank you for that. I was actually confused as to what order Im supposed to do things(root, unlock bootloader...Rom...Kernal??)
Ive seen a lot of positive reviews for an AOKP rom and a Frances(?) Kernal. Anyone agree they make a good match?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's fanco kernel

[Q] Easiest way to copy entire rom and contents of one Xperia Play phone to another?

My current Xperia Play (r800x, rooted, Gingerbread 2.3.4, Verizon) of 3 years is starting to fail/shutdown when I open the slider - I have to restart the phone to get it running again - it works fine as long as I don't open the slider which fails randomly). I bought another Xperia Play online (r800x, rooted, Gingerbread, 2.3.3) to replace the existing one.
There has to be a way for me to copy the entire rom contents from the existing phone to the new one since the phones are exactly the same - correct? If so, how would I do this? (I currently have ROM Toolkit and Titanium Backup paid versions with installed key on both phones). The replacement phone works fine. It may be obvious to you how to do this but your help would be VERY much appreciated since I've never done this before. ROM Toolkit doesn't make it obvious if there's a way to do that. I've also searched the forums a bit and no luck so far unless I missed something. Thanks for your time!

haskamr2 said:
My current Xperia Play (r800x, rooted, Gingerbread 2.3.4, Verizon) of 3 years is starting to fail/shutdown when I open the slider - I have to restart the phone to get it running again - it works fine as long as I don't open the slider which fails randomly). I bought another Xperia Play online (r800x, rooted, Gingerbread, 2.3.3) to replace the existing one.
There has to be a way for me to copy the entire rom contents from the existing phone to the new one since the phones are exactly the same - correct? If so, how would I do this? (I currently have ROM Toolkit and Titanium Backup paid versions with installed key on both phones). The replacement phone works fine. It may be obvious to you how to do this but your help would be VERY much appreciated since I've never done this before. ROM Toolkit doesn't make it obvious if there's a way to do that. I've also searched the forums a bit and no luck so far unless I missed something. Thanks for your time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As your doing a straight copy from R800x to R800x, best thing is to make a nandroid backup from Clockwork Mod then take out the memory card dferom your old PLAY and put it in the new phone. Boot into recovery and restore the nandroid. BAM.... done

I wish it were that simple...still no luck
ozzmanj1 said:
As your doing a straight copy from R800x to R800x, best thing is to make a nandroid backup from Clockwork Mod then take out the memory card dferom your old PLAY and put it in the new phone. Boot into recovery and restore the nandroid. BAM.... done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know for sure the phone is rooted, which I did myself. It has Superuser access, I was able to remove Verizon bloatware, etc... I downloaded/paid for ROM Manager Premium v5.5.3.2 and I already had the paid version of ROM ToolBox Pro. I have tried to create a backup of my existing rom on both apps and no luck. It restarts the phone but it comes back up just like a regular reboot. ROM Manager didn't create the folder it designated for the backup.
There is no mention to do so but am I supposed to unlock the bootloader before trrying to backup my rom? When I goto Sony's page about unlocking the bootloader(http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions) it walks me through the first steps to check if the bootloader is locked or not - it tells me this:
"First, you should confirm that it is possible to unlock the boot loader of your device by checking the service menu. In your device, open the dialler and enter *#*#7378423#*#* to access the service menu. If you have a tablet, click here to learn how access the service menu.
In your device, tap Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. If Bootloader unlock allowed says Yes, then you can continue with the next step. If it says No, or if the status is missing, your device cannot be unlocked." - well, I enter the code, goto Service Info, Configuration, and that's it - I can't get to "Rooting Status". The page shows the MEID #, MEID Software version, Available Speech Codecs, and Working Bands.That's it - and I get the same result on the other phone I have.
So if I don't need to worry about unlocking the bootloader(because it wasn't mentioned in several how to guides online like this one: http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/0...nandroid-backup-and-clockworkmod-rom-manager/ , then how come I'm not able to backup my existing rom using either apps before I attempt to copy over the rom from my other phone? *sigh*
Thanks for your time once again.

Yes you need to have an unlocked bootloader. For the r800x I would recommend doomkernel. If you need more help there is a thread for it on the developement thread, I believe that tells you exactly how to do it.
Sent from my R800at using xda premium

Here is the DoomKernel:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1368636
If the download links in the thread are dead let me know and I will provide a link to my collection.

Thanks Ozzmanj1...but....
ozzmanj1 said:
Here is the DoomKernel:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1368636
If the download links in the thread are dead let me know and I will provide a link to my collection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I decided I don't want to go that far(messing with Kernel and Bootloader) since the phone is working great - I got all my games/apps installed with the 64gb MicroSDHC class 10 card, cleaned up all the dead files using SD Maid, deleted and restored the Dalvik Cache, cleaned out ../system/app/ folder of unneeded apks, and I'm running at optimum now(no low disk space icon showing which is a nag for this phone). This phone is "pimped out" to the max and I've decided to just use Mybackup Pro to save everything out and I'm going to make a full copy of the sd card in the next couple days so I don't lose anything again. I'm concerned that if I tinker with bootloader/kernel that something will go wrong. I have no problem rooting or doing extensive fiddling for optimal performance however. :cyclops:
Internal has 43MB free, 342MB used.
SD card has 24GB free, 35GB used.
Thanks again for your efforts & time to help out!!!

Have you tried using x-Parts? I got recovery through this way, and it doesn't require an Unlocked Bootloader, you just have to be rooted.
However, I'm unsure as to whether it would still work on yours, as yours is an R800x and mine is a R800i.
Link to the App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pvy.CWMinstaler&hl=en_GB

Thanks AzNTypeR!...
AzNTypeR said:
Have you tried using x-Parts? I got recovery through this way, and it doesn't require an Unlocked Bootloader, you just have to be rooted.
However, I'm unsure as to whether it would still work on yours, as yours is an R800x and mine is a R800i.
Link to the App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pvy.CWMinstaler&hl=en_GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will check it out - from the user comments in Google Play it appears that it does work on r800x's - to access installed recovery it was noted that the update says to push any button on reboot but users found that the volume down button was the only button that works(maybe this was fixed in an update?). It sure looks like the r800x is more of a pain to toy with than the r800i and other gsm phones. I love Verizon networks but I don't care for their extra headaches using cdma.

X-tools uses a portion of your system folder to store the recovery. So if you install x-parts/tools and flash a new rom you will lose the recovery an will have to re-install the software.