Develop Bugs

[Q] Can I overclock with a locked bootloader?

Is it possible for me to Overclock my xperia play with a locked bootloader? It is rooted but the bootloader is locked.
Thank you. It is a simlocked R800A running UK generic android 2.3.4.

Overclocking requires a custom kernel, which in turn requires an unlocked bootloader.

speedyink said:
Overclocking requires a custom kernel, which in turn requires an unlocked bootloader.
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But when I had a Motorola Milestone we had locked bootloaders and we still got overclock.

I was wondering the same thing today after rooting with zergrush. IIRC on my HTC Dream (G1) I could over clock freely after gaining root access.
Is there anything us 'locked bootloaders' can do for overclocking?

The problem with comparing those phones to the PLAY is, those other phones have the recovery separate from the kernel. Since you can't flash the kernel through recovery because it IS the kernel, you have to go a different route and flash the kernel through the bootloader.
Long story short, you can't flash a custom kernel if the kernel is already running

It is doable to OC with a locked bootloader, you'll need some dev to make the OC mudules and then you can move them to the right place on your phone with rootexplorer and enable them with terminal emulater/adb shell. I've made a request thread a long time back cuz i'd rather stay out of unlocking, well wich i ended up doing anyway for other reasons.
I did it this way to start with on my HTC Dsire HD before i got S-off and custom recovery installed.
Thread i started:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1077471
Regards Dousan...

Modules can be done but its too much work and can be unstable... if there was no unlock option then it was fine... but since it's possible to unlock bootloader better flash custom kernel...
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

DooMLoRD said:
Modules can be done but its too much work and can be unstable... if there was no unlock option then it was fine... but since it's possible to unlock bootloader better flash custom kernel...
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
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Unlocking the bootloader for the R800x can be a pain since it requires that you pay for it to be done. Sony Ericsson & VZW really piss me off that the ability to do so was taken away.

CrimsonSentinel13 said:
Unlocking the bootloader for the R800x can be a pain since it requires that you pay for it to be done. Sony Ericsson & VZW really piss me off that the ability to do so was taken away.
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I think VZ is to take the full blame for that one. They are the ones who wants to mess with the phone to begin with? I don't understand the model you have in the states. Different setups for different carriers. Makes no sense to me. One standard like the rest of the world has pretty much and you wouldn't have any problem.

CrimsonSentinel13 said:
Unlocking the bootloader for the R800x can be a pain since it requires that you pay for it to be done. Sony Ericsson & VZW really piss me off that the ability to do so was taken away.
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Click to collapse
We also have the same problem here with the r800a in Canada.

speedyink said:
Overclocking requires a custom kernel, which in turn requires an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect.
If a module was created it can be implanted into hw_config

Wasn't the point of Android to make phones that people could customize? These cell providers are taking away the true founding image of the Andriod: customization. It's utter bullsh*t in my book. Why does it matter what we do with the phone after we buy it? It's not like these companies are losing any money off of it (or are they...?)

Best way to Install CM 9 on locked bootlaoder

So I have a carrier branded (rogers) Xperia play build 4.0.2.A.0.42, it is "unlock able" through sony, what is the best way? paid unpaid? test point the only way?

EDIT: Wrong info. Sorry about that.

Test point is the only way for a Rogers one.
It's only available paid. You can have someone like Alejandrissimo help you remotely for $24, or buy an Omnius unlock credit and use that program yourself. I used Omnius, personally. Mine is also the Rogers one.
You'll need to use the test point method and unlock the bootloader for cm9.
Better off with JokaWild and an ICS theme though IMO
Sent from a Galaxy far, far away

rom
captain67 said:
Test point is the only way for a Rogers one.
It's only available paid. You can have someone like Alejandrissimo help you remotely for $24, or buy an Omnius unlock credit and use that program yourself. I used Omnius, personally. Mine is also the Rogers one.
You'll need to use the test point method and unlock the bootloader for cm9.
Better off with JokaWild and an ICS theme though IMO
Sent from a Galaxy far, far away
Click to expand...
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To clarify to flash any ROM the unlocked boot loader is needed correct?

jul644 said:
To clarify to flash any ROM the unlocked boot loader is needed correct?
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Click to collapse
There are two gingerbread roms that are stock-based and can be installed just by having root. Darkforest and T.E.A.M. The reason is because they don't modify any files that conflict with the bootloader.
Some others might work, but you'd have to experiment and it's very unlikely.
All others need an unlocked bootloader. Cyanogen, ICS beta, ICX etc. all need it.
Sent from a Galaxy far, far away

captain67 said:
There are two gingerbread roms that are stock-based and can be installed just by having root. Darkforest and T.E.A.M. The reason is because they don't modify any files that conflict with the bootloader.
Some others might work, but you'd have to experiment and it's very unlikely.
All others need an unlocked bootloader. Cyanogen, ICS beta, ICX etc. all need it.
Sent from a Galaxy far, far away
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Locked ICS roms will start showing up once the official R800i ftf comes out as well.

Moved to Q&A Section, please post questions there. Hope you got the answers you needed!

Cm7

Hey I've just been reading posts on the forums and I had to ask, I since the play now supports recovery on locked bootloaders does that make custom roms possible? Specifically will any version of CM7 or 9 work on my bootloader LOCKED R800a (previously carrier locked to Telstra australia) sorry im completely over stock but don't have the money for a bootloader unlock right now
Sent from my R800a using XDA

nogggin1 said:
Hey I've just been reading posts on the forums and I had to ask, I since the play now supports recovery on locked bootloaders does that make custom roms possible? Specifically will any version of CM7 or 9 work on my bootloader LOCKED R800a (previously carrier locked to Telstra australia) sorry im completely over stock but don't have the money for a bootloader unlock right now
Sent from my R800a using XDA
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Nope, never will either. Have to be able to flash a custom kernel which isn't possible without unlocking the bl. There's a thread around here talking about doing some backdoor crap to try and get around the bl, but it'll never happen due to lack of support for the xperia line in general. I'd say save that money up, it's so worth it

agraceful said:
Nope, never will either. Have to be able to flash a custom kernel which isn't possible without unlocking the bl. There's a thread around here talking about doing some backdoor crap to try and get around the bl, but it'll never happen due to lack of support for the xperia line in general. I'd say save that money up, it's so worth it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm okay, I thought I read in another thread that there were some roms that didn't require a custom kernel...

A couple of ROMs don't require a custom kernel like: Gin2ics, NXT and others.
However all Cyanogenmod ROMs require custom kernels.

[Q] In need of guidance :)

Hello, and sorry for bugging everyone, but I have somewhat of a problem. I'll just start from the beggining.
First of all I own a SGS II, so I'm used to flashing roms and kernels custom stuff and all...on that. My girlfriend is the one who owns a Xperia Arc S (LT18a, US version if it's relevant or not). And for the live of me, I can't summon the courage to flash it, the process being somewhat different than the flashing of a S2. That's just idiot proof in my opinion, can't go wrong. I'm seeing all over the place guides and stuff for flashing a Xperia Arc S, and don't really know wich one is good/bad etc. So...the actual questions :
1. Where can I find the stock firmwares for Xperia Arc S ? I was hopping on a website something like sammobile for samsung, where I can find every release etc.
2. She now has 2.3.4 (I think not 100% sure) build 4.0.2.A.0.62 and from what I heard that cannot be rooted, or it involved something like unlocking the bootloader or something like that, safe to say that kinda freaked me out a bit.
3. I'm guessing that this build 62 is like on my samsung, where different stock rom's are differentiated by letters (eg. XXLPG, XWLPQ etc) so, someone please confirm that.
4. Is there any noticeable difference between these gingebread builds, cause if build 62 can't be rooted, I'll downgrade to previous build that can be more easily rooted.
5. I really need a idiot proof guide to flashing this thing. She has no warranty on it and I really don't want to mess it up
6. And last (finally, I know ) some links for safe versions of flashtool (equivalent of odin from what I understand) and firmwares, stuff I need to root it etc.
I apologise for such a long post but this stuff is pretty overwhelming for me. Also I apologise for spelling errors (english is not my first language)

Wow, the things we do for love...
OK, here's a quick run-down of how it works.
Firstly the bootloader thing: -
The bootloader is where the "kernel" sits. If you unlock the bootloader then you can pretty much put anything on the phone.
You can flash a custom kernel, and from there on you can use ClockworkMod recovery the same way you do on your Samsung.
(
custom kernels have ClockworkMod recovery built into them since the XPERIA doesn't have a "/recovery" partition for the standard ClockworkMod recovery.
If that didn't make sense then here's a translation "There's no special space for CWM recovery on Sony phones! So custom kernels have CWM recovery built in for easy access."
When one of these kernels starts up the phone there's a point where the hardware buttons light up, and the LED flashes purple. If you press "volume down" at this point then the kernel starts up ClockworkMod recovery instead of booting the phone.
Most roms come with their own kernel that you can use like this. The XPERIA is different to the SGS phone because you can't flash a kernel from the phone itself. You need an unlocked bootloader and fastboot to flash a kernel.
)
So unlocking the bootloader is a good idea, but only after you've made a backup of all your stuff off the memory card.
Here's a really good thread that brings together all sorts of pieces of information that you might need to root the phone - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1653188
OK, so that's the unlock thing, and the kernel thing. Once the kernel has CWM recovery built in you can pretty much flash any rom you feel like flashing. There are already some JellyBean roms out that are fast and usable if you're prepared to read up on them and experiment a bit.
Next thing is the "BaseBand". This is the driver for the "cell phone radio". The part of the hardware that's actually responsible for behaving like a phone
Here's a thread where you can get all of the different base-band versions: - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1688049
Personally I know that base-bands 72 and 77 both work perfectly. Since they are the 2 newest versions you can choose which-ever one you want. The newer basebands give much better signal strength on the phone, and the call quality is really good.
Good luck with the experimenting - hope you enjoy.

Are you looking to upgrade her arc to ics? It is much easier to find the resources if that is the case
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium

navras1719 said:
I can't summon the courage to flash it, the process being somewhat different than the flashing of a S2. That's just idiot proof in my opinion, can't go wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is flashing on the Arc/S, so long as you can read.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1304634

Thanks for taking the time to answer such a long and frankly, annoying post Seems I got a bit of homework, manny things to read, so...coffee and patience Hope everything will add up nicely

jman2131 said:
Are you looking to upgrade her arc to ics? It is much easier to find the resources if that is the case
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Not really, from what I hear ICS dumbs down the phone sort of speak. Now I really can't say, but I would test it out a bit, as long as I learn how to go back to GB.
Another thing that I'm a bit concerned is that all the stuff I find are for LT18i and my gf's phone is a american model LT18a. Will this be a problem ? Or that's just to differentiate the hardware stuff in them ? I hope flashing a LT18i firmware doesn't screw anything up

navras1719 said:
Not really, from what I hear ICS dumbs down the phone sort of speak. Now I really can't say, but I would test it out a bit, as long as I learn how to go back to GB.
Another thing that I'm a bit concerned is that all the stuff I find are for LT18i and my gf's phone is a american model LT18a. Will this be a problem ? Or that's just to differentiate the hardware stuff in them ? I hope flashing a LT18i firmware doesn't screw anything up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, the differentiating factor is the hardware. the lt18i and lt18a roms are the same as far as I know. ICS does tend to be more resource heavy especially on the arcs but downgrading back to GB is basically the same method as flashing the ICS, just with another rom.
And also, in response to your first post, you can downgrade to the rootable build of GB, root that, and then flash the build 62 kernel back onto your phone so it's rooted and of the desired build
There's a lot of flashing guides on youtube regarding the arc s. I did a quick search and this one seemed pretty accurate and straight to the point.

Ok I pretty much understood the whole shabang, my last question is about the bootloader, if I unlock it once that's it ? I can flash whatever I want and not need to reunclock it...sort of speak. I read that for warranty reasons it can be relocked but that's not the case for me. Also for flashing a stock rom is it necessary to unlock the bootloader or that's just for rooting ?
Oh and almost forgot...if I understood right...I can downgrade...root...then upgrade to 62 and it will still be rooted ? On my samsung if it'a rooted and I flash abother stock rom...bye bye root, so pretty weird for me. Thank you again, I can't stress enough how helpfull you guys were.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

unlocking the bootloader allows a whole lot more things to be done with the arc, but does make some apps defunct such as track id and music facebook like (which many can do without). flashing and/or rooting a stock rom doesn't need an unlocked bootloader because it's stock and yep, you can downgrade/upgrade, root, and then go back to what build you want by flashing a kernel only

jman2131 said:
unlocking the bootloader allows a whole lot more things to be done with the arc, but does make some apps defunct such as track id and music facebook like (which many can do without).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That only applies if you use the official method to unlock, use SETool and you'll retain DRM.
Sent from my CM9'd Ray

XperienceD said:
That only applies if you use the official method to unlock, use SETool and you'll retain DRM.
Sent from my CM9'd Ray
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification. I never knew much about bootloaders and all that

XperienceD said:
That only applies if you use the official method to unlock, use SETool and you'll retain DRM.
Sent from my CM9'd Ray
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you could help me out with a SETool link and a basic set of instructions that would be awsome
LE: From what I've seen there are 2 versions of SETool and one's free the other is not. Can the free version be used to unlock the bootloader or do I have to get the full version ? Or even simpler, is there anyway to unlock it (LT18a) free and without losing DRM ?

XperienceD said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1304634
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

So basically from what I read there, no way for free unlock and retain DRM.

navras1719 said:
So basically from what I read there, no way for free unlock and retain DRM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow the instructions up to the point just before patching and tell me what it says please?

if you unlock the bootloader NEVER UPDATE OVER THE AIR this will brick the phone.
The're 2 ways to unlock bootloader
1 via Sony web site but this only works for non branded phones,
2 is to pay if you use a service with setools this will unlock bootloader and make phone SIM free.
Xda member jinx13 offers this service contract him for more info.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium

zolaisugly said:
2 is to pay if you use a service with setools this will unlock bootloader and make phone SIM free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If SETool can unlock any handset I'm not sure why the S1Tool wouldn't, has anyone confirmed in the thread it doesn't work for the Arc S?

XperienceD said:
If SETool can unlock any handset I'm not sure why the S1Tool wouldn't, has anyone confirmed in the thread it doesn't work for the Arc S?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since my bootloader was opened the setools has been upgraded to setools2 which now covers more phones but not sure which.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium

XperienceD said:
Follow the instructions up to the point just before patching and tell me what it says please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry but what are you refering to ? The process that involves opening the backcover under the battery ?
Some additional info, it's not carrier branded, not sim locked...and using the service code in the dialer says bootloader unlockable : yes
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

Should have had this done already.
Sent from my CM9'd Ray

You guys recommend unlocking bootloader?

Hello,
I'm considering of unlocking my bootloader. Do you guys recommend it (warranty and so...).
And is there a chanche that when i'm flashing CM10 my xperia S could hard brick and won't be able to restore with flashtool or can you always reflash with flashtool?
Thank you

Unlocking the bootloader is for fannys
Sent from my Jellybean Xperia S

Ben36 said:
Unlocking the bootloader is for fannys
Sent from my Jellybean Xperia S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I really kinda enjoy flashing roms and testing them out on my phone but i'm also a bit afraid of bricking and warranty ;/

I would tweak everything you can and play around with locked bootloader first. You can always unlock later, but once you do unlock it can never be hidden from Sony service centers. Unlocking does NOT automatically void warranty, but gives more reasons to deny coverage. Playing first will give you an idea about what you would do if you unlock. And as always read, read, read, about what you are going to do first, recovering an unlocked bootloader device can be more difficult that locked
~Jaramie
sent from my ION

Just do what I do. Sod warranty, get insurance through your bank account. That way if you totally brick it. Throw it on the floor and claim for a new one!
Sent from my Jellybean Xperia S

It's unlocked Installed CM10 and I like it, I watched a lot of tutorials on youtube, read on XDA and other sites.
ty ;D
PS : is CM10 the best jellybean rom or do you guys recommend something else?

patato800 said:
It's unlocked Installed CM10 and I like it, I watched a lot of tutorials on youtube, read on XDA and other sites.
ty ;D
PS : is CM10 the best jellybean rom or do you guys recommend something else?
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Click to collapse
Personal preference really but for me CM10 is the best Jellybean ROM, I like AOKP as well. Both are good, just whichever you think is best