[Q] Root with GB update after 11/2011 - Xperia Play Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello Community,
I've got my Xperia Play from a friend, so I can't tell for sure but I guess it was updated to GB 2.3.x after November 2011. (Assuming Xperia Play runs on Ginger Bread by default, sorry if I'm wrong)
Well, my aim is to root my Xperia Play. I tried it with the Easy Root Kit from DoomLord, unfortunately without success.
Then i noticed the major warning, that the method won't work for ICS or any phone upgraded to GB 2.3.x after 11/2011.
So i guess that's my problem.
After further investigating, i think the solution might be to flash an older GB version onto my phone, then using DoomLord kit and after that updating OTA, to keep root.
Well I'm really new to this, so I'm not sure if this is the best way (or if this way is even a solution) so I wanted to ask that and what version I should flash to, in order to use DoomLords kit.
Thank you
Xperia Play R800i
Android version: 2.3.4 (Gingerbread i guess, but don't know where to look it up)
Build-Number: 4.0.2.A.0.69
Kernel-Version: 2.6.32.9-perf [email protected] #1
If you need any further information please tell me. I can also post the report from DoomLords batch file, if its needed.

What model of xperia play? R800x, R800i, R800at, R800t?

You need a .58 or .42 firmware you can't root .69 with that method. You can flash another firmware with Flashtool.

Hmm, you need a german .42 ftf to root and OTA update to .69. But i have never found a german .42 ftf. The .42 which can be downloaded from the Android Development section is a World Version, which can´t be updated to .69 because .69 is a german market version.
There are two methods to get to .69 with root
1) Flash german .42 with Wotanserver
-You´ll have to pay 2 Euro
-Important:choose .42 AND in drop down menu 2.3.4 german generic trade
-Will erase your user data installed before
-root with Superoneclick and OTA update to .69
2) Through Bootloader
-Unlock bootloader, (official method from Sony or the alejandro guy)
- Flash a pre rooted Kernel and CWM
- Flash superuser, busybox via CWM
I´ve used method one. Didn´t want to unlock bootloader for now.

S34Qu4K3 said:
What model of xperia play? R800x, R800i, R800at, R800t?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a Xperia Play R800i, i put that info in my first post already.
Seems you overlooked it, it's near the bottom of my post, under the thank you
@UNCUT88RAW:
Firstly thank you for the helpful post. Unfortunately the solutions you told me, do not make me smile
But i still have some questions, before I'll decide what to do:
- i'm not limited to german versions, am I? (honest question, may sound ironic)
- what would be the disadvantages if staying on a .42 world version?
- is there no other world version higher than .42? I can't imagine the german version being the highest
- aand you told me to root via superoneclick in your first solution, can't I use DoomLords kit at that step, too? I'm not too into paying, and then messing up at rooting my phone anyways xD
looking forward for your help
thank you

Just flash the f/w man (besides the 1 u r on) n root it with any method u want. Its really not a big deal to flash any f/w. Just be sure to do it RIGHT the 1st time. That is make sure u hav all the driver(s) needed install on ur pc n a working flashtool which i think u can find it here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1384535.
Happy flashing n gud luck.

I will try to downgrade to version .58 or .42, it rooted easily with doomlord kit, and i prefer .58 enhanced, it will give large internal storage also if u gonna try custom rom, most of it compatible with .58 rom version.. Its run smoothly for gaming too
Regards from Lucian
Xperia Play with True Ancestor Rom modded myself..
Locked Bootloader

@Jimmy Fake
1) .58 is the highest firmware version which can be rooted directly with Superoneclick. On .62 or .69 you need to use the methods i´ve explained earlier to gain root. You can flash different market versions (german, french or englisch market) of these firmwares, the only difference is the bloatware on it.
If you want the highest version .69 with root, you´ll need german version of .42 and an OTA update to .69.
2) .69 includes a memory fix which prevents the phone from restarting. Also has newest baseband 66, which has the best battery life and signal reception. It also contains new bloat but it can be removed through Titanium Backup. GMail is renamed to Google Mail because of a legal issue.
i know that this memory fix is included in .58 and upwards but i don´t know if this new baseband is included in any other firmware.
3).42, .58, .62, .69
4) You can root with any tools which you like.
---------- Post added at 05:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:50 PM ----------
Forgot to mention that there is a japanese firmware for Xperia Play which has 67 baseband (highest baseband). Some people say that it has the best performance in regards to gaming, battery life and signal reception. Unfortunately, it has another modelnumber (S0-015D i believe) and might give problems with some games because of it. When you change build.prop to R800i than it should solve this issue. Didn´t test that firmware. It can be found in the Android Development section of the Xperia Play.

UNCUT88RAW said:
@Jimmy Fake
1) .58 is the highest firmware version which can be rooted directly with Superoneclick. On .62 or .69 you need to use the methods i´ve explained earlier to gain root. You can flash different market versions (german, french or englisch market) of these firmwares, the only difference is the bloatware on it.
If you want the highest version .69 with root, you´ll need german version of .42 and an OTA update to .69.
2) .69 includes a memory fix which prevents the phone from restarting. Also has newest baseband 66, which has the best battery life and signal reception. It also contains new bloat but it can be removed through Titanium Backup. GMail is renamed to Google Mail because of a legal issue.
i know that this memory fix is included in .58 and upwards but i don´t know if this new baseband is included in any other firmware.
3).42, .58, .62, .69
4) You can root with any tools which you like.
---------- Post added at 05:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:50 PM ----------
Forgot to mention that there is a japanese firmware for Xperia Play which has 67 baseband (highest baseband). Some people say that it has the best performance in regards to gaming, battery life and signal reception. Unfortunately, it has another modelnumber (S0-015D i believe) and might give problems with some games because of it. When you change build.prop to R800i than it should solve this issue. Didn´t test that firmware. It can be found in the Android Development section of the Xperia Play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also heard some news, version .69 the latest update has 66 baseband, it battery life and signal has grown better
Regards from Lucian
Xperia Play with True Ancestor Rom modded myself..
Locked Bootloader

@UNCUT88RAW
I'm interested in trying out that japanese firmware you mentioned. But got a couple of questions again.
1) If I won't like the outcome. How do I get back to my current state? Do I need to back up my current .69? Or can I find german .69 easy on the web?
2) "When you change build.prop to R800i than it should solve this issue. Didn´t test that firmware." - What exactly do I have to change in the build.prop? Shall I simple replace the build.id from the japanese version with the one for R800i?
Thank you for your help

1) You can flash .69 ftf directly via Flashtool since there´s a ftf available. Search for it on the web. However, userdata might get lost.
2) There´s a line in build.prop where the modelnumber is saved. I think it has the name ro.modelnumber. But i don´t know it exactly. Please google after build.prop for further details or look in the xda forums. To edit build.prop you need an Fileeditor and root.
Link for japanese firmware: (Please read the thread.)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1689450&highlight=japanese+firmware
Firmware must be rooted through unlocking bootloader. Use ftf for Flashtool.

Related

[Q] upgrade to 4.0.2.A.0.60?

Hi All,
I'm currently on 4.0.2.A.0.42 and I just rooted my Arc using DooMLoRD_v4_ROOT-zergRush-busybox-su. Today PCC presented me the new version 4.0.2.A.0.60.
I tried to find the differences/improvemens between both versions but I can't seem to find it.
Will I loose the Root when I upgrade?
Thanks
Jef
Yes, you'll.
I thought so.
Is it worthwhile to do the upgrade? What are the benefits and dwonfalls of .60?
I haven't heard much about .60, only about .62 firmware.
One big disadvantage is that you can't root it using zergRush exploit.
And I haven't seen any specials compared to .42 firmware.

[Q] Is it safe to Flash Lt18a firmware on a Lt15a

I don't think it is but I can't seem to find any working Xperia Arc 2.3.4 (4.0.2.A.0.42) firmware at the moment and I only have the firmware for the arc s I've been searching for hr's now with no luck , this ICS isn't working so well on my device .
No, but here's the lt15 thread.
I think I've already down loaded this maybe I just don't have the program to open it .
It's for flashtool which is the first post on the development section. The instructions are fairly easy to follow, use it to flash stock roms. The files such as the one I linked contain the rom, baseband and kernel.
Have a look at this thread here. It has a list of firmwares for both LT15 and LT18, including Generic USA 2.3.4 (.62).
For the ICS Generic USA 4.0.4, check out this thread.
If you're prepared to flash ROMs, I'd suggest you give ICS a try once again. I find it pretty good. Perhaps the version you were using earlier was buggy.
Cheers! Hope this helped.
EDIT: You can find the latest version of Flashtool at its homepage on github here.

[Q] how to root my hongkong-version 4.1.B.0.431 LT15i?

i've been looking around here and found some posts about rooting the 4.0.4 of LT15i.
for my locked bootloader LT15i, i might flash the 4.0.3 .FTF(4.1.A.0.562) ,then use the one-click root ,then flash back to the 4.0.4 .FTF(4.1.B.0.431)
should i use the right 4.0.3 .ftf and 4.0.4.ftf (use my HK version .ftf)?
but i can't find any hk version 4.0.3/4.0.4 ftf in the forums.
if i flash with the global version ftf ,is it harmful to my LT15i?
BTW, in my software info, it says: file system version: WORLD-1-8_4.1.B.0.431
phone software version: 1241-4324_4.1.B.0.431
Just flash stock 4.0.3 kernel, root and flash stock 4.0.4 kernel. This way you get to keep your HK customisations.
(To flash the kernel alone, exclude all other options in Flashtool).
And flashing different .ftf's won't harm your phone. You will just lose some of the customisations i.e. some region specific apps. In most cases, it's just bloatware.
Cheers!
Swyped from my SE Xperia arc (LT15i) using Tapatalk 2
xtacy! said:
Just flash stock 4.0.3 kernel, root and flash stock 4.0.4 kernel. This way you get to keep your HK customisations.
(To flash the kernel alone, exclude all other options in Flashtool).
And flashing different .ftf's won't harm your phone. You will just lose some of the customisations i.e. some region specific apps. In most cases, it's just bloatware.
Cheers!
Swyped from my SE Xperia arc (LT15i) using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much !
And could you give me a link of stock 4.0.3 kernel and stock 4.0.4 kernel (what does 'stock' mean here?)
i just downloaded a 431 general-global ftf from the post and it's 199MB, it may not be the 'kernel' ,is it?
You've downloaded the entire ROM, hence the big file.
Download the LT18i .562 ftf from the same post as well. This gives you 4.0.3.
Put both the .ftfs in the firmwares folder of Flashtool. Now when you choose to flash, you should be able to see both the firmwares listed. Choose the .562 and EXCLUDE everything except the kernel (in the options on the right hand side). This way, you're flashing just the kernel and nothing else. Root it and then do the same thing with the .431 kernel.
Stock means the unmodified firmware you got from Sony (Ericsson).
NB: There's a 4.0.3 kernel alone somewhere in the forum. If you don't want to download the whole 4.0.3 ftf, you would need to search for this.
mythomasy said:
Thanks very much !
And could you give me a link of stock 4.0.3 kernel and stock 4.0.4 kernel (what does 'stock' mean here?)
i just downloaded a 431 general-global ftf from the post and it's 199MB, it may not be the 'kernel' ,is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here you will find everything you need.
happy flashing!

[Q] Step by step to update to ICS? (xperia arc)

To be honest, at this stage I'm willing to pay for expert advice, since I'm a noob, and probably always will be, and I really just want a fast, functional phone. I don't have a lot of time to experiment and recover from bricking errors. I do have a job and PayPal though.
I am looking for opinions on ROMs, easiest methods, as well as technical advice.
I've read a lot of threads, some of which have contradictory opinions so I'm looking for maybe a combination of some free advice, and a paid step-by-step for my particular situation?
So what I have is a rooted Xperia arc. LT15a
I believe the bootloader is still locked.
Android: 2.3.3
Baseband version: 7X30A-AAABQMAZM-1290_21-22
Kernel version: 2.6.32.9-perf
Build: 3.0.1.A.0.145
I used DooMLorD's Zerg Rush script to root the phone. That was great. It was simple enough even I could do it. I was able to use Titanium Backup and to remove some of the crappy stock apps. However, over time my phone has become sluggish and I want to:
-clean it off
-upgrade to ICS
-gradually add back my most commonly-used apps
-have all google apps working (important)
I am looking for stability, and less hassle. I have even considered unrooting the phone and trying to do an OTA update, because things would be safer that way. I tried doing an OTA update but it didn't work ("could not update software"). I'm assuming because the phone is rooted?
I am open to trying a better performing kernal or ROM, even a beta, if that's the only way to get ICS and keep root. Please assume I am really dumb and need every step written out in order (or links to guides will work).
Please only offer an opinion if you know it works with the phone I described above.
So, what do you think? If you want the bounty, just PM me.
Download the flashtool, download a stock ROM, follow flashtool instructions, flash ROM, done. Stock ROMs can be found in stickys in General and the flashtool has it's own sticky in Development.
Advice here at XDA is free btw.
XperienceD said:
Download the flashtool, download a stock ROM, follow flashtool instructions, flash ROM, done. Stock ROMs can be found in stickys in General and the flashtool has it's own sticky in Development.
Advice here at XDA is free btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can probably follow this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1133650&page=30 to do most of that, but what ROM do you recommend?
i use jj's hybird rom with shirkay's kernel . it's very stable, with great ui ad extremely battery efficient. in idle mode it just discharges as low as 0.5% per hour (measured using battery drain app from play store)
and as XperienceD mentioned, advice is always free
Yup JJ Hybrid rom is amazing and stable for ICS

Need Idea about Xperia Arc S

hi last night i bought Xperia Arc S,, basically it has gingerbread 2.3.4,, i want to install ICS on my phone,, so can u tell me which one is ICS stable rom and bug free ?,, so that i can install on my phone. and extra bettery life.
Thanks
U have to unlock bootloder if u wanna install other rom or else just install the one shows on pc companion
unlocked
i unlocked the boot,, and installed http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1591279 this,, but my phone not starting,, just appearing sony ericsson logo repeatly,, what to do ? please help
tjongi said:
i unlocked the boot,, and installed http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1591279 this,, but my phone not starting,, just appearing sony ericsson logo repeatly,, what to do ? please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need ICS firmware aswell, ICS kernels work only on ICS firmware, GB kernels work only on GB firmware.
tjongi said:
i unlocked the boot,, and installed http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1591279 this,, but my phone not starting,, just appearing sony ericsson logo repeatly,, what to do ? please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't mix Stock ICS Kernel 4.1.A.0.562(ICS 4.0.3) with 4.1.B.0.431 firmware i did the same mistake and i had the sony Logo appearing repeatly. to make your fone boot correctly just flash any kernel based on 4.1.B.0.431 (ICS4.0.4) with any ROM (stock or custom)based also on 4.1.B.0.431 only
Man, read a little bit the threads at Android Development.
Some roms, you don´t need to unlock your bootloader to install.
About battery, if you have good signal strengh, you only need to root your phone and remove bloatware (sony apps) and your battery will start to last. I use stock ICS 4.0.4 rom with Stock kernel, stock baseband, and my battery usually lasts from 24 to 48 hours.
I use a program called 'No Cpu Frills' and set my cpu to the minimum of 133mhz and to the maximum of 1024mhz, even my phone being an Arc S.
The rom you´re going to use depends more on what you want from your phone. Some roms are designed for games, others for business, others just for ego (lol) and etc...
We have many good Roms for Xperia Arc and Arc S here. Take some days and test them... only you can say for sure what is best for you.
I, for example, before getting back to stock, used a lot the IceBean 4.2 (It´s xperia S´ rom with modifications. Very sexy, indeed.)
Good luck on your quest... =)
help
Thank you guyz for help,, i rooted my arc s on gingerbread 2.3.4, my previous firmware version was 4.0.2.A.0.62 ,, i wanted to root so i downgrade the firmware,, i got update notification on my phone,, but when i downloaded the update version,, i tried to install it,, but it failed,, how can i update 4.0.2.A.0.42 to 4.0.2.A.0.62 ?
thanks again
tjongi said:
Thank you guyz for help,, i rooted my arc s on gingerbread 2.3.4, my previous firmware version was 4.0.2.A.0.62 ,, i wanted to root so i downgrade the firmware,, i got update notification on my phone,, but when i downloaded the update version,, i tried to install it,, but it failed,, how can i update 4.0.2.A.0.42 to 4.0.2.A.0.62 ?
thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have unlocked your boot loader you cant install OTA updates or any official Sony updates. To get official Sony update from PC Companion or Sony Update service or Over the air you need locked boot loader. To install official Sony firmware on a device with unlocked bootloader you need to have a tool called flashtool installed on your PC.

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