Develop Bugs

[Q] How to Backup stock Kernel + ROM ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Q] how to install CMW to flash custom kernels after unlocking my BT

i have new arc s
LT18i
4.0.2.A.0.62
GB 2.3.4
I will unlock bootloader with official sony bootloader unlock web site after that the device will be blank plz tell me where to start ???
after searching in xda i figure out that i must flash new kernel and i found pretty custom kernels and rom SO i must install CWM to flash the kernel and the rom
how i install CWM if my device is blank

barakaz said:
i have new arc s
LT18i
4.0.2.A.0.62
GB 2.3.4
I will unlock bootloader with official sony bootloader unlock web site after that the device will be blank plz tell me where to start ???
after searching in xda i figure out that i must flash new kernel and i found pretty custom kernels and rom SO i must install CWM to flash the kernel and the rom
how i install CWM if my device is blank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what device blank means what..??

CWM is for flashing ROMs. You don't install it, once you've unlocked your bootloader and downloaded your sdk's etc, set up fastboot on your PC to boot custom kernels which contain cwm.
Your phone won't be blank, just user data(not sdcard)will be wiped. Follow the instructions on the SE site, or here.

sinkster said:
CWM is for flashing ROMs. You don't install it, once you've unlocked your bootloader and downloaded your sdk's etc, set up fastboot on your PC to boot custom kernels which contain cwm.
Your phone won't be blank, just user data(not sdcard)will be wiped. Follow the instructions on the SE site, or here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you
you completed the missing part

How to install latest Recovery?
Hi guys. I have just one simply question. I just unlock my bootloader at my ARC S with installed latest Android 4.0.3 4.1.A.0.562. My question is:
How can I install CWM Recovery on it?? I'm asking because all of these tips were written for Android in version 2.3 and I don't want to brick my phone during using wrong guide.
If it's not a problem redirect me to proper Guide and tools.
Thanks

Like I mentioned, CWM isn't installed, as such. No matter what version of android you're running, if you've unlocked the bootloader then, using fastboot, you can boot a kernel that contains CWM.

[Q] Root Xperia Play

Hello,
I have a Xperia Play R800i SIM unlocked with unlocked bootloader, firmware 2.3.4, 4.0.2.A.0.62.
Can someone link me to a Step By Step tutorial on how to root this phone? I have read this:
"Just download recoveryPLAY.img (google it) and place it in androidSDk folder where the fastboot.exe is located. Switch on your phone using fastboot and enter the command fastboot boot recoveryPLAY.img. Also download the RootXperia.zip and flash it once you are in recovery. Later on If you want CWM (recovery) on your phone , you can follow this thread."
But I don't know what fastboot is. I only know that in order to enter in fastboot mode on the phone you need to press the search button when connecting it to the PC.
Can you help me? And btw, if I manage to root the phone, will it wipe all my apps a.k.a. phone data? And what about the SD Card?
Thank You

Can't root if the firmware is .62 or higher unless you install a prerooted kernel.

Spectre51 said:
Can't root if the firmware is .62 or higher unless you install a prerooted kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how to do that? Are there any disadvantages implied?
Thank you

Would there be any prob if I follow the tutorial to install the "Xperia NXT v1.1" Rom?

To flash a prerooted kernel you have to have an unlocked bootloader. The just follow the install guide for which ever kernel you install once you get your bootloader unlocked.

I was able to root mine without unlocking the bootloader. Search and try this pc software which is quite easy and efficient... Unlock root v 2.3.1.exe download at unlockroot.com. Hope this helps
Sent from my Xperia Play R800i.

I couldn't use that software because my r800i was .62. But I managed to flash a new room and install a new kernel. Thanks anyway.

need guidance..pls help

Hii guys sorry for being such a noob .. but I am very confused here.. I am not able to install a custom Rom in my beloved xperia arc my phone just stuck on sony logo.. I tell u what i did.. first of all i rooted my phone by flashing rootable kernel then rooted my phone with doomlord
Method then I installed CWM..but the problem is no matter which custom ROM I install in my phone with CWM phone just stuck on sony logo
Plz tell what i did wrong..
P. S. My phone was on latest ver of ICS

vivekrules said:
Hii guys sorry for being such a noob .. but I am very confused here.. I am not able to install a custom Rom in my beloved xperia arc my phone just stuck on sony logo.. I tell u what i did.. first of all i rooted my phone by flashing rootable kernel then rooted my phone with doomlord
Method then I installed CWM..but the problem is no matter which custom ROM I install in my phone with CWM phone just stuck on sony logo
Plz tell what i did wrong..
P. S. My phone was on latest ver of ICS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked bootloader, right?
Well... I started flashing with the FXP CM based roms. I suppose that this is exactly what you did, but since you didn't tell the steps you followed, I'm gonna write down how I did the first time:
With an FXP CM based rom (eg: FXP CM 10) , the steps, basically are:
- Extract the boot.img (own kernel of the FXP roms) of the .zip and put the .zip in the sdcard
- Flash the kernel in fastboot mode:
( fastboot -i 0xfce flash boot boot.img
fastboot -i 0xfce flash reboot
unplug the usb and start hiting volume controls to enter in CWM)
- Wipe data and cache
- Install the .zip (rom)
- Reboot and enjoy
Hope it works for you.

Aactually I am not. Able to flash kernel image with fastboot.. I mean with flashtool I am not Able to flash kernel image.. flashtool is showing error that my phone is not rooted.. but it actually is..
And suppose if i want to install ROM( jelly sandwich) can u tell me the procedure from the scratch, I ll really appreciate it.. coz I am trying for 2 days with negative result...

vivekrules said:
Aactually I am not. Able to flash kernel image with fastboot.. I mean with flashtool I am not Able to flash kernel image.. flashtool is showing error that my phone is not rooted.. but it actually is..
And suppose if i want to install ROM( jelly sandwich) can u tell me the procedure from the scratch, I ll really appreciate it.. coz I am trying for 2 days with negative result...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm noob too, so unfortunately I can't help in the most effective way.
The only apparent difference between our phones (from what I understood from your post) is that I unlocked the bootloader. I read here in XDA that some roms just need this while others not.
"can u tell me the procedure from the scratch, I ll really appreciate it" - You mean unlock the BL?
It's easy, but may void the warranty... Go here: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions
(Note: In my case I didn't install the sdk, but I just can't find the tutorial that I followed to unlock the BL... Anyway, the tutorial that I've used was in portuguese... Not much help for you I guess
Note2: In the middle of the process, you'll have to inform your IMEI in the sony website... Use just the first 14 digits).

There is enough information in the guides and stickys to help with most things, People just need to read it.
Sent from my CM9'd Arc

XperienceD said:
There is enough information in the guides and stickys to help with most things, People just need to read it.
Sent from my CM9'd Arc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
When I want to know sth, I search and then I will have more than I wanted.:angel:

1. unlock the boot loader
2. Download a custom kernel for your current version of android ie: GB/ICS i suggest DoomLord.
3.Put the kernel ( .img ) into the same folder as you have fastboot/adb
4. Power the phone into fastboot: Power down your phone. Press and hold the menu button then plug in your usb cable (the light on the side will be blue)
open a CMD window in the same folder as fastboot/adb and type the commant:
fastboot flash boot NAME OF FILE.img
push enter.
Once the install is complete (a couple of second) you will have root and custom recovery.
Make sure your phone version is rootable
There are guides available in the General section, I suggest you read them if this is your first root.
Good Luck.

Thanks guys I appreciate your help.. I ll try

[Q] [Newbie]Troubles reading ftf files

Hi,
I'm new to rooting and flashing custom ROMs, so any help will be greatly appreciated
I'm using an orange xperia lt15i, that I've decided to root and on which I want to run CyanogenMod 9.1
Here's what I've come up with :
flashing a generic ftf to debrand my phone, in orded to unlock the bootloader
install recovery
unlock boot loader
flash CM
The catch is, flashtool (0.9.16.1) can't read any of the ftf files I put in the firmware directory..any idea ?
Did I get the steps in the right order, is there any way to achieve this at all ?
Thanks

Deathtiny said:
Hi,
I'm new to rooting and flashing custom ROMs, so any help will be greatly appreciated
I'm using an orange xperia lt15i, that I've decided to root and on which I want to run CyanogenMod 9.1
Here's what I've come up with :
flashing a generic ftf to debrand my phone, in orded to unlock the bootloader
install recovery
unlock boot loader
flash CM
The catch is, flashtool (0.9.16.1) can't read any of the ftf files I put in the firmware directory..any idea ?
Did I get the steps in the right order, is there any way to achieve this at all ?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe file is wrong download here a new one. this works 100% LINK
also use normal flashtool not 64bit.
install drives from flastool install dir/drivers for your phone
install android sdk (just leave all like it is & press install)
now to the process:
flashing a generic ftf to debrand my phone, in orded to unlock the bootloader i dont think this is need. on sony bl unlock site theres mentioned how to get in service menu & look if bootloader unlock allowed: yes or no. if yes just proceed. any way, CM requires flashng stock ics ftf b4 so do it after unlock...
install recovery no need if you flash CM's kernel later it was recovery built in (all custom)
unlock boot loader
flash cm kernel via fastboot
flash CM dont forget gapps! (google apps)

bejunk said:
maybe file is wrong download here a new one. this works 100%
also use normal flashtool not 64bit.
install drives from flastool install dir/drivers for your phone
install android sdk (just leave all like it is & press install)
now to the process:
flashing a generic ftf to debrand my phone, in orded to unlock the bootloader i dont think this is need. on sony bl unlock site theres mentioned how to get in service menu & look if bootloader unlock allowed: yes or no. if yes just proceed. any way, CM requires flashng stock ics ftf b4 so do it after unlock...
install recovery no need if you flash CM's kernel later it was recovery built in (all custom)
unlock boot loader
flash cm kernel via fastboot
flash CM dont forget gapps! (google apps)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so I rechecked service info and status says no, eventhough I remenbered differently and got an unlocking code from sony..
Anyway, guess the best I can do is now limited to rooting...
Thanks

Deathtiny said:
Ok so I rechecked service info and status says no, eventhough I remenbered differently and got an unlocking code from sony..
Anyway, guess the best I can do is now limited to rooting...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are several methods of unlocking the bootloader such as testpoint...but its not that easy for newbe...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2737846
look at this maybe it helps