Hello all,
I have Ion LT28i rooted running 2.3.7, when I try to update it to ICS using SUS, I get an error message "The phone contains modified software that cannot be updated"
Granted, I can fix this by flashing back the stock ROM, and update using SUS the regular way...
BUT, I am trying to avoid the hassle and risk of backing up/restoring everything on the phone, I did the upgrade yesterday on my brother's non-rooted Ion using SUS, and the phone migrated all system settings and apps without missing a beat... I would love to have the same luxury on my phone...
I tried 3rd party apps to backup my current rom (Nandroid and ROM manager) both crashed and burned due to compatibility issues with Ion.
Is there anyway to trick SUS into thinking my ROM is stock, and accept to update it?
bayhas1 said:
Hello all,
I have Ion LT28i rooted running 2.3.7, when I try to update it to ICS using SUS, I get an error message "The phone contains modified software that cannot be updated"
Granted, I can fix this by flashing back the stock ROM, and update using SUS the regular way...
BUT, I am trying to avoid the hassle and risk of backing up/restoring everything on the phone, I did the upgrade yesterday on my brother's non-rooted Ion using SUS, and the phone migrated all system settings and apps without missing a beat... I would love to have the same luxury on my phone...
I tried 3rd party apps to backup my current rom (Nandroid and ROM manager) both crashed and burned due to compatibility issues with Ion.
Is there anyway to trick SUS into thinking my ROM is stock, and accept to update it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. You must be stock to use PC Companion or SUS to update.
Spectre51 said:
Nope. You must be stock to use PC Companion or SUS to update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any recommendation on the best backup method to migrate? I have a Titanium backup now, but that obviously needs ICS rooted to restore from it after I am done SUS upgrading...
Back in the X10 days, SE released a backup/restore app that migrated user data from 1.6 to 2.1 after upgrading with SEUS...it was pretty seamless...
Actually, a better question I should ask here, to confirm, flashing back stock build 6.0.F.0.111 will delete user data... correct?
bayhas1 said:
Actually, a better question I should ask here, to confirm, flashing back stock build 6.0.F.0.111 will delete user data... correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use flashtools to flash back to the stock ftf and uncheck wipe data. That should get you back to stock with your data still intact. Just remember any issues that pop up will probably require a wipe. What did you use to root GB? a prerooted system image or kernel? Either way probably means you unlocked your bootloader which will need to be locked also before you can update via official methods.
Spectre51 said:
You can use flashtools to flash back to the stock ftf and uncheck wipe data. That should get you back to stock with your data still intact. Just remember any issues that pop up will probably require a wipe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, happened to me when I rooted, and the phone crashed at first boot, and took it on its own to wipe data, although I told it not to... I was not a happy camper...
Spectre51 said:
What did you use to root GB? a prerooted system image or kernel? Either way probably means you unlocked your bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did indeed... I unlocked the BL, and used flashtool to load a rooted ftf
With the unlocked bootloader, means you stop getting updates from Sony completely if I remember correctly and you will have to upgrade by flashing only.
Spectre,
Would SUS be happy enough if I lock back the BL (per your instructions in a different thread), but keep the rooted ftf? SEUS never got bothered by rooting with X10i...
would relocking wipe data? (it wasnt mentioned in your instructions)
Relocking shouldn't wipe data and should be enough for flashtools as long as you are using a stock kernel.
Sent from my Sony Xperia™ ion
Alright, I decided to bite the bullet, and figured if I lose the data, I lose the data...
None the less, came up with a hybrid solution to relock the BL, get ICS, and not lose data... not a single bit!!!
in details, anyone that Unlocked BL and Rooted their 2.3.7 ION, and now getting an error when trying to upgrade with SUS, here is how you can resolve this issue:
1- relock the bootloader as explained by Spectre51:
Spectre51 said:
RELOCKING BOOTLOADER WILL ALLOW YOU TO GET NEWEST UPDATES & REPAIR DEVICE USING SEUS/PCC
Before we begin relocking the bootloader make sure that u have flashtool download & installed
You can get the latest version of FlashTool from:
http://androxyde.github.com/Flashtool/
Download link is under "Installation" tab
If you have not use FlashTool before read this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1526866
Download this FTF:
Xperia ion -> LT28-ION_Relock_bootloader_Dogsly-TEST.ftf // Mirror 1
NOTE: This file has not been tested. If you attempt to relock the bootloader using this file please post your results
Flash this FTF via FlashTool:
When it says enter flashmode, power down device and keeping VOLUME DOWN button pressed connect usb cable to phone, the device will now enter flashmode (green LED)
After this file is flashed reboot phone
Bootloader will now be relocked!!!
Incase device doesn't boot DO NOT PANIC...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2-when the phone is "broken" as described above, and stuck in endless flashmode boot loop, DO NOT FLASH STOCK ftf with flash tool, instead, start SUS, and allow it to update as usual.
3- since your BL is now locked, SUS will be happy to download 383MB FW, and install it on your phone, SUS will actually upgrade your phone to ICS, and in the meantime, fix your boot, AND retain all of your data.
4- once SUS is done, diconnect, and start the phone, Android will upgrade and migrate your data
5- enjoy ICS, and all of your data and history... the only thing you lose in the process is root...
6- feel free to root the phone again if you still need it rooted for any reason...
bayhas1 said:
Alright, I decided to bite the bullet, and figured if I lose the data, I lose the data...
None the less, came up with a hybrid solution to relock the BL, get ICS, and not lose data... not a single bit!!!
in details, anyone that Unlocked BL and Rooted their 2.3.7 ION, and now getting an error when trying to upgrade with SUS, here is how you can resolve this issue:
1- relock the bootloader as explained by Spectre51:
2-when the phone is "broken" as described above, and stuck in endless flashmode boot loop, DO NOT FLASH STOCK ftf with flash tool, instead, start SUS, and allow it to update as usual.
3- since your BL is now locked, SUS will be happy to download 383MB FW, and install it on your phone, SUS will actually upgrade your phone to ICS, and in the meantime, fix your boot, AND retain all of your data.
4- once SUS is done, diconnect, and start the phone, Android will upgrade and migrate your data
5- enjoy ICS, and all of your data and history... the only thing you lose in the process is root...
6- feel free to root the phone again if you still need it rooted for any reason...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi bayhas, I have a question regarding what you did.
I have a Xperia S, BL unlocked rooted 2.3.7.
And I have actually the same annoying fear and question:
1. Is it even possible to upgrade via official PCC?
2. if not, and the only way is via flashtool, can I upgrade to 4.0 without losing a single data? with that I mean contacts, sms, some phone settings (not that important), most important are all my games and app DATA which are stored on both internal SD card as well as on internal phone memory (Android/data...etc).
I have this bl unlocked + rooted Xperia S since May 2012 and am really scared to lose anything due to a past experience with Xperia Arc S, by upgrading a rooted which wiped a lot of my data via the official way... afterwards I couldnt even upgrade and had the same error you had.. I really dont know what to do now. Im fine with how my Xperia S is but I have 2 big problems nowadays:
1. when ever I play certain games or very sometimes open browser a certain site, my phone freezes and I can do nothing except a reboot (power button + volume up).
2. now the reboot is annoying, AFTER reboot I happen almost every time to have "application not found" issue, which can be fixed by REBOOTING again or reload SD card or just install that app (overwrite) again. which is also super annoying if you know what I mean.
I dont know if you experience above 2 problems when u were using 2.3.7. but I have now and the FREEZING appears every 1 to 2 days when during gaming (not all games...some)... what do you advise? I really dont want to go to trhough all the panic of losing data or other new problems....
Related
My phone keeps nagging me saying there is an update available, I had previously unlocked my bootloader to get root and relocked it with Blagus's method, I try and preform the official update to no avail, the update takes place phone reboots and when it turns back on it says "Could not update software" I am also having a hard time doing so on my PC with the companion software, It will not detect my phone in media transfer mode.
Sorry for the block of text but this is annoying me, I want the new update
Thanks in advance
Have you deleted/frozen anything or installed the leaked home.apk/market.apk?
Try to unmount your sdcard before connecting it, i've read someone had success that way to get it to connect/find device.
Regards Dousan...
Yes, I have removed a fair amount of crap as well as installed the new market and leaked launcher.
If I unlock my Bootloader again, flash a 3.0.1.A.0.145 version to get all the crap back and then use SEUS to bring it to the new update?
TehH4rRy said:
Yes, I have removed a fair amount of crap as well as installed the new market and leaked launcher.
If I unlock my Bootloader again, flash a 3.0.1.A.0.145 version to get all the crap back and then use SEUS to bring it to the new update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need for unlocking your bootloader as you can just flash the FW you stated with flashtool and then root with gingerbreak and then without doing anything else update OTA to newest. Only OTA will preserve root
Or you can unlock your BL and flash FW 4.0.A.2.368 posted by @thomassafca with flashtool and then flash doomlords kernel v3 for the same FW virsion as above, with fastboot. It comes prerooted and with su/superuser/busybox installed and then flash kernel.sin with flashtool (SE stock kernel) and relock your BL if you wish.
Regards Dousan...
e: The removed crap is the reason why you can't update
You rule, Thanks for the info. I think i'll go down the flashing the update and kernel route.
Does anyone have a copy of the stock firmware from the Xperia Pro MK16a or MK16i.
I messed up the phone and want to re-flash the stock firmware back into my phone.
I dont know what else to do and I am desperate....
If you have it in ftf it would be great. Please put it up on mediafire to share.
THANKS!!!
First, it should be usefull to know what you did to brick your phone.
Thinking quickly, here are your options:
1. If you damaged the system partition(mtd0), you may restore it with fastboot having a stock one. Also, it may be possible to restore it with from ClockWorkMod recovery(started via fastboot), with an update created from the stock firmware.
2. If you accidentally damaged the kernel, that would be a bit more difficult. Currently, there's no custom kernle for MK16, so you would have to wait until there's one, or recompile the stock kernel from source(SE makes sources available).
If it's the first, I may be able to help you providing my system partition. It's not the stock one, because the first thing I did when I got to root my phone was start Titanium Backup and begin to delete some system applications I considered useless. But I think you could find my system partition useful. Just explain a little more what you did.
Thanks for trying to help.
Basically I flashed another firmware for it and it didnt go as expected.
I cant restore it because now my phone is recognize as another phone so i cant download the stock firmware for my phone via PC Companion.
Mine is a MK16a with all the bloatware from fido.
I dont really care about rooting it or not.
I just wanted to get raid of some of the stock apps so it doesnt take up so much internal memory.
I think what I really need is the stock MK16i firmware and flash it to my phone or if someone got the stock MK16a firmware I can flash it again to get it running again.
If you anyone have any other suggestions please let me know.
Thanks
i also need a mk16i firmware packed as ftf, can someone help?
TeamXperia has MK16's now, so a stock firmware should be coming pretty fast from them.
I think ftf is for kernel & loader, not for system partition....
ichidakira, I managed to make a dump of my system partition, I think that will fix your phone. Note that it's not the original system partition, as I've deleted some of the default apps and changed the bootanimation.
To restore it in your device, follow this steps:
WARNING: This will clear all your data, including (but not only limited to) contacts, sms, applications, configurations, etc.
1. Download & extract this file: http://soporte.opensysperu.com/downloads/system.zip & the Xperia Pro recovery image from FreeXperia Project: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8L3DC0UQ .
2. Copy the system.img to your sdcard(using any method).
2. With the phone turned off, hold the menu button and connect the USB cable. If windows asks you to install the driver, do it as specified in the thread about rooting Xperia Pro.
3. Open a command prompt on the folder where you have downloaded recovery.img .
4. Run "fastboot boot recovery.img"
5. The phone will turn on and get detected as a ADB device. Also, the CWM menu will appear on the screen, but you will not need it for now.
6. Run "adb shell". Then, run the following commands: (It may take a few minutes)
cat /sdcard/system.img > /dev/mtd/mtd0
exit
7. On the CWM menu, use thew Vol Down key to highlight "Wipe data/factory reset", and then press the power button. Confirm the action if needed.
8. When finished, type "adb reboot" on your command prompt.
Then, your phone should boot normally.
rcummings100 said:
TeamXperia has MK16's now, so a stock firmware should be coming pretty fast from them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info.
Please let me know when they release it.
For anyone looking for mk16i ftf...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1323730
Thanks to Jozinek
MK16i system partition
Guys, could anyone provide me stock or at least his semi-stock system partition, as alvaroag did above? I have rooted xperia pro MK16i (via xperia recovery) and I'm experiencing weird problems after hard reseting my phone. Everything works virtually fine now, but:
- home button works, but doesn't act as home should
- after USB connecting to PC the PC says that my SD card is not inserted (however I can see its content while in the phone)
- PC Companion software can't find the phone
If anyone would have any advice how to solve this, it would be much appreciated also.
Edit: I had rooted this phone month ago and until yesterday there were zero problems. But then suddenly I lost some of my synced contacts from MS Exchange, so I decided to hard reset it and reinstall apps to fix this little issus. And then everything started...
Try with the latest SE firmware:
{PRO}[DEVELOPMENT] - CM7.2.0 - FXP047 FreeXperia Project
At the bottom of the post are the links for the MK16i SEMC 4.0.2.A.0.42 & MK16a SEMC 4.0.2.A.0.42. Select the one according to your device. Flash them with FlashTool. No this will permanently erase all of your user data.
Then, if you want to root it, try with the zergRush exploit: [16/Nov][ROOTING/UNROOTING] Xperia 2011 Easy Rooting Toolkit [v3.0](zergRush Exploit)
If the phone still presents problems, reflash the stock firmware & take it to your service provider for warranty.
Thanks, alvaroag. I was fixing further and further on and ended up with reflashing Jozinek's stock firmware which solved everything. But then, even with virtually out-of-the-box phone, SEUS still denied to update firmware, saying that the phone has altered software. Not sure if anybody really tried to wipe out EVERYTHING from the phone and pretend, that it hasn't ever been rooted or hasn't been did anything else, but I doubt SE repair service can be fooled that much - even stupid updater still sees some difference between my phone (which obviously lost all changes I made to keyboard, root access, everything after successfull revert to stock firmware provided by Jozinek) and regular not altered phone. So to make the story short - now everything works fine, I have virtually brand new phone, rooted via [16/Nov][ROOTING/UNROOTING] DooMLoRD's Easy Rooting Toolkit [v3.0](zergRush Exploit). But on the other hand I really doubt that these changes can be reverted to the state, that SE repair center would not be able to detect them and thus maybe cancel my warranty. Which is a bit sad and I did not expect it.
BTW: What is the procedure now to update my firmware, once SE will release it? SEUS refuses to do it... And for sure I would prefer to keep my data, if possible...
If you have unlocked your bootloader, then you will not be able to use SEUS. Try using PC Companion. Even with the bootloader unlocked, PC Companion will work, as long as you use stock firmware.
alvaroag said:
If you have unlocked your bootloader, then you will not be able to use SEUS. Try using PC Companion. Even with the bootloader unlocked, PC Companion will work, as long as you use stock firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true that unlocking bootloader automatically stops SEUS from working. I had Alejandrissimo unlock my bootloader remotely via the info in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1254416
And even with an unlocked bootloader SEUS worked just fine (that is until i flashed to the latest firmware posted on XDA in the Xperia Pro CM thread). But that's only true if you use his exact method. It seems that all other methods do prevent SEUS from working.
But yes, as soon as you've unlocked the bootloader, regardless of the method, your phone's warranty is void. That includes unlocking it the official way via the sony ericsson website! PITA
And technically, if you even root your phone, you've lost your warranty as well.
rcummings100 said:
But yes, as soon as you've unlocked the bootloader, regardless of the method, your phone's warranty is void. That includes unlocking it the official way via the sony ericsson website! PITA
And technically, if you even root your phone, you've lost your warranty as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes sure, but my point was not that this act voids warranty, which is clear and obvious. My point was about the fact that many people in forums are understanding rooting and other hardcore activities in the way, that "if something would go wrong with my phone, I still can revert all changes, reflash it to out-of-the-box condition and send it to repair service, while they will not be able to detect the phone used to be rooted or altered in similar way", but in fact there must be some detection mechanism which in certain circumstates (as is my reflashed phone) will recognize that phone has been rooted in the past. And my phone is now not upgradable by both SEUS and PC Companion.
Not exactly. If you root your phone without unlocking the bootloader(zergRush exploit), then you can reflash it using SEUS or PC Companion & any track of the rooting will disappear. But if you unlock the bootloader, that's permanent. Even if you relock the bootloader, you will not be able to lave it as it was before unlocking, as the DRM keys are deleted when unlocking.
If there's still interest, I have a stock SEMC/MK16a:2.3.4/4.0.2.A.0.58/xf_v3w:user/release-keys phone and I'm yet to start fiddling with it.
If there's anything worth extracting from it just let me know and I'd try.
mk16a stock firmware - wanna unlock phone
hi. i'm totally new to android platform and rooting stuff! i have a xperia pro mk16a which is locked to fido canada. i want to unlock and debrand it. what i have learnt till now is that i can debrand it by flashing it to stock firmware. please help!
about phone:
see attachment
ichidakira said:
Does anyone have a copy of the stock firmware from the Xperia Pro MK16a or MK16i.
I messed up the phone and want to re-flash the stock firmware back into my phone.
I dont know what else to do and I am desperate....
If you have it in ftf it would be great. Please put it up on mediafire to share.
THANKS!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you tried to do it with phone repair menu in pc suite?
-DON'T PLUG THE PHONE!
-go to SUPPURT ZONE
-and in the software update check phone repair
-check mk16 on the phone list and follow the instructions!
Firmware ftf
I have some links to generic firmware but i can not publish links.
If anyone wants me for the requested by pm
Hi All,
I have been reading up on rooting and all that for a while now, managed to root my Arc and got the bootloader unlocked.
So anyway, this evening the phone prompted that it had a little update for me, and I got all exited and thought it was gonna be android 4.0 (It's not, I know)
so I hooked my phone up to my laptop and started up PC Companion, It started downloading (bladibladibla)..
And then It prompted (roughty translated): "Your phone contains unofficial software, can't be updated"
And as I just read in other threads, other people just lost their root and got the .62 build on there.
Has this got anything to do with the bootloader or is it something else?
And is it even worth (I just tried to do this, but failed): Unrooting -- updating -- waiting for the new build to get root??
Thanks in advance guys!!
flash .42 fw using flashtool or wotan,update to .62,but .62 have no root..
Don't you think it's best for me to wait for 4.0 update next month to start all this unrooting business?
And I can't figure out how to flash stuff to be honest..
Thanks
is it next month??are you sure??official se ics update??yeah wait for it mate,better than .62!!
from the ARC
get .42 fw from wotan server , root and the update ota to .62
martijnrosielle said:
Hi All,
I have been reading up on rooting and all that for a while now, managed to root my Arc and got the bootloader unlocked.
So anyway, this evening the phone prompted that it had a little update for me, and I got all exited and thought it was gonna be android 4.0 (It's not, I know)
so I hooked my phone up to my laptop and started up PC Companion, It started downloading (bladibladibla)..
And then It prompted (roughty translated): "Your phone contains unofficial software, can't be updated"
And as I just read in other threads, other people just lost their root and got the .62 build on there.
Has this got anything to do with the bootloader or is it something else?
And is it even worth (I just tried to do this, but failed): Unrooting -- updating -- waiting for the new build to get root??
Thanks in advance guys!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
very simple solution i had the same problem in able to update via pc or OTA you must relock the bootloader and have /system as sony have it don't delete any application of sony after root.Then update via OTA and you don't lose your root
rashid.fairus said:
is it next month??are you sure??official se ics update??yeah wait for it mate,better than .62!!
from the ARC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what they say all over the internet yea. In march they start spreading it; starting with 2012 phones, but the Arc is up after those.
I sure hope so, a colleague of mine has a nexus phone he got ics about 2 months ago !!
And then something else; is there something I'm missing out on when I don't go to .62?(except for having the new software icon on screen constantly, haha). Sony descriptions are always pretty unclear.
Cheers
Also I can't figure out how to update ota,, the update originally requires pc companion.
So what should I do/change/install to be able to do this update ota?
Thanks!
unlocked bootloader
you can use the fact that your bootloader is unlocked. ... use flashtool ... flash fw 62 and flash doomlord kernel it comes with cwm. ... flash root from ther with xperiaroot.zip ..... voila ...... thanks to doomlord and binary our life is easier lol
Update to .62
First backup all your Data Apps and Settings using Titanium Backup Pro.
No need to buy that, just google it and download.
Install Titanium Backup Pro,
Backup all your Data Apps and Settings
If u want to update OTA ........
a) Your Boot loader should not be unlocked (Default setting by Sony Ericsson) so relock your bootloader
b) Root your phone which is running on .42 firmware using the latest Flashtools v 0.6.8
Note :
i.First install Flash tool.
ii.Connect the phone in Flash Mode
iii.Flash it with 4.0.2.A.0.42
iv.Turn on the phone when flashing complete
v.Connect the phone with usb debbuging enabled.
vi.Open the Flashtool
vii.Then press the lock icon on flashtool.
viii.Phone will automatically reeboot after done
c) After rooting update your phone OTA
---------- Post added at 03:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:35 PM ----------
martijnrosielle said:
Also I can't figure out how to update ota,, the update originally requires pc companion.
So what should I do/change/install to be able to do this update ota?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turn on data network and use the Update center app which is by default in your applist
If u have accidently removed it then i am uploading it to BOX for you to download
Link ...
http://www.box.com/s/scxny2fk0fghi03ei737
meyourchum said:
First backup all your Data Apps and Settings using Titanium Backup Pro.
No need to buy that, just google it and download.
Install Titanium Backup Pro,
Backup all your Data Apps and Settings
If u want to update OTA ........
a) Your Boot loader should not be unlocked (Default setting by Sony Ericsson) so relock your bootloader
b) Root your phone which is running on .42 firmware using the latest Flashtools v 0.6.8
Note :
i.First install Flash tool.
ii.Connect the phone in Flash Mode
iii.Flash it with 4.0.2.A.0.42
iv.Turn on the phone when flashing complete
v.Connect the phone with usb debbuging enabled.
vi.Open the Flashtool
vii.Then press the lock icon on flashtool.
viii.Phone will automatically reeboot after done
c) After rooting update your phone OTA
---------- Post added at 03:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:35 PM ----------
Turn on data network and use the Update center app which is by default in your applist
If u have accidently removed it then i an uploading it to BOX for you to download
I deleted the Update Center app using Root Manager thinking it to be a waste ....
Thank You Mr.Merychum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've gotten some PMs on how to downgrade from 4.2.2 (10.3.A.0.423) back to 4.1.2 (10.1.A.1.434 or 10.1.1.A.1.253), and thought I'd go ahead and post the steps for all to use. This works for both locked and unlocked bootloaders, and obviously keeps their state intact. The basic idea here is to use Flashtool to simply flash the stock FTF from Sony, no more, no less. It is the same process as restoring your phone via PCC/SUS/Mac Bridge, with the exception here that Sony isn't forcing the latest firmware on you and thus allowing you to select your choice of firmware version.
Rooting Notice
I know for certain you can root the 434 (4.1.2) firmware via Bin4ry's method, and I know for certain you can root the 423 (4.2.2) via DoomLoRD's method. However, I'm fairly sure you cannot root the 253 (4.1.2) firmware via any available method, unless you update from 434 to 253 via an OTA update...which is no longer available. So, if you need root, flash 434, if not, then 253.
The Standard Disclaimer:
I am not responsible for any damage that may happen to your phone by following these instructions. Do so at your own risk.
What You Need:
Flashtool (Official Site)
Correct FTF that matches your device's customization (e.g. Generic US 1270-7584)
To check your customization, dial *#8#7378423#*#*, Service Info > Software Info
You can search this forum for FTFs posted by fellow users, or get them from here. You can downgrade to 434 or 253, it's your choice. Just keep in mind that if you go back to 434, you won't be able to update to 253 via the OTA, you'll have to use this method again.
Before You Begin:
BACKUP ALL YOUR DATA!! When flashing the stock FTF, your phone is wiped 100% clean, as if right out of the factory. Even if you have a custom recovery installed, that will be gone as well.
Flashing Instructions:
Switch off your phone and make sure the USB cable is unplugged from the computer (leave it attached to the phone)
Make sure all Sony software (PCC, SUS, Mac Bridge) are closed and not running on the computer
With the phone completely off, press and hold the VOLUME DOWN button and plug the USB cable to the computer.
You're not going to see anything happen on the phone, but this will put it in Flashmode
Fire up Flashtool
It should say phone is connected in Flashmode
Click on the lighting bolt icon (Flash Device)
When prompted for Flashmode or Fastboot Mode, select Flashmode (default selection)
Navigate on your computer to where the FTF is stored
Flashtool will then display the details of the FTF
When flashing a stock FTF, make sure you keep Wipe Data/Cache/Appslog checked, and all Excludes unchecked.
Click Flash
At this point, the Flashtool will start the flashing process and should take anywhere between 10-15 minutes
If the Flashtool errors out or crashes, 9 out of 10 times you forgot the Sony software running in the background. Close, and try again.
After it's done, simply unplug the USB cable and start the phone.
The phone might prompt you for an NFC update, followed by a Power Off or Use Phone selection. I usually select Power Off and start the phone back up again to make sure the update completed all the way, but that's just my paranoia
Once if I use flashtool to downgrade firmware, Would I still be able to get updates officially from SONY via SUS or OTA or PCC, or I will have to always use flashtool to update?
Sent from my XPERIA ZL
mangatparamveer said:
Once if I use flashtool to downgrade firmware, Would I still be able to get updates officially from SONY via SUS or OTA or PCC, or I will have to always use flashtool to update?
Sent from my XPERIA ZL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes u still will be able to get the update from Sony, in fact every time when u will connect to pc will tell u that u have a new update ignore it when a better update will come than u can download it
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app
Yes, like he said
nutzuTo said:
Yes u still will be able to get the update from Sony, in fact every time when u will connect to pc will tell u that u have a new update
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that they will always show update, but they may say "modified software, so can't update". I just want to confirm as this problem happened earlier on my Xperia neo v. I was having unlocked bootloader on that. Or this problem occours only on unlocked bootloaders? Please let me know
Sent via XPERIA ZL
That's only for unlocked bootloaders
mangatparamveer said:
I know that they will always show update, but they may say "modified software, so can't update". I just want to confirm as this problem happened earlier on my Xperia neo v. I was having unlocked bootloader on that. Or this problem occours only on unlocked bootloaders? Please let me know
Sent via XPERIA ZL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for taking the time to create this. I just got the ZL yesterday and it was buttery smooth, I then got the 4.2 update notice an hour later, updated and it is not smooth anymore.
I see that you mention two 4.1 versions - .434 and .243 . Which one do you recommend? Honestly I wish I had taken note which one exactly came with my phone out of the box, I want to go back to that but obviously can't verify what it came with since I am on 4.2
THANKS!!
spielnicht said:
I've gotten some PMs on how to downgrade from 4.2.2 (10.3.A.0.423) back to 4.1.2 (10.1.A.1.434 or 10.1.1.A.1.253), and thought I'd go ahead and post the steps for all to use. This works for both locked and unlocked bootloaders, and obviously keeps their state intact. The basic idea here is to use Flashtool to simply flash the stock FTF from Sony, no more, no less. It is the same process as restoring your phone via PCC/SUS/Mac Bridge, with the exception here that Sony isn't forcing the latest firmware on you and thus allowing you to select your choice of firmware version.
Rooting Notice
I know for certain you can root the 434 (4.1.2) firmware via Bin4ry's method, and I know for certain you can root the 423 (4.2.2) via DoomLoRD's method. However, I'm fairly sure you cannot root the 253 (4.1.2) firmware via any available method, unless you update from 434 to 253 via an OTA update...which is no longer available. So, if you need root, flash 434, if not, then 253.
The Standard Disclaimer:
I am not responsible for any damage that may happen to your phone by following these instructions. Do so at your own risk.
What You Need:
Flashtool (Official Site)
Correct FTF that matches your device's customization (e.g. Generic US 1270-7584)
To check your customization, dial *#8#7378423#*#*, Service Info > Software Info
You can search this forum for FTFs posted by fellow users, or get them from here. You can downgrade to 434 or 253, it's your choice. Just keep in mind that if you go back to 434, you won't be able to update to 253 via the OTA, you'll have to use this method again.
Before You Begin:
BACKUP ALL YOUR DATA!! When flashing the stock FTF, your phone is wiped 100% clean, as if right out of the factory. Even if you have a custom recovery installed, that will be gone as well.
Flashing Instructions:
Switch off your phone and make sure the USB cable is unplugged from the computer (leave it attached to the phone)
Make sure all Sony software (PCC, SUS, Mac Bridge) are closed and not running on the computer
With the phone completely off, press and hold the VOLUME DOWN button and plug the USB cable to the computer.
You're not going to see anything happen on the phone, but this will put it in Flashmode
Fire up Flashtool
It should say phone is connected in Flashmode
Click on the lighting bolt icon (Flash Device)
When prompted for Flashmode or Fastboot Mode, select Flashmode (default selection)
Navigate on your computer to where the FTF is stored
Flashtool will then display the details of the FTF
When flashing a stock FTF, make sure you keep Wipe Data/Cache/Appslog checked, and all Excludes unchecked.
Click Flash
At this point, the Flashtool will start the flashing process and should take anywhere between 10-15 minutes
If the Flashtool errors out or crashes, 9 out of 10 times you forgot the Sony software running in the background. Close, and try again.
After it's done, simply unplug the USB cable and start the phone.
The phone might prompt you for an NFC update, followed by a Power Off or Use Phone selection. I usually select Power Off and start the phone back up again to make sure the update completed all the way, but that's just my paranoia
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 11:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:25 AM ----------
Ps I forgot to add I do not need to root, I was just curious solely on the two different versions of downgrade and what was best choice if there were different.
Congrats on your new ZL.
Yeah, sadly Sony dropped the ball with the latest update, but some of the blame also falls onto the Android 4.2.2 itself...it wasn't the smoothest. I'm actually testing out the latest 4.3 on my Nexus 7...seems like an improvement.
Anyway, the .434 firmware is Android 4.1.2, where as .423 firmware is Android 4.2.2. So with that said, you need to flashback to 4.1.2 with the .434 firmware, which is what your phone came with, and thus will take your phone back to being buttery smooth
As for rooting, follow Bin4ry's method and you'll be good to go.
radlink14 said:
Thanks so much for taking the time to create this. I just got the ZL yesterday and it was buttery smooth, I then got the 4.2 update notice an hour later, updated and it is not smooth anymore.
I see that you mention two 4.1 versions - .434 and .243 . Which one do you recommend? Honestly I wish I had taken note which one exactly came with my phone out of the box, I want to go back to that but obviously can't verify what it came with since I am on 4.2
THANKS!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah thanks so much!!!! I was more referring to this statement you made " 4.1.2 (10.1.A.1.434 or 10.1.1.A.1.253),"
That is what I was confused about
spielnicht said:
Congrats on your new ZL.
Yeah, sadly Sony dropped the ball with the latest update, but some of the blame also falls onto the Android 4.2.2 itself...it wasn't the smoothest. I'm actually testing out the latest 4.3 on my Nexus 7...seems like an improvement.
Anyway, the .434 firmware is Android 4.1.2, where as .423 firmware is Android 4.2.2. So with that said, you need to flashback to 4.1.2 with the .434 firmware, which is what your phone came with, and thus will take your phone back to being buttery smooth
As for rooting, follow Bin4ry's method and you'll be good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NP. If you need to root, then you'll want to go with .434 instead of .253.
radlink14 said:
Ah thanks so much!!!! I was more referring to this statement you made " 4.1.2 (10.1.A.1.434 or 10.1.1.A.1.253),"
That is what I was confused about
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not want to root nor need, this is my first android phone that works efficient outside the box and no keyboard lag!!
So basically there are no difference between the two except one you can root and one you can't?
I bought the xperia Z not knowing about the ZL!!! Now to go return the Z :>
spielnicht said:
NP. If you need to root, then you'll want to go with .434 instead of .253.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should I be concerned that my phone gets super hot now? Flashed back to the 434 and notice my bars keep going up and down.
Don't recall that behavior before
As a backup phone I have my old Xperia Arc LT15i with Android 2.3.4 and would like to use it. I would like to install Google Keep but each time I go to the Play Store it doesn't look right and says no internet. I have root.
How can I get a bit more life coming from such an old firmware? I already have root. The boot loader can't be unlocked.
Hey,try updating to the latest stock rom which is 4.0.4 ics using flashtool you can find them somewhere on this forum goodluck
For the "no internet" problem, if you have an unlocked bootloader it might be worth flashing CM7 if you want to still be on 2.3. However if you don't, I suggest you do a reset (Settings > Privacy > Factory data reset) (or if you want you can even re-flash with Flashtool and root again) and try again.
However, you won't be able to install Google Keep because it requires Android 4.0 or higher. You can upgrade (but I wouldn't suggest you to do so unless you really need Keep, 4.0 is really slow on the Arc) using Flashtool with this file. You can find many tutorials on how to use Flashtool online.