Develop Bugs

[Q] Rogers Branded Arc - Flashing CM7

Hi,
As it is written in the thread title, I am the proud (and frustrated) owner of a an Xperia Arc on Rogers (Canada). I am frustrated because since the "classic" bootloader unlocking methods do not work with Rogers branded phone, I'm unable to use any flashing method that require fastboot.
Also, I've seen a bootloader unlocking method that involves removing the battery, attaching wires on contacts, ... And I do admit that this kind of stuff scares me a little bit.
I wanted to know if wether or not it was possible to use Clockworkmod recovery (or Rom Manager) with a rooted 2.3.2 version and "just" install CM7 that way ? I know it sounds a little naive, but I'm currently stuck trying to root (after a downgrade to 2.3.2) with Gingerbreak and it stalls and the phone ends up never rebooting.
So if anyone has a solution/idea on how to flash CM7 on my locked bootloader Arc, that would make me (and probably dozens of other Rogers Arc owners) sooooo happy.
Also, I just wanted to know if it was possible to flash CM7 with Flashtool ? Before having my Arc, I had an X10 and used flashtool about 15 times to flash MiUI Roms... If yes, would it be by "converting" the CM7 files into a .ftf file ?
Thank you very much

if i were you i would save the hassle. unlock bootloader, and go. i just did it this past weekend so i can get root without jumping through hoops.. i was extremely anxious about it too..but if you follow the instructions you really cant go wrong. ps. im using rogers arc too! and as to your questions.. i really dont think you can.

gk_terato said:
if i were you i would save the hassle. unlock bootloader, and go. i just did it this past weekend so i can get root without jumping through hoops.. i was extremely anxious about it too..but if you follow the instructions you really cant go wrong. ps. im using rogers arc too! and as to your questions.. i really dont think you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 If you can follow instructions then everything is pretty straight forward.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

Roger's Arc owner here as well.
So the the official method via the sony website dont work for us?
As CM7 is getting stable and since its pretty much release, I was gonna start to work on this ...
I was hoping to unlock bootloader ( through either sony , or one fo the threads and peeps that can do it here ) , root it and enjoy CM7.
Hope the official one works :S

fredastere said:
Hope the official one works :S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't, no Operator locked handset can, so you will need to use Alejandrissimo or Jinx13. Worth every penny.

Allright thanks for the heads up , I'll set up an apointment or somethin with Alejandrissimo

gk_terato said:
if i were you i would save the hassle. unlock bootloader, and go. i just did it this past weekend so i can get root without jumping through hoops.. i was extremely anxious about it too..but if you follow the instructions you really cant go wrong. ps. im using rogers arc too! and as to your questions.. i really dont think you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thanks for your quick answer gk_terato. So is the 24 USD $ really worth it (e.g. with alejandrissimo) ? I know a fraction of this amount is used to pay the tokens, but I don't know how much this is really worth... I've (sim) unlocked all of my previous phones and it was never over 15 CAD $.
And btw, I was just wondering wether or not unlocking the bootloader would, at the same time, remove the sim restriction ?
Thanks again !

antoinedl said:
Hi,
Thanks for your quick answer gk_terato. So is the 24 USD $ really worth it (e.g. with alejandrissimo) ? I know a fraction of this amount is used to pay the tokens, but I don't know how much this is really worth... I've (sim) unlocked all of my previous phones and it was never over 15 CAD $.
And btw, I was just wondering wether or not unlocking the bootloader would, at the same time, remove the sim restriction ?
Thanks again !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, i'm jus coming back to the forums checking out a way to unlock the bootloader ...(rogers arc....*sigh) WHo's alejandrissimo or Jinx13...
Please post a link for me newbie guy... thanks

Just look right here :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232050
He'll ask you to add him as a Google talk contact and to install Teamviewer, some drivers and a little application that lets you emulate a USB port over the internet. Good luck !

ICS for locked bootloaders

Could it be possible?

No.

Could you explain me why? -.-

arturodelac said:
Could you explain me why? -.-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because ICS requires an ICS kernel, which can only be flashed by using fastboot on an unlocked bootloader.
Flashing ICS on a locked bootloader will only reward you with a brick.

arturodelac said:
Could you explain me why? -.-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cause you need a Kernel that is made for ICS, and as long as your bootloader are locked you are going to be without ICS, simple as that.

arturodelac said:
Could you explain me why? -.-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because ICS requires a different kernel, which requires you to unlock your bootloader to flash.
________________________
Sent from my Xperia Play

I have heard that droid2global has an ics rom, and it's bootloader remains locked. It's got a bootstrap, but I didn't think that allowed a custom kernel.
Seriously though, just get your bootloader unlocked.
Sent from my Xperia Play using XDA

I fear for my warranty, and my old x8 could run a half assed ics with a locked bootloader, wished more developers cared for locked bootloaders

why would you want a half assed ics, and why would devs want to make a half assed ics for you.., we haven't got a working kexec yet, and that would likely be your only real option, the rest involve messy workarounds to try and patch together a working rom from gb kernal, and its not worth the devs doing so.
im sure those of us that do have unlocked bootloaders would rather the devs work on stuff to move forward the xplay community as a whole, than spend months of time trying to make a gb kernal work with ics because you want to keep your warranty....

[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
Click to expand...
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

Warning: Incoming Noob - AuroraPlay v1.1.0 Install

First and foremost, I apologize for being such a noob.
I don't know what I'm doing here, since this is a place for expert developers, and I am not one.
But, I'm purchasing an Xperia Play very soon, and I ran across the AuroraPlay ROM which apparently speeds up the device a bit (Main Features - Clocked by default to 1.2GHz, Full GPU Hardware Acceleration, Boots in less than five seconds, etc.)
So, I thought, "This is really something, I should think about installing this, it'll surely make games and such a lot more fun on my Xperia Play."
I know the mere basics that anyone knows- unlocking, rooting, roms, kernels, firmware, etc.
But when it comes to getting down and actually doing something more advanced than simply rooting or unlocking a phone, I get cold feet.
What I mean by this, is I'm not completely sure how to install this ROM, and I don't want to brick my phone.
I've seen the installation instructions, though I'm still confused on some parts.
What's an Un/Locked Bootloader? How do I know if mine is un/locked?
How do I "Flash using Flashtool"? or "Root using Flashtool"?
What is X-Parts Recovery? What is ClockWorkMod? How do I use them?
At this point it may seem obvious this isn't for me, but if there is a more detailed tutorial out there for this ROM, that would be EXCELLENT! :laugh:
Again, sorry for the trouble.

Niuqorram said:
First and foremost, I apologize for being such a noob.
I don't know what I'm doing here, since this is a place for expert developers, and I am not one.
But, I'm purchasing an Xperia Play very soon, and I ran across the AuroraPlay ROM which apparently speeds up the device a bit (Main Features - Clocked by default to 1.2GHz, Full GPU Hardware Acceleration, Boots in less than five seconds, etc.)
So, I thought, "This is really something, I should think about installing this, it'll surely make games and such a lot more fun on my Xperia Play."
I know the mere basics that anyone knows- unlocking, rooting, roms, kernels, firmware, etc.
But when it comes to getting down and actually doing something more advanced than simply rooting or unlocking a phone, I get cold feet.
What I mean by this, is I'm not completely sure how to install this ROM, and I don't want to brick my phone.
I've seen the installation instructions, though I'm still confused on some parts.
What's an Un/Locked Bootloader? How do I know if mine is un/locked?
How do I "Flash using Flashtool"? or "Root using Flashtool"?
What is X-Parts Recovery? What is ClockWorkMod? How do I use them?
At this point it may seem obvious this isn't for me, but if there is a more detailed tutorial out there for this ROM, that would be EXCELLENT! :laugh:
Again, sorry for the trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Un/locked bootloader is about changing kernel and u can find it with enter *#*#7378423#*#* in phone
And if u have unlocked bootloader u can flash a kernel using flashtool with going to fastboot mode(power off ur phone and hold search button then plug ur usb)
To root ur device using flashtool u should connect ur phone to computer then in flashtool click on opened lock
And x-part is an app that installing recovery for locked bootloader and with recovery u can install roms on ir phone
Sent from my R800i using xda premium

First and foremost don't think you're a noob, everyone has to begin somewhere.and I don't own an xperia play but the basics are all the same.A flashtool is a program used only to flash roms and kernels but not root your device. For rooting, there are other toolkits, most of them really simple, just plug ur phone and follow the instructions shown.as far as I know, there is no need to unlock the bootloader of ur phone as long as u flash stock based roms but to flash custom kernels and roms,u need to unlock the bootloader and the bootloader for any mobile will be LOCKED by default. Behold.. Unlocking the bootloader can only be done officially and u will forever lose warranty and some other stuff like drm keys,etc..relocking the bootloader is also possible but ur warranty still be void.clockworkmod(cwm) is a custom recovery which gives many more features than a stock recovery and is used for flashing firmwares, kernels,etc,u can see about that on YouTube cuz there are walkthroughs for almost anything.I don't know much about X-parts though.there u go.hope I helped u.hit thanks if I did.
Sent from my exquisite C6602 using xda premium.

Thanks for the replies.
By the way, is there anything I need to do with my phone before I began the installation process? The phone obviously needs to be rooted, right?
Or can it be done straight out of the box?

If u r gonna root the phone as soon as u open it,there is nothing much u need to do..download all the files beforehand and be sure to double check the model number of ur device.if u really want to flash a custom kernel,u must unlock ur bootloader and as it was said,u won't have the warranty after that.So what I suggest is u use the phone for about 2-4 days and make sure there is no defect in it,just to be sure.So happy rooting!Hit thanks if I helped.
Sent from my exquisite C6602 using xda premium.

Welcome to the forums!
When I first started rooting and flashing custom roms, the guide on the nxt rom page helped me a lot. Here-
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1649368
In the first post, follow the instructions for locked bootloader, and there is a picture guide for how to use flashtool and CWM recovery (the older version of x-parts recovery). Just replace instances of zeus_nxt2_r1.zip with the rom of your choice!
Hope I could help!

xperia play
i love this device but i want jellybean on this device ... can anyone help me out ??

Well.. If the official update has been released, u can download the file and flash it after rooting your device BUT u can also unlock the bootloader and flash a custom kernel and latest custom rom like cyanogen mod and stuff..hit thanks if I helped u in any way
Sent from my Killer Xperia Z using xda premium.

To install jelly bean you need to unlock your bootloader. The touchpads are not working very well though...
About the warranty thing, Sony says this voids your warranty, but I did it anyway a few months after I got my phone, and recently both of my cameras died (not at the same time, but I didn't care about the front camera) and they fixed them for free so maybe they still fix hardware defects (they did it for me). Of course I did re lock my bootloader before giving them my phone but they could know it since they had mY IMEI
Sent from my R800i

Sounds interesting.. They repaired ur phone for free even when they knew u had unlocked its bl?good thing that the flashtools can relock the bl..ur post knocked some confidence into me..
Sent from my Killer Xperia Z(02) using xda premium.

[Q] Completely lost

hi all i have a xperia s which i managed to get rooted but i have locked bootloader and as i understand there is no way to unlock ?.
i have seen that here is a version of CM10 that can be put on LB fones but i am completely lost on how to do so do i use flash tool / how do i even find it to download every link to it iv seen is dead
i come from an LG 4x HD which i found really straight forward to flash with a custom rom so i do have some knowledge even if basic at best.
but other than rooting my xperia im lost as to where to go next if some one would be so kind as to point me in the right direction as i absolutely hate the stock FW on this fone.

in the end you'll get back to stock BELIEVE ME LOL

zaidx said:
in the end you'll get back to stock BELIEVE ME LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
after so long with CM i don't think i could ever go back to stock.
i had CM on various fone's since CM7.

roscoe182 said:
after so long with CM i don't think i could ever go back to stock.
i had CM on various fone's since CM7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OH ok
well then you'll have to root your phone first and then get recovery and since you want to flash cm10 for locked bootloader you can find it in development section there's a tutorial on how to flash it:good:

zaidx said:
OH ok
well then you'll have to root your phone first and then get recovery and since you want to flash cm10 for locked bootloader you can find it in development section there's a tutorial on how to flash it:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well i got root pretty easily it was just finding out to put the rom on my fone as the CM (LB) didn't really have any clear instructions.
but after coming across doomlords CWM for LB it was as it normally is flashing a rom.
i am happy to see after looking at more roms (if i would have done this first then i wouldn't have been so lost) a good few of them were for LB and had pretty clear instructions but i do think that this general section should have some clear instructions for L/U B;L.. mainly for LB as i had absolutely no idea that it couldn't be unlocked on certain fones.
I 100% blame me for getting lost tho due to my inability to perform and adequate search on the forums without confusing my self . haha.
But thank you for the assistance

Read this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1527159

I had tried that. I think it was through that I found doomlords CWM. But a few of those links are dead and what actually cased a bit of confusion for me. Being able to unlock the bbootloadr would be awesome but tis a shame it seem it can't be done..... yet.
Sent from my LT26i using XDA Free mobile app