Develop Bugs

Bring me up to speed please

I've come into possession of an Arc that belongs to a friend. She says she's been having error messages & force closes (although it's done nothing but run perfectly for me so far today - sod's law!).
It's running 2.3.2 Build 3.0.A.2.181 and after a quick look through the dev and general section here, I gather I can root it using Gingerbreak, and install a standard 2.3.3 rom.
* Any known issues with (2.3.3) 4.0.A.2.368 or 3.0.1.A.0.145?
* Is there any reason for me not to go with 4.0.A.2.368?
* Also, is there any Nandroid or equivalent for the Arc yet?
Ideally I want to root, back up the current rom (as it has all my friend's preferred setup), and then install an updated rom.
* If there's no Nandroid then I assume I can just downgrade back to 3.0.A.2.181 by flashing that rom?
It all seems straightforward and I'm far from new to rooting/flashing (HTCs mainly), but just thought I'd check in case I'd missed something, as I don't have time to properly read all the Arc forums before I deal with this phone tonight!

The Namaste guide is worth reading and should help.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

XperienceD said:
The Namaste guide is worth reading and should help.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did read that, and it's quite comprehensive so that's why I feel confident in the process. What I really need to know is, are there any show-stopping bugs in the newer roms? I don't want to go through the hassle of rooting and flashing a new rom if there are obvious problems with it?
Also no mention in the guide of nandroid/backups (unless I'm being blind - very possible!) :-D

setspeed said:
Also no mention in the guide of nandroid/backups (unless I'm being blind - very possible!) :-D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might be an idea to find out if the bootloader can be unlocked first and unless it was bought simfree it probably can't unless you pay for it.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

XperienceD said:
Might be an idea to find out if the bootloader can be unlocked first and unless it was bought simfree it probably can't unless you pay for it.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a TMobile phone, although unlocked since my friend uses a 3 sim, and I've had a Vodafone sim in it all day.
I've been reading a bit more and apparently the Arc doesn't have a recovery partition, so no ClockWorkMod - how would unlocking the bootloader help me with back ups?
I've only ever used Nandroid as part of CWM (as I said before, I'm an HTC guy).
EDIT: Forget that last part, of course the bootloader would need to be unlocked, I'm being der....
In which case I guess my only options are to use something like Titanium (once it's rooted) to backup apps, and then restore later on.

My bootloader isn't unlocked so can't really advise on that front, and as I only really need to root I'm not too fused for now, but would make life a tad easier I guess.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

setspeed said:
It's a TMobile phone, although unlocked since my friend uses a 3 sim, and I've had a Vodafone sim in it all day.
I've been reading a bit more and apparently the Arc doesn't have a recovery partition, so no ClockWorkMod - how would unlocking the bootloader help me with back ups?
I've only ever used Nandroid as part of CWM (as I said before, I'm an HTC guy).
EDIT: Forget that last part, of course the bootloader would need to be unlocked, I'm being der....
In which case I guess my only options are to use something like Titanium (once it's rooted) to backup apps, and then restore later on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Arc does not have a Recovery partition but using Custom Kernel our Developers has made CWM Recovery possible. There is a backup and restore function. But only work with unlocked bootloader. You would need to use Fastboot Mode and flash the kernel.
Custom Kernel (Recovery is included): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1172885
More info about Recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1044874

[Q] Easiest way to root a unlocked bootloader Arc running on 2.3.3 ?

If you have an Xperia Arc version 2.3.3 unlocked bootloader, you can't root using Gingerbreak or Super1click as the update, unwillingly, made sure that stuff doesn't work anymore.
The only way to root, as far as I know, is flashing -> getting 2.3.2 ROM -> root from their -> update.
I can not use that way as everytime I try to update in the last step it wont turn on again after reboot (so I have to flash using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126358, though i'm sure it'll work for most of you.
Question being: Is there atm really no alternative to root for me then? I'm kinda desperate, i've been looking on XDA a lot of hours and this is rly my last hope to get this over with..
thx in advance!

As you said yourself.. You have an unlocked bootloader.. so you don't have to more like you cannot use the FOTA technique cos OTA update bricks the phone..
Simply flash one of the prerooted kernel like DoomLord Kernel.. Should do it .. Or if you want the stock kernel then Serach the forums for something like "Root 4.0.A.2.368" They will usually specifically say that you need unlocked bootloader..

[Guide] All in one 'Namaste guide' to Bootloader unlocking, Rooting, Flashing & more

thx for the replies.
though, I've read that whole guide before, problem is:
"Ques – Ok. So quickly tell me how to unlock my Xperia Arc’s bootloader and install a beautiful Custom ROM.
Not so fast dear. I described a deal about bootloader and benefits of its unlocking but let’s get practical. There are two disadvantages of unlocking the Xperia Arc’s bootloader.
As per my knowledge, till date, there is no Custom ROM designed for your Xperia Arc. So, it’s useless to unlock your bootloader. "
So, if a "non stock kernel" means the same as a "custom ROM", where do I find it? i dont want the original one as that1 is outdated. I know how to flash my phone, but only with delivered folders (which are always X10)
with kind regards,
Tom

Emissia said:
If you have an Xperia Arc version 2.3.3 unlocked bootloader, you can't root using Gingerbreak or Super1click as the update, unwillingly, made sure that stuff doesn't work anymore.
The only way to root, as far as I know, is flashing -> getting 2.3.2 ROM -> root from their -> update.
I can not use that way as everytime I try to update in the last step it wont turn on again after reboot (so I have to flash using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126358, though i'm sure it'll work for most of you.
Question being: Is there atm really no alternative to root for me then? I'm kinda desperate, i've been looking on XDA a lot of hours and this is rly my last hope to get this over with..
thx in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem with my Neo. I've tried flashing 2.2.2, then rooting with Flashtool (just click Xperia X10), but this doesn't work, and after relocking the bootloader and updating, the phone is bricked as well. Tried this like 5 times.
I think I'll just wait for 2.3.4 as my main reasons to root are making screenshots and removing bloatware. 2.3.4 adds screenshots, and currently, my ROM is not totally full.

Same here, just wanna get that bloatware off, starting to look like i'm gonna wait as well... this has already taken enough hours away from me

Emissia said:
Same here, just wanna get that bloatware off, starting to look like i'm gonna wait as well... this has already taken enough hours away from me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash a prerooted image or relock the bootloader and use the more lengthy method.

Emissia said:
thx for the replies.
though, I've read that whole guide before, problem is:
"Ques – Ok. So quickly tell me how to unlock my Xperia Arc’s bootloader and install a beautiful Custom ROM.
Not so fast dear. I described a deal about bootloader and benefits of its unlocking but let’s get practical. There are two disadvantages of unlocking the Xperia Arc’s bootloader.
As per my knowledge, till date, there is no Custom ROM designed for your Xperia Arc. So, it’s useless to unlock your bootloader. "
So, if a "non stock kernel" means the same as a "custom ROM", where do I find it? i dont want the original one as that1 is outdated. I know how to flash my phone, but only with delivered folders (which are always X10)
with kind regards,
Tom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. Only non stock kernels yet around are the DoomLord and CM (FreeXperia) kerenls.. Check the development forums for them..
The Stock aren't really "outdated".. These custom kerenels are based on the original stock code with a few features enabled.. So don't expect android 2.3.4 from them or anything..
As for rooting issues.. Follow the Namaste guide and a few posts in the development forum bout rooting arc properly and carefully.. Noting what is Locked and Unlocked and which method works where.. And it won't take more than 15 minutes to setup everything..

[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

ROOT Questions?

This is going to be my first sony phone im unfamiliar with the process of rooting on sony, how do root and get recovery? I believe the zl getting should be boot unlocked.

AW: ROOT Questions?
I don't have a sony neither, but I think you have to unlock the bootloader, then you can "install" root.
There are some threads in the development section, just take a look!

cheapshot789 said:
This is going to be my first sony phone im unfamiliar with the process of rooting on sony, how do root and get recovery? I believe the zl getting should be boot unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best thing to do would be to go through as many (read ALL) the post on all the ZL threads. However, here's the primer.
The first thing to do would be to check if your phone has an unlockable bootloader. Unlocking the BL will allow you to flash custom kernels and ROMS. If you are coming from a Samsung phones, most of them already have their BLs unlocked, so this step might be new to you. Do know that you potentially lose your warranty once you unlock your BL. However, there is a way to relock it. Also, there is a debate about losing Bravia Engine 2 once you unlock you BL.
But, you dont need to unlock BL to root your phone. The dev krabappel2548 has released recovery and root for devices whose BLs cannot be unlocked. You'll find info about it in the Original Android Dev Section.
Might seem overwhelming, but its not. Read up for a couple of days and you will be all set.
Hope this helped.

Yea I have been reading the threads just got a little confused, thanks.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

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.