Develop Bugs

[Q] How to Backup stock Kernel + ROM ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

think i bricked my phone

hey guys, like the dumba** i am, i believe i bricked my phone... i really had no experience with it but i tried it anyways and now my phone wont boot up, its stuck on the sony ericsson screen and i cant seem to be able to access the recovery mode or anything, i installed CWM and booted to install a custom rom, it said sucessful and after rebotting itself it wouldnt go past sony ericsson, is there a way to fix it guys?

rawrzforme said:
hey guys, like the dumba** i am, i believe i bricked my phone... i really had no experience with it but i tried it anyways and now my phone wont boot up, its stuck on the sony ericsson screen and i cant seem to be able to access the recovery mode or anything, i installed CWM and booted to install a custom rom, it said sucessful and after rebotting itself it wouldnt go past sony ericsson, is there a way to fix it guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your bootloader is locked, you can repair it with Sony's PC Companion program for windows.
If your bootloader is unlocked, your only choice is to use flashtool to flash stock firmware

Bakisha said:
If your bootloader is locked, you can repair it with Sony's PC Companion program for windows.
If your bootloader is unlocked, your only choice is to use flashtool to flash stock firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey thanks for the reply, i read around a bit and downloaded flashtool, but when i run the flashtool it says 'preparing files for flashing' and then my phone just goes and reboots to get stuck on sony ericsson again, not giving time for flashtool to flash the phone.

rawrzforme said:
hey thanks for the reply, i read around a bit and downloaded flashtool, but when i run the flashtool it says 'preparing files for flashing' and then my phone just goes and reboots to get stuck on sony ericsson again, not giving time for flashtool to flash the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to switch it off first before connecting, then connect while holding back when they ask you to in Flashtool.
Just to be safe, remove the battery and replace it after switching off.
Sent from my C5303 using xda premium

sonyxperiaplayer said:
You have to switch it off first before connecting, then connect while holding back when they ask you to in Flashtool.
Just to be safe, remove the battery and replace it after switching off.
Sent from my C5303 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks! its flashing now :3 will update on status

phone is flashed and its working again, i want to try to install the ICSpeed rom again, just one question, do i have to instal a new kernel so i can do that first? or the rom first then the kernel?

rawrzforme said:
phone is flashed and its working again, i want to try to install the ICSpeed rom again, just one question, do i have to instal a new kernel so i can do that first? or the rom first then the kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the zip on the sdcad then install this kernel.
> Sony Ericsson Xperia Play > Xperia Play Android Development > [KERNEL][PLAY] LuPuSv7 [STOCK ICS/GB & CM9][LINARO 4.7.3][19-06-13]
It's working fine for me.

rawrzforme said:
phone is flashed and its working again, i want to try to install the ICSpeed rom again, just one question, do i have to instal a new kernel so i can do that first? or the rom first then the kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well first you need a unlocked bootloader.
Then, you have to flash a ICS kernel for an ICS ROM (using fast boot)
LuPuS is a good kernel and is pretty stable too.
After that just install the ROM through CWM.
Sent from my C5303 using xda premium

Bakisha said:
If your bootloader is locked, you can repair it with Sony's PC Companion program for windows.
If your bootloader is unlocked, your only choice is to use flashtool to flash stock firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a similiar problem. But I relocked de bootloades, can I use de PC companion?

Henrique88 said:
I have a similiar problem. But I relocked de bootloades, can I use de PC companion?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about that. But you can try it. In worst case, it won't do anything at all.
But i'm sure that Emma (son'ys flashtool for unlocked BL) will work. Here is a link

[Q] I want to reset Xperia S

So I have the Trinity Rom installed, unlocked bootloader, trinity x kernel and a rooted Xperia S. I want to go back to the beginning, to start everything from scratch. Can someone tell me a step by step procedure to revert to the old system because the PC Companion won't repair it because of the custom firmware.
Thanks!

Download and install Emma(the sony developers tool). That can reflash your phone to stock firmware. Or flash an ftf though Flashtool.
Also, there is a sop on the xda website regarding relocking the bootloader if you want to do that.
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk

Hey
o0 Matt 0o said:
Download and install Emma(the sony developers tool). That can reflash your phone to stock firmware. Or flash an ftf though Flashtool.
Also, there is a sop on the xda website regarding relocking the bootloader if you want to do that.
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have flashed the stock kernel somehow and relocked the bootloader while still having the custom rom, I knew that my phone wouldn't go past the sony logo, because when I was installing the rom I chose bootloader unlocked so now I can't win either way. What should I do, still install emma?

ysnmue95 said:
I have flashed the stock kernel somehow and relocked the bootloader while still having the custom rom, I knew that my phone wouldn't go past the sony logo, because when I was installing the rom I chose bootloader unlocked so now I can't win either way. What should I do, still install emma?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would try emma. Do some research first to understand it
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk

ysnmue95 said:
So I have the Trinity Rom installed, unlocked bootloader, trinity x kernel and a rooted Xperia S. I want to go back to the beginning, to start everything from scratch. Can someone tell me a step by step procedure to revert to the old system because the PC Companion won't repair it because of the custom firmware.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMFG, what were you trying to accomplish by those actions? Why relock bootloader? Only thing you had to do is to flash prefered FW via Flashtool.

[Q] NEED urgent help. Stuck at Sony Ericsson Logo

Hi, I root my xperia play (verizon version) just fine and has been using custom ROM for a while and it all works great. but then I wanted to try a different ROM and so I install NexPlay ROM via recovery menu. The installation process was fine and it went through but when the phone is rebooted it just stucks at the sony ericssons logo and won't go anywhere, I can't turn off the phone or anything and i can't get back into recovery mode. Please help. I need this back to working fast!

Flash stock ftf with flashtool or use pc companion to restore phone
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app

PC companion don't work for me. It keeps saying it can't find any updates. and I can't find a working link for flashtool. all links i found are broken...

CypherX418 said:
PC companion don't work for me. It keeps saying it can't find any updates. and I can't find a working link for flashtool. all links i found are broken...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you unlocked your bootloader, use emma instead of pc companion
http://developer.sonymobile.com/services/flash-tool/how-to-download-and-install-the-flash-tool/
Flashtool is at flashtool.net
For ftf file you'll have to search, i have r800i model and i don't know wich ftf is for your r800x
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app

Stock ftf for r800x can be found here http://www.xperiagamer.com/Stock-Roms/233-se-stock-firmware-for-flashtool.html
If you're on windows 8 you might need to manually install fastboot drivers.

CypherX418 said:
Hi, I root my xperia play (verizon version) just fine and has been using custom ROM for a while and it all works great. but then I wanted to try a different ROM and so I install NexPlay ROM via recovery menu. The installation process was fine and it went through but when the phone is rebooted it just stucks at the sony ericssons logo and won't go anywhere, I can't turn off the phone or anything and i can't get back into recovery mode. Please help. I need this back to working fast!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For a better support you should tell us which kernel are you using, and which ROM you were using before flashing NeXPLay.
If you just made the mistake of installing NeXPay (ICs ROM) on a GB kernel, then you don't need to reset everything with flashtool.

thanks but i just flashed my verizon rom with flashtool and that seems to get me back...
now which custom firmware/rom is the best for R800x?

CypherX418 said:
thanks but i just flashed my verizon rom with flashtool and that seems to get me back...
now which custom firmware/rom is the best for R800x?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on how you use your phone. If you are a gamer then you should try a LuPuS kernel and a Gingerbread ROM but if you don't care about gaming then you can try a ICs ROM and which kernel you prefer.
If you need some in choosing one of the many ICs/GB ROMs, just ask

[Q] Xperia play Gingerbread to Jellybean/Kitkat

Hi can anyone advise what the problem could be?
I have been trying to upgrade my Xperia play from Gingerbread to Jellybean and failed,
My handset is Bootloader unlock Status = No, although O2 unlocked the carrier so I could use any carrier.
So when I goto Sony bootloader unlock site the phone will not goto fastboot mode. Just says Waiting
When I open Fashtool I have successfully rooted the phone, but when I try to Flash the phone rather than go into Fastboot mode the just restarts.
I am using Windows 7 64bit.
Any help on getting this done is greatly appreciated
Grover

Umm I think only the simlock has been removed. But the bootloader is still locked and cannot be unlocked. and what button are you pressing to go into flashboot?

ryanperez said:
Umm I think only the simlock has been removed. But the bootloader is still locked and cannot be unlocked. and what button are you pressing to go into flashboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used search button whilst plugining in USB.
Does that mean bootloader is locked, so impossible to unlock?
The sticker on the back of the phone is W46. Read somewhere that using Flashtool may damage the phone.
Thanks in advance
Grover

Grover2000 said:
Hi can anyone advise what the problem could be?
I have been trying to upgrade my Xperia play from Gingerbread to Jellybean and failed,
My handset is Bootloader unlock Status = No, although O2 unlocked the carrier so I could use any carrier.
So when I goto Sony bootloader unlock site the phone will not goto fastboot mode. Just says Waiting
When I open Fashtool I have successfully rooted the phone, but when I try to Flash the phone rather than go into Fastboot mode the just restarts.
I am using Windows 7 64bit.
Any help on getting this done is greatly appreciated
Grover
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SIM Unlocking the phone inst the same as Unlocking the Bootloader. If you Have Bootloader unlock Status = No you can still unlock your Bootloader via the Test Point method.
If you Unlock your phone with the Test Point method you will not have acces to Fastboot Mode, but you can still Flash Kernels via Flash Mode Using the FTF version of it(insted of a boot.img file).
Look in my signature if you want any FTF kernel.

TheScriptKitty said:
SIM Unlocking the phone inst the same as Unlocking the Bootloader. If you Have Bootloader unlock Status = No you can still unlock your Bootloader via the Test Point method.
If you Unlock your phone with the Test Point method you will not have acces to Fastboot Mode, but you can still Flash Kernels via Flash Mode Using the FTF version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please note this method only works for xplays made before a certain date. (can't remember exactly when but google will help)
Sent from my R800i using XDA Free mobile app

korrectmethod said:
Please note this method only works for xplays made before a certain date. (can't remember exactly when but google will help)
Sent from my R800i using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have successfully done the test point via s1 tool method, but I'm not quite sure which version of JB to upload and how to my Xperia Play. Can someone give me a step by step guide on how to flash my phone?
Thanks in advance
Grover

Grover2000 said:
I have successfully done the test point via s1 tool method, but I'm not quite sure which version of JB to upload and how to my Xperia Play. Can someone give me a step by step guide on how to flash my phone?
Thanks in advance
Grover
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just read the instructions for whatever kernel you are using, and same with the rom you want to install.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=39047223
Sent from my R800i using XDA Free mobile app

As above, follow the guide above. Since you unlocked via the testpoint and there's no fastboot, you need to have your kernels in a .ftf file format.
Here's a thread with download links to ftf kernels: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2739559
You will need to use flashtool to flash them. The JB ROM can then be flashed via recovery normally.
My Xperia PLAY was locked to O2 as well and testpoint unlocked, and these have been working fine for me so far... although for some reason my phone stopped working with ICS ROMs. GB and JB still works however.

Phone bricked.
I flashed the Lupus JB kernal and then entered recovery menu and deleted formatted and now it just a blank screen as if the phone is off yet plugging in the usb is recognised by computer yet flashtools and Sony companion can't repair or recognise.
Any ideas?
Grover

Exactly what did you delete/format under recovery? All I did was pick the factory reset option, then wiped cache and dalvik cache, and then flashed the ROM and worked fine for me. I'm using version 8 of the kernel however for the extra data space.
Here are the ftf files for the stock original Sony firmware, which you can use to restore your device if flashing goes wrong (.79 is the latest): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=43935357&postcount=2

I formatted the file as you did and it came on with a blank lit screen so I flash the default file in firmware a on flash tools to get nothing but a blank dead screen
Any help is greatly appreciated
Grover

1) Download the .79 ftf firmware and place it in Flashtool's firmware folder.
2) Open up flashtool, and plug in the Xperia PLAY in flash mode (hold back button while plugging in USB). Flashtool should report the device is in flash mode.
3) Press the flash button (lightning symbol) and select the stock .79 firmware, then confirm to flash that.
4) Wait for it to finish flashing. Flashtool will then ask you to reboot the device.
5) Unplug the phone and hold the power button until it vibrates. Let go and it should boot back into the stock Xperia software.
It should now be back to stock, and you can attempt to try custom ROMs and kernels again.

Unfortunately this is where the problem lies. Flash tools doesn't recognise that the phone is there hence can't flash it with stock firmware.
It is In a dead state. Is there anyone who offers a service to Unbrick it and what tools are required?
I am not dettered by having bricked my phone, as this is all part of my learning, although I would appreciated a possible fix to Unbrick it.
Thanks in advance
Grover

Have you installed the drivers for the phone from the flashtool driver folder? Have a check here on how to do it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2054486

KiraYahiroz said:
Have you installed the drivers for the phone from the flashtool driver folder? Have a check here on how to do it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2054486
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the drivers where installed as per instruction. The phone is in a state of being off all the time no lights or anything.
The only thing that is heard is the usb sound on the computer when it is connected.
Flashtools Sony Companion doesn't see the phone at all.
grover

TheScriptKitty said:
If you Unlock your phone with the Test Point method you will not have acces to Fastboot Mode, but you can still Flash Kernels via Flash Mode Using the FTF version of it(insted of a boot.img file).
Look in my signature if you want any FTF kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But my bootloader was unlocked Via testpoint and i have both fastboot mode and flash mode working fine, i install kernels via .img like everyone else and im a r800X cdma user.

xdarkmario said:
But my bootloader was unlocked Via testpoint and i have both fastboot mode and flash mode working fine, i install kernels via .img like everyone else and im a r800X cdma user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you unlocked your Bootloader via the test point method for the R800x and the R800i you should have access to Fast Boot Mode. You only don't get access to Fast Boot Mode if you have "Bootloader unlock status: No"(and unlocked via the Test Point Method), witch is about 100% of R800a users.

As above. Sadly, all phones sold from O2 UK have bootloader unlock as no, so the normal way of unlocking won't work and only the tespoint method is avaliable... So no fastboot. Due to that, I buy my phones unlocked and unbranded now. Luckily thanks to the great developers on here we can still root and play around with custom ROMs.
What version of Windows are you using Grover? I'm not sure if it's related but I have problems with adb/fastboot drivers on Windows 8/8.1 with HTC devices. Everything works perfectly on 7 though.