Develop Bugs

Idiot's guide to flashing the Xoom (for fun and profit)

This guide is for you that have a new Xoom (WiFi only, US model) with Android 3.1 and want to
- get root access
- enable the external SD card unit
Please note that Android 3.2, which now is available for the US Wifi models, make this guide more or less obsolete. If your aim is to have root access, then there are probably simpler methods.
What you need to do can be encompassed in these following short steps (will be detailed later on) in the following order. Each step is required before you can proceed to the next one. However, make sure that you are very very careful and dont try to take any shortcuts. That may soft-brick your device, and you may have a difficult time to explain that to your wife ... You have been warned!
I strongly recommend you to read the entire guide before trying this. In fact, read it twice to ensure that you have understood everything. If there is wierd stuff that you dont understand, dont hesitate to ask. The reason for me writing this down is that I like to document what I have learned. This is to me an excellent way to ensure that I will remember what I just did. Another reason was that I could not find a single thread that encompassed all steps required. There are many different threads, but noone (that I could find) that really guides you from start to goal. So enjoy and good luck!
I would like to thank LandMaster and cam30era for helping out with advice during my initial trail-and-error session. I soft-bricked my device once and had big problems to get by point 4.3 (avoid overwriting of CWM), but with their encouragement I finally succeeded.
If someone else adapts this guide for the EU model or the 3G model, feel free to drop me an IM and I will update the guide for these devices too. Until then, this has only been tested on a WiFi only, 32 GB device bought in the US. If you brick your 3G or EU bought model, dont call me ...
0. Overview of the 6 required steps
1. Install Motorola USB drivers for your computers (for USB connectivity)
2. Install Java SDK and Android SDK tools (for adb and fastboot commands)
3. Unlock the device for flashing (allowing replacement of recovery and boot images)
4. Install a modified recovery image (ClockWorkMod recovery for Android)
5. Root the device (Allow r/w access to the device filesystem)
6. Flash a kernel that supports the SD card (SD card access, overclocking etc.)​
Steps 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 require that you download install, image and zip files needed for the flashing.
All this was performed on a Windows XP x86 SP3. Windows 7, Mac and Linux users will probably have to do some steps differently.
Update July 7: I have tested the procedure on Windows 7 x86 now and the procedure is identical to Windows XP.
1. Install the latest Motorola USB drivers
The installation file can be found here
http://www.motorola.com/Support/US-...tware_and_Drivers/USB-and-PC-Charging-Drivers
1.1 Install the drivers and ensure that your Xoom is recognized by the computer
2. Installation of development software
Java SDK 6 and Android SDK (for Honeycomb at least) need to be installed. You can find the installation kits here.
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk-6u26-download-400750.html
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
2.1 Install them as any other software.
2.2 What I had to do was to manually modify the PATH environment variable. I use Windows XP so I did that by right clicking on My Computer, choose Properties and select Advanced. Here I added the path to platform-tools and Tools
%SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem;C:\Program Files\Intel\WiFi\bin\;C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTSystem\;D:\Java\Android-sdk\platform-tools;D:\Java\Android-sdk\tools
Note: If the Android SDK complains that the Java Dev Kit cant be found, just press Back and then Next again. Wierd, but that seems to do the trick ... go figure.
2.3 Test that ADB and FASTBOOT works. You should open a command window and go to your Android installation directory. Plug in your Xoom to your computer and write 'adb devices'. Your Xoom should now be listed like this
C:\Documents and Settings\Anders>adb devices
List of devices attached
0288414343813157 device​
Did your device not show up? Make sure that you have USB debugging enabled in Settings / Applications / Development
3. Unlocking the device for flashing
This step will effectively erase the internal storage, including all your apps and settings. Use whatever backup you want to rescure important data before you start.
3.1 Power up and start the Xoom
3.2 Ensure that your device is fully recognized by the computer. A good sign is that the 'Portable device' dialog is activated on Windows when your Xoom has booted. The Xoom should also be seen in 'My Computer'. If not, go back to step 2 and double check your USB drivers.
3.3 Use the command 'adb reboot bootloader' to go into Flash mode
3.4 Use the command 'fastboot oem unlock'. This will trigger a dialog on your Xoom. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the unlocking. I repeat, this *will* do a factory reset and all data will be lost!
3.5 Once unlocked, the Xoom will restart and work as normal, but now ready for step 4
4. Install recovery image (CWM)
Download the recovery image file and save it to your computer
4.1 Boot into flash mode with 'adb reboot bootloader'
4.2 Install your downloaded recovery image
C:\Documents and Settings\Anders> fastboot flash recovery recovery-Tiamat-R4c-100611-1150-cwm.img​
4.3 Restart the device with 'fastboot reboot'. Timing is essential here, so be alert when the device restarts, or you will have to redo section 4.
4.4 Enter CWM with the following procedure
4.5 Once the Motorola logotype is shown, start counting to 3. At 3, press the Volume Down button. This should result in the text 'Android Recovery' in the top left corner. If it does not work, experiment with the timing ...
4.6 When 'Android Recovery' is shown press the Volume Up button. This should invoke the CWM recovery menu. If that works, then congratulations for reaching this far .
Here is a potential pitfall. If you are unable to enter CWM *before* the device boots into Honeycomb, then the newly installed recovery image will be overwritten by the system default recovery. There are ways to prevent this (see posts below), but I recommend you to redo step 4 instead of messing with removal of system files. But both methods would probably work. Experiment!
5. Rooting the Xoom
The root zip file is located here
5.1 You need to transfer the ROOT zip file to a working micro SD card. You can do this on a computer or cell phone, but the ROOT zip must be located in the root directory of the SD card.
5.2 Insert the now prepared SD card in the Xoom
5.3 Boot into recovery (as described in 4.3). Navigate using the volume buttons and press the power button to select the active option
5.4 Select 'Install ZIP from sd card'
5.5 Select 'Choose ZIP'
5.6 Navigate to the ROOT zip file with the Volume buttons and select it with the Power button. Confirm that you want to install it.
5.7 Everything should indicate success, so back out to the main CWM menu and reboot the device.
5.8 From Android Market, install the ROM Manager app and start it. If the rooting was successful, then ROM Manager should start without any complaints.
6. Flashing a new kernel that supports SD cards (and maybe more ...)
The kernel that I used is described here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=978013
The kernel zip file is located here
6.1 This step is identical to 5, but swap the ROOT zip towards the KERNEL zip. For simplicity, you may want to prepare the SD card with both zip files at the same time in step 5.1 ...

Looks great. You just might want to give credit to LandMaster and cam30era, too.

Also is this for just USA or all, cos many people brick there xoom if its just for USA only

okantomi said:
Looks great. You just might want to give credit to LandMaster and cam30era, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course, done

juDGEY2k10 said:
Also is this for just USA or all, cos many people brick there xoom if its just for USA only
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is only tested on a US device. OP updated.

Will this wipe all USER data?
Also, is the location of the zipped root file fine? the title says "[BOOT] Wifi-Only Charge Light Off".

I only see one problem, you have recovery before boot.img. If you flash the recovery, without a rooted boot.img and happen to boot into honeycomb, it will erase your recovery and load stock. So you can remove /system/etc/install-recovery.sh and /system/recovery-from-boot.p or flash the boot.img BEFORE rebooting out of recovery.

BrokenPixel said:
Will this wipe all USER data?
Also, is the location of the zipped root file fine? the title says "[BOOT] Wifi-Only Charge Light Off".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you unlock your Xoom, it will wipe all user data.

bwcorvus said:
I only see one problem, you have recovery before boot.img. If you flash the recovery, without a rooted boot.img and happen to boot into honeycomb, it will erase your recovery and load stock. So you can remove /system/etc/install-recovery.sh and /system/recovery-from-boot.p or flash the boot.img BEFORE rebooting out of recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right. I rooted 1st and flashed CWR later. I then used brd's method to update to 3.1, re-root and flash the new bootloader and kernel. So there is a step missing after Step 3. I'm sorry, I don't remember exactly how to do this from HC 3.1. (meaning what files to use) as I was on HC 3.0 at the time.

BrokenPixel said:
Will this wipe all USER data?
Also, is the location of the zipped root file fine? the title says "[BOOT] Wifi-Only Charge Light Off".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will. Read 3.4 again, it will do factory reset.
The root file may vary from case to case, but the procedure is the same AFAIK. I used the one that "charge light off"... There are probably others too.

bwcorvus said:
I only see one problem, you have recovery before boot.img. If you flash the recovery, without a rooted boot.img and happen to boot into honeycomb, it will erase your recovery and load stock. So you can remove /system/etc/install-recovery.sh and /system/recovery-from-boot.p or flash the boot.img BEFORE rebooting out of recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true, and I will update the OP to reflect that.

So has anyone followed this guide successfully yet? I don't really want to be the first...

yordikins said:
So has anyone followed this guide successfully yet? I don't really want to be the first...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
I did!. And you know that someone gotta be first (actually second). Why not take the credit?

pingvinen said:
This is true, and I will update the OP to reflect that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm guessing the OP has been updated? I think I'm ready to dive in
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

Abracastabya said:
So I'm guessing the OP has been updated? I think I'm ready to dive in
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instructions are good to go. Just make sure that you don't reboot after flashing recovery, and before flashing boot image. If you do, by mistake, no harm done. You will just have to flash recovery again.

cam30era said:
Instructions are good to go. Just make sure that you don't reboot after flashing recovery, and before flashing boot image. If you do, by mistake, no harm done. You will just have to flash recovery again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good and thanks B-)
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

Tnx . Very help full .

I don't know but ROM Manager just isn't budging showing any signs of root... or Superuser (+Elite)... or MarketEnabler...
I don't know, I'm kinda lost here. Let me retry (for the tenth time).

rmcsc said:
I don't know but ROM Manager just isn't budging showing any signs of root... or Superuser (+Elite)... or MarketEnabler...
I don't know, I'm kinda lost here. Let me retry (for the tenth time).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try again, and remember that timing (3 seconds) are key to success ...

I'll retry being more precise. I do get into Recovery and I flash the file mentioned. It seems it flashes correctly but when I boot into the OS, there's no signs of root anywhere.
I'll update in a few. Thanks!
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk

[Q] Please help me i cant figure this out myself

Okai right now im on Cyanogenmod 7 android version 2.3.7
along with the kernelsystem 2.6.32.9-FPX
MOD version CyanogenMod-7.2.3-RC0-xperiaPlay-R800i-Kang
And i rly wanna get some ice cream on but im not sure how to do it.
do i need to flash some kind of stock rom on first or how do i porgress ?
If sone kind soule would take the time to write a short step by step guide i would be happy
my bootloader are ofcause unlocked.
i have Android SDK installed on the PC. along with ADB and drivers
i have FlashTool installed.
Thanks in advanced.

nyvang101 said:
Okai right now im on Cyanogenmod 7 android version 2.3.7
along with the kernelsystem 2.6.32.9-FPX
MOD version CyanogenMod-7.2.3-RC0-xperiaPlay-R800i-Kang
And i rly wanna get some ice cream on but im not sure how to do it.
do i need to flash some kind of stock rom on first or how do i porgress ?
If sone kind soule would take the time to write a short step by step guide i would be happy
my bootloader are ofcause unlocked.
i have Android SDK installed on the PC. along with ADB and drivers
i have FlashTool installed.
Thanks in advanced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the moment the best ICS ROM is probably DarkForest. The thread for this has a pretty good little guide on how to install.
Apparently you need to flash the official ICS beta from Sony's site as a base then you can flash any ICS kernel (e.g. DoomLord) and Flash DarkForest through recovery. Worked for me and the ROM is pretty much flawless. Hope this helped!

are wifi and 3G working ?

nyvang101 said:
are wifi and 3G working ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you GSM or CDMA? GSM - Yes to both. CDMA - Yes to wifi, no to 3G

I went straight from CM7 to CM9 without any problems. I did (ofc) flash the CM9 kernel.

ridder215215 said:
I went straight from CM7 to CM9 without any problems. I did (ofc) flash the CM9 kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but CM9 and ICS are two different beasts.
Sent from my R800x using XDA

netizenmt said:
True, but CM9 and ICS are two different beasts.
Sent from my R800x using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to get technical, CM9 is based on ICS. The newest version is based on 4.0.4, which is Google's latest. Sony's ICS would be comparable to CM9, in that it's a modified version of the AOSP. So, yeah, CM9 is the most stable version of ICS available for the R800 line. Just not the official version.

I'll try to make a step by step tutorial. I only know it for CM9, but as lightningdude said, it's probably the most stable ROM.
1. Make sure you have all the drivers installed, and have an usb cable, port and your phone near you.
2. Download the CM9 rom from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1447542
3. Open (don't extract!) it with WinRAR or your program of choice. Copy the boot.img to the folder your fastboot.exe is in. Then, put the zip file on your phones memory card.
3.5 (optional) Also download the gapps and put it on your memory card. This is google play, maps etc.
4. Put your phone in fastboot mode (hold the search key while connecting it to your pc using the usb cable. The notification light should light up blue. When it's blue, you can release the search key.
5. I assume you have Windows Vista or 7. If you do, shift-click on a empty place in your fastboot folder and click "open command prompt here" or something similar.
6. Flash the kernel using this command: fastboot -i 0xfce flash boot boot.img
7. Reboot the phone using this command: fastboot -i 0xfce reboot
8. While the phone is rebooting, spam the volume down key. You will now go into CWM recovery. Use the volume keys to navigate, and the home key to select.
9. Press wipe data/factory reset. After that, also wipe your cache.
10. Select "install zip from sdcard", then "choose zip from sdcard". Navigate to the zip you put on the sdcard during step 3. It will now install the rom.
11. (optional) Also install the gapps, same way as the rom itself.
12. After you finished installing, press reboot system now, and it will boot CM9.
If I made any mistakes, please let me know.
I am not responsible for any bricked phones, broken GPU's, force-closes and killed pets.
If this helped you, I would appreciate a "thanks".
Good luck!

ridder215215 said:
I'll try to make a step by step tutorial. I only know it for CM9, but as lightningdude said, it's probably the most stable ROM.
1. Make sure you have all the drivers installed, and have an usb cable, port and your phone near you.
2. Download the CM9 rom from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1447542
3. Open (don't extract!) it with WinRAR or your program of choice. Copy the boot.img to the folder your fastboot.exe is in. Then, put the zip file on your phones memory card.
3.5 (optional) Also download the gapps and put it on your memory card. This is google play, maps etc.
4. Put your phone in fastboot mode (hold the search key while connecting it to your pc using the usb cable. The notification light should light up blue. When it's blue, you can release the search key.
5. I assume you have Windows Vista or 7. If you do, shift-click on a empty place in your fastboot folder and click "open command promt here" or something similar.
6. Flash the kernel using this command: fastboot -i 0xfce flash boot boot.img
7. Reboot the phone using this command: fastboot -i 0xfce reboot
8. While the phone is rebooting, spam the volume down key. You will now go into CWM recovery. Use the volume keys to navigate, and the home key to select.
9. Press wipe data/factory reset. After that, also wipe your cache.
10. Select "install zip from sdcard", then "choose zip from sdcard". Navigate to the zip you put on the sdcard during step 3. It will now install the rom.
11. (optional) Also install the gapps, same way as the rom itself.
12. After you finished installing, press reboot system now, and it will boot CM9.
If I made any mistakes, please let me know.
I am not responsible for any bricked phones, broken GPU's, force-closes and killed pets.
If this helped you, I would appreciate a "thanks".
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You helped a lot with my installation of CM7 thanks! I went from generic stock to cm7. A question if I may, do I need to do anything with the baseband? It's says "8x55A-AAABQMAZM-203028D-56" right now.

3dawg said:
You helped a lot with my installation of CM7 thanks! I went from generic stock to cm7. A question if I may, do I need to do anything with the baseband? It's says "8x55A-AAABQMAZM-203028D-56" right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not on CM7, or CM9. At least not for me. I have the same

ridder215215 said:
Not on CM7, or CM9. At least not for me. I have the same
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.

When i boot everything works fine. im asked to put in my pin i do so and another screen comes up asking for pin to unlock network. and when i plug my pin it fails. is that due to the baseband version ?. shuld i have flashed 113 and not 115 ?
i got no network on my phone. and yes its a GSM version

nyvang101 said:
When i boot everything works fine. im asked to put in my pin i do so and another screen comes up asking for pin to unlock network. and when i plug my pin it fails. is that due to the baseband version ?. shuld i have flashed 113 and not 115 ?
i got no network on my phone. and yes its a GSM version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
115 should be fine, but I never had to enter a pin for my phone (gsm too). Maybe someone with the same carrier as you knows.

[Guide] How To Install / Flash Custom Roms Step by Step | Noobs Easy Way | Xperia S

Complete Beginners Guide To Flash Custom ROM on Xperia S | 2011 Devices
This Guide Is Made Easier To Understand The Basics To Install / Flash Custom ROM (Specifically On Xperia Phones). You will not need to go to any annoying links and go on reading lengthy descriptions everything required is provided here. :victory:
Everything is Step By Step.
Just Follow Them And Everything Will Work Fine
Now Lets Get Down To Business.
​
This Tutorial is Specially For
For Complete Beginners
For Newcomers to Android
For Those Who Want To Learn Flashing ROM Easy Way
People who did not had any encounters with Programming
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks To All The Senior Developers For Providing Us The Knowledge In Developing Modding And Flashing And Amazing Guides Through Out XDA Forum. Without You People This Guide Would Not Have Been Complete
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This Guide Is Covered in Next 4 Posts With Every Step As Described Below.
NOTE : I Will Explain This Thread For Flashing Custom ROM Cyanogenmod 10 for Xperia S.
Link here---> https://sites.google.com/site/projectfreexperia/
You can download any Stable ROM The Procedure is Same For All.​
Step by Step Process Tree
Step 1. Rooting Xperia S​Step 2. Unlocking Bootloader​Step 3. Installing CWM Recovery​Step 4. Flashing A Custom ROM​Step 5. That's it! You will Have The Custom Rom Running.​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Step 1 : Rooting Your Xperia S
Step 1 : Rooting Your Xperia S
This is done by Using A Root Tool Provided by Our Senior Developer @Bin4ry. Please Press His Thanks Button For Helping Out For The Amazing TooL!
Just Download The Tool By Clicking Here : Root_with_Restore_by_Bin4ry_v30
For Xperia S 2.55 Firmware look in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...php?p=39498268
But Don't Start Running The Tool Yet. Before That you need to Do A Couple Of Things, :angel:
Before Rooting What You Need?
1.) Install Your Phones Software Driver, ---> PC Companion Will Do The Job Just Connect The Phone And Check If It Detects!
2.) Activate USB Debugging, Setting ---> Developer Options
3.) Activate Unknown Sources, Setting ---> Security
4.) Connect Your Phone via USB
5.) Confirm That Your Device Is Connected Properly In Device Manager.
Only Then,
6.) Proceed With Rooting Tool Kit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How To Use It?
1.) Download Attached File.
2.) Extract it Using Winrar
3.) Double click the RunMe.bat and follow instructions!
Xperia phones with "older" firmware = Normal mode
Sony Tablet and similar = Special mode
Xperia phones with JB Firmare = Mode 3 (Goroh_kun mode)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Complete Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EpkrCq1gfM
Just Follow The On Screen Instructions. (Its really easy like installing a game :laugh
After The Software Finishes Its Work! Your Phone Must BE Rooted By Now!

Step 2 : Unlocking Bootloader on Xperia S
Step 2 : Unlocking Bootloader on Xperia S
Procedure To Unlock Bootloader of Sony Xperia S LT26i :
1.) Installation of Fastboot USB Drivers (Xperia S)​2.) Unlocking Bootloader of Xperia S​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now, We Will Unlock The Bootloader,
Why to Unlock Bootloader?
1.) You can flash custom ROMs/Kernels
2.) You don't need to worry if the new firmware can be rooted or not as with unlocked bootloader u can always ROOT Your device
[ Before We Begin Unlocking Bootloader ]
Get the IMEI code for ur device: type *#06# in phone dialer to find it out, note only the digits (no dashes)
Make Sure The Fastboot Drivers Are Installed.
Make sure u have a windows PC with USB cable to connect the phone
Power down ur phone and keeping the Volume Up button pressed connect the USB cable to PC this will trigger FASTBOOT mode and windows
Will start driver installation, extract the above package and point the driver install to that location (usb_driver) folder
Once drivers are installed just disconnect cable and power on device.
[ How to Unlock ] (Official Way)
Video Link ---> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRH3pC7MhEA
For better understanding, I highly recommend you to watch the above video along with the instructions below:
1.) Download ‘Fastboot Drivers And Pacakges File For Xperia S’ file from → Here
2.) Extract the file you downloaded above on your PC. You’ll get the following three files:
drivers.zip
fastboot_with_Android_USB_file.zip
3.) Go to: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/ and read everything!
This will open a web page in your default browser. Scroll to the bottom of the Instructions on the page and you’ll see a link like “Continue”, click on it.
In the pop-up window click “Yes, I’m sure” and then in the next window click on both the checkboxes, and then click “I accept”.
4.) Now insert the details as per the instructions:
First 14 digits of your IMEI No. Do NOT enter the last digit (15th) in the box. To know your IMEI No. dial *#06# on your Xperia Arc.
Your Name
Your Email Address
Click Submit.
5.) You’ll get a KEY to unlock boot loader. Write it down somewhere you can remember, it will be used later.
6.) Switch off your phone.
7.) Now extract the “fastboot_with_Android_USB_file.zip” file you got in Step 2.2.
8.) Pick up your phone (it must be switched off) and hold the “Menu” button (the key at the bottom right of your phone), now while holding the “Menu” button connect your phone to your PC with an USB cable.
9.) Once connected — the LED light near the phone’s USB plug will turn blue. If it doesn’t — repeat the Step 8.
10.) Now to install the drivers do the following:
Extract the “drivers.zip” file you got in Step 2.1
Open “Device Manager” on your PC and look for “S1Boot Fastboot” under the head “Other devices”
Right-click on “S1Boot Fastboot” and select “Update Driver Software…”
Now select “Browse my computer for driver software” and select the folder where you’ve extracted all the three files you got in Step 2. Once done — click Ok.
Now click Next (Make sure you’ve ticked the “Include subfolders” checkbox).
If you see any Windows security warning box, don’t worry . Just select “Install this driver software anyway”
Wait for “Windows has successfully updated your driver software” message to appear on your screen. Now click Close.
11.) Open the “fastboot” folder from the file we extracted in Step 7.
12.) Now hold Shift and press mouse right click (Shift + Mouse Right Click) anywhere on the empty white space inside the “fastboot” folder. And then select “Open command window here” from the context menu.
13.) Now in the command prompt window type/paste the following:
fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version​
14.) It should return a value like “0.3”. This ensures that your device is correctly connected.
15.) Now type/paste the following line in the command prompt window:
fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY​
IMPORTANT! Replace the word “KEY” from the above line with the KEY that you received in Step 5. Then Hit Enter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
16.) Now wait for the process to complete. Command prompt will show a “Finished” message when it will be completed.
17.)Once it’s done, disconnect the USB cable from your phone and switch it ON.
18.)Your phone’s boot loader should now be Unlocked.
(The above videos and some steps are for Xperia 2011 devices, but most the steps are same for Xperia S/P/U/Sola)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Step 3 : Installing ClockWorkMod Recovery With RoceoverX
Step 3 : Installing ClockWorkMod Recovery With RoceoverX
We Will Install Recovery Using RecoverX Software.
Download The Software from Here ----> RecoverX v1.6.8.0
You just have to select your device and the recovery, click "Install" and RecoverX does the rest !!! It's that simple!!
{
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Step 4 : Flashing ROM
Step 4 : Flashing ROM
Assuming you have already downloaded your required file, let’s proceed.
ROM Flashing
1.) Copy Paste update on Phone
Copy update- copy update-xxx-xxx-xxx.zip coresponding to your device to sdcard
Copy GAPPS. Download Link [Here]
2.) Flash CM kernel
Set USB Debugging On from Settings - Developer Options.
Connect the phone to the PC.
Click 1 - Click the Lightning icon.
Select 2 - Select the Fastboot Mode.
Click 3 - Click Ok.
Click 4 - Select Reboot Into Fastboot Via Adb and wait for the phone to go into fastboot mode. (Blue led).
Click 5 - Select Reboot Into Fastboot Via Fastboot and wait for the phone to go into fastboot mode. (Blue led).
Click 6 and 7 - Select the boot.img (Extract The boot.img file from zip)
Click 8 - Reboot phone. After reboot, the phone will be in recovery mode.​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3.) Boot into Recovery
While FXP logo is displayed (and lights are lit) press several times volume up to enter CWM (recovery)
4.) Flash ROM
To update main rom select
Install zip from sdcard
Choose zip from sdcard
Select your update (copied at step 2)
To flash gapps redo steps a-c and select gapps package
Use gapps version designed for your android version !!! Link ---> Here, Gapps
5.Wipe device
Whip Cache
Whip Dalvik Cache (Advanced Option)
Cache Partition
If after boot you experience ForceClose then is recomended to reboot to recovery and wipe device​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
6.) Partition format
7.) Reboot and Enjoy :victory:
Troubleshooting
If you experience a bootloop (phone constantly reboots and reboots on the boot screen) or a soft brick (powering on the phone shows an orange triangle with a phone and computer), don’t be afraid. XDA to the rescue!
For a bootloop:
Hold The Power Button And Volume Up Button
If You Hold For 3 Seconds = Soft Reset = 1 Viberation
If You Hold For 10 Seconds = Hard Reset = 3 Viberations***
Power on the Phone Again, Keep pressing Volume Up Button
Your phone will boot into recovery.
Select “Wipe data/ Factory reset”. (Volume Up for going up and Volume down to go down)
After the reset is done, select “Reboot system now”.
The phone will reboot and you should be all fine.
***Do Not Try Hard Reset Untill And Unless The Phone is Facing Major Problems,
For a soft brick:
You probably flashed some faulty firmware or firmware not meant for your device.
The File You Downloaded Must Be Incomplete.
Download the correct firmware and flash again.

Feedback And Corrections
Please Feel Free To Message Me About Any Dead Links Or Corrections​
Feedbacks Are Welcome!​​

Which is the best way to flash / install a custom ROM / gapps ? With Flashtool or through TWRP / CWM ?
I'm now on stock ROM, Xperia ZL. Do i have to wipe / factory reset / cache / Dalvik cache if i use TWRP ?
Every advice is welcome, thank you

xperia s 2013 jelly bean
I have a question for xperia s jellybean 4.1.2 , i already root it using some other easy method and i wanna know how to flash rom on to that , i have no idea how to flash a rom and i m scared if i try this something might happen so i m asking for help?:laugh:

I know its ment to be straight forward but I have become stuck...
In step 4 - "Click 6/7" when using the Xperia Flasher where do I find the boot.img i need to put on my phone?
Thanks
---------- Post added at 01:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:45 AM ----------
chuckie987 said:
I know its ment to be straight forward but I have become stuck...
In step 4 - "Click 6/7" when using the Xperia Flasher where do I find the boot.img i need to put on my phone?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would appear the ROM i downloaded didnt have a kernel.img but now i have a differant ROM and it has a boot.img so all good again!

Can i follow this method on xperia sl and also can i flash xperia s roms to xperia sl.....my boatloader is unlocked but phone isnt rooted so i guess i will skip unlock boatloader method.....which kernel should i flash for slimbean 4.3...it will be great help if someone answer these questions

Please Help
Hi, I searched a lot for the way to flash a custom rom on my Xperia S. But now halfway through, I've got a problem. My device says it does not allow to unlock bootloader, so does that mean that there is no way I can flash a custom rom on my phone? :crying:

mjk123 said:
Hi, I searched a lot for the way to flash a custom rom on my Xperia S. But now halfway through, I've got a problem. My device says it does not allow to unlock bootloader, so does that mean that there is no way I can flash a custom rom on my phone? :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use only Stock based ROM for locked bootloaders, not the unlocked bootloaders one.

This is very nice thread. For begginers like me in the rooting this.... loved it. i wast to ask a question
can we flash any zip file using flashtool or there are onle few specific files?

mr.sky10295 said:
This is very nice thread. For begginers like me in the rooting this.... loved it. i wast to ask a question
can we flash any zip file using flashtool or there are onle few specific files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot flash .zip files using flashtool. You can flash only Firmwares or kernel files using flashtool.

Mirhawk said:
You cannot flash .zip files using flashtool. You can flash only Firmwares or kernel files using flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ohh...then is there any other method to flash zips otherthan going into recovery?
i am asking because my recovery is not working. when i go into recovery, blank black screen comes up. and it gets stuck there. i waited for very long time to make sure that it is stuck

mr.sky10295 said:
ohh...then is there any other method to flash zips otherthan going into recovery?
i am asking because my recovery is not working. when i go into recovery, blank black screen comes up. and it gets stuck there. i waited for very long time to make sure that it is stuck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which recovery are You using? The 2.8.1.0? It doesn't work with Xperia S. Use the 2.8.0.1 version.

Mirhawk said:
Which recovery are You using? The 2.8.1.0? It doesn't work with Xperia S. Use the 2.8.0.1 version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait i will let you know the complete story.
so what happened is
first i was on CM11 for few mnths then switched to MIUIv5 for 1 month. everything was working fine
but when day before yesterday i flashed PA rom i am not able to access the recovery now (previously there was TWRP in my XS). now i can't flash any zip file
when i reboot to recovery it gets stuck on black blank screen. Even the recovery apps like twrp are not working. when i tried to install recovery through app, the app crashes.
As recovery is not working i cant even switch to other roms or any zip file.
i am totally stuck on this ROM
i asked this que on sony mobile group on FB (created by some sony fans), one of the member said "probably this is not ROM fault but the kernel fault. consider trying new kernel"

mr.sky10295 said:
Wait i will let you know the complete story.
so what happened is
first i was on CM11 for few mnths then switched to MIUIv5 for 1 month. everything was working fine
but when day before yesterday i flashed PA rom i am not able to access the recovery now (previously there was TWRP in my XS). now i can't flash any zip file
when i reboot to recovery it gets stuck on black blank screen. Even the recovery apps like twrp are not working. when i tried to install recovery through app, the app crashes.
As recovery is not working i cant even switch to other roms or any zip file.
i am totally stuck on this ROM
i asked this que on sony mobile group on FB (created by some sony fans), one of the member said "probably this is not ROM fault but the kernel fault. consider trying new kernel"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If You are on Beta 6 of PA, it doesn't have twrp or cwm. Flash the twrp v2.8.0.1 by terminal emulator method.

Mirhawk said:
If You are on Beta 6 of PA, it doesn't have twrp or cwm. Flash the twrp v2.8.0.1 by terminal emulator method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am on PA 4.6 BETA4
terminal emulator means the android app or PC's cmd?
PS: sorry giving you too much trouble by asking stupid questions. but i dont have much knowledge about this things deeply. so kindly bear me for some time.

mr.sky10295 said:
i am on PA 4.6 BETA4
terminal emulator means the android app or PC's cmd?
PS: sorry giving you too much trouble by asking stupid questions. but i dont have much knowledge about this things deeply. so kindly bear me for some time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah yes, even that one doesn't have recovery.
Unlocked bootloader is must.
You need an Android app. You can find the app here. Also, here is the page of the twrp.
What You need to do is, download the twrp from here. Rename it to fotakernel.img .
Then copy it to Your sdcard.
Then run the following commands on the terminal emulator app:
Code:
su
dd if=/sdcard/fotakernel.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p11
TWRP installed!

[Guide]How To Root,Install Custom Recovery And Flash Custom ROM On Motorola XPRT

Hello,
To All Motorola XPRT Users,
Motorola XPRT Is An Old Phone From Motorola Still With Android 2.2 Froyo. Due To It Is An Old Phone It Does Not Have Any Good Developer Support Or Choice Of Customizing With Custom Roms.
So Here I'll Be Instructing You On How To Root , Install CWM - Clock Work Mode Recovery And Flash A Few Custom Rom.
Let's Get Started Then !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Official Disclaimer
1. I Am Not Responsible For Any Damage To Your Phone Please Proceed At Your Own Risk.
2. The Methods Given Here Are Tested And If You Follow The To The Word It Sure Won't Brick Your Phone.
3. Even If You Somehow Brick Your Phone Or Get Stuck On Anything Please Let Me Know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pre-Requites :
1. It Is Recommended To Fully Charge Your Phone Or At Least Keep 80% Charge Just To Be Safe.
2. Keep A Backup Of Everything . It Will Help You To Get Your Data If You Do Something Wrong.
3. Go To Your Phone's Settings > Applications > Check The Box With Unknown Sources Written .
Go To The Development Options > Check USB Debugging
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root Your Device :
Download These File(s)
1. Super One Click
Follow As Written :
1. Download and place the SuperOneClick archive onto your Desktop.
2. Unzip files from the archive to your Desktop.
3. Turn ON the USB debugging option on your device by going to Menu>>Settings>>Applications>>Development>>USB debugging.
4. Once enabled, connect your device to your PC using the USB cable.
5. Double-click on the SuperOneClick executable file and it’ll launch.
6. Click on Root button in the app and it’ll start rooting your device.
7. Once your device’s rooted, reboot it.
8. And you’re all done!
Excellent! Your device has been successfully rooted and is equipped with the Superuser app for managing root permissions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install Clock Work Mode Recovery [CWMR]
Download These File(s):
1.Droid 2 Recovery Bootstrap
Follow As Written :
1. Download and install the Droid 2 Bootstrap app on your device using the link given above.
2. Once installed, launch it from your App Drawer.
3. Tap on Bootstrap Recovery button in the app.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. And you’re done!
Great! The recovery’s been successfully installed on your XPRT and you should be able to boot into the same by choosing Reboot Recovery option in the app!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash Custom Roms,
[Note : Please Make A Backup Using The CWMR To Revert back If Something May Go Wrong]
Rom Links For Your Phone :
1. Cyanogenmod 7 (Unofficial) for the Motorola XPRT
2. CyanogenMod 9 for Motorola XPRT
I'll Update If I Get Something More
Instructions To Install
1. After you download the .zip to your computer, plug in your device via USB cable.[Choose Any Rom For Your Device]
2. Copy the .zip file to the SD Card (do NOT extract it, just copy the whole zip file).
3. Unplug your device.
4. Now, open Droid 2 Bootstrap app .
5. Select Reboot into Recovery and wait for the device to reboot.
6. Once in recovery mode, use the volume buttons to navigate and power button to select Backup and Recovery.
7. Then select Backup and hit yes to confirm. Wait for it to finish backing up your current system (this will save you if something goes wrong).
8. Select Wipe Data / Factory Reset.
9. Select Flash zip from sdcard.
10. Select Choose zip from sdcard.
11. Find the ROM we copied to the sdcard in .zip format and select it. Then select yes to confirm. Wait for it to finish flashing.
12. Select Reboot System Now. Once it reboots (which will take a while the first time), you’ll be running the new ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So,
Enjoy.
Credits
1. Short fuse
2. Rom Authors
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Written By
Pranto Roy
XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Post Your Experience.

Reserved
Reserved For Future

[TIPS] ROOTING and FLASHING anything on P8000 WITHOUT PC

[TIPS] ROOTING and FLASHING anything on P8000 WITHOUT PC
Hi guys, I found a method to root and flash anything on my P8000 without unlock the bootloader, use SP Flash Tool and even use PC. I tried to go this way because I was not able to get my P8000 recognized by Flash Tool nor as a MTP (mass storage) device in any Windows 7 laptop. I decided to write this post because no-one over the net talks about alternative method of rooting Elephone P8000.
Disclaimer: I'm not responsible for ANY damage (software or hardware of any type) caused to your device, remember that I'm not a developer, and I'm only reporting my personal experience. DON'T try to flash rom linked below on other devices or flash roms which are not compatible with P8000.
Rooting and flashing process may VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
LET'S START.
1) DOWNLOAD THE STUFF: download everything directly through the browser of your P8000.
-TWRP recovery: http://www.mediafire.com/download/8g....7.0_v.4_1.zip
-Custom Rom: choose the rom you prefer from the link below and download it directly in your smartphone, my favorite one is Nexus rom:
-Eragon rom:http://www.needrom.com/download/eragon-3-for-p8000/
-CyanogenMod 12.1: http://www.needrom.com/download/stab...nogenmod-12-1/
-Mokee OS: http://www.needrom.com/download/mokeeos-2/
-EMUI V3.1 : http://www.needrom.com/download/emui...lite-stable-2/
-NEXUS rom v2.4: http://www.needrom.com/download/nexus-10/
-Flyme rom: http://www.needrom.com/download/p800...5-3-15082-5-1/
-Gapps: if you choose to install Nexus rom. or Mokee OS or CyanogenMod 12.1, you may need to install google apps also if you want google services and play store to run on your device. Click on the link from the browser of your device. Select ARM_64, then 5.1, and than "pico" and click on the button to download: http://opengapps.org/. If you need others apps download them from the play store.
2) ROOT YOUR P8000.
Use an app called Kingroot, but you will not find it on play store. Get it from the link below:
http://kingroot.it.uptodown.com/android
Download the app directly using the browser on your smartphone, then install and open.
Skip the tutorial and click on "Root device". Wait the process to be done (few minutes) and don't be scared if the device reboots. This app is able to root the most of android devices, but not the 100% is compatible.
3)UNZIP THE RECOVERY:
Install an app knows as RAR from play store, than open it and navigate to the directory where the twrp recovery zip is contained (usually "download" folder). Open the zip and extract the IMG file contained in it into the same folder.
4)INSTALL FLASHIFY.
You can find this app on the play store, or you may download it from the link below:
http://www8.zippyshare.com/v/pqLDpS5F/file.html. Open the app and grant superuser permissions, than accept the agreement.
Click on "Recovery image", than "choose a file" and than "downloads", select the IMG file of the recovery you extracted before and wait for the process to finish, a message will appear. This app can be used on any android device that is compatible, but flash only IMG and zip files specific for your model. Now we can install the Rom or any zip file you want through the twrp recovery.
5) NANDROID BACKUP:
Power off your P8000 and than boot into recovery mode. To do this press and hold power button and volume up at the same time, release them when white writings appear. Press volume app button to select "recovery mode" and than volume down to enter recovery mode.
Swipe the bar to allow system modifications, click on " backup" and select every partition displayed, then choose where the backup file will be stored and write the name you want to give to the backup file.
Swipe the bar to start and wait untill the process finishes ( few minutes). Press the back button to return to the main menu.
6) INSTALL ROMS OR OTHER ZIPS:
Before Installing a new rom you need to wipe many partitions of the device, from the main menu select "wipe" and "Advanced wipe", then select the partitions that you may wipe: system, data, cache.
Swipe to wipe and wait the process to finish (few minutes) an then press back button to return to main menu.
Now click on "install" and select "internal sorage" among the options, navigate and select the "download" folder where your downloaded zip files are(rom and gapps in this case). Select the zip that you want to install ( the rom in our case), swipe to confirm and wait few minutes, than press back and install the gapps zip as well.
At the end of the process click on "reboot system" and wait for the smartphone to reboot.
The first time it will take more time than a usual reboot (from 5 minutes to 10 minutes).
I hope this article will help you out!
Please forgive me for my bad english.

It's wrong that nobody over the internet talked about the method. I talked about this method in the last command at this page http://forum.xda-developers.com/elephone-p8000/general/tutorial-flash-root-update-elephone-t3248742.

ElephoneP8000_0wner said:
It's wrong that nobody over the internet talked about the method. I talked about this method in the last command at this page http://forum.xda-developers.com/elephone-p8000/general/tutorial-flash-root-update-elephone-t3248742.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but nobody explained how to do it completely without using PC.

I thought this method of flashing ROMs with recoveries (philz, cm, twrp etc...) was common knowledge? I've been flashing ROMs like this since my HTC evo days. Isn't that the whole point to having a third party recovery?
Sent from my p8000 using Tapatalk

kgoerbig said:
I thought this method of flashing ROMs with recoveries (philz, cm, twrp etc...) was common knowledge? I've been flashing ROMs like this since my HTC evo days. Isn't that the whole point to having a third party recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi do you speak italian?
Can you learning Moore?
Jacopo123