Develop Bugs

[Q] I'm so noob

Hi,
I've been on the last hours reading a lot of tutorials in this forum to avoid to post what is already answered. But i'm still confused, maybe a good soul can help me out : )
So far, i installed GNex Toolkit and the drivers successfully and i can enter in recovery mode, so the Toolkit is correctly identifying my device,
but i did not choose any option yet.
I have a Nexus GSM with stock rom 4.0.2. My goal is to update to 4.0.3 so i can apply some mods to invert menus and google apps color ; i like to use the device with white font over black background and i can't do it with the stock version.
So here is my noob questions
1 - I've downloaded the Android Open Kang Project (AOKP) rom ; i found strange because it seem to be a Milestone 4 rom, is that correct ?
2 - Can i apply the rom directly or do i need to apply a 4.0.3 'stock' rom before it ?
3 - As far as i understood, to flash a new rom i will :
1 - Reboot my phone in recovery mode
2 - Open Toolkit, choose the option 7 to unlock bootloader and root, and then option 12 to flash the new rom.
Is this correct ?
I miss a tutorial specific for flash new roms with Toolkit...
Thanks

thefunkyjoint said:
Hi,
I've been on the last hours reading a lot of tutorials in this forum to avoid to post what is already answered. But i'm still confused, maybe a good soul can help me out : )
So far, i installed GNex Toolkit and the drivers successfully and i can enter in recovery mode, so the Toolkit is correctly identifying my device,
but i did not choose any option yet.
I have a Nexus GSM with stock rom 4.0.2. My goal is to update to 4.0.3 so i can apply some mods to invert menus and google apps color ; i like to use the device with white font over black background and i can't do it with the stock version.
So here is my noob questions
1 - I've downloaded the Android Open Kang Project (AOKP) rom ; i found strange because it seem to be a Milestone 4 rom, is that correct ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that is correct.
2 - Can i apply the rom directly or do i need to apply a 4.0.3 'stock' rom before it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash it at once... No need for flashing "Stock" 4.0.3.
3 - As far as i understood, to flash a new rom i will :
1 - Reboot my phone in recovery mode
2 - Open Toolkit, choose the option 7 to unlock bootloader and root, and then option 12 to flash the new rom.
Is this correct ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Provided that your Phone is rooted, has an unlocked bootloader and you have a custom recovery like CWM: yes.
Look at MSKIPS thread (I assume you have his toolkit) for further guidance. Unlocking your Bootloader will wipe your data so if you want that saved you should make a backup.
Steps:
1. Unlock Bootloader
2. Root
3. Flash CWM Recovery
4. Wipe data/cache
5. Flash ROM
6. Flash GAPPS
7. Enoy
I miss a tutorial specific for flash new roms with Toolkit...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

you can use the inverted black google apps on stock too, thats what i do. Rooted on stock.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1382163

RogerPodacter said:
you can use the inverted black google apps on stock too, thats what i do. Rooted on stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can i get these ? From where i downloaded, it says the ICS should be 4.0.3, my stock rom is 4.0.2...
Thanks !

Diger36 said:
Yes, that is correct.
You can flash it at once... No need for flashing "Stock" 4.0.3.
Provided that your Phone is rooted, has an unlocked bootloader and you have a custom recovery like CWM: yes.
Look at MSKIPS thread (I assume you have his toolkit) for further guidance. Unlocking your Bootloader will wipe your data so if you want that saved you should make a backup.
Steps:
1. Unlock Bootloader
2. Root
3. Flash CWM Recovery
4. Wipe data/cache
5. Flash ROM
6. Flash GAPPS
7. Enoy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm confused about step 3 ; after i unlock bootloader and root using Tookit, all i need is to boot in fastboot, then enter recovery mod, and select the rom's zipfile to install ? No need to do any fancy things ?
Thank you !

thefunkyjoint said:
I'm confused about step 3 ; after i unlock bootloader and root using Tookit, all i need is to boot in fastboot, then enter recovery mod, and select the rom's zipfile to install ? No need to do any fancy things ?
Thank you !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In MSKIPS Toolkit, just choose option 7, that is making all changes needed for flashing in one go (steps one to 3). After that: you'll be ready to rumble....
Read his FAQ from the second post. It explains everything. That is better then just pushing buttons what is simple but still..., teach a monkey a trick and he is still a monkey, tell him how it works and he can teach other monkeys...
From one monkey to another

thefunkyjoint said:
Hi,
I've been on the last hours reading a lot of tutorials in this forum to avoid to post what is already answered. But i'm still confused, maybe a good soul can help me out : )
So far, i installed GNex Toolkit and the drivers successfully and i can enter in recovery mode, so the Toolkit is correctly identifying my device,
but i did not choose any option yet.
I have a Nexus GSM with stock rom 4.0.2. My goal is to update to 4.0.3 so i can apply some mods to invert menus and google apps color ; i like to use the device with white font over black background and i can't do it with the stock version.
So here is my noob questions
1 - I've downloaded the Android Open Kang Project (AOKP) rom ; i found strange because it seem to be a Milestone 4 rom, is that correct ?
2 - Can i apply the rom directly or do i need to apply a 4.0.3 'stock' rom before it ?
3 - As far as i understood, to flash a new rom i will :
1 - Reboot my phone in recovery mode
2 - Open Toolkit, choose the option 7 to unlock bootloader and root, and then option 12 to flash the new rom.
Is this correct ?
I miss a tutorial specific for flash new roms with Toolkit...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not the Motorola Milestone if you were wondering.

dario3040 said:
It's not the Motorola Milestone if you were wondering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol.., didn't think about that... Could it be that OP .... ???

Before flashing the rom do a backup in recovery, just in case something goes wrong. Plus always good to keep a back up of your original stock rom
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Just be aware when you unlock your boot loader that EVERYTHING on the phone will be erased so back up your files and store them on your pc

Don't worry brother, just read and reread and when you're ready get a cup of coffee and experience one of the most fun/intriguing things you can do with an Android phone.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

dave83uk said:
Before flashing the rom do a backup in recovery, just in case something goes wrong. Plus always good to keep a back up of your original stock rom
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you refer to this procedure ?
http://galaxynexusroot.com/galaxy-nexus-recovery/how-to-backuprestore-rom-on-rooted-galaxy-nexus/
Doing this, even if a do a wipe, the backup will remains ?
Thanks !

After read and re-read, i'm ready to do it !
I enter the phone in Fastboot mode and started Toolkit. This is what i see in the screen :
FASTBOOT MODE
List of devices attached
0149C2251201100B fastboot
ADB MODE
List of devices attached
No devices attached for ADB Mode ; what i'm doing wrong ?
Thanks !

thefunkyjoint said:
After read and re-read, i'm ready to do it !
I enter the phone in Fastboot mode and started Toolkit. This is what i see in the screen :
FASTBOOT MODE
List of devices attached
0149C2251201100B fastboot
ADB MODE
List of devices attached
No devices attached for ADB Mode ; what i'm doing wrong ?
Thanks !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your good, keep going, select the firmware and then the steps to unlock, root, flash cwm, then just put the zip into ur phone, boot into cwm and choose backup. after backup do a wipe data and cache, then install zip. dont forget to flash thw gapps too
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Kevin Ma said:
your good, keep going, select the firmware and then the steps to unlock, root, flash cwm, then just put the zip into ur phone, boot into cwm and choose backup. after backup do a wipe data and cache, then install zip. dont forget to flash thw gapps too
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do i need to put the rom's zip in my root folder BEFORE unlock and root, or can i do it after ?

thefunkyjoint said:
Do i need to put the rom's zip in my root folder BEFORE unlock and root, or can i do it after ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After, my man, as others have said, unlocking bootloader erases everything,
also, not just the rom zip, the newest gapps zip too
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Kevin Ma said:
After, my man, as others have said, unlocking bootloader erases everything,
also, not just the rom zip, the newest gapps zip too
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks !
I've downloaded a special pack with gapps , with colors inverted. After i flash the new ROM, i follow the same procedure to flash the gapps ? All are in zip format. Is it the same procedure to flash a new theme ?
Very thank you for your kindness

thefunkyjoint said:
Ok, thanks !
I've downloaded a special pack with gapps , with colors inverted. After i flash the new ROM, i follow the same procedure to flash the gapps ? All are in zip format. Is it the same procedure to flash a new theme ?
Very thank you for your kindness
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.., just flah them like you flash the ROM...
Not all apps are in the ZIP due to copyright issues. The rest (music/movie etc) you have to download from the market (play) or download elsewhere (they can be found in these forums or elsewhere on the net.

Thanks very much everybody for all the help, i could install my first customized ROM, AOKP. It's working, except because my PlayStore icon does not open anymore. I will look for help in the appropriate topic.
BIG THANKS : )

[Q] Latest Viper rom installing wih TWRP

Hi unlocked and rooted OneX with TWRP is it possible to install the latest ? Viper ROM using TWRP or do need to use clockwork if so any walk through showing a new to custom Roms a step by step guide Googled for it and only get reviews of the ROM
Thanks.....

BedrockFred said:
Hi unlocked and rooted OneX with TWRP is it possible to install the latest ? Viper ROM using TWRP or do need to use clockwork if so any walk through showing a new to custom Roms a step by step guide Googled for it and only get reviews of the ROM
Thanks.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't make a difference it will be flashable through TWRP.
Just depends what recovery your most comfortable with !

Wilks3y said:
It won't make a difference it will be flashable through TWRP.
Just depends what recovery your most comfortable with !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that, now is there instructions on how to download and install Viper is it straightforward read on some sites about flashing kernels etc really a bit puzzling to me although I have flashed a ROM on my Nexus 7 tablet it seemed much more straight forward
Sorry for the newbie questions (

BedrockFred said:
Thanks for that, now is there instructions on how to download and install Viper is it straightforward read on some sites about flashing kernels etc really a bit puzzling to me although I have flashed a ROM on my Nexus 7 tablet it seemed much more straight forward
Sorry for the newbie questions (
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here's the link. you can find instruction there. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1745176

robchongke said:
here's the link. you can find instruction there. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1745176
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that, little nervous as the last time I installed a custom ROM (other than my nexus 7) I thought I'd bricked my phone took me two days to get it working (HTC Desire)..
So following those instructions will do the job ?
I need to understand the terminology kernels , boot.img , ROMS, RUU but following those instructions and download the ROM extract the boot.img install that on my phone with fast boot on my PC then boot into TWRP and install the ROM and that's it ?

BedrockFred said:
Thanks for that, little nervous as the last time I installed a custom ROM (other than my nexus 7) I thought I'd bricked my phone took me two days to get it working (HTC Desire)..
So following those instructions will do the job ?
I need to understand the terminology kernels , boot.img , ROMS, RUU but following those instructions and download the ROM extract the boot.img install that on my phone with fast boot on my PC then boot into TWRP and install the ROM and that's it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need fastboot folders with fastboot files inside. you can find it here in xda. if this is your first time to flash i suggest you watch video tutorials.

robchongke said:
you need fastboot folders with fastboot files inside. you can find it here in xda. if this is your first time to flash i suggest you watch video tutorials.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I have fastboot folder and files just downloaded the Viper ROM extracted the boot.img I have connected my phone checked devices in fastboot and the serial number shows so its there
Acording to the Viper instructions I now need to flash the boot.img then fastboot erase cache is that correct
Where are these videos please

BedrockFred said:
Yes I have fastboot folder and files just downloaded the Viper ROM extracted the boot.img I have connected my phone checked devices in fastboot and the serial number shows so its there
Acording to the Viper instructions I now need to flash the boot.img then fastboot erase cache is that correct
Where are these videos please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, flash the boot.img with the command fastboot flash boot boot.img
then fastboot erase cache
then boot to recovery and install the rom.zip via recovery.

Thanks so it really is that simple or am I missing something seen lots having problems with boot loops etc is there anything else I need to be aware of
As far as I can see the order and actions I need to do bearing in mind my HTC is already bootloader unlocked and rooted
1Download the ROM copy to phone
2 Extract Boot.IMG from the ROM
3 Boot my phone into boot loader
4 Connect to PC and in fastboot (phone shows fastbootusb) fast boot flash boot boot.img
5 Still in fastboot fastboot erase cache
5 Boot into recovery (connected to PC or not?) Full wipe then install the ROM followed by installing the updates through recovery
Thanks again

BedrockFred said:
Thanks so it really is that simple or am I missing something seen lots having problems with boot loops etc is there anything else I need to be aware of
As far as I can see the order and actions I need to do bearing in mind my HTC is already bootloader unlocked and rooted
1Download the ROM copy to phone
2 Extract Boot.IMG from the ROM
3 Boot my phone into boot loader
4 Connect to PC and in fastboot (phone shows fastbootusb) fast boot flash boot boot.img
5 Still in fastboot fastboot erase cache
5 Boot into recovery (connected to PC or not?) Full wipe then install the ROM followed by installing the updates through recovery
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 Download the ROM copy to phone
2 Extract Boot.IMG from the ROM place it inside the fastboot folder
3 Boot my phone into boot loader
4 Connect to PC and in fastboot (phone shows fastbootusb) fastboot flash boot boot.img
5 Still in fastboot fastboot erase cache
6 Boot into recovery (connected to PC or not?) Full wipe then install the ROM followed by installing the updates through recovery. connected or not you can flash the rom. don forget to wipe dalvik cache and wipe cache. you can update your rom OTA or if it doesnt show up you can just download the update ang flash it through recovery. no need to full wipe and flash the boot.img when flashing the update

Thanks for the help guys I'm all done, now on the Viper Rom first impressions its pretty darn good plenty to play around with
The HUB don't seem to do anything when trying to use the various links just get please wait and then a white screen,
Once again big thanks for the help

BedrockFred said:
Thanks for the help guys I'm all done, now on the Viper Rom first impressions its pretty darn good plenty to play around with
The HUB don't seem to do anything when trying to use the various links just get please wait and then a white screen,
Once again big thanks for the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the Venom hub is down at the moment.......
Glad you got it all sorted, it really is painless if you take your time and follow the guides.:good:

craftycarper1 said:
I believe the Venom hub is down at the moment.......
Glad you got it all sorted, it really is painless if you take your time and follow the guides.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Certainly is, think all these warnings re briking your phone makes me nervous that and the problems I had on my old Desire took 2 days to get a ROM on that lol
The more I play with Viper the more I like it, its like having a new phone

BedrockFred said:
Thanks for the help guys I'm all done, now on the Viper Rom first impressions its pretty darn good plenty to play around with
The HUB don't seem to do anything when trying to use the various links just get please wait and then a white screen,
Once again big thanks for the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So did you use twrp to flash the ROM or your PC? Is it possible to use twrp?

Dude ....you are bumping a thread from November last year ! What do you expect to hear ! A Rom is always flashed with a custom recovery and the boot.img file with the pc. Always have been like that

Flashing ROMs

Hello everybody!
Firstly I'd like to apologize for posting a few threads here recently! I'll be picking up this device in under 2 weeks when I get paid and I'll be tinkering with it as soon as possible so I'd rather know what I'm doing now instead of waiting till I get the device and then start asking questions and getting help so...
I'm not a complete noob when it comes to Android phones. I've flashed both of my devices and messed around with other things along with ROM Porting etc so the HTC One V shouldn't be too much of a challenge/task for me to mess about with!
Basically, when I get the device I'll be using the Toolkit to unlock bootloader and install a recovery then flash the PROVISION ROM as it seems to be the best for me.
So when I open the Toolkit do I simply follow the instructions to unlock the Bootloader followed by flashing a Recovery (Which one is recommended? I've used Clockworkmod on my past devices) then the next option is flashing a Kernel, which one do I choose or can I just skip this part and reboot my device into recovery and start flashing? And will I need to flash the Superuser app via the Toolkit or are the ROMs pre-rooted?
The ROM which I want to flash (Provision) mentions something about flashing the boot.img in the zip folder before flashing the ROM, how do I go about flashing that or can I just flash the ROM folder with the boot.img in it and that's fine?
Finally, does this device have decent internal memory or will I need to use A2SD scripts and move my Dalvik to SD?
Any nice idiot-proof tutorial/help would be great.
Thanks.

I recommend cwm I find it more easy to use. But u may always try the other. flash the kernel inside the rom.zip or any other one that is prescribed by the dev(u will have to flash kernel from fastboot,u can't skip it as the rom won't boot without this step)how to flash is described in the link given below .most Roms are pre-rooted if not flash the superSU.zip from recovery.
I have accidentally thanked you enjoy!
See this for info regarding flashing-
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1996665

Try TWRP u will never switch back
Sent from my One V using xda premium

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate it.
I've created a folder on my desktop with the Toolkit in along with the Provision rom zip, the gapps and the boot file. Do I basically follow the toolkit then fastboot the boot.img then reboot into recovery and flash the rom and gapps then reboot and everythings fine? Also should I keep the boot.img inside the zip or should I remove it now?

no harm if you keep it
Sent from my One V

Use toolkit which is best way to all this type.of stuff
Sent from my HTC One V using xda premium

[Q] fastboot/recovery/kernel files confussion

I needed fastboot files so i did a little research to find to different files.
1 had only 3 files in the folder(ckpv5's tutorial)
& the other had 6 files(cybervibin's tutorial) so i dont want to mess up flashing kernel.
Since these are important files.
Someone plz help me chose between which fastboot i must copy to c drive

The one with most files just run the fast boot.exe
Sent from my One V using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 02:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:30 AM ----------
Doesn't have to be on c: drive can be desktop
Sent from my One V using xda app-developers app

u mean i dnt have to cmd/ fastboot flash boot boot.img.
wer do i copy the boot.img i want to flash?

I know 1 way.
Open cmd type fastboot flash boot boot.img(u have too copy its exact location)
then fastboot reboot.
Is that right?
I read somewhere u have to copy boot.img to fastboot folder.
That made me confused like hell.

I found the soltn thread closed.

Why do you need to be confused
The extra files are HTC Driver and TWRP image... those are not part of fastboot
When you want to run fastboot flash boot boot.img - the boot.img file must be in fastboot folder
When you run fastboot flash boot [folder path]/boot.img - the boot.img can be at any folder and put the right path ... but why do you want to do the hard way

ckpv5 said:
Why do you need to be confused
The extra files are HTC Driver and TWRP image... those are not part of fastboot
When you want to run fastboot flash boot boot.img - the boot.img file must be in fastboot folder
When you run fastboot flash boot [folder path]/boot.img - the boot.img can be at any folder and put the right path ... but why do you want to do the hard way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No other developer is as calm as you ckpv5.
So flashing kernel is the big deal for me.
As i am doing it for the 1st time.
I wanted to flash some AOSP Roms.
So i was just curious wether i should do it or not.

Nishblueweapon said:
I wanted to flash some AOSP Roms.
So i was just curious wether i should do it or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing any ROM either Sense ROM or AOSP ROM, you need to flash the boot.img as mentioned on OP. The ROM thread will tell you what kind of kernel/boot.img that you need. Some is on CM9 kernel, some on CM10 kernel and some is using the stock kernel or TK kernel. For CM10 they have two different kernel if I'm not mistaken, so read carefully.
Most basic thing is to flash a boot.img that is meant for that ROM.

ckpv5 said:
Flashing any ROM either Sense ROM or AOSP ROM, you need to flash the boot.img as mentioned on OP. The ROM thread will tell you what kind of kernel/boot.img that you need. Some is on CM9 kernel, some on CM10 kernel and some is using the stock kernel or TK kernel. For CM10 they have two different kernel if I'm not mistaken, so read carefully.
Most basic thing is to flash a boot.img that is meant for that ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks ck for your support.
Before flashing Rom i tried back up from recovery but it had some error.

That's too general.
You need to tell what kind of error, what is written for the error then only someone can tell you whether that's an error or something normal

ckpv5 said:
That's too general.
You need to tell what kind of error, what is written for the error then only someone can tell you whether that's an error or something normal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It said something failed to create image.
It ocurred during backing up process.The process was completed 50 %(not accurate) & then the error.

Change your CWM to a better version or use TWRP as most people do.

ckpv5 said:
Change your CWM to a better version or use TWRP as most people do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the same version u mentioned in your thread how to unlock bootloader.
where do i search for the latest cwm/twrp?
i ll chose after reading reviews

Read again http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1996665 and follow the links under Recovery Images[PRIMO U/GSM]
When you first started this thread you were confused why he has more files for fastboot and I mentioned he has TWRP there.
I personally use TWRP 2.4.3.0
Gotta go now .... if there is anything further, I'll check later when I'm home

ckpv5 said:
Read again http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1996665 and follow the links under Recovery Images[PRIMO U/GSM]
When you first started this thread you were confused why he has more files for fastboot and I mentioned he has TWRP there.
I personally use TWRP 2.4.3.0
Gotta go now .... if there is anything further, I'll check later when I'm home
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the latest is twrp 2.5.0.0 on their main site. can u try & let me know.
how do i uninstall cwm before installing this.

Nishblueweapon said:
the latest is twrp 2.5.0.0 on their main site. can u try & let me know.
how do i uninstall cwm before installing this.[/QUOTE
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1721749
I found this on one v orginal development since it is an official twrp recovery it should not have any
Problem...u can also find steps to install it on that thread...so give it a try...
But I personally use cwm no problem so far ....
Don't know about twrp but cwm installing was quite easy...
If u want I can provide u with my recovery.img ..but give twrp a try..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Just use the All In One Toolkit for One V
kernel flashing is made so much simpler and easier:good::good:
Never flashed a kernel via ADB(or whatever its called,dunno coz i never used it )

I dont need to remove CWM before installing TWRP through Toolkit right?

Nishblueweapon said:
I dont need to remove CWM before installing TWRP through Toolkit right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont think so
but to be sure, ask someone with more experienced

Seraz007 said:
dont think so
but to be sure, ask someone with more experienced
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
some1 plz confirm this

From Stock 5.1.1 to Custom 5.1.1

Dear XDA Members,
I currently run stock 5.1.1 (14.6.A.1.236) with no modifications whatsoever and a locked bootloader.
I would like to install a custom rom (PAC-ROM LP-MR1 5.1.1) on my Z1C.
I did some research and these are the steps i came up with:
1. install sdk and drivers
2. unlock bootloader
3. fastboot flash recovery "fota.img" (shouldn't it specify somehow that i need it to be flashed on the fota partition?)
4. factory reset/wipe
5. install custom rom + gapps
Coming from a locked bootloader a fully stock phone is there anything else i need to do like a new bootloader or something?
Also I'll be doing it through Win 10 64bit, I hope that isn't a problem.
Any advice will be highly appreciated.
Thank you very much

ursidae1 said:
Dear XDA Members,
I currently run stock 5.1.1 (14.6.A.1.236) with no modifications whatsoever and a locked bootloader.
I would like to install a custom rom (PAC-ROM LP-MR1 5.1.1) on my Z1C.
I did some research and these are the steps i came up with:
1. install sdk and drivers
2. unlock bootloader
3. fastboot flash recovery "fota.img" (shouldn't it specify somehow that i need it to be flashed on the fota partition?)
4. factory reset/wipe
5. install custom rom + gapps
Coming from a locked bootloader a fully stock phone is there anything else i need to do like a new bootloader or something?
Also I'll be doing it through Win 10 64bit, I hope that isn't a problem.
Any advice will be highly appreciated.
Thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First things first... Root. If you already did that then you're on the right track.
1. If you're not doing major development stuff, don't install the whole sdk. See here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=48915118 There may be issues you'll have to work with on newer versions of Windows. I haven't done it on anything later than 7. Keep in mind, though, that you won't need the computer to flash your boot img or rom, but you will need it to unlock the bootloader.
2. -
3. You can do this with an app called Rashr on your phone with root. Just download a recovery img, then open Rashr and follow the instructions.
4-5. Boot into recovery, full wipe, (system data and caches), flash rom zip and gapps zip. Maybe best to not flash more than that at once to start, in case there's a problem and you have no way to figure out what it is.
BTW, PacMan is a great choice. I've been using it for months.

levone1 said:
First things first... Root. If you already did that then you're on the right track.
1. If you're not doing major development stuff, don't install the whole sdk. See here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=48915118 There may be issues you'll have to work with on newer versions of Windows. I haven't done it on anything later than 7. Keep in mind, though, that you won't need the computer to flash your boot img or rom, but you will need it to unlock the bootloader.
2. -
3. You can do this with an app called Rashr on your phone with root. Just download a recovery img, then open Rashr and follow the instructions.
4-5. Boot into recovery, full wipe, (system data and caches), flash rom zip and gapps zip. Maybe best to not flash more than that at once to start, in case there's a problem and you have no way to figure out what it is.
BTW, PacMan is a great choice. I've been using it for months.
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Thanks a lot for your reply.
I was reading on the cyanogen mod wiki how-to for our phone and it doesn't require a prior root.
I did those steps on my xperia m and it worked and i had never rooted it, the only difference is that i flashed cyanogen recovery and install cm12 which basically roots the phone and then flashed fota recovery.
Should i go this way again to gain root or would you recommend an easier root method for my stock build which is the newest.
If you recommend another root method when should it occur? prior unlocking the bootloader or afterwards?
Thanks

If this is your first time unlocking your bootloader, make sure you backup your DRM-Keys! You need to be rooted for that.
They are lost when bootloader gets unlocked. Some features in regards of camera performance are lost for example.

ursidae1 said:
Thanks a lot for your reply.
I was reading on the cyanogen mod wiki how-to for our phone and it doesn't require a prior root.
I did those steps on my xperia m and it worked and i had never rooted it, the only difference is that i flashed cyanogen recovery and install cm12 which basically roots the phone and then flashed fota recovery.
Should i go this way again to gain root or would you recommend an easier root method for my stock build which is the newest.
If you recommend another root method when should it occur? prior unlocking the bootloader or afterwards?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, if bl is unlocked, then you can flash the kernel and recovery via fastboot, then flash your rom. You may need the boot.img from your rom zip file. Then use commands 'fastboot flash boot' for the boot img, and 'fastboot flash recovery' for recovery. If you're rooted already, you can just do it on the phone.

levone1 said:
True, if bl is unlocked, then you can flash the kernel and recovery via fastboot, then flash your rom. You may need the boot.img from your rom zip file. Then use commands 'fastboot flash boot' for the boot img, and 'fastboot flash recovery' for recovery. If you're rooted already, you can just do it on the phone.
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This is fantastic.
Do you think itll be ok to fastboot flash boot boot.img from cm12.1 rom zip then fastboot flash recovery fota.img instead of the cyanogen recovery that comes with cm12.1?
Do you think that might cause an issue?

ursidae1 said:
This is fantastic.
Do you think itll be ok to fastboot flash boot boot.img from cm12.1 rom zip then fastboot flash recovery fota.img instead of the cyanogen recovery that comes with cm12.1?
Do you think that might cause an issue?
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Click to collapse
Should be fine. It's also a 1 second operation to extract boot.img from your rom zip, which you need already downloaded and on your SD card before you flash imgs. You might even be fine without flashing the boot img - can't hurt to try. Just flash the recovery and reboot and see if you get a purple light. Then, volume button changes purple to orange, and you're in recovery. Some recoveries don't work with some kernels, (been my experience).

levone1 said:
Should be fine. It's also a 1 second operation to extract boot.img from your rom zip, which you need already downloaded and on your SD card before you flash imgs. You might even be fine without flashing the boot img - can't hurt to try. Just flash the recovery and reboot and see if you get a purple light. Then, volume button changes purple to orange, and you're in recovery. Some recoveries don't work with some kernels, (been my experience).
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Click to collapse
I now have cm12.1 with cyanogen recovery.
Which recovery is best for our phone, which one do you use?
I can find 2 options:
FOTA TWRP 2.8.6.0 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/sony-xperia-z1-compact/general/fota-twrp-recovery-amami-t2909719)
XZDualRecovery (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2647480)
Thanks a lot

ursidae1 said:
I now have cm12.1 with cyanogen recovery.
Which recovery is best for our phone, which one do you use?
I can find 2 options:
FOTA TWRP 2.8.6.0 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/sony-xperia-z1-compact/general/fota-twrp-recovery-amami-t2909719)
XZDualRecovery (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2647480)
Thanks a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have only used xzdr with stock rom. I think in the past I've had it not work for me on CM, so I just stick to straight twrp by default. I know NUT has always been hard at work and has made steady improvements, so maybe not an issue now. Personally I realized that I only need 1 recovery anyway. There's a newer Twrp here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/twrp-v2-8-6-0-f2fs-z1-z1c-z2-z3-z3c-t3098573

One important fact that has already been probably mentioned is that installing custom roms on your XPERIA will worsen your camera, esp the front one. Keep this in mind.