Develop Bugs

ROMs for Locked Bootloader

Hi XDA, I've got an Xperia Play that's rooted with a locked bootloader running ICS, I've used the method in this thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762372. So far all I've done is gotten it rooted and cwm installed. However, anytime I try to flash a different ROM over I get bootloop, hangs on the Sony logo. I've tried the installing the following ROMs:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1877297
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1719746
If it makes any difference, I never attempted to install the ROM found here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1790615) before trying any other ROMs, I just went straight into the ROMs listed above but no luck. So, my question is, what is the best MIUI or AOSP ROM for an Xperia Play with a locked bootloader, and how can I install it?

The roms you were trying to flash needs custom kernel which means you need to unlock bootloader, that's why you get bootloop. For AOSP and MIUI roms you need custom kernel which means you need to unlock bootloader. As for locked bootloader you can only use the locked bootloader ICS by vokal and Markphyton ICS.
Sent from my awesome Xperia Play with DoomKernel

jeff7424 said:
The roms you were trying to flash needs custom kernel which means you need to unlock bootloader, that's why you get bootloop. For AOSP and MIUI roms you need custom kernel which means you need to unlock bootloader. As for locked bootloader you can only use the locked bootloader ICS by vokal and Markphyton ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also found one MIUI ROM that said it could be installed on locked bootloader, don't remember where I found it but it said for locked bootloader put the nandroid backup in the recovery folder and install from there, which I did. It got past the Sony logo but then hung at a black screen. How can I unlock my bootloader? My phone status says my bootloader cannot be unlocked, though I figure there must be a way. Can anyone help me out please? Also, thanks for your reply.

www.unlock-bootloader.com
The only easy and safe way, $24.
Sent from my awesome Xperia Play with DoomKernel

I use to have that problem with stock based roms... Try do a full wipe and format system before you flash... The format system bit is important might just fix the boot loop it worked for me before when I installed markphytons rom...but when u format system you will lose cwm so your going to have to install it again

jeff7424 said:
*url*
The only easy and safe way, $24.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to get a hold of the guy who does that, he replied to one of my emails but then never got back to me. Oh well! Thanks for your help
cippi21 said:
I use to have that problem with stock based roms... Try do a full wipe and format system before you flash... The format system bit is important might just fix the boot loop it worked for me before when I installed markphytons rom...but when u format system you will lose cwm so your going to have to install it again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still have yet to try markphytons ROM since I've wanted to use others, but I guess I have no other option and it's probably better than the ROM that the ROM I'm currently running.
I was under the impression that any ROM based on stocked ICS would work with the above method, is this not true? Where can I find ROMs based on stock ICS 4.0.4? I've searched but haven't had much luck...

Yea that's what I thought aswell but never tried any other roms...i always revert back to gb... It doesn't really make a difference which stock base Rom you flash they all have the same camera and gamepad problem I think

running ics on xperia play with locked bootloader
Brohnson said:
Hi XDA, I've got an Xperia Play that's rooted with a locked bootloader running ICS, I've used the method in this thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762372. So far all I've done is gotten it rooted and cwm installed. However, anytime I try to flash a different ROM over I get bootloop, hangs on the Sony logo. I've tried the installing the following ROMs:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1877297
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1719746
If it makes any difference, I never attempted to install the ROM found here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1790615) before trying any other ROMs, I just went straight into the ROMs listed above but no luck. So, my question is, what is the best MIUI or AOSP ROM for an Xperia Play with a locked bootloader, and how can I install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi may i ask how you are running ics on your xperia play with locked bootloader and btw you only flash certain types of custom roms with locked bootloader as i have flashed nxtbean on xperia play with locked bootloader.

Ibrahimm786 said:
hi may i ask how you are running ics on your xperia play with locked bootloader and btw you only flash certain types of custom roms with locked bootloader as i have flashed nxtbean on xperia play with locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cant run ics on your xperia play because ICS requires a ICS kernal. You are currently using a GB kernel (locked bootloader) and ICS cant use a GB kernel.

Of course you can run ICS for locked bootloader it's created by vokal1992 but it runs very slow but you can try his/her kickass Gin2JellyBean ROM

BryanRG1996 said:
Of course you can run ICS for locked bootloader it's created by vokal1992 but it runs very slow but you can try his/her kickass Gin2JellyBean ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you got it all wrong that rom is stock gb themed with ics. Theres nothing ics about it other than its skin.

Xperia S Stock Firmware 6.1.A.2.55 Deodex Flashable Zip Root

Title should tell you all.
I made it to be easy to flash on unlock boot loader via CWM recovery. Just flash it like other custom ROM.
It also reported to work on Locked boot loader!!
- deodex framework and app
- remove few bloated app recommended by ROM kitchen
- busybox installed
- ready for init.d tweak
- ready for user app.
Installation test with SSpeed V7 normal kernel and Advanced Stock Kernel ICS16
It work on my Xperia s I hope it work on your as well.
https://hotfile.com/dl/180118347/fd5551c/LT26i_6.1.A.2.55_SG_Stock.zip.html
The goal of this ROM is a clean stock ROM but ready for mod easily by using just 7zip and notepad++
For example to get quick panel toggle just download the mod somewhere in xda then open the ROM with 7zip (do not extract) then replace systemui and add quick panel setting apk in the system folder. That is!!
You can also add your favor app in data/app to make it preinstall with your new ROM.
Have fun with modding and share your work.

Great Job.
TKS

I S is running. 45 with Advance kernel 16. Will I lost my games save if I flash this?
Sent from my LT26i

Can I flash it on top of stock 6.1.A.2.55?
Sent from my Xperia S using xda app

darkerm said:
I S is running. 45 with Advance kernel 16. Will I lost my games save if I flash this?
Sent from my LT26i
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you can use titanium backup to backup your game data. Just to be safe please do binary backup of the whole system in CWM before you flash new firmware.
When I test on mine I always do a clean install to eliminate unforeseen problem. I wold recommend you do the same.

works for locked boot? : Confused:

Ok. Btw can you spot any difference in this new update?
Is battery life good?
Bravia engine and auto brightness working?
Sent from my LT26i

danytrial said:
works for locked boot? : Confused:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I made it clear by state in the first post.
For the unlock boot loader.

Nepythys said:
Can I flash it on top of stock 6.1.A.2.55?
Sent from my Xperia S using xda app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have an unlocked boot loader and custom kernel like Sspeed kernel or Advance stock kernel.

tosa.th said:
If you have an unlocked boot loader and custom kernel like Sspeed kernel or Advance stock kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tosa.th said:
I thought I made it clear by state in the first post.
For the unlock boot loader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my bootloader is locked
and well i went ahead and flashed it (just to prove my theory) and it worked...
my previous rom was .50 rooted and had CWM installed also
i already had flashed .55 kernel and baseband only thing missing was .55 sys
i flashed this zip
it booted and phone is now finally fully .55 and rooted
only thing i had 2 reinstall was CWM because this zip doesnt have recovery in it
thanks! :good:
any chance of same rom with root but in original state (with root included ofc)?
i wont post my steps yet cause i think since this is a deodex rom we will have .odex files left over in sys partition (correct me if im wrong)
so please make a zip so i can test and u can then release for all us unlucky bootloader locked Xperia S users
cheers

tosa.th said:
If you have an unlocked boot loader and custom kernel like Sspeed kernel or Advance stock kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only for custom kernel, can't do with stock kernel and this CWM?
And I can flash it on all version firmware (.45, .50,...) or custom roms?

hhlong89 said:
Only for custom kernel, can't do with stock kernel and this CWM?
And I can flash it on all version firmware (.45, .50,...) or custom roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes u can... read my previous post...
just remember 2 reinstall CWM after... this sys is deodex so id wait 4 a non deodexed zip 2 fully make it stock...
cheers

pcarvalho said:
my bootloader is locked
and well i went ahead and flashed it (just to prove my theory) and it worked...
my previous rom was .50 rooted and had CWM installed also
i already had flashed .55 kernel and baseband only thing missing was .55 sys
i flashed this zip
it booted and phone is now finally fully .55 and rooted
only thing i had 2 reinstall was CWM because this zip doesnt have recovery in it
thanks! :good:
any chance of same rom with root but in original state (with root included ofc)?
i wont post my steps yet cause i think since this is a deodex rom we will have .odex files left over in sys partition (correct me if im wrong)
so please make a zip so i can test and u can then release for all us unlucky bootloader locked Xperia S users
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always relock it if needed... :cyclops:

donottouch said:
You can always relock it if needed... :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i can not unlock it unless i take it to sony, my bootloader says unlock-able: NO

pcarvalho said:
yes u can... read my previous post...
just remember 2 reinstall CWM after... this sys is deodex so id wait 4 a non deodexed zip 2 fully make it stock...
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a good news for someone who want to root .55 firmware easily, thanks you! :highfive:

hhlong89 said:
It's a good news for someone who want to root .55 firmware easily, thanks you! :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all we need now is the original sys with root and CWM included in a flashable zip
ive asked OP if he could do it in PM, lets wait and see

surprise......
Its work in Locked bootloader!!!!

hellonasty said:
surprise......
Its work in Locked bootloader!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
true! but we need it to be non deodex 2 be fully stock or else we have .odex files in system using up space...
cheers

I flash this in a locked bootloader and run well... but now when i connect with computer have an update from sony with new software 6.1.A.2.55 avaliable...
Possible?

hellonasty said:
I flash this in a locked bootloader and run well... but now when i connect with computer have an update from sony with new software 6.1.A.2.55 avaliable...
Possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no issue here...

ROOT your Stock JB with relocked BL

Hello guys... Read this guide to see how to run Stock JB rooted with a locked BL device.
Unfortunately this method don't work on devices that can have their bootloader locked, this method is intended to be used for who CAN unlock his bootloader but for any reason want keep your bootloader locked.
What you're going to do is basically:
1- Unlock your device.
2- Root your device while is unlocked.
3- Relock your device and your device will keep rooted.
Question: But, when I unlock my device don't I lose my warranty and DRM keys forever (so Bravia Engine, Music download info won't work correctly)?
Answer: Yes, but this method involves to backup your TA partition [Trim Area] before you unlock it, after you will restore your TA partition and this will return your bootloader to locked status, remove unlock code key and bring your DRM keys back.
Attention! This method will work only if you have a bootloader unlockable device, but you will keep your phone rooted after you relock bootloader.​
Links:
DevShaft's TA Backup/Restore Tool v8.6 for Windows
SuperSU 1.25 and Busybox 1.20.2 ZIP for CWM
Unlock bootloader Guide
DooMLoRD's advanced stock kernel with CWM v6.0.3.2, remember to place the kernel file in the same folder of fastboot.exe.
FTF file with Jelly Bean (6.2.B.0.200) Stock Kernel
Steps:
1 - Backup your TA.
2 - Save SuperSU 1.25 and Busybox 1.20.2 ZIP in you SD Card
3 - Unlock your BL.
4 - Flash DooMLoRD's advanced stock kernel with CWM v6.0.3.2, use fastboot to flash you can do this right before unlock your BL, there is no need to unplug your device from fastboot after unlock the bootloader [command line: fastboot.exe flash boot S_DooMLoRD_AdvStkKernel_FW-200_v2.elf],
5 - When you see Sony Logo, access CWM pressing Volume UP button, select install zip from sd card and install SuperSU-1.25-Busybox-1.20.2-UPDATE.zip.
6 - Reboot your phone.
7 - Flash Jelly Bean (6.2.B.0.200) Stock Kernel.
8 - Reboot your phone.
9 - Restore your TA and reboot your device.
Enjoy your Stock Jelly Bean rooted with LOCKED BOOTLOADER!
I tested this on my own Xperia S (LT26i), if you have an Xperia SL and Xperia ion this will probably work. I don't know about Xperia acro S because @DevShaft Backup-TA tool isn't confirmed if it's working on Xperia acro S (only Xperia S, SL and ion users confirmed it's working).
UPDATE 1!
@DooMLoRD is working on a Pre-Rooted ROM for LB/UB, also he's working on a CWM for LB, it's an easier way to root but requires a clean install.
[ROM] Official Sony JB 6.2.B.0.200 ROM Pre-Rooted CWM

RHBH said:
Hello guys... Read this guide to see how to run Stock JB rooted with a locked BL device.
Unfortunately this method don't work on devices that can have their bootloader locked, this method is intended to be used for who CAN unlock his bootloader but for any reason want keep your bootloader locked.
What you're going to do is basically:
1- Unlock your device.
2- Root your device while is unlocked.
3- Relock your device and your device will keep rooted.
Question: But, when I unlock my device don't I lose my warranty and DRM keys forever (so Bravia Engine, Music download info won't work correctly)?
Answer: Yes, but this method involves to backup your TA partition [Trim Area] before you unlock it, after you will restore your TA partition and this will return your bootloader to locked status, remove unlock code key and bring your DRM keys back.
Attention! This method will work only if you have a bootloader unlockable device, but you will keep your phone rooted after you relock bootloader.​
Links:
DevShaft's TA Backup/Restore Tool v8.6 for Windows
SuperSU 1.25 and Busybox 1.20.2 ZIP for CWM
Unlock bootloader Guide
DooMLoRD's advanced stock kernel with CWM v6.0.2.7, remember to place the kernel file in the same folder of fastboot.exe.
FTF file with Jelly Bean (6.2.B.0.200) Stock Kernel
Steps:
1 - Backup your TA.
2 - Save SuperSU 1.25 and Busybox 1.20.2 ZIP in you SD Card
3 - Unlock your BL.
4 - Using fastboot flash this DooMLoRD's advanced stock kernel with CWM v6.0.2.7, you can do this right before unlock your BL, there is no need to unplug your device from fastboot after unlock the bootloader [command line: fastboot.exe flash boot S_DooMLoRD_AdvStkKernel_FW-200_v1.elf],
5 - When you see Sony Logo, access CWM pressing Volume UP button, select install zip from sd card and install SuperSU-1.25-Busybox-1.20.2-UPDATE.zip.
Optional - Reboot and test if root is working.
6 - Install Jelly Bean (6.2.B.0.200) Stock Kernel.
Optional - Reboot and test if root is working.
7 - Restore your TA and reboot your device.
Enjoy your Stock Jelly Bean rooted with LOCKED BOOTLOADER!
I tested this on my own Xperia S (LT26i), if you have an Xperia SL and Xperia ion this will probably work. I don't know about Xperia acro S because @DevShaft Backup-TA tool isn't confirmed if it's working on Xperia acro S (only Xperia S, SL and ion users confirmed it's working).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done exactly all the steps above (as I've done tons of times with ICS and the advanced stock kernel) but I confirm you twice that this method is not working

cabi.costa said:
I have done exactly all the steps above (as I've done tons of times with ICS and the advanced stock kernel) but I confirm you twice that this method is not working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you let the phone reboot on the steps I said was optional (maybe not optional afterall).
I did all steps and worked twice and worked.

RHBH said:
Did you let the phone reboot on the steps I said was optional (maybe not optional afterall).
I did all steps and worked twice and worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This ta method z very risky it can hard brick your phone
Sent from my Xperia SL using xda premium

RISHI RAJ said:
This ta method z very risky it can hard brick your phone
Sent from my Xperia SL using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you flash someone's else TA or if you restore the TA of some device that isn't confirmed as supported.
@DevShaft 's Tool have a lot of security features to prevent the TA corruption or a fail restore.
If you want a deep discussion about it, use this topic: Backup TA for Windows

RHBH said:
Only if you flash someone's else TA or if you restore the TA of some device that isn't confirmed as supported.
@DevShaft 's Tool have a lot of security features to prevent the TA corruption or a fail restore.
If you want a deep discussion about it, use this topic: Backup TA for Windows
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's true that DevShaft's tool is very thorough, but fact remains that messing with the TA partition in any way is very risky.

FenrirMX said:
It's true that DevShaft's tool is very thorough, but fact remains that messing with the TA partition in any way is very risky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i second that!
I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO NOT MESS AROUND WITH TA

You are misleading people. Change Topic.. It's not Root for locked BL, but it's method to root with relocking BL. It's not same.

It is possible to share the back up TA and restore it to other xps?if yes, pls could someone share their back up TA for us to restore the missing drm keys to experienced the 100% power of our xps...thanks in advance
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium

jemju_xps-user said:
It is possible to share the back up TA and restore it to other xps?if yes, pls could someone share their back up TA for us to restore the missing drm keys to experienced the 100% power of our xps...thanks in advance
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You will hard brick your device if you try.

Sony Bravia Engine

I know our bootloader is locked right now and there is little development going with CWM recovery... I just want to know will we able to run Sony X-reality Bravia engine on our zenfone once our bootloader is unlocked and when custom recovery will be available?

Bravia engine after bootloader unlock!

So as the title reveals, I have unlocked the BL and tried a few custom roms. Didnt liked any so back to stock. But i just came to know that we loose bravia engine after we unlock the BL. But as I m on stock 4.1.2 I do see the bravia engine on/off toggle. Its quite confusing. Have i really lost bravia engine? Or it just gets restored when we flash stock roms?
Well If i have lost my BE, any way to restore it back? i mean will locking the BL do?
thanks!

ChaTy said:
So as the title reveals, I have unlocked the BL and tried a few custom roms. Didnt liked any so back to stock. But i just came to know that we loose bravia engine after we unlock the BL. But as I m on stock 4.1.2 I do see the bravia engine on/off toggle. Its quite confusing. Have i really lost bravia engine? Or it just gets restored when we flash stock roms?
Well If i have lost my BE, any way to restore it back? i mean will locking the BL do?
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, You get the option for Bravia Engine after You flash the stock ROM or stock based ROM. Also, if You had not taken backup the TA partition before unlocking bootloader, then You cannot have the Bravia Engine back, even if You get the option for it. If You had taken backup, then it will work after restoring, and that too only on stock firmware.

Mirhawk said:
Yes, You get the option for Bravia Engine after You flash the stock ROM or stock based ROM. Also, if You had not taken backup the TA partition before unlocking bootloader, then You cannot have the Bravia Engine back, even if You get the option for it. If You had taken backup, then it will work after restoring, and that too only on stock firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I havent taken any backup of TA partition, is it unique for each cell? or do they have common one for xperia s? Damn, this mean I wont be getting BE back?

Should I try this?
http://www.gizmobolt.com/tag/bravia-engine-2/
EDIT: xda link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2131071

ChaTy said:
Well I havent taken any backup of TA partition, is it unique for each cell? or do they have common one for xperia s? Damn, this mean I wont be getting BE back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ChaTy said:
Should I try this?
http://www.gizmobolt.com/tag/bravia-engine-2/
EDIT: xda link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2131071
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TA backup are unique for each device, and using other people's TA backup would brick Your phone. You can try those mods, but taking a backup is recommended and trying these backups on stock or stock based ROM. I have not used them. so can't comment anything other than that.

Mirhawk said:
TA backup are unique for each device, and using other people's TA backup would brick Your phone. You can try those mods, but taking a backup is recommended and trying these backups on stock or stock based ROM. I have not used them. so can't comment anything other than that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying..
Well i tried those mods, but i cant see any noticeable difference