Develop Bugs

root questions

Ok i have an Xperia arc on the latest update. I however cannot have any sort of firewall nor can i remove dumb apps like facebook and other garbage. The fact that I'm forced to root is an annoyance in itself, unbelievable to be honest. Anyway with whining out of the way here's my questions before attempting this.
Can you root with a locked boot loader as i don't really want to unlock it. If not can the boot loader be locked again? Also how would i go about fully restoring my arc to before the root process. i.e. stock firmware with locked loader.
Can an arc on the latest update even be rooted?
I'm so annoyed with android right now. All I want to do is remove some s*** and install a working firewall. Doesn't seem to be possible without root, it it me or are these limitations extremely gay?
Also i don't understand something in one of the guides my phone came with generic firmware then updated over se and it installed branded o2 firmware. I have put in the dial code for sys info to find out if my phone is unlocked. When clicking on sim lock i have network with an x in it and the number 5 next to it, is it locked? I haven't got other sim cards to test.

Sure it´s possible with only 1 click!
With the zergRush Exploit dude
Here the Link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1320350
Possible with any Firmware Version and if u want to get back on stock or loose root only reflash the Firmware or use repairfunction of PCC or SEUS.
Greetings

So I can leave the boot loader alone as i d'ont want to mess my warranty up. Theoretically warranty should remain intact when restoring an original firmware? Why do people unlock the bootloader anyway if you can root without. Also rooting this way will the bootloader's drm remain? Cheers for the snappy reply man that was bloody quick. Service!

If the DRM Key was deleted through opening the BL it can´t be retained.
You need a open Bootloader to flash Recovery and Custom Roms like CyanogenMod, which didn´t go with a locked one.
Theoretically warranty should remain intact when restoring an original firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right Sir

Ok so this will root the phone and keep the boot loader in tact. Ive been reading the replies it seems to be quite safe. My other question. I guess the exploit doesn't install a cfw? Only modifies or exploits the official firmware in such a way as to acquire root access and when restoring an official rom whether by un root script or by flashing will pass whatever checks exist on the boot loader as its an official rom? This is how i'm understanding it. Can modded roms be installed with a locked boot loader after root or would one need to unlock the loader for that?
and thanks for answering my questions, appreciated.

somedude67 said:
Ok so this will root the phone and keep the boot loader in tact. Ive been reading the replies it seems to be quite safe. My other question. I guess the exploit doesn't install a cfw? Only modifies or exploits the official firmware in such a way as to acquire root access and when restoring an official rom whether by un root script or by flashing will pass whatever checks exist on the boot loader as its an official rom? This is how i'm understanding it. Can modded roms be installed with a locked boot loader after root or would one need to unlock the loader for that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly
Modded Roms (Custom Roms) only can be installed with open BL

Thanks for the help, appreciated mate! You have saved me a hell of a lot of reading.

somedude67 said:
Thanks for the help, appreciated mate! You have saved me a hell of a lot of reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what the stickys are for.

somedude67 said:
Thanks for the help, appreciated mate! You have saved me a hell of a lot of reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You learn a lot reading ;-)
Sent via subspace beacon from my Arc.

[Q] Understanding the Rooting Process

Understanding the Rooting Process
Hi,
I have never rooted a phone before, so I am a bit curious before I get into it. I have a Galaxy Nexus – brought directly from Google without going through any carrier. I have Android 4.2.1 on it, and it has never been rooted.
I want to root the phone in order to copy data on and off a USB Stick using Chainfire’s Stickmount App (among other things.) This means I am not interested in any custom ROM. The stock works OK for me.
I am using the following tutorial: How to Root Galaxy Nexus! [Universal Guide][GSM/Verizon/Sprint][Windows/Linux/Mac][GB/ICS/Jelly Bean] which has the following steps to root:
1. Unlock the Bootloader
2. Install ClockworkMod Recovery
3. Install the SuperUser binaries using Recovery to get Root
In this regard I have a few questions that I am not getting easy answers using Google. (All I get is tutorials with steps – no logic.)
1. The first step is “Unlocking the Bootloader”. The following link says that unlocking the Bootloader is to install custom ROMs What does it mean to unlock the boot loader?
As mentioned above, I am not interested in putting custom ROMs on to the device. I am satisfied with the stock. Do I need to do this step?
2. “Unlocking the Bootloader” seems to delete all data on the phone. Is this true? Why does it do this.
3. Is it possible to backup the current ROM before I root? That way I can always restore it in case of any problems. I do not have much data/apps on the phone, so backing up that is not an issue.
Thank you all for your help.
O. O.

o.o. said:
1. The first step is “Unlocking the Bootloader”. The following link says that unlocking the Bootloader is to install custom ROMs What does it mean to unlock the boot loader?
As mentioned above, I am not interested in putting custom ROMs on to the device. I am satisfied with the stock. Do I need to do this step?
2. “Unlocking the Bootloader” seems to delete all data on the phone. Is this true? Why does it do this.
3. Is it possible to backup the current ROM before I root? That way I can always restore it in case of any problems. I do not have much data/apps on the phone, so backing up that is not an issue.
Thank you all for your help.
O. O.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes. Unlocking the bootloader is not the same as installing a different ROM, you will still be on stock after unlocking. Unlocking will ALLOW you to flash different firmware/mods/etc, but you dont have to flash anything you dont want to.
2. Yes, it will wipe your phone clean. Every time you do it. No getting around this.
3. Not to my knowledge. I would recommend doing the back up first thing after unlocking bootloader and installing recovery.

WiredPirate said:
1. Yes. Unlocking the bootloader is not the same as installing a different ROM, you will still be on stock after unlocking. Unlocking will ALLOW you to flash different firmware/mods/etc, but you dont have to flash anything you dont want to.
2. Yes, it will wipe your phone clean. Every time you do it. No getting around this.
3. Not to my knowledge. I would recommend doing the back up first thing after unlocking bootloader and installing recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
addition to point 3)
its really irrelevant to backup the rom if you're staying stock since you can just download the images freely from google and use fastboot to flash them all and you'll be running a clean stock rom since you just unlocked the bootloader.

Thank you WiredPirate & Zepius. I am trying to understand how the Rooting process works – not just the steps, without having a clue as to what I am doing.
1. My question here was not “Whether I needed to Unlock the Bootloader” – but why do I need to Unlock the Bootloader in order to Root? My question here is Why? When I do not need to install custom ROMs why should I be unlocking?
2. Why does Unlocking the Bootloader wipe the phone?
3. Thank you Zepius. I think I agree with you here.
Thanks again,
O. O.

Zepius said:
addition to point 3)
its really irrelevant to backup the rom if you're staying stock since you can just download the images freely from google and use fastboot to flash them all and you'll be running a clean stock rom since you just unlocked the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true. The exception might be if you don't have access to a comp at the time your phone needs to go back. But downloading and flashing images like you said is probably a cleaner/ better way of getting back to stock.:good:
o.o. said:
Thank you WiredPirate & Zepius. I am trying to understand how the Rooting process works – not just the steps, without having a clue as to what I am doing.
1. My question here was not “Whether I needed to Unlock the Bootloader” – but why do I need to Unlock the Bootloader in order to Root? My question here is Why? When I do not need to install custom ROMs why should I be unlocking?
2. Why does Unlocking the Bootloader wipe the phone?
3. Thank you Zepius. I think I agree with you here.
Thanks again,
O. O.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wish I was more help with the "Why?". I just kind of go with it lol. I mean I have ideas as to why, but I'm not a dev and/or familiar with code, I'm just a user so I don't wanna say something and it be wrong.

o.o. said:
Thank you WiredPirate & Zepius. I am trying to understand how the Rooting process works – not just the steps, without having a clue as to what I am doing.
1. My question here was not “Whether I needed to Unlock the Bootloader” – but why do I need to Unlock the Bootloader in order to Root? My question here is Why? When I do not need to install custom ROMs why should I be unlocking?
2. Why does Unlocking the Bootloader wipe the phone?
3. Thank you Zepius. I think I agree with you here.
Thanks again,
O. O.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) an unlocked bootloader allows you to flash unsigned images. This allows you to flash a custom recovery, which is required for root access. basically, if you want root, you have to unlock the bootloader the first time with the command "fastboot oem unlock"
2) thats the way its designed. there are ways around it, but you have to have root to unlock the bootloader without wiping your data.

Zepius said:
1) an unlocked bootloader allows you to flash unsigned images. This allows you to flash a custom recovery, which is required for root access. basically, if you want root, you have to unlock the bootloader the first time with the command "fastboot oem unlock"
2) thats the way its designed. there are ways around it, but you have to have root to unlock the bootloader without wiping your data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Zepius. I am hoping that someone can provide some better understanding of this issue. I know that there is a design, which is obviously illogical. Nowhere have I found an explanation for this illogicality – hence my question.
O. O.

o.o. said:
Thank you Zepius. I am hoping that someone can provide some better understanding of this issue. I know that there is a design, which is obviously illogical. Nowhere have I found an explanation for this illogicality – hence my question.
O. O.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess is it is to keep your data mostly secure by wiping it out.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

go here. if it helped, thank efrant.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=31751966
sent by an android

The other option if you want to root without losing your data is to use a computer with the adb tool to make a backup and then restore that backup after you've rooted your phone. A guide on how to do this can be found here: http://www.thesuperusersguide.com/adb-backup--restore.html

Zepius said:
My guess is it is to keep your data mostly secure by wiping it out.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Zep. This is more like what I was looking for i.e. this sounds reasonable. Anyway I guess this is not the best place to ask such questions i.e. everyone seems to know what to do, but are clueless about the logic.
O. O.

o.o. said:
Understanding the Rooting Process
I want to root the phone in order to copy data on and off a USB Stick using Chainfire’s Stickmount App (among other things.) This means I am not interested in any custom ROM. The stock works OK for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another option for USB OTG is an app called Nexus Media Importer it almost does what stickmount does and does not require root.
You can read data, but you cannot write to the attached device (USB flash drive etc.), only copy to the Android device.
Hope this helps a little in case you are uncomfortable rooting.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homeysoft.nexususb.importer

As has been mentioned, unlocking the bootloader is necessary to allow flashing images. AFAIK, the data wipe (factory reset and memory card wipe) is to protect your data, contacts, etc., in case your phone is lost or stolen and somebody tried to restore your phone to stock so they can use it or sell it. That's assuming you have a security screen that can't be bypassed so that the criminal can't just hit "factory reset" and delete your memory contents.
The bootloader unlock is necessary to root because you are flashing the custom recovery (TWRP or CWM) and root (Superuser or SuperSU) binaries, or flashing an "image" if that helps. This is the same process as flashing a ROM, so the bootloader needs to be unlocked to allow this. The data wipe is there to "protect" you.
Once rooted, you can lock and unlock the bootloader at will with the "Bootunlocker" app by Segv, though if you ever loose root via OTA update, you have to unlock the bootloader via fastboot again, which causes you to loose your data. I learned this the hard way so trust me, just leave the bootloader unlocked. Even if a criminal tries to flash a new ROM or factory image, they have to completely erase everything to get around your security screen.
If you have data that want to save, use the Android MTP to move you memory contents to your computer. This is mostly for music, pictures, documents, and downloads. To do a full backup (apps, settings, data) there is a guide in the stickies I believe that explains how to do a full backup to your computer without root.
That is my attempt at the logic, hope that helps.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

[Q] Root without ROM Upgrade?

Another Sony noob here. Last four phones have all been HTC but the Z1C forced me to jump ship!
All the guides I've looked at include the flashing of a different ROM. Is it possible to get root and recovery with locked bootloader but leaving the existing ROM intact?
Thanks guys!!

NO! How many "I've read all these other guides" threads do we need asking the same question to be told the same answer. If it was possible there would be a guide.
Sent from the app on my Z1C...

Hehe, cheers matey!

glennza said:
Hehe, cheers matey!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try rooting with Kingroot 4.8.0 (this worked for me)
Then use Replace Kinguser with SuperSu scripts and method (this worked for me).
I then installed XZDual Recovery downloaded from here with no problem (look for the file that reads "Z1C-lockeddualrecovery...)!
That's how I gained root with SuperSU and with Dual Recovery. Then you can flash a ROM for Locked Bootloader without the need to backup your TA and without erasing internal storage so your photos and videos (at least) will remain intact.
P.S. Do this at your own risk. I am not responsible if you mess up with your phone.

glennza said:
Another Sony noob here. Last four phones have all been HTC but the Z1C forced me to jump ship!
All the guides I've looked at include the flashing of a different ROM. Is it possible to get root and recovery with locked bootloader but leaving the existing ROM intact?
Thanks guys!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on factory stock kk, method described above works great. Takes about 2 minutes and you're done. One thing to note is that Kingroot app will show 'root unavailable' message at first. Just ignore it and click root. I just did it myself. Only thing is that I did take the updates in the popup notifications, but only up to kk firmware .108. Don't take any update after that, or you will be on lp, and rooting is a whole different story.

[Q]Need help flashing CM12 on XM SS

After countless hours of searching over all related posts I am still confused and pretty much intimidated on the flashing aspect. From all my searching expeditions till now I managed to outline some of the points but I don't know how to move forward with them. Also I am concerned with the possibilities of getting the device unresponsive just because of my stupidity, want to gain full knowledge before going forward with the process.
So as per my findings, for installing a CFW like CM12, I require the following things,
1. Unlocked Bootloader.
The Bootloader on my XM SS can be unlocked, I did a check on that but the thing that's bugging me is the occurrence of bootloop.
Question for this point: What is the proper method to unlock the bootloader?
2. Rooted phone.
This is the step that has confused me from the beginning. Some posts mention that rooting is essential requirement to get a fully functional CFW and in some posts there is a not a single mention for the requirement of a rooted phone.
Question for this point: Is rooting essential? What is the best step by step method that you use to root your device?
3. Back up data.
I read somewhere that unlocking the bootloader erases some of the important information like the IMEI number, DRM keys and other important stuff? Also the importance of backing up data like contacts and other stuff externally.
Question for this point: How to do a proper backup? How to go on backing up contacts, whatsapp databases etc?
4. Installing a custom recovery?
Honestly I am totally confused with this topic. What does custom recovery actually do? Best custom recover for CM12?
Question for this point: How to select and install a custom recovery?
5. Adb, Fastboot drivers.
Is it essential to actually download the full adb package that google provides to develop android apps? And are fastboot drivers available for windows 8.1? Will the phone management software provided by Sony work as a driver?
Question for this point: ADB, Fastboot driver installation?
6. Flashing the CM12.
The most important step in the whole process? How to go on with this step so as to successfully flash the firmware? Restoring the backed up data?
Question for this point: Steps to properly flash the CM12?
7. Link2SD, App2SD?
Which one will you suggest and how to go on installing it?
I know that most of you will find it bothersome to answer so many questions in a single go but I intend this topic to be a guiding thread for noobs like me who are beginners that want to flash some CFW on their devices.
So all the posts that you make are really appreciated! Please link in the posts that you think will answer the questions in layman terms for everyone to understand.
Thanks for taking your time to read this thread
Have a good day! :fingers-crossed:

Can anyone please help? :crying:

1. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2484622 Follow everything he said, while using some common sense. Just to avoid you in doing so much research on some common problems I faced, :
i) If any errors occur, just close flashtool and re-open it, even if the errors continue to happen, just close and open flashtool again.
ii) You will experience bootloop and the end of the procedure, so just flash the tft http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2779412
2. Just stay rooted, better safe than sorry Here's the guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-m/general/towel-root-steps-to-root-t2789990 Understand the procedure first then continue.
3. You can export your contacts into your sim card tho, just open up the telephony app and go to contacts and open up the option or menu thingy in it (I think the icon was a 3 dot to access the options menu) and you'll see the Export/Import tab on it. You know what to do after this After root, I suggest getting the app Titanium Backup, really helpful. If possible, after the backup, move the folder to the sdcard, so it will never be lost (or to your pc, much safer).
4. Custom recovery.. well, I'm no expert but just think it this way, you're life saver when you do something wrong to your phone (and that it can still turn on, but couldn't get pass the boot animation) and provided that you had made a Nandroid backup before(a system backup). It can restore your phone back to the last time you've backuped it. This one for Stock 4.3 http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-m/development/recovery-philz-touch-6-41-6-xm-dual-t2795778 and this one for afteryou've installed CM12 http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...very-cwm-twrp-recoveries-custom-roms-t3016507
5. I'm not sure on this one, sorry:crying: ADB drivers and the fastboot drivers installed automatically for me:silly:
6. I think this video would be a bit helpful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkNu0tiNro8
7. I don't know on this, I never used them. Soz :C
All the best:fingers-crossed: though my advice would be to stay Rooted for awhile before unlocking the bootloader, so you'd at least familiarize yourself with the terms that'll you'll most probably face.

The fastboot driver from google didnt work for me, use the ones from the sony bootloader unlock site. For win8.1 you need to disable signature verification to install them.

Thank you so much @AndyPhoenix9879
You are a lifesaver! I was finally able to flash CM2.1 on my Xperia M

Help Tech-Savvy NOOB get started

I have an old Sony Xperia M C1905 that I want to root/load a custom, cut-down ROM to free up space for the Apps that seem to be growing with every update. I am a NOOB (as you say) to installing custom F/W on my phone, BUT I am tech-savvy. What I need is access to a set of instructions/tools that I can use with my phone and PC combination. I realise that this is an old phone and you are trying to help, but for me it is frustrating when all the links to tools from the threads seem to be dead or don't work. Please can someone have a read and let me know a way to do this that has a set of working tools. Thanks
My PC is a MS Windows 10 laptop – If necessary, I could resurrect an old laptop and install Linux on it, if that is a simpler approach.
I have had a look at what is available and will probably load the ROM from:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-m/orig-development/rom-slim6-marshmallow-t3418258
What I think I need to do (and have tried to start) is:
1. Root the phone.
2. Backup the current ROM.
3. Unlock the boot-loader.
4. Load the Slim6 ROM.
To do 1. I have tried two methods, the first recommended from the backup thread and a second found by searching.
i. Easy Rooting toolkit: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598 but the download link for DooMLoRD_Easy-Rooting-Toolkit_v17_perf-event-exploit.zip. The Download site for this tool tells me (eventually) that the file has expired or has been deleted by the owner - so i can't get this tool. Any Ideas How to get this?
ii. Also tried: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2529561 but for me, the cydia impactor tool does not see my phone or have any options. Yes, I have enabled - and allowed USB debug mode, before you ask. And yes the PC can see the phone so the connection is good.
To do 2. I am proposing to use the instructions from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598 Please confirm this is still valid.
iii. [Update] Also tried rooting by using this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2457174 but this requires Framaroot 1.5.3, When I try and download this, the download site says: "The file link that you requested is not valid. Please contact link publisher or try to make a search."
Update 2. Managed to get a download of Framaroot, installed, but does not work for Xperia M with Android 4.3. Any idea of a way forward?
To do 3. I am proposing to use: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2484622 Please confirm this thread is still valid - and the best approach.
To do 4. https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-m/orig-development/rom-slim6-marshmallow-t3418258 - Please let me know if there is a more appropriate ROM to install to free up some space.

You can follow this link :
And for root, I think slim6 is pre rooted. Means in Developer options, select root for adb and apps.

What about backing up the current ROME?
Thanks for your reply, but to my understanding this just does 2. & 3. from my list. Most of the ROM installation guides say to take a backup of the current ROM so that you can restore the original system.
To do this I need to get root access with the current build. Is this now impossible?
Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and just not bother with the backup.

You should definitely take a backup.
This is because of the TA partition. As soon as you unlock the bootloader of your phone it will format the TA partition, so without the backup you won't be able to restore it which might be needed. Using a TA backup from another phone will NOT work.
So you are right about the steps, you need to root the phone, backup, unlock the boot loader and flash the new ROM. I didn't check all of the links you posted now, but if Framearoot is not working for you you might want to try out iovyroot. Also check that you downloaded the right tool to root for your Android version.
If it's still relevant and you need any additional help I'll post some instructions for you another day.

Thanks for the confirmation of the process.
Iovyroot is not a root method I have tried. I will Investigate tomorrow.
I will post back here when I have tried it.
I have tried a couple of versions of Framaroot, one recommended version for the phone, and the latest version I could find. Neither worked.

Maninfrontofpc said:
Thanks for your reply, but to my understanding this just does 2. & 3. from my list. Most of the ROM installation guides say to take a backup of the current ROM so that you can restore the original system.
To do this I need to get root access with the current build. Is this now impossible?
Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and just not bother with the backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to get root access to have a backup. Just unlock your bootloader and install cwm or twrp through fastboot and take backup with help of it. Now if you are on stock rom and you need root anyway, you can use towelroot. And then install supersu from playstore. OR flash superSU through cwm. In that case no need to install towelroot.

Is nidhoegg mistaken?
Please can you confirm that the TA partition will Be NOT be formatted when I unlock the boot loader?

Maninfrontofpc said:
Please can you confirm that the TA partition will Be NOT be formatted when I unlock the boot loader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you so much worried about TA partition?

My understanding is that this contains various sets of system data including: S/W signatures for the Sony Apps (if I want to restore the Sony ROM to the phone); calibration data of the various devices on the phone - accelerometer etc. So surely, even if just for the calibration data, I would not want to lose this data even if I loaded a custom ROM - I have no way of re-calibrating the devices, so would need the factory acceptance calibration values.
Am I mistaken?

TA backup for our device isn't necessary. Actually I don't know anyone from xda taking TA backup. TA backup is for newer sony devices and z series devices. In those devices, somethings like sony camera wouldn't work if you lose drm keys. It's not the case with our mobile.

Are you saying that all the threads from when this was the current phone are wrong, and I don't need to backup this partition?
TA = Trim Area; as well as holding the DRM Keys/S/W signatures, my understanding is that at contains Trim data to adjust the various sensors on the phone to read accurately. I have been led to believe that these are written during the automated Factory Acceptance Testing to adjust for small differences in the components on the phone, and are unique to the device. Surely if I lose this data the sensors will not read accurately.
Is this wrong?