Database Develop

[Q] Confused about keeping DRM & BE2

Hi there, ive came all the way here from the Defy turf and im really confused about flashing my new xperia z. ive tried my best reading the tutorials but it seems to be alot harder to flash the xperia z with proper backup, i mean i used to flash my Defy pretty much everyday without worrying much.
So my question is very basic.. btw I have root my xperia z through the "[Exploit by: goroh_kun & huhka_com]" method, and the bootloader is unlocked.
1. Is it possible to backup my unlocked stock Xperia Z with DRM & BE2? i know there are both twrp and cwm, but ive heard that once I "flash" my phone I will loose everything even with the SD card... (i mean when u talk about flash, there are tons of file types u can flash such as img, rar, zip etc and also tons of ways to flash, so which way to flash is the best without loosing eveything?)
And if yes, is there a step by step guide about how to use the flashtool? (i know there are million posts about what a flashtool is, but what i need is a step by step on how to install/flash cwm or twrp on an unlocked stock xperia z with DRM & BE2.) I mean I would like to be able restore if I dont like the custom roms.
2. does upgrading from the Sony update wipe out all data? i mean for the future 4.2 update can I just update without loosing from what I have at the moment (an unlocked and root stock xperia z)?
sorry to ask all these basic questions, but ive been searching alot with no clear answers...
thanks!:good:

unloadefy said:
Hi there, ive came all the way here from the Defy turf and im really confused about flashing my new xperia z. ive tried my best reading the tutorials but it seems to be alot harder to flash the xperia z with proper backup, i mean i used to flash my Defy pretty much everyday without worrying much.
So my question is very basic.. btw I have root my xperia z through the "[Exploit by: goroh_kun & huhka_com]" method, and the bootloader is unlocked.
1. Is it possible to backup my unlocked stock Xperia Z with DRM & BE2? i know there are both twrp and cwm, but ive heard that once I "flash" my phone I will loose everything even with the SD card... (i mean when u talk about flash, there are tons of file types u can flash such as img, rar, zip etc and also tons of ways to flash, so which way to flash is the best without loosing eveything?)
And if yes, is there a step by step guide about how to use the flashtool? (i know there are million posts about what a flashtool is, but what i need is a step by step on how to install/flash cwm or twrp on an unlocked stock xperia z with DRM & BE2.) I mean I would like to be able restore if I dont like the custom roms.
2. does upgrading from the Sony update wipe out all data? i mean for the future 4.2 update can I just update without loosing from what I have at the moment (an unlocked and root stock xperia z)?
sorry to ask all these basic questions, but ive been searching alot with no clear answers...
thanks!:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uh bro. as soon as your bootloader is unlocked, DRM keys are GONE FOREVER. Unlocking your bootloader wipes everything too. by everything i mean your photos, music etc as well.
secondly, some updates might wipe data, and some don't

spazzy1912 said:
uh bro. as soon as your bootloader is unlocked, DRM keys are GONE FOREVER. Unlocking your bootloader wipes everything too. by everything i mean your photos, music etc as well.
secondly, some updates might wipe data, and some don't
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the reply. but i dont really understand, because I still have BE2 and track ID working, how do I check if I still have my DRM keys? i know i have an unlocked bootloader through *#*#7378423#*#* but i dont remember unlocking my phone apart from using the [Exploit by: goroh_kun & huhka_com] method to root my XZ. Can a XZ come unlocked from a Sony Retail store?

unloadefy said:
thanks for the reply. but i dont really understand, because I still have BE2 and track ID working, how do I check if I still have my DRM keys? i know i have an unlocked bootloader through *#*#7378423#*#* but i dont remember unlocking my phone apart from using the [Exploit by: goroh_kun & huhka_com] method to root my XZ. Can a XZ come unlocked from a Sony Retail store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not confusing unlocked and unlockable are you?
The only way to unlock the bootloader that I'm aware of involves getting an unlock code emailed to you from Sony via their official unlocking website.
While the bootloader is unlocked you will not be able to update to a new official Sony ROM either OTA or via their provided PC/Mac software tools.
Locking & unlocking the bootloader is explained clearly here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2153261
The bootloader will be locked on all new, unopened XZs
regardless of place of purchase, a phone purchased from Sony will (should) be carrier unlocked however.

Nameless One said:
You're not confusing unlocked and unlockable are you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I get it, so I simply have a rooted locked (but unlockable) Xperia Z~
it looks like everything makes sense now:good:
Thanks so much!
just one more question, does twrp or cwm recovery backs up everything including drm keys BE2 and etc? or do I have to go through this? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627

unloadefy said:
just one more question, does twrp or cwm recovery backs up everything including drm keys BE2 and etc? or do I have to go through this? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That I don't know and will have to defer to others.

unloadefy said:
Now I get it, so I simply have a rooted locked (but unlockable) Xperia Z~
it looks like everything makes sense now:good:
Thanks so much!
just one more question, does twrp or cwm recovery backs up everything including drm keys BE2 and etc? or do I have to go through this? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, recoveries dont back up your drm keys.
you have to use the Backup TA tool that was posted, this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Remember, ALWAYS, MD5 sum check before flashing, flashing someone else's or corrupted TA will HARD BRICK your device,

spazzy1912 said:
nope, recoveries dont back up your drm keys.
you have to use the Backup TA tool that was posted, this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Remember, ALWAYS, MD5 sum check before flashing, flashing someone else's or corrupted TA will HARD BRICK your device,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very helpful information indeed! Thank you!!
Problems Solved

[Q] Unlock bootloader and camera question

Hi guys I'm considering to purchase the Z1 beocz I lose my precious Xperia S a week ago :crying: (very very sad, really love it)
As I'm those type who will definitely root the device and probably unlock it some time later, I really care about the camera problem.
I read the the DoomLord thread which told us to backup the "TA" thing before unlocking the bootloader, so we can restore it and have the camera working again.
May I ask what the "TA" actually is?? how can I backup that thing??
So after I retore it, is the bootloader still unlocked??
If i screw up the TA thing, can I relock the bootloader and save the camera by the official repair function in Sony Update Service??
Sorry I'm noobish but plz explain these things to me thank you!!
BTW, are there something i should consider before i buy the phone?? Is it the right time to buy it??
thank you

Its a partition on the device called trim area.
There is a thread about backing it up and its very easy to do.
If you do not have a TA backup then relocking the bootloader will NOT fix the camera.
Also, do not restore someone elses TA it will hard brick your phone

gregbradley said:
Its a partition on the device called trim area.
There is a thread about backing it up and its very easy to do.
If you do not have a TA backup then relocking the bootloader will NOT fix the camera.
Also, do not restore someone elses TA it will hard brick your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How if I repair the phone with update service after relocking the BL?
And after I restore the TA, is the bootloader still unlocked??
I'm wondering if there's possible to keep both bootloader unlocked and the 20mp camera working...

KWOKSFUNG said:
How if I repair the phone with update service after relocking the BL?
And after I restore the TA, is the bootloader still unlocked??
I'm wondering if there's possible to keep both bootloader unlocked and the 20mp camera working...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Restoring TA relocks the bootloader
There is no way to have an unlocked bootloader and working stock camera

I'm getting a little confused!
After rooting + custom recovery + custom ROM, can I restore my TA to get the camera back? Obviously would like to keep root and the custom ROM.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

amm009uk said:
I'm getting a little confused!
After rooting + custom recovery + custom ROM, can I restore my TA to get the camera back? Obviously would like to keep root and the custom ROM.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on whether the custom ROM requires an unlocked bootloader. Some custom ROMs don't need your bootloader to be unlocked. So that means you can still have root + custom recovery (which don't need unlocked bootloader) + custom ROM, and your bootloader is still unlocked and your camera is still working.
But if the custom ROM requires an unlocked bootloader, then restoring the TA will result in the bootloader being relocked, which means your ROM no longer working.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

hush66 said:
Depends on whether the custom ROM requires an unlocked bootloader. Some custom ROMs don't need your bootloader to be unlocked. So that means you can still have root + custom recovery (which don't need unlocked bootloader) + custom ROM, and your bootloader is still unlocked and your camera is still working.
But if the custom ROM requires an unlocked bootloader, then restoring the TA will result in the bootloader being relocked, which means your ROM no longer working.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you mr are just spot on.. absolutely correct.

hush66 said:
Depends on whether the custom ROM requires an unlocked bootloader. Some custom ROMs don't need your bootloader to be unlocked. So that means you can still have root + custom recovery (which don't need unlocked bootloader) + custom ROM, and your bootloader is still unlocked and your camera is still working.
But if the custom ROM requires an unlocked bootloader, then restoring the TA will result in the bootloader being relocked, which means your ROM no longer working.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fantastic thanks. Hope Sony get round to fixing this soon.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

hush66 said:
Depends on whether the custom ROM requires an unlocked bootloader. Some custom ROMs don't need your bootloader to be unlocked. So that means you can still have root + custom recovery (which don't need unlocked bootloader) + custom ROM, and your bootloader is still unlocked and your camera is still working.
But if the custom ROM requires an unlocked bootloader, then restoring the TA will result in the bootloader being relocked, which means your ROM no longer working.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u mean " So that means you can still have root + custom recovery (which don't need unlocked bootloader) + custom ROM, and your bootloader is still [[[locked]]] and your camera is still working " ? other than that thnx u clarified things up to me so much

noobs master said:
u mean " So that means you can still have root + custom recovery (which don't need unlocked bootloader) + custom ROM, and your bootloader is still [[[locked]]] and your camera is still working " ? other than that thnx u clarified things up to me so much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically you can only use roms based on official firmware for now (and have a working camera) afaik. All the roms in the original development area (based on AOSP, custom kernels) required unlocked bootloader and as a result have a non-working camera.

[Q] Couple of questions regarding unlocking and DRM keys

Hi,
I have some questions:
1- I'm completely confused as how custom ROMs like eXistenz have xReality engine or Bravia Engine and they are supposed to be flashed on unlocked boot loaders, I thought unlocking would break the functionality since it destroys the DRM keys.
2- I rooted my device when I was on 4.2.2, now I upgraded my phone to 4.3 official and I lost the root, is it possible to root it again with unlocking and then relock it again without loosing root, I did not install the custom recoveries when I had the chance, stupid me but I have backed up my TA partition at least
Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Bump

Have a look in development section, there are a few rooting guides for 4.3. You will need to sort out recovery first though.
With the Bravia question, it only works if your phone bootloader isn't unlocked.
Xperia Z

Thank you but I did not get my answer as how custom roms are using bravia or xreality and how to relock without loosing root

1. Existenz can be flashed on a locked bootloader, therefore BE2 still works.
2. Yes -
- Unlock your bootloader (remember to backup your data and internal SD as both will be wiped during the process).
- Flash DooMLoRD's advanced stock kernel.
- Flash a superuser zip (I use the SuperSu zip direct from Chainfire's site).
- Flash a stock kernel.
- Restore TA backup.
You will then be on 4.3 with locked bootloader and DRM keys intact.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk

Thank you for your detailed answer, much appreciated pal

You're welcome.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk

Need help...!! camera functionality not working after unlocking bootloader

1stly i have 4.4.2 (.757) running on my z1 and i downgraded to .534 and i rooted the device by vroot and backed up the DRM keys successfully.. and then i flashed to .290 and unlocked the bootloader by flashtool and then downgraded to .534 and then installed the dual recovery and then flashed using the flashable recovery using recovery and then i found that camera is not working properly.. camera is opening and when i press the shutter butter its trying to focus the area and after focusing it freezes and doesn't shutter... so this is my problem... please help...

So much fail.
Do not use vroot, it sends your imei number to an ip address in China.
Also, unlocking your bootloader on 4.2 will break your camera, it clearly says so on the Sony official site about unlocking your bootloader.
Now, the solution.
Restore your ta partition.
Use pccompanion to update to the latest firmware
Unlock your bootloader again
Flash a custom kernel of your choice
Install super user app of your choice
Sent from my Xperia Z1 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

gregbradley said:
So much fail.
Do not use vroot, it sends your imei number to an ip address in China.
Also, unlocking your bootloader on 4.2 will break your camera, it clearly says so on the Sony official site about unlocking your bootloader.
Now, the solution.
Restore your ta partition.
Use pccompanion to update to the latest firmware
Unlock your bootloader again
Flash a custom kernel of your choice
Install super user app of your choice
Sent from my Xperia Z1 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have unlocked the bootloader in 4.3 i.e 14.2.A.0.290 with flashtool and i installed the dual recovery in 4.2 i.e 14.1.G.1.534
what happened to the camera.. can u xplain the reason behind it...??

sharathkumar said:
i have unlocked the bootloader in 4.3 i.e 14.2.A.0.290 and i installed the dual recovery in 4.2 i.e 14.1.G.1.534
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.534 is 4.2 FW. the camera will not work with an unlocked boot.
Follow the advice I gave above

gregbradley said:
.534 is 4.2 FW. the camera will not work with an unlocked boot.
Follow the advice I gave above
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah..!! i have done it.. thanks
but i have unlocked it in 4.3 does it make any sence by unlocking the bootloader in 4.3 and i didn't get any recovery mode... so.. i downgrader to 4.2 and installed the dual recovery as the thread says it needs .534 firmware to root properly...

sharathkumar said:
yeah..!! i have done it.. thanks
but i have unlocked it in 4.3 does it make any sence by unlocking the bootloader in 4.3 and i didn't get any recovery mode... so.. i downgrader to 4.2 and installed the dual recovery as the thread says it needs .534 firmware to root properly...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to ask
Why are you unlocking your bootloader? What have you done it for? You do not get a recovery mode just by unlocking the boot, you have to flash a custom kernel with recovery in it
You either do all the downgrading and install dual recovery if you have a locked bootloader
OR
You unlock your bootloader, flash a custom kernel with recovery and install super user app
there is no need for both approaches and that's why you are getting problems

gregbradley said:
I have to ask
Why are you unlocking your bootloader? What have you done it for? You do not get a recovery mode just by unlocking the boot, you have to flash a custom kernel with recovery in it
You either do all the downgrading and install dual recovery if you have a locked bootloader
OR
You unlock your bootloader, flash a custom kernel with recovery and install super user app
there is no need for both approaches and that's why you are getting problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i unlocked the bootloader... i didn't find any recovery after unlocking so i followed the xzdual recovery process... but is it safe to flash a custom kernel.. and by installing only recovery without kernel does this doesn't help..

sharathkumar said:
i unlocked the bootloader... i didn't find any recovery after unlocking so i followed the xzdual recovery process... but is it safe to flash a custom kernel.. and by installing only recovery without kernel does this doesn't help..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why did you unlock the bootloader? What did you want to do with it?
You can not install a recovery without a custom kernel, xperia devices have no recovery partition, it can only be installed by pushing the ramdisks to the system partition or by flashing a custom kernel.
Please follow the advice I gave several posts ago.... that is your solution.
Then spend some time reading up on xperia device flashing.
1) Xperia devices have no factory recovery or recovery partition
2) Unlocking the bootloader is the fastest and easiest method to root and get recovery (If you are allowed to do it)
3) If you cannot or do not want to unlock the bootloader, then go through the downgrade, root, dual recovery process...

gregbradley said:
Why did you unlock the bootloader? What did you want to do with it?
You can not install a recovery without a custom kernel, xperia devices have no recovery partition, it can only be installed by pushing the ramdisks to the system partition or by flashing a custom kernel.
Please follow the advice I gave several posts ago.... that is your solution.
Then spend some time reading up on xperia device flashing.
1) Xperia devices have no factory recovery or recovery partition
2) Unlocking the bootloader is the fastest and easiest method to root and get recovery (If you are allowed to do it)
3) If you cannot or do not want to unlock the bootloader, then go through the downgrade, root, dual recovery process...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok... can we get the recovery by unlocking the bootloader by official way??
and i saw a doomkernel... by installing it in fastboot can i get the recovery mode with locked bootloader or i should seperately install the recovery..??

Please follow my advice from post #2
that is your solution

gregbradley said:
So much fail.
Do not use vroot, it sends your imei number to an ip address in China.
Also, unlocking your bootloader on 4.2 will break your camera, it clearly says so on the Sony official site about unlocking your bootloader.
Now, the solution.
Restore your ta partition.
Use pccompanion to update to the latest firmware
Unlock your bootloader again
Flash a custom kernel of your choice
Install super user app of your choice
Sent from my Xperia Z1 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When china takes your imei, don't they use that and put it on their "clones" so the phone they make work with calling?

LaosPerson said:
When china takes your imei, don't they use that and put it on their "clones" so the phone they make work with calling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's one possible thing they could do with it

sharathkumar said:
ok... can we get the recovery by unlocking the bootloader by official way??
and i saw a doomkernel... by installing it in fastboot can i get the recovery mode with locked bootloader or i should seperately install the recovery..??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greg said fifteen times - follow his guide for here.
Yoy can't flash custom kernel especially not fastboot custom kernel on locked bootloader.
Whole purpose of unlocking bootloader is to flash custom kernel.
You are confused with all this informations, I would recommend that you read few things here on XDA to understand terms and other things.
You could seriously damage your device with just one wrong step.
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

funky0308 said:
Greg said fifteen times - follow his guide for here.
Yoy can't flash custom kernel especially not fastboot custom kernel on locked bootloader.
Whole purpose of unlocking bootloader is to flash custom kernel.
You are confused with all this informations, I would recommend that you read few things here on XDA to understand terms and other things.
You could seriously damage your device with just one wrong step.
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah..!! am really confused with all these.. as i read alot before unlocking and flashing..
flashing a custom kernel can brick the phone??

Some [Q] about Bootloader Unlock [Xperia T]

So I want to unlock my phone Bootloader and install a fresh AOSP 4.4
Mine current android version is 4.3 Jellybean ( 9.2.A.1.199) and on the sony bootloader unlock site when I insert the dial number it says "Root status ...... Allowed "
I rooted it today ( havent installed recovery buy I can do it later)
My questions :
Can my phone brick while trying to unlock the bootloader?
Do I need to download the latest version or the 4.1 version of android ?
All this I'm doing 'cus my 1 year warrantly has ended today so Why not ? :good:

Don't think the bootloader unlock procedure has much risk of bricking your phone... especially if you use the official Sony Bootloader Unlock method. But you may want to read up on backing up your TA before unlocking the bootloader.

LaZiODROID said:
Don't think the bootloader unlock procedure has much risk of bricking your phone... especially if you use the official Sony Bootloader Unlock method. But you may want to read up on backing up your TA before unlocking the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you help me a bit I'm like new to Xperia T developer world ( I have some skills from Xperia X8 but that is like a another world)

CS Fan 991 said:
Can you help me a bit I'm like new to Xperia T developer world ( I have some skills from Xperia X8 but that is like a another world)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd also suggest backing up your TA first. It's all in here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
If you unlock your bootloader, you lose your Bravia Engine. You can get it back when you lock bootloader, but only if you restore your TA. If you don't have this backup, BE is most likely lost forever.

LaZiODROID said:
Don't think the bootloader unlock procedure has much risk of bricking your phone... especially if you use the official Sony Bootloader Unlock method. But you may want to read up on backing up your TA before unlocking the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ArtDC said:
I'd also suggest backing up your TA first. It's all in here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
If you unlock your bootloader, you lose your Bravia Engine. You can get it back when you lock bootloader, but only if you restore your TA. If you don't have this backup, BE is most likely lost forever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done backing up my TA keys ( done the dry restore to make sure )
So Now I only need to unlock my bootloader ?
Still one question :
Can I use my current version of android 4.3
EDIT : Unlocked the bootloader , put rom , gapps , wipped WORKING AS A CHARM
Thanks for the help !
And if I would like to restore to stock do I need to relock the bootloader ?

CS Fan 991 said:
Thanks for the help !
And if I would like to restore to stock do I need to relock the bootloader ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice!
If you want to get your phone back to stock, just flash a stock FTF. Flashtool does not require the bootloader to be relocked for that.
Unless you mean "stock" for warranty purposes, or selling the phone... then I guess I'd say yes to relocking the bootloader, after flashing a stock FTF (and also restoring the TA, of course)

Thanks 4 The Info )))