[Q] Stock to AOKP/CM - Xperia Z Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello everybody,
I'll make this as quick as possible but basically I am in desperate need of someone to guide me trough the complete process from stock to AOKP or CWM.
I have read alot of the guides here on the forums but the number of threads just really confuse me and alot of threads lead to other threads which are outdated.
So if you could show me the best way to root my phone, backup all of my data (so I can revert back completely to stock), lock & relock my bootloader etcetera, I'd be forever in your debt.
I have some rooting & custom rom experience on a Samsung device but this is like really really different and I'm scared to mess up my €500 device, but I'd really love to have either AOKP/CWM.
Country: Belgium
Model: C6603
Android version: 4.2.2
Smalband version: 9x15A-ACEFWMAZQ-30110057-39
Kernel version: 3.4.0-g3865184 || [email protected] #1 || Tue Jul 2 07:57:34 2013
Build version: 10.3.1.A.0.244
Also from checking my customization number I'm on Generic BE.
Thanks alot, I have heard alot of this great community, I'm hoping someone's willing to help this complete noob out
Edgy Ser
EDIT: Also, does rooting my device disable OTA updates/PCcompanion updates? I'd love to be able to completely go back to stock, including locking the bootloader, recovery & stock firmware & get my warranty back.

You need to unlock your bootloader first,there is a guide how to.
Before doing that make a backup of your TA partition,you will find the tool,in development section.
To backup TA you have to be rooted,follow doomlord guide in dev section how to root the latest firmware.
Once all the above is done,download any cm or aopk rom.
Extract the downloaded zip,you will find a file boot.img , this file should be flashed to your phone by fastboot.
Type the command : fastboot flash boot boot.img +enter and connect your phone by pressing volume up + insert the usb cable (your phone should be off first) you will see a blue led and the file will be flashed.
Turn your phone on and when you see a purple led press volume down,this will take you to the recovery.
In recovery factory reset/wipe data and install the rom zip(the rom's zip should be copied first to your sd).
Done
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium

gm007 said:
You need to unlock your bootloader first,there is a guide how to.
Before doing that make a backup of your TA partition,you will find the tool,in development section.
To backup TA you have to be rooted,follow doomlord guide in dev section how to root the latest firmware.
Once all the above is done,download any cm or aopk rom.
Extract the downloaded zip,you will find a file boot.img , this file should be flashed to your phone by fastboot.
Type the command : fastboot flash boot boot.img +enter and connect your phone by pressing volume up + insert the usb cable (your phone should be off first) you will see a blue led and the file will be flashed.
Turn your phone on and when you see a purple led press volume down,this will take you to the recovery.
In recovery factory reset/wipe data and install the rom zip(the rom's zip should be copied first to your sd).
Done
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey there man!
Thanks for the quick guide, already feeling more clear now.
Few things though, do I need to backup my original firmware to be able to go back to stock? (I don't care about apps or anything)
And does this whole process disable the ability to make my device like it was out of the box?
And lastly, it's "root > backup TA > unlock bootloader > put rom on sd > flash that".
And when I'm on CM or AOKP and I want to go back to stock, how would one do that safely?
Thanks a bunch!

Using this tool will let you go back to stock rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2240614
After going back to stock you will have to root your phone again so you can restore TA.
After restoring TA,you will have to flash the stock rom again so your phone will be as it was out of the box.
Edit: yes the steps are correct.
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium

gm007 said:
Using this tool will let you go back to stock rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2240614
After going back to stock you will have to root your phone again so you can restore TA.
After restoring TA,you will have to flash the stock rom again so your phone will be as it was out of the box.
Edit: yes the steps are correct.
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your help has been much appreciated man!
Seems as though people here are really helpful like they say!
Thanks a lot!

Related

Sorry in advance but need advice

First, sorry if this has been covered already but ive done my searching around and I'm still confused.
Im looking to flash a custom ROM. I'm already rooted and running dual recovery. I'm on the T-Mobile XZ C6606. Looking at the development sections, and this phone seems more complicated when it comes to flashing than others. Can someone point me to the right direction.
All I want to do is flash a custom stock based ROM with good battery. I see Roms that say u need to flash old firmware first using flashtool but those firmwares are for other models.
I'm also debating on unlocking the bootloader but it says I would lose the bravia Engine, would a custom ROM bring it back?
Sent from my C6606 using xda app-developers app
mikaeldalc said:
First, sorry if this has been covered already but ive done my searching around and I'm still confused.
Im looking to flash a custom ROM. I'm already rooted and running dual recovery. I'm on the T-Mobile XZ C6606. Looking at the development sections, and this phone seems more complicated when it comes to flashing than others. Can someone point me to the right direction.
All I want to do is flash a custom stock based ROM with good battery. I see Roms that say u need to flash old firmware first using flashtool but those firmwares are for other models.
I'm also debating on unlocking the bootloader but it says I would lose the bravia Engine, would a custom ROM bring it back?
Sent from my C6606 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to flash any custom ROM that is NOT based on stock ROM, such as CM/AOSP, you need an unlocked bootloader. I suggest that, if you want to unlock your bootloader, you first backup your DRM keys.
All this info is found in this forum. I'm still getting familiar with it myself, as I haven't even purchased my XZ yet.
First, you can't unlock the bootloader of your device, so forget about that idea. All T Mobile Z are unlockable.
Second, now that you have recovery installed, it is just a matter of downloading the zip file containing the rom you want and flash it. Afaik, all C6603 roms are compatible with yoyr device, but itll be good if you ask before on the thread of the rom you want to try.
DrKrFfXx said:
First, you can't unlock the bootloader of your device, so forget about that idea. All T Mobile Z are unlockable.
Second, now that you have recovery installed, it is just a matter of downloading the zip file containing the rom you want and flash it. Afaik, all C6603 roms are compatible with yoyr device, but itll be good if you ask before on the thread of the rom you want to try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, because im not new to flashing but on the rom pages, the installing instructions are making it seem more complicated than building a time machine. For example here one:
------BACKUP any critical data to microSD
Copy this rom zip package to microSD
Flash stock Sony's firmware (FTF) 10.1.A.434 (for android 4.1.2) or 10.3.A.0.423 (for android 4.2.2) using flashtools
Root using any available method
Install any available recovery (TWRP recommended)
Reboot in recovery, do factory reset & install rom until finish
Turn off device. (Hold power button + vol up until vibrates 3 times)
Flash latest Sony's firmware (FTF) matching current latest monxDIFIED base rom using flashtools. Uncheck all WIPE options and exclude all EXCEPT KERNEL & BASEBAND to get latest matched kernel & baseband.
Turn on phone. Done.-------
But, ur saying i just need to flash a rom like normal right?
---Wipe data, Flash custom rom and reboot?
Also, in the dual recovery page, it stated that i need to flash the LockedDualRecovery file after flashing rom, is this still relevant?
mikaeldalc said:
ok, because im not new to flashing but on the rom pages, the installing instructions are making it seem more complicated than building a time machine. For example here one:
------BACKUP any critical data to microSD
Copy this rom zip package to microSD
Flash stock Sony's firmware (FTF) 10.1.A.434 (for android 4.1.2) or 10.3.A.0.423 (for android 4.2.2) using flashtools
Root using any available method
Install any available recovery (TWRP recommended)
Reboot in recovery, do factory reset & install rom until finish
Turn off device. (Hold power button + vol up until vibrates 3 times)
Flash latest Sony's firmware (FTF) matching current latest monxDIFIED base rom using flashtools. Uncheck all WIPE options and exclude all EXCEPT KERNEL & BASEBAND to get latest matched kernel & baseband.
Turn on phone. Done.-------
But, ur saying i just need to flash a rom like normal right?
---Wipe data, Flash custom rom and reboot?
Also, in the dual recovery page, it stated that i need to flash the LockedDualRecovery file after flashing rom, is this still relevant?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those install instructions are ancient. Back then, you had to go to back to that exploitable firmware to root and install recovery. Skip those steps, you have recovery already installed.

Help. My device is stuck on boot animation - cwm and twrp will not load

The title says it all.
I went ahead and tried to install Paranoid android RC2, I flash it then subsequently the GApps using TWRP. Now, the device is stuck forever in the boot animation and neither TWRP or CWM (installed with DualZRecovery) will work.
Is there any way by which I can somehow revert what has happened here? This has never happened to me before.
Needless to say if I can avoid having a $400 paperweight, I have sworn to never risk custom roms on my main phone again.
Just flash some kernel with recovery and restore your backup. If you don't have backup, download some of stock or custom roms and flash via Flashtool or recovery......or just use search function
kraseto said:
Just flash some kernel with recovery and restore your backup. If you don't have backup, download some of stock or custom roms and flash via Flashtool or recovery......or just use search function
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, the main problem is that for some ungodly reason CWM is not working despite the fact that it is what i used to flash PA into the phone in the first place. I have never had a case where CWM itself failed. I need to be in Fastboot mode for flashtool right?
Well the phone wont even go into recovery so im not sure how to get it into fastboot.
1. Download some of newest stock ftf and put it to firmware folder in Flashtool
2. Start Flashtool, press flash btn and pick stock rom
3. Press vol- and connect usb simultaneously and wait about 3 min.
That's it.
Your phone is brand new stock :good:
kraseto said:
1. Download some of newest stock ftf and put it to firmware folder in Flashtool
2. Start Flashtool, press flash btn and pick stock rom
3. Press vol- and connect usb simultaneously and wait about 3 min.
That's it.
Your phone is brand new stock :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'd come to the same conclusions myself but I thank ye kind ser.
Did u unlock your bootloader when u flashing pa?
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
secondkai said:
Did u unlock your bootloader when u flashing pa?
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it was because I forgot to wipe the dalvik cache after installation of the ROM - although why CWM itself stopped working I have no clue.
How did u unlock your bootloader? Flashing aosp base rom require u to unlocked your bootloader first bcos of the custom kernel..if u unlocked your bootloader, did u fastboot flash boot.img?
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

Back to 4.1.2 official from 4.4.2 custom easy way !!!

Hello , i'm from Romania and i find a easy way to go back to 4.1.2 official from a custom 4.4.2 rom.
I search on internet but i did not find some easy way to install official firmware.
I'm sorry for my english but i hope you will find this thread very usefull.
Ok let's begin:
1. Charge the phone.
2. Open LG mobile support tool official.
3. Turn OFF the phone.
4. Press VOL- and plug the USB cable until you see S/W Upgrade.
5. LG tool will find your phone on 4.1.2. It OK.
6. Go to Options - Country and language and select your country and language.
7. Go to Option - Upgrade recovery.
8. Then the LG tool will search your phone firmware and will automaticaly download latest firmware and install .
9. The phone will reboot, and the logo LG will remain on screen, in my case. Do not panic. Unplug the usb cable and press power button to close the phone.Keep pressing untill is off.
10. Press VOL- and Power to enter recovery mod, do a factory reset, wait for the green robot to finish, restart and then the phone will boot official 4.1.2.
Now you have official 4.1.2 fast and easy.
Good luck !
Thanks for share .I think restore Nandroid backup is easier . With your method you have to reunlook bootloader and to root your phone after downgraded to stock firmware.
Sent from my LG-P880 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
aria12 said:
Thanks for share .I think restore Nandroid backup is easier . With your method you have to reunlook bootloader and to root your phone after downgraded to stock firmware.
Sent from my LG-P880 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thing is, people often neglect to make a backup before changing ROMs. And don't worry about the bootloader, that one stays unlocked. Root access will be gone though, but that can be a good thing. This is a good method, also very useful for reviving bricked devices quickly and with ease (in which case you have to choose the option 'force update').
Sent from my LG-P880 using xda app-developers app
Thanks for the tip
With my method the bootloader remain unlock.
aria12 said:
Thanks for share .I think restore Nandroid backup is easier . With your method you have to reunlook bootloader and to root your phone after downgraded to stock firmware.
Sent from my LG-P880 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even nandroid backups are useless at times.For example when your internal storage gets corrupted really bad even formatting wouldn't fix it.In this case I've just bricked my phone by corrupting the internal storage for the 3rd time just this week and only LGMsupport can fix it. (even tried makeext4fs command, nothing helps.)
Also you only need to flash a custom recovery, no need to root or unlock the bootloader.
ottomanhero said:
Also you only need to flash a custom recovery, no need to root or unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
Can U please confirm that ?
i've always been thinking that using any LG tool to "restore" stock rom automatically remove the root.
BTW thanks for this tuto that should be useful in case of emergency
fozland said:
i've always been thinking that using any LG tool to "restore" stock rom automatically remove the root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it does.
fozland said:
Hello,
Can U please confirm that ?
i've always been thinking that using any LG tool to "restore" stock rom automatically remove the root.
BTW thanks for this tuto that should be useful in case of emergency
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant you don't need to reunlock your bootloader or root again in order to flash a custom ROM after restoring your phone's firmware using LG mobile support tool.
Using some adb command you can flash recovery from your computer without needing root.
Sorry guys. I'm a bit confused here... Does that method relock your bootloader or not? If it does, I know that there is a limited number of times you can lock/unlock your bootloader. Can someone explain a little more about that? :silly:
amkirk94 said:
Sorry guys. I'm a bit confused here... Does that method relock your bootloader or not? If it does, I know that there is a limited number of times you can lock/unlock your bootloader. Can someone explain a little more about that? :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reflashing a kdz doesn't relock the bootloader. (which is what this method does)
however, note that this method, as written here will fully wipe your internal sd card. to avoid that, before doing any of this, boot to custom recovery and format system, data, cache & dalvik cache partitions. then proceed as planned, but on step 9, your phone should not be stuck on boot logo, but it should boot into first login screen
Flying_Bear said:
reflashing a kdz doesn't relock the bootloader. (which is what this method does)
however, note that this method, as written here will fully wipe your internal sd card. to avoid that, before doing any of this, boot to cwm and format system, data, cache & dalvik cache partitions. then proceed as planned, but on step 9, your phone should not be stuck on boot logo, but it should boot into first login screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok thanks

[Q] Help: Phone Vibrates - No boot logo

hi guys need you help. I guess I flashed Kernel wrong that's my phone now only vibrates when I press (long press) its powerbutton.
Details:
Phone C6903
Locked Bootloader
Flashed w/ TFT .108 Kernel
Flashed Trinity Vengeance RaptorX ROM
but when I flashed the F(X)TrinityUltimateK - then problem started ( I should have not flashed this one.. Argh!)... anyways, I was able to backup my ROM files to my /sdcard1 but the thing is I cannot boot the phone to Custom Recovery. Right now,I will just charge my phone for the meantime while waiting for your help and feedback.
Thanks for your help and recommended troubleshooting.
Revert everything to stock and start all over to get functional recovery. And from there you can do whatever you want.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Free mobile app
electrash said:
Revert everything to stock and start all over to get functional recovery. And from there you can do whatever you want.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you mean starting from flashing kernel through Flashtool - rooting - then installing customer recovery - restore my backup files - Am I getting the process right?
In your OP,you say that your bootloader is locked,thats the problem.a custom kernel isnt gonna boot if the bootloader is locked,u hav to unlock it
Flash the 108 ftf,then install a recovery and restore your backed up files
Thanks.... flashed firmare - root and installed customer recov - restore data.. whew... I though that I need to throw the phone and just buy a crappy touch phone.

[Q] How do I Lock my bootloader again and go back to stock sony firmware? :(

So im currently rooted running cm11. I really dont like it and want to go back to stock. When I unlocked my bootloader I saved my TA partition rar file which I have stored on my pc. I am quite familiar using flashtool but not that much.
In other words I want to:
1) Lock my bootloader
2) Go back to stock sony firmware
Please help me thanks
p.s if it's worth staying rooted what rom should I install? cm11 is kinda rubbish...
Flashtool will relock your boot loader and reset to stock
My flashtools not display the button "relock" after clicking "BLU", how to proceed?
Here's my solution:
Relock your TA with TA Backup from the previously saved zip file. It doesn't matter what system you use under the procedure, but remember. If you use CM11 (or any non-stock based system) do not try to power on your phone before you flash the stock firmware with Flashtool. Otherwise you can soft brick the device, or if you lucky, you will get only bootloop. And two more thing: Before you start, charge your phone's battery to minimum 50 percent, and before you really start the backup, test it with "Restore dry-run" option. If it sucsess, you can do the trick. But if it fail, re-flash a stock KitKat based ROM, root it, and try this again. If it fails again, maybe your backup file is corrupted.
This method worked on my old SL, and on my Z too, so I hope it will be help to you too.
naaboula said:
So im currently rooted running cm11. I really dont like it and want to go back to stock. When I unlocked my bootloader I saved my TA partition rar file which I have stored on my pc. I am quite familiar using flashtool but not that much.
In other words I want to:
1) Lock my bootloader
2) Go back to stock sony firmware
Please help me thanks
p.s if it's worth staying rooted what rom should I install? cm11 is kinda rubbish...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to relock bootloader to flash a stock based custom ROM. You can flash rajeevs purexz rom via recovery after wiping system and data partitions.
Locked bootloader is only needed for some Sony stuff like Bravia engine and stock Sony screen mirroring.
Sent from my Xperia Z using XDA Free mobile app

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