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Root Xperia Z and still get OTA?

Hi. New to Xperia phone, coming from S3. So far loving it! just wondering if I can root and still have the option to get OTA from Sony? Don't want to loose bravia engine 2 (yet) so only need root to remove som bloatwares and install some apps. Also, if that is possible to get OTA with root, will updating the phone remove root?
Thanks!
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UnLucky12 said:
Hi. New to Xperia phone, coming from S3. So far loving it! just wondering if I can root and still have the option to get OTA from Sony? Don't want to loose bravia engine 2 (yet) so only need root to remove som bloatwares and install some apps. Also, if that is possible to get OTA with root, will updating the phone remove root?
Thanks!
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use pro features of SuperSU or OTA Rootkeeper to protect your root, then when you OTA update you should be fine. Try not to modify anything in the System partition otherwise OTA will probably fail (is my understanding), or if you do (i.e. renaming various apks/odex files to .bak), make sure you put them back before OTA updating, in case they need to be patched.

Thanks for the reply! I was only thinking of installing adaway, also the whitecontroll mod to the Xperia. How do I then remove them like the whitecontroll app witch is intergrated in to the system?
If it removes root, I can always reroot the device
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

UnLucky12 said:
Thanks for the reply! I was only thinking of installing adaway, also the whitecontroll mod to the Xperia. How do I then remove them like the whitecontroll app witch is intergrated in to the system?
If it removes root, I can always reroot the device
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
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I'm not sure about the WB control, I imagine that would likely prevent OTA due to libs inserted in to /system, perhaps if you were to perform the installation manually, take note of all files inserted, and backup any (if any) files it overwrites you could restore it before OTA.
As for AdAway, it only changes your host file, which shouldn't affect OTA, since I doubt Sony will make any changes to it OTA, but AdAway can be "undone" from within the app, so you can do that easily anyway.
It's hard to say really and depends on the OTA, but generally, from my experience, if the OTA contains a patch for a particular file, it will MD5 it, and if that fails, OTA will fail, if you have modified files that aren't patched as part of the OTA you shouldn't have a problem.
That said, I have little experience with Sony OTA files, and without looking at the script for any particular OTA you can never tell what they might check or change.
The only recommendation I can give really, is that if you want to OTA, change as LITTLE as possible in the /system partition, and make sure to revert any changes before attempting to apply an OTA.
If that is too much effort, and all you're really concerned about is you data, use Titanium Backup to keep everything safe, modify anything you want in system, then flash a stock ROM before you OTA update. You could also just flash a stock system partition, perhaps from a nandroid? before you OTA, and that should also solve the problem.

As you don't unlock your bootloader you're safe.
But OTA doesn't always works even in locked bootloader, tried yesterday to OTA update my locked bootloader Xperia T to .140 fw but it failed because of root, even after unroot with superSU option it failed.
Backup everything, update with SUS or PCC and reroot with binary tool using goroh_kun exploit included in the tool..

alias_neo said:
I'm not sure about the WB control, I imagine that would likely prevent OTA due to libs inserted in to /system, perhaps if you were to perform the installation manually, take note of all files inserted, and backup any (if any) files it overwrites you could restore it before OTA.
As for AdAway, it only changes your host file, which shouldn't affect OTA, since I doubt Sony will make any changes to it OTA, but AdAway can be "undone" from within the app, so you can do that easily anyway.
It's hard to say really and depends on the OTA, but generally, from my experience, if the OTA contains a patch for a particular file, it will MD5 it, and if that fails, OTA will fail, if you have modified files that aren't patched as part of the OTA you shouldn't have a problem.
That said, I have little experience with Sony OTA files, and without looking at the script for any particular OTA you can never tell what they might check or change.
The only recommendation I can give really, is that if you want to OTA, change as LITTLE as possible in the /system partition, and make sure to revert any changes before attempting to apply an OTA.
If that is too much effort, and all you're really concerned about is you data, use Titanium Backup to keep everything safe, modify anything you want in system, then flash a stock ROM before you OTA update. You could also just flash a stock system partition, perhaps from a nandroid? before you OTA, and that should also solve the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I can make a nandroid backup with only root? Using Rom Manager app. Or do I need to unlock the bootlocker? If I can, then I can just recover from nandroid that are stock, update then backup again, change systemlibs etc?
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babylonbwoy said:
As you don't unlock your bootloader you're safe.
But OTA doesn't always works even in locked bootloader, tried yesterday to OTA update my locked bootloader Xperia T to .140 fw but it failed because of root, even after unroot with superSU option it failed.
Backup everything, update with SUS or PCC and reroot with binary tool using goroh_kun exploit included in the tool..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see! Hmmm. But SUS?
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UnLucky12 said:
I see! Hmmm. But SUS?
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Click to collapse
I believe SUS is Sony Update Service.
Technically, you should be able to nandroid with recovery for locked bootloader then restore system before OTA, but if Sony OTA checks somehow prevent it because of an md5 on the entire partition or some such, you will have to re flash a totally stock System, perhaps a custom FTF(?), update then root again.
Next time we get an OTA I'll test the process myself, but until then I can only speculate. Hopefully someone else has more concrete information.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

alias_neo said:
I believe SUS is Sony Update Service.
Technically, you should be able to nandroid with recovery for locked bootloader then restore system before OTA, but if Sony OTA checks somehow prevent it because of an md5 on the entire partition or some such, you will have to re flash a totally stock System, perhaps a custom FTF(?), update then root again.
Next time we get an OTA I'll test the process myself, but until then I can only speculate. Hopefully someone else has more concrete information.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Thanks man! But Stock rom for the XZ. How or where can I download it? Supposed to use SUS or PCC? What is best?
Sorry for being such a noob. Don't want to totally destroy my phone hehe.
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UnLucky12 said:
Thanks man! But Stock rom for the XZ. How or where can I download it? Supposed to use SUS or PCC? What is best?
Sorry for being such a noob. Don't want to totally destroy my phone hehe.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
No problem, I, and I imagine others prefer to answer questions from cautious users than those all gung-ho, brick their devices then come crying for help. Ask first, flash later
As for which tool, I hope someone else can comment, I've always been a Samsung man until now so I've never used either tool yet.
As for stock firmwares, there are loads in the Dev section. Just pick the right one and flash it however they recommend.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

alias_neo said:
No problem, I, and I imagine others prefer to answer questions from cautious users than those all gung-ho, brick their devices then come crying for help. Ask first, flash later
As for which tool, I hope someone else can comment, I've always been a Samsung man until now so I've never used either tool yet.
As for stock firmwares, there are loads in the Dev section. Just pick the right one and flash it however they recommend.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Yeah, and thanks for the help Hope your answers will also help other that also wonders about the same thing
Arent there a program or website to download the official firmwares? Or using SUS automatically update it to stock?
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UnLucky12 said:
Yeah, and thanks for the help Hope your answers will also help other that also wonders about the same thing
Arent there a program or website to download the official firmwares? Or using SUS automatically update it to stock?
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
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I believe so. Buy don't quote me on that, like I said, never used it.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

It's the same if you use Sony Update Service or PC Compagnon, PCC contain other tool, while SUS only update. Also you can use Flashtool by Androxyde (here on XDA) to flash firmware converted in ftf format. Sony also relased it's own tool named flashtool to flash unlocked bootloader mobile because you can't use SUS/PCC when it's unlocked.
Read this thread "All the info you need before you begin" http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2153167

[Q] Downgrade to .434?

Hi,
My first post here on XDA! I have a Generic NL .253 Rom (without root, BL locked) flashed on my Z. I want to downgrade it to version .434 so I can root my phone. The problem is, everytime I try to flash it with flashtool, whenever my phone boots up, I get a message saying it's upgrading NFC, then it suddenly reboots. This happens over and over (kind of like a bootloop). I have tried several .FTF files. Also, I don't want to do a clean flash, I have made several backups but I'm afraid they don't live up to my 'backup'-standards. Does anyone know a fix for this?
Thanks in advance!

j0nthn said:
Hi,
My first post here on XDA! I have a Generic NL .253 Rom (without root, BL locked) flashed on my Z. I want to downgrade it to version .434 so I can root my phone. The problem is, everytime I try to flash it with flashtool, whenever my phone boots up, I get a message saying it's upgrading NFC, then it suddenly reboots. This happens over and over (kind of like a bootloop). I have tried several .FTF files. Also, I don't want to do a clean flash, I have made several backups but I'm afraid they don't live up to my 'backup'-standards. Does anyone know a fix for this?
Thanks in advance!
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Click to collapse
So you cannot turn on your phone now?

Ben Ling said:
So you cannot turn on your phone now?
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Click to collapse
Hey, thanks for you reply. Yes, I can. I reflashed my old .253 Generic NL software in between trying other .434 files and it still works fine.
The problem with the .434 is that my phone does boot, but it never properly boots, you know what I mean? It keeps on resetting, and displaying the 'NFC updating' message. Any ideas?
Jonathan

j0nthn said:
Hey, thanks for you reply. Yes, I can. I reflashed my old .253 Generic NL software in between trying other .434 files and it still works fine.
The problem with the .434 is that my phone does boot, but it never properly boots, you know what I mean? It keeps on resetting, and displaying the 'NFC updating' message. Any ideas?
Jonathan
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Click to collapse
so you can start your phone with .253 firmware?
.434 can?

Ben Ling said:
so you can start your phone with .253 firmware?
.434 can?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can start up my phone with .253 firmware, but not really with .434 ('semi-bootloop due to 'NFC update')

j0nthn said:
Hey, thanks for you reply. Yes, I can. I reflashed my old .253 Generic NL software in between trying other .434 files and it still works fine.
The problem with the .434 is that my phone does boot, but it never properly boots, you know what I mean? It keeps on resetting, and displaying the 'NFC updating' message. Any ideas?
Jonathan
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Click to collapse
I'm actually having the exact same issue. I would like to downgrade so I can regain root. I have a feeling to fix the boot loop we would have to wipe the phone. I'm just deciding if I want to try that yet as it sucks redoing everything and the phone is running so good.

Qmann05 said:
I'm actually having the exact same issue. I would like to downgrade so I can regain root. I have a feeling to fix the boot loop we would have to wipe the phone. I'm just deciding if I want to try that yet as it sucks redoing everything and the phone is running so good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah exactly, the backup options are fairly limited since I haven't rooted it yet, and I kinda feel there should be a way around this loop
without having to wipe all my data..

i suggest wipe. it should work when downgrading.. i hope it will work on you both as i downgrade my z after updating to .253 and i dont have any bootloop issues...

Which backup do you think is the best? Pc companion/the pre installed 'backup and recovery' app/Carbon/adb full backup? Does any of these guarantee a full backup? I want to be sure before I try..
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j0nthn said:
Which backup do you think is the best? Pc companion/the pre installed 'backup and recovery' app/Carbon/adb full backup? Does any of these guarantee a full backup? I want to be sure before I try..
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium
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I always trust Titanium Backup. Keep all my apps and important settings through several android phones over a few years already.
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 07:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:45 PM ----------
I downgrade to 434 from 253 through Flashtool without wipe, reroot and flash NUT 253 without any problem.
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Yeah...the problem is, again, I haven't rooted yet. I know TB is the best, it's just not an option for me right now
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[/COLOR]
j0nthn said:
Yeah...the problem is, again, I haven't rooted yet. I know TB is the best, it's just not an option for me right now
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
.434 can be rooted either bin4ry or doomlords method.. and .253 can achieve root using nuts method or wawyed..

So it's possible to root .253 without having rooted before? Did not know that, I will look into that, thanks! This must be new since like today or yesterday, haha
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j0nthn said:
So it's possible to root .253 without having rooted before? Did not know that, I will look into that, thanks! This must be new since like today or yesterday, haha
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Coming from .434.. .253 is pre-rooted in there methods.. So try it and follow instructions well..
sent from my C6502 using xda-developers app

julianalexander said:
Coming from .434.. .253 is pre-rooted in there methods.. So try it and follow instructions well..
sent from my C6502 using xda-developers app
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Yes exactly. But the problem is that I can't get back to .434, I already knew this
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j0nthn said:
Which backup do you think is the best? Pc companion/the pre installed 'backup and recovery' app/Carbon/adb full backup? Does any of these guarantee a full backup? I want to be sure before I try..
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pre installed backup and recovery works great if you're not rooted. Just make sure to check all boxes to backup. Store backup on computer, wipe, flash, root 253 then restore.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

I had exactly the same problem and the only solution was downgrade to .434 with a full wipe!
Everything else I tried ended in restart because of the NFC update.
I could restore my system, because I rooted .434 after the clean install,
updated to .253 from [nut] and restored only the data partition from my last nandroid with recovery.
Then everything was as before and works fine.
But trust me, the only solution is downgrading with a full wipe! :good:

Did you try flash kernel/ otakernel from the .434 with flashtool if not try then
I will skip that update (cannot even get it from Sony PC Companion) so wait for 4.2
I dont use NFC and don't need whitebalance calibration.

xchasa said:
Pre installed backup and recovery works great if you're not rooted. Just make sure to check all boxes to backup. Store backup on computer, wipe, flash, root 253 then restore.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Thank you for this, will try it now. Will keep you updated (if you're interested). Also thanks, Desire and donottouch!
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j0nthn said:
Thank you for this, will try it now. Will keep you updated (if you're interested). Also thanks, Desire and donottouch!
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Click to collapse
Told yah.. Wiping will do the trick..
sent from my C6502 using xda-developers app

LBE Privacy Guard -> boot loop -- help?

Hi,
i just installed LBE privacy guard (on stock 434 FW rooted, unlocked BL). Unfortunately that app decided to go haywire on my phone, sending it into a boot loop.
Stupid enough i didn't make a backup before installing that thing (why would anyone?).
Is there any way to get this thing off the device without razing it completely? I can access TWRP and flash/fastboot.

Use flashtool to reflash a stock 434 ftf. Just don't wipe /data and you shouldn't lose any of your settings/apps. You will have to root again though.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

kingvortex said:
Use flashtool to reflash a stock 434 ftf. Just don't wipe /data and you shouldn't lose any of your settings/apps. You will have to root again though.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that, reflashing the FTF, however the app was still there and it was still autostarting. But in TWRP i found the advanced>file manager and removed the .apk (good that i had TWRP flashed).

waaahsabi said:
I tried that, reflashing the FTF, however the app was still there and it was still autostarting. But in TWRP i found the advanced>file manager and removed the .apk (good that i had TWRP flashed).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh well. Glad you got it sorted.
Just FYI, everywhere I've seen LBE Privacy Guard mentioned there are people complaining that it causes reboot loops on Jelly Bean roms just like you experienced, so I'd give it a miss in future.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

Here on XDA there is a translated LBE Security Master. It has some useless stuff but it has still that privacy control.
Sent from my Xperia Z using XDA premium.

I had the same problem. delete the apk in the internal memory. look to where you find them. then it boots normally again.
My problem was solved.
Greets Stefan
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium

Reboots everywhere

So I clean installed .199 fw and yet I still occur reboots mainly when listening to music with walkman. Does this happen to you guys or I shall sent mine to service...
Sent from my LT30p using xda app-developers app

I don't have that problem.mine my bootloader are unlocked
Sent from my LT25i using Tapatalk 2

MrTapa said:
So I clean installed .199 fw and yet I still occur reboots mainly when listening to music with walkman. Does this happen to you guys or I shall sent mine to service...
Sent from my LT30p using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean with a clean install?
Did you use flashtool or via recovery wiping all?
I don't have any reboot while listening to music and I think it's not one of the known bugs...

istux said:
What do you mean with a clean install?
Did you use flashtool or via recovery wiping all?
I don't have any reboot while listening to music and I think it's not one of the known bugs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By clean install i mean that i have wiped data via flashtool and also in recovery before i installed the fw itself(deodexed one). So at first i used the new 199 over the last one without wiping, and i thought the reboots were caused by data mismatches. So I did a clean install. I flashed via flashtool the fw, flashed a kernel with recovery and did a factory reset there too, then istalled the deodexed zip via the same recovery. So i got to have the kernel flashed also. I am clearly not a noob. Now I have to check my apps, cause if you dont have it then the ony thing that is different on mah phone are my apps. I havent accepted any root premissions whatsoever on my clean istall, but i removed bloatware using TitBak. maybe I have deleted a system app that is nececery. But I was carefull this time. dunno mate

I get the random reboots as well but only when my phone is idle and it will reboot every few moments while idle...it happened after I flashed the 199 ROM from 4.1.2 (maybe I should had done one after the other) and get the won't charge bug from time to time (change to a cheaper USB cord let's it charge) random artifacts as well on the screen like a flash of text. So lots of bugs
Sent from Sauwny the TL

[Q] I want to remove root and get to stock newest version, HELP

Hi, I have the C6903 4.3 14.2.A.0.290 and I would like to get to the newest stock rom 4.4.4. I would be very glad and thankful if anybody had the time to give me a step by step as I have completely forgotten how to do everything (long time ago I rooted the Z1) Give me a step by step in how to remove my root and wipe everything on the phone so it's factory reset and newest version.
Thanks!

Just update using pccompanion, or flash a 4.4.4 ftf using flashtool, then root it using newroot. Follow my signature links for help
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

gregbradley said:
Just update using pccompanion, or flash a 4.4.4 ftf using flashtool, then root it using newroot. Follow my signature links for help
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I update using pccompanion does it completely remove root and leaves my old apps behind or does it completely wipe everything?

Hanozy said:
If I update using pccompanion does it completely remove root and leaves my old apps behind or does it completely wipe everything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The apps will remain if you use Pccompanion but you will loose root. However if you use flashtool there is an option to wipe everything, so you can choose if want to leave the apps or remove them.

The best way is by using "SEUS"...Cleanest and best method ever existed...
It wipes out everything!