Database Develop

[Q] Downgrade from 4.3 (C6903) Xperia Z1 14.2.A.0.290 Generic NCB (Unbranded/Nordic)

Hi everybody!
This is my first post as I usual solve my problems just by reading others people posts.
I recently flashed my z1 (C6903) to 14.2.A.0.290 Generic NCB (Unbranded/Nordic) (4.3 android) as I didn 't like the DE(german version) with the bloatware. I rooted it before with kingo but lost my root after flashing the NCB version I'm now looking for a way to downgrade to a older ncb version root it with kingo and then do a ota upgrade to keep the root. Does anybody have the FTF therfore and what boxes should I pick I want to keep my data or should I let it do a full wipe do a backup with sony companion or the sony app on the phone and than play it in after finishing the downgrade root and OTA? Pls help me I' m completly lost and I'm really missing the root.
Thanks in advance to everyone!!!!!
john

johnnydrift said:
Does anybody have the FTF therfore and what boxes should I pick I want to keep my data or should I let it do a full wipe do a backup with sony companion or the sony app on the phone and than play it in after finishing the downgrade root and OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My experience is that if older FTFs aren't in the mega thead (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2469191), then you won't find them anywhere. Mega thread only has a 290 FTF for NCB, so you may be SOL if you want to strictly downgrade to 534 NCB and then OTA to 290. However, as long as you flash a generic FTF, you won't get carrier bloatware.
If root is what you'd want, I'd go with [NUT]'s pre-rooted 290: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2572988. It's the easiest way to get full root.

..or you follow the instruction step by step here on page 2, post #16 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588331&page=2

johnnydrift said:
Hi everybody!
This is my first post as I usual solve my problems just by reading others people posts.
I recently flashed my z1 (C6903) to 14.2.A.0.290 Generic NCB (Unbranded/Nordic) (4.3 android) as I didn 't like the DE(german version) with the bloatware. I rooted it before with kingo but lost my root after flashing the NCB version I'm now looking for a way to downgrade to a older ncb version root it with kingo and then do a ota upgrade to keep the root. Does anybody have the FTF therfore and what boxes should I pick I want to keep my data or should I let it do a full wipe do a backup with sony companion or the sony app on the phone and than play it in after finishing the downgrade root and OTA? Pls help me I' m completly lost and I'm really missing the root.
Thanks in advance to everyone!!!!!
john
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a link to the correct FTF (note that it is .257, so follow the guides regarding rooting .257, or if you're savvy, install a .534 kernel, root with Kingo, install a .257 kernel again, then OTA)
https://mega.co.nz/#!WkolCYjB!IIXR5SgAn-J05MXmG26GYyi2P2sYcF34Avn73z5Y9n0
It is incorrectly named Generic SE, but it is the right customisation ID for Generic NCB (1276-9897).

Code:
Rekoil said:
Here's a link to the correct FTF (note that it is .257, so follow the guides regarding rooting .257, or if you're savvy, install a .534 kernel, root with Kingo, install a .257 kernel again, then OTA)
It is incorrectly named Generic SE, but it is the right customisation ID for Generic NCB (1276-9897).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi guys!
Thanks for ur fast answer two last questions if I want to keep all my data and apps whats the ebst way to keep them or transfer a backup? And what is the right rooting methode for the 257. I can flash it without any kernel problems?I wanted to do the one click root methode with kingo I thought it s just plug and root( doens it root allkernels?) did tht last time....
Thanks again!!!

johnnydrift said:
Code:
Hi guys!
Thanks for ur fast answer two last questions if I want to keep all my data and apps whats the ebst way to keep them or transfer a backup? And what is the right rooting methode for the 257. I can flash it without any kernel problems?I wanted to do the one click root methode with kingo I thought it s just plug and root( doens it root allkernels?) did tht last time....
Thanks again!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony PC Companion can make a backup for you, I don't know how much will be saved as in order to flash a 4.2.2 ROM you'll need to wipe your data partition.

johnnydrift said:
Thanks for ur fast answer two last questions if I want to keep all my data and apps whats the ebst way to keep them or transfer a backup? And what is the right rooting methode for the 257. I can flash it without any kernel problems?I wanted to do the one click root methode with kingo I thought it s just plug and root( doens it root allkernels?) did tht last time....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
257 can't be rooted manually, only 534 can be rooted by vRoot/Kingo/etc.
Since you are downgrading, you must wipe data and will lose everything you don't copy off the phone.

xasbo said:
257 can't be rooted manually, only 534 can be rooted by vRoot/Kingo/etc.
Since you are downgrading, you must wipe data and will lose everything you don't copy off the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I have to get the 534 ftf generic or nordic do a backup with Sony companion before.flash the 534 root it and let it do ota twice to 257 and then to 290 again ota and I ll keep the root.

johnnydrift said:
So I have to get the 534 ftf generic or nordic do a backup with Sony companion before.flash the 534 root it and let it do ota twice to 257 and then to 290 again ota and I ll keep the root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's not possible to upgrade 257/290 and keep root. You asked about downgrading, not rooting 290. If you have an unlocked BL, go read the dev thread on how to root 290. With a locked BL, you'll need to get rooted 534/257 and then flash a custom pre-rooted ROM from the dev forum.
General: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2440565
290 pre-root options: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z1/development
unlock BL 290 root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2573921

xasbo said:
No, it's not possible to upgrade 257/290 and keep root. You asked about downgrading, not rooting 290. If you have an unlocked BL, go read the dev thread on how to root 290. With a locked BL, you'll need to get rooted 534/257 and then flash a custom pre-rooted ROM from the dev forum.
General: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2440565
290 pre-root options: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z1/development
unlock BL 290 root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2573921
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually with OTA you keep semi-root, but in essence you're right. Actually I think the easiest solution is to flash a stock .534 ROM, root it with Kingo, grab TA partition backup, flash .290, unlock bootloader, flash a recovery, do a proper root, reflash stock boot partition, flash TA backup.

Rekoil said:
Actually with OTA you keep semi-root, but in essence you're right. Actually I think the easiest solution is to flash a stock .534 ROM, root it with Kingo, grab TA partition backup, flash .290, unlock bootloader, flash a recovery, do a proper root, reflash stock boot partition, flash TA backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, true, I've just stopped telling people about partial root since full root is possible. Those who don't know to ask don't know what it means anyway, and it's just simpler for everyone involved to leave it out.

how to guide
Hey guys thanks for the answers.I really don't want to unlock the bootloader is there any other way to get root on 4.3 and what would be the steps thank you!!!

johnnydrift said:
Hey guys thanks for the answers.I really don't want to unlock the bootloader is there any other way to get root on 4.3 and what would be the steps thank you!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you joking? We already told you what you have to do but I think you didn't read a word from all the post because you will know something now.
I posted this already here and this is Root and Custom Rom for Locked Bootlader Step by Step Guide, Page 2, Post #16, Here
Android 4.3 FTF .290 Root only for Locked Bootlader, Here

[Q] C6906 - Flashing .290 branded to .290 generic

Hello,
I recently bricked my Z1 and just got it back from warranty repaired. It is a C6906 that they upgraded to 4.3 (.290) however it is branded to BELL and I wish to flash the unbranded generic so I don't have as much bloatware/fast updates.
Since I do not wish to brick the device again and go through this again and so I am looking for advice to do this in a way that is guaranteed. With flashtool if I flash "C6906 14.2.A.0.290 Generic CA 1276-7484_R2B" would I have any issues at all? Just load up Flashtool - select the ftf and just use the default settings and plug in the Z1 while holding down the volume button.

I used the latest Flashtool v0.9.13, connected to PC, let install windows the drivers, selected the Unbranded Stock ftf, wiped all data, appslog, cache, all the rest unchecked and I performed the flash. All fine and the phone working well. I don't know why you had problems or why you bricked the phone but there is no advice to give you because it's simply. So even if all it's clear no guarantee and it's up to you. I don't think is the FTF faulty.

eclyptos said:
I used the latest Flashtool v0.9.13, connected to PC, let install windows the drivers, selected the Unbranded Stock ftf, wiped all data, appslog, cache, all the rest unchecked and I performed the flash. All fine and the phone working well. I don't know why you had problems or why you bricked the phone but there is no advice to give you because it's simply. So even if all it's clear no guarantee and it's up to you. I don't think is the FTF faulty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is separate from how I bricked it (using custom rom), I did this previously with a older version and just not on .290 and I am wondering if there is any issues (IMEI etc) doing it .290 to .290, thats all. I just don't want to make a mistake.

magwart said:
This is separate from how I bricked it (using custom rom), I did this previously with a older version and just not on .290 and I am wondering if there is any issues (IMEI etc) doing it .290 to .290, thats all. I just don't want to make a mistake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so you bricked the phone with custon rom, now I understand. In this case there is no any issues flashing .290 unbranded on .290 branded. IMEI is lost only when jumping .257 and downgrade directly to .534. It's more "safe" flash .290 on .290. Go flash now.

eclyptos said:
Ok, so you bricked the phone with custon rom, now I understand. In this case there is no any issues flashing .290 unbranded on .290 branded. IMEI is lost only when jumping .257 and downgrade directly to .534. It's more "safe" flash .290 on .290. Go flash now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I don't suppose there is any working root for 4.3 yet, is there for the C9606?
Edit: Successfully flashed. Thanks again.

magwart said:
Thanks. I don't suppose there is any working root for 4.3 yet, is there for the C9606?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No direct root, like Vroot or 360, for .290 at the moment, just a method to get full root for Locked Bootladers. To do that you have to downgrade, root, install recovery then update to .290 again, a bit longer to get root on your phone, sure this method working for C6902/3 but should work for C6906 too, just check.

Would I be able to go from 290 branded to the new 136 intended without issue? I already bricked one device trying to root and I'm just trying to make sure lol

akusokuzan said:
Would I be able to go from 290 branded to the new 136 intended without issue? I already bricked one device trying to root and I'm just trying to make sure lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably because when you bricked your phone was the time when some issues was not discovered yet in do that, and this confirm the fact on the thread now is wrote "How not brick your phone" . BTW, the risk to brick the phone is in downgrading so if you want just to upgrade without Root this way should be more "safe" and you will be able to do it without any issue.

eclyptos said:
Probably because when you bricked your phone was the time when some issues was not discovered yet in do that, and this confirm the fact on the thread now is wrote "How not brick your phone" . BTW, the risk to brick the phone is in downgrading so if you want just to upgrade without Root this way should be more "safe" and you will be able to do it without any issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol yeah, when I was trying to update with root, it didn't go so hot. That thread wasn't stickied until after the debacle. Sounds good though, thanks!

Downgrade OS for Root ? HELP

My phone has OS 290 need to downgrade to 257 to root but the file doesn't show up in flashtool i downgraded to 534 before but lost IMEI so went back to 290

Follow NUT's thread in Android Development section in order to root your Z1.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

ryanraven said:
My phone has OS 290 need to downgrade to 257 to root but the file doesn't show up in flashtool i downgraded to 534 before but lost IMEI so went back to 290
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even I am facing this issue. The flashtool does not seem to recognize .257 at all. Not sure on the reason.
Gurus - Any idea on why the flash tool is not recognizing .257?

@livelyyoungman, @ryanraven Use the FTF .534 provided by NUT to avoid IMEI lost, then follow the instructions to upgrade to .290. Read carefully the thread.

Even I had lost the IMEI when I flashed wrong firmwares 534 rom.
you need to flash .534 based on your firmware c6902 or c6903 or whatever it is. Root your phone and then use nut tutorial to upgrade and keep the root.

Losing IMEI is not even a problem at all because when you will update to .290 or .136 it will be back so do not be worry about it.

matharuajay said:
Even I had lost the IMEI when I flashed wrong firmwares 534 rom.
you need to flash .534 based on your firmware c6902 or c6903 or whatever it is. Root your phone and then use nut tutorial to upgrade and keep the root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed the correct firmware. The one I used was C6902_14.1.G.1.534_Generic IN firmware that I downloaded from the link provided in this forum (MEGA link). Excluded "Baseband" as well. Still IMEI went missing
eclyptos said:
Losing IMEI is not even a problem at all because when you will update to .290 or .136 it will be back so do not be worry about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was not worried on this, as I did read about the issues on downgrading and was fully aware that by flashing to the latest version I would be getting back the IMEI.
Now I have successfully downgraded to .534 as well - just flashed first the global .257 and then the generic IN version of .534. All is well now. Was able to root the phone as well. But now I am facing camera issues; may be a visit to the service center is what seems looming @ large.:crying:

livelyyoungman said:
But now I am facing camera issues; may be a visit to the service center is what seems looming @ large.:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you unlocked bootlader then with .534 or .257 the camera not working, update to .290 or .136 and your camera will be back again.

eclyptos said:
If you unlocked bootlader then with .534 or .257 the camera not working, update to .290 or .136 and your camera will be back again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I have not yet unlocked the BL. But I find the following issues when using the camera:
1. "Camera Not Available" message appears sometimes. It does disappear but upon taking photos after this message a BLUE hue is visible at the bottom of all the pictures I shoot. Only a reset restores the camera function properly.
2. The phone keeps rebooting at least once every day.
I was reading few of the other posts and find that these two could be related to HW malfunction. Hence wanted to visit the service center to figure out the process for replacing the phone. I have already visited the service guys early last week for these two issues. They flashed my mobile once again and returned back to me for checking. :crying:

A factry reset in needed after update. If you are not on latest FW then update.

eclyptos said:
A factry reset in needed after update. If you are not on latest FW then update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes did that as well. But still it does re-appear. So just wanted to confirm if there is really any hardware issue with my piece.

livelyyoungman said:
Yes did that as well. But still it does re-appear. So just wanted to confirm if there is really any hardware issue with my piece.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then something wrong. Call Sony to understand if you should sent it back.

[Q] Rooting from 14.2.A.1.136

Hi.
I recently got a new Xperia Z1 and it was updated to 14.2.A.1.136 and was already android 4.3.
I want to root my phone and I have looked around the forums and here's what I did:
-I downloaded the .257 ftf for Z1 for SG
-I used Flashtool v9.14 and flashed the ftf to my phone.
My phone then went into bootloop.
I have managed to flash .136 back, but I want to know if rooting would be possible?

Yapperzitata said:
Hi.
I recently got a new Xperia Z1 and it was updated to 14.2.A.1.136 and was already android 4.3.
I want to root my phone and I have looked around the forums and here's what I did:
-I downloaded the .257 ftf for Z1 for SG
-I used Flashtool v9.14 and flashed the ftf to my phone.
My phone then went into bootloop.
I have managed to flash .136 back, but I want to know if rooting would be possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to downgrade, make sure you wipe data. That will prevent device from bootloop.
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

Also remember to exclude baseband
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

Use .534 provided by NUT, if your Model is C6903.

One more question
Oh ok thanks!
One more question though: after rooting, then upgrading back to .290, do i have to use NUT's stripped ftf or can i use the generic ones?

Yapperzitata said:
Oh ok thanks!
One more question though: after rooting, then upgrading back to .290, do i have to use NUT's stripped ftf or can i use the generic ones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you have to use the pre-rooted FTF provided by NUT, skip the part of upgrading to .290 and upgrade directly to .136 provided by NUT. Generic ones are Stock only and you will lose Root and Recovery if you will ever attempt to flash them.

eclyptos said:
Use .534 provided by NUT, if your Model is C6903.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But.534 is not available for SG...
If that is not significant, can you give me the link?

Yapperzitata said:
But.534 is not available for SG...
If that is not significant, can you give me the link?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not, it have to be C6903 Model Only.
Post #3
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2572988

Ok...
So i followed the instructions from NUT over here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2628185
I have gotten TWRP on my phone.
However, at the 5th step, despite switching the phone to power off as per instruction after flashing, it automatically starts and i get a bootstall.
Any advice or tips?

Yapperzitata said:
Ok...
So i followed the instructions from NUT over here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2628185
I have gotten TWRP on my phone.
However, at the 5th step, despite switching the phone to power off as per instruction after flashing, it automatically starts and i get a bootstall.
Any advice or tips?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, what do you mean with bootstall?

Downgrade from 4.4 to 4.3

I'm with bell Canada and upgraded to 4.4 via pcc. It's quite buggy phone is generally slow and chrome and messaging. App force closes often
It seem to have worked fine for a day or 2 when I upgraded
Can i go back and load the generic or bell 4.3 ftf? Will I brick the Z1?
Sent from my C6906 using xda app-developers app

vhl71 said:
I'm with bell Canada and upgraded to 4.4 via pcc. It's quite buggy phone is generally slow and chrome and messaging. App force closes often
It seem to have worked fine for a day or 2 when I upgraded
Can i go back and load the generic or bell 4.3 ftf?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes
Will I brick the Z1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No
and don't worry, I have already asked the mods to move this post to the Q and A section where I know you really meant to post it

gregbradley said:
yes No
and don't worry, I have already asked the mods to move this post to the Q and A section where I know you really meant to post it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if i choose to go back to 4.3 from 4.4 should i do a wipe of my data ? or can i just go back without deleting data?
I'm not rooted..

vhl71 said:
if i choose to go back to 4.3 from 4.4 should i do a wipe of my data ? or can i just go back without deleting data?
I'm not rooted..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have a bell Xperia Z1, a first advice is to use generic firmwares, the bell ones are full of bloatware.
And there is no need to Wipe Data. As long as i know, if you have a rooted 4.4 you will need to make a restore through PCC first to an unrooted FW (some broke their devices when flashing a generic FW over a rooted one) then flash either a .136 or .290 unbranded/generic firmware for 6906.
If you decide to go back to 4.2.2, you will need to do it in 2steps to not loose your IMEI, flash to .136 or .290 first, then flash 4.2.2.
In other words, you have 2 choices :
1- Downgrade from KK to 290 then to 257, then from 257 to 534
2- When downgrading from 290 to 534, exclude "Baseband" in Flashtool and you'll be good to go.
I