Database Develop

[Q] Clarifying question about 4.3 root.

This is for my curiosity and many other users who I know are wondering the same thing, I've searched for this, but can't really find anything that answers it to my satisfaction.
So I'm running 4.3, with build number .290
I want to root my phone, but I know I need to flash .534 back to my phone. As far as I know, THIS will stop my sim being recognised by the phone. Do I then need to ROOT the phone, and then flash .290 again for the sim to work again.
So which .290 flash will I use? Just the normal FTF file for .290?
Thank you, I'm an active contributor to the forum, but I like to be super sure about what I'm doing before I do it, and I gather many other users do. The reason I'm asking in such detail is because my phone was rooted before, I updated (by mistake) to 4.3 and then flashed back to .290 where it stopped my sim working. Took me a few hours to work out how to fix it, as the pccompanion wasn't working for me!
Thank you!

TagEHeuer said:
This is for my curiosity and many other users who I know are wondering the same thing, I've searched for this, but can't really find anything that answers it to my satisfaction.
So I'm running 4.3, with build number .290
I want to root my phone, but I know I need to flash .534 back to my phone. As far as I know, THIS will stop my sim being recognised by the phone. Do I then need to ROOT the phone, and then flash .290 again for the sim to work again.
So which .290 flash will I use? Just the normal FTF file for .290?
Thank you, I'm an active contributor to the forum, but I like to be super sure about what I'm doing before I do it, and I gather many other users do. The reason I'm asking in such detail is because my phone was rooted before, I updated (by mistake) to 4.3 and then flashed back to .290 where it stopped my sim working. Took me a few hours to work out how to fix it, as the pccompanion wasn't working for me!
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why don't you unlock your 4.3 rom and flash a recovery to root it ? would be easier

AntiDroid said:
why don't you unlock your 4.3 rom and flash a recovery to root it ? would be easier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really used to that, new to all this. A guide somewhere?

Look here,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=48902196
sent from a Rooted & Unlocked Xperia Z1

TagEHeuer said:
Not really used to that, new to all this. A guide somewhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to flash the firmware you have, follow this guide from part B to part C, then you will have a ftf copy of your current firmware.
About the root thing, downgrade to .257 then .534 so you don't have the IMEI and signal issues. Then root and OTA to .257 and then, if you get OTA update to .290 go for it, but some people said that you will only get partial root access.
So you will have to either flash a prerooted firmware or unlock bootloader and turn off Sony's RIC and then root the normal way.
To unlock bootloader, just follow the instructions here but don't forget to backup the TA partition using this guide.
Regards,
~J2C

[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!

Flash Stock Sony Firmware on to carrier locked phone

Hey guys,
I have one or two questions I cant seem to find a definitive answer for.
I currently have a Z1 locked to my local O2 network. They still haven't release any updates past 4.2.2.
I was wondering would it be possible to flash a Sony Stock Factory Image so that future OTA updates would come from Sony and not through my carrier?
I was looking at this ROM here. So Root the phone, flash the ROM and then remove root.
Some might say why not root, unlock etc. but the to be honest I have done my fair share of trying different ROM's on different phones, throughout the years and I just love how stable the phone is and how good the battery life is that I just don't want to mess around with it too much.
Dave

You already messing around. That link which you posted is a method to root your phone and if you do not want to root it then is not the right thread. To update your phone to latest FW you have to flash the Unbranded Firmware .136 for your model from HERE
Use flashtool v0.9.13 to do that, wipe everything and you are done. This is for Locked Bootloader and you will also get next Updates when they comes.

eclyptos said:
You already messing around. That link which you posted is a method to root your phone and if you do not want to root it then is not the right thread. To update your phone to latest FW you have to flash the Unbranded Firmware .136 for your model from HERE
Use flashtool v0.9.13 to do that, wipe everything and you are done. This is for Locked Bootloader and you will also get next Updates when they comes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its as simple as that? I might give it a shot this evening so when I get home.

davkav said:
Its as simple as that? I might give it a shot this evening so when I get home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's simple because you just want the latest Firmware only, No Root, No Unlocked Bootlader.

One last question, if I flash the latest UK version which is .290 will I receive OTA or PC Companion updates as soon as .136 is out for the UK version?

davkav said:
One last question, if I flash the latest UK version which is .290 will I receive OTA or PC Companion updates as soon as .136 is out for the UK version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes

harfot said:
Yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brilliant, Thanks!

[Q] Generic vs Branded rom

Hi guys this is my first post here so be gentle! I'm trying to get cyanogen mod on my Z1.
I have followed the guides on this forum, my appreciation to all involved here great job!
I downgraded to 4.2.2 from 4.3. I then rooted my the phone. I then unlocked the bootloader.
All went ok. I then downloaded C6903_14.2.A.0.290_1276-0875_Generic UK.ftf and flashed it. The phone then wouldn't turn back on.
So I downloaded C6903 14.1.G.1.534 EE UK 1276-2219_R9A (I'm on EE) and flashed that and I got the phone working again.
I then flashed DoomKernal to get CWM. DoomKernal went fine.
Somewhere along the line I think I got confused and thought DoomKernal would give me CWM and I flashed C6903_14.2.A.0.290_1276-0875_Generic UK.ftf again to upgrade back to 4.3.
Same problem...Phone wouldn't turn on so I repeated the EE branded 4.2.2 flash.
Now DoomKernal seems to be taken off. So my questions are as followed:
Do i need DoomKernal to get CWM?
Do i need to be on 4.4 before I install Cyanogen mod or can I do it straight from 4.2.2 with DoomKernal?
If I'm being a total noob I apologize!
Thanks.

Wizber said:
Hi guys this is my first post here so be gentle! I'm trying to get cyanogen mod on my Z1.
I have followed the guides on this forum, my appreciation to all involved here great job!
I downgraded to 4.2.2 from 4.3. I then rooted my the phone. I then unlocked the bootloader.
All went ok. I then downloaded C6903_14.2.A.0.290_1276-0875_Generic UK.ftf and flashed it. The phone then wouldn't turn back on.
So I downloaded C6903 14.1.G.1.534 EE UK 1276-2219_R9A (I'm on EE) and flashed that and I got the phone working again.
I then flashed DoomKernal to get CWM. DoomKernal went fine.
Somewhere along the line I think I got confused and thought DoomKernal would give me CWM and I flashed C6903_14.2.A.0.290_1276-0875_Generic UK.ftf again to upgrade back to 4.3.
Same problem...Phone wouldn't turn on so I repeated the EE branded 4.2.2 flash.
Now DoomKernal seems to be taken off. So my questions are as followed:
Do i need DoomKernal to get CWM?
Do i need to be on 4.4 before I install Cyanogen mod or can I do it straight from 4.2.2 with DoomKernal?
If I'm being a total noob I apologize!
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Accidently gave you a thank lol
I actually don't know about branded phone, but I can tell you that your step has gone wrong. You will always lose root
if you flash a sock ftf file.
So you are saying you unlocked bootloader on the 534 rom? Your camera is probably dead now, check it if you can boot.
Unlocking bootloader before getting on 4.3 or 4.4 will result in disabling the camera. You did it now anyway, I can't help you. Maybe flash 4.4 now and see if your camera works again.
Flashing cyanogen is not about root but unlock bootloader, people would recommend you to root first becoz you will be able to do TA back up with root
(TA backup is a way to backup drm key, so you can restore it in the future and restore locked bootloader exclusive feature like X reality and better quality camera. Seems you don't know what I'm talking about and already unlocked the bootloader before you even ever heard about TA. Sorry can't help you to save this part, you may continue anyway)
So on 4.4, you may have to unlock the bootloader again since the bootloader itself maybe relocked itself when you flash a sock ftf file. ( doesn't mean you restored DRM key is back)
So maybe unlock it again and start to flash cm.
Personally I wouldnt recommend a newbie in Android to unlock bl so fast since it's too easy to mess up serious things up and it's not so easy for turning back. Well you started messing them up anyway, continue then

Thanks for the reply.
I did do a TA back up before I unlocked the bootloader....If i restore from this will it get the camera working?
I have tried to flash Cyanogen mod but it fails error 7. It thinks my Z1 is a Togari (Z ultra) which it isnt cant find anything on this!
Ok so, i'll try and get on 4.4...
I have a UK Z1 C6903.
Can I flash to C6903 14.3.A.0.681 Global 1277-2880_R5C (this is 4.4 right?)
OR does it have to be a UK one I cant seem to find a uk 4.4?

So after a bit of stress and the phone getting stuck in bootloop I have installed 4.4.2 using .681 commercial.
I hope it will be smooth sailing now to install cyanogen mod
Oh and the camera works again!

Wizber said:
Thanks for the reply.
I did do a TA back up before I unlocked the bootloader....If i restore from this will it get the camera working?
I have tried to flash Cyanogen mod but it fails error 7. It thinks my Z1 is a Togari (Z ultra) which it isnt cant find anything on this!
Ok so, i'll try and get on 4.4...
I have a UK Z1 C6903.
Can I flash to C6903 14.3.A.0.681 Global 1277-2880_R5C (this is 4.4 right?)
OR does it have to be a UK one I cant seem to find a uk 4.4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
happy to hear that u actually did TA backup
any 4.4 should be fine
after that install doomlord advanced stock kernel v2 i think

[Q] Locked bootloader , can i downgrade to root.

i recently bought a bell xperia z1, went on to the sony website to unlock bootloader to find that mine is locked, unlike the international version which has an unlockable bootloader.
ive updated it to see if the updates would unlock the bootloader but alas they did not, now im running :
model c6906
android 4.3
build 14.2.A.0.209
Main question :
Will i be able to downgrade and bypass the bootloader?
ive rooted a S2/Htc HD/ Desire Z in the past im just worrying about bricking my phone that ive had for less then a week.
and all other guides ive seen are for different versions, ive heard of flashing the 6903 stuff but that makes me worry way to much.
so pretty much want to know is it possible to do via downgrade to achieve root or should i just wait till a safer method becomes available.
sony bloatware is annoying

Yes, you can get C6906 Rooted with Locked Bootlader. First you have Read a bit more about it, starting with this thread and also watch the Video Tutorial.
You have to use Flashtool v0.9.15 to downgrade to .534 using Rogers FTF for your model from here.
When you are on 4.2.2 FW .534 Root it with Bin4ry Method, then Install Dualrecovery, SuperSU and Upgrade to your favorite latest Android Pre-Rooted, like KitKat Here or JB 4.3 Here.
Done.
Good Luck!

you sir are the man, followed the video and got root, now to find a rom to use.
edit : went to install a rom + gapps and had to do the whole process over again. right from flashing nuts custom. got stuck in a sony logo boot loop. zz
so attempt #2 with a different rom.
edit 2: was able to update to 4.4 kitkat so now i hope i can update my rom. since i was trying to do a 4.4 rom on the 4.3 firmware ?
edit3: nope stuck on sony logo so went back to nuts again... hrmm well atleast i could upate to 4.4 going to try boot to cwm and see if that works

Before I flashed mine I was reading for weeks, You did in few hours and I think to quickly. If the phone stuck in Boot logo, I think you did something wrong but I don't have the phone with me so I cannot tell.
Now you have to go back to stock, keep pushing Volume UP and Power, 3 vibrations, phone in off, keep pushing volume down and connect to pc in flashmode, flash a Stock FTF for your model from the link I give you. Now you phone should boot. Repeat the process to get Root and be careful.
Remember to Wipe Data, Appslog, Cache, every time you flash a Fresh Installation is recommended.

eclyptos said:
keep pushing volume down and connect to pc in flashmode, flash a Stock FTF for your model from the link I give you. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should not connect the phone to the PC until the PC prompts you after flashtool has prepared the files for flashing

sorvis said:
since i was trying to do a 4.4 rom on the 4.3 firmware ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.4 will need a 4.4 kernel.

gregbradley said:
You should not connect the phone to the PC until the PC prompts you after flashtool has prepared the files for flashing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, that is why I saw in Flashtool Disconnect and Connect my device few times but never had a problem. Good to know.

i was able to go back and use flash tool to flash nut's ftf
so im on 4.4 kitkat rooted which is good.
but when i flash any custom rom trough any recovery it boot loops im guessing its because locked bootloader.
so im guessing any rom i want to flash has to have 2 parts. The flashing process in recovery and the flashtool flash firmware for that rom.
unless like you said update my kernal