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] [HELP] Rooting & relocking BL newest firmware 12.1.A.0.266

Hi everyone!
After searching for rooting newest firmware of 12.1.A.0.266 with LB, I found that it may be impossible without unlocking my BL. So I decided to unlock BL & root it via DooMLord's method and relock again. But I have a few questions.
I heard it's important to backup my TA partition before unlocking so I do a search for it. So I found that root permission is needed for backup TA. Since firmware 12.1.A.0.266 cannot be rooted, I have to downgrade to Android 4.1 and root it by DooMLord's method. It's all OK for me.
But I need to know, if I do restore my TA backup that taken while running Android 4.1, on my newest firmware 12.1.A.0.266, can it be conflicted that lasting bootloop or bricking my device? And relocking my device will it definitely lock my BL to factory status? Please be kind to help me with these questions. :good:
Thank you all :laugh:
Kelumsd.
C5303
12.1.A.0.266 Stock with LB.

No restoring TA wont cause bootloop but to be extra sure you can first flash 4.1.2 restore TA and flash 4.3..

mrjraider said:
No restoring TA wont cause bootloop but to be extra sure you can first flash 4.1.2 restore TA and flash 4.3..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My friend,
Thanks for helping me! :good:
If I restore TA mean I'm relocking my BL. So if I flashed 4.3 again I cannot gain root access coz it cannot root without unlocked BL. Am I correct?
So how can I root 4.3, if I flash 4.3 over 4.1.2 as root is lost after flashing a new firmware.
Thank & Regards! :good:

You need to root on 4.1.2, install CWM. Download and flash a 4.3 ROM and last flash 2.266 kernel
But there are proper threads for this xD

mrjraider said:
You need to root on 4.1.2, install CWM. Download and flash a 4.3 ROM and last flash 2.266 kernel
But there are proper threads for this xD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes brother..... I see several threads that explaining how to do that. But I wanted to root official firmware by unlocking BL.
If I restore TA, should I relock BL after that or, first relock BL then restore TA?
Thanks!

kelumsd said:
Yes brother..... I see several threads that explaining how to do that. But I wanted to root official firmware by unlocking BL.
If I restore TA, should I relock BL after that or, first relock BL then restore TA?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To make it easy, unlock using flashtool. It'll automatically make a TA backup. Later when you're done flashing stock kernel you can easily click relock and it'll restore TA and relock it for you as easy as 123.
Tutorial to relock using flashtool by DooMLoRD http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43355810#post43355810

Vanschtezla said:
To make it easy, unlock using flashtool. It'll automatically make a TA backup. Later when you're done flashing stock kernel you can easily click relock and it'll restore TA and relock it for you as easy as 123.
Tutorial to relock using flashtool by DooMLoRD http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43355810#post43355810
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro,
Is that unlocking BL via Flashtool exactly same as unlocking via official Sony method? If I unlocked BL besides official method, can I relock it again successfully? And so, since official method needs to device connected with Fastboot mode, but Flachtool needs device connected via Flashmode to Unlock/Relock BL. Why is the different with this methods? Pls kindly explain this......
Thanks! :good:

29984985 701
kelumsd said:
Bro,
Is that unlocking BL via Flashtool exactly same as unlocking via official Sony method? If I unlocked BL besides official method, can I relock it again successfully? And so, since official method needs to device connected with Fastboot mode, but Flachtool needs device connected via Flashmode to Unlock/Relock BL. Why is the different with this methods? Pls kindly explain this......
Thanks! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yess absolutely the same. I'm not sure about relocking it after using the official method but I think restoring the TA key actually means relocking it. Well actually you will need to fastboot on flashtool right after the flashmode. There is no difference in result. It's just an alternative way to unlock and relock. Unlocking using official Sony method is the old way of unlocking. Flashtool is just to make it easier and simpler. The result will be the same. But be sure that you make the TA backup before unlocking it for the worst case scenario not to be able to relock it

Vanschtezla said:
Yess absolutely the same. I'm not sure about relocking it after using the official method but I think restoring the TA key actually means relocking it. Well actually you will need to fastboot on flashtool right after the flashmode. There is no difference in result. It's just an alternative way to unlock and relock. Unlocking using official Sony method is the old way of unlocking. Flashtool is just to make it easier and simpler. The result will be the same. But be sure that you make the TA backup before unlocking it for the worst case scenario not to be able to relock it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks bro! Finally I was success with all! Thanks friends! :laugh: :laugh:
C5303.
Android 4.3 Stock .266
ROOTED Locked bootloader

[Q] Rooting issues - 4.3, IMEI, not actually rooted etc....

Hi All
So firstly I should say I only have myself to blame. I'm quite a techy guy so I just assumed i'd be able to root my phone without any issues and pick it up as I go. What i've quickly found out is i'm in way over my head and i'm an absolute noob!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated from those guys out there that actually know what they are doing. I have read many forums but i'm still lost.
My story is as follows:
- I have a Z1 that was locked on stock firmware 4.4
- I read that it would be a good idea to unlock the bootloader so i did this
- I wanted to root my phone but from what I read I could see I would have to downgrade the firmware to 4.2. So this is what i did.
- By doing this I lost my IMEI number, got very worried i'd ruined my phone. I tried many things to restore it, there were a variety of different solutions online, none of them worked. I eventually flashed a 4.3 firmware i found on this forum which restored my IMEI.
- I then read through a few posts of people who had similar issues and advice was given to downgrade again (if i wanted to root) but this time exclude the baseband etc. I did this, but lost my IMEI again! the advice didn't work
- So I then went and updgraded again! to 4.3 to restore my IMEI and network access
- There doesn't seem to be a way to root on 4.3 so my phone isn't rooted, that's ok. But when i try to use my banking apps they don't work! they say my phone is rooted even though it isn't! I have checked with root checker
- Like an idiot, i didn't back up the phone when i first started doing all of this, i didn't really know what i was doing so I am now in a situation where i have the worst of both worlds. They are, i can either 1. downgrade the firmware to 4.2, root my phone but not have a valid IMEI and network access or 2. stay on 4.3, have a valid IMEI and not be rooted but certain apps think i'm rooted so i can't use them.
So all in all i've just messed things up and i'm in way over my head. I would really appreciate some advice
Thanks

Yes you are right.
Also, there is no issue with losing IMEI when downgrading, it happens to everyone, but it comes back when you upgrade.
Also, if you unlock the bootloader there is no need to downgrade, that is a locked bootloader method of rooting
You should root before unlocking the bootloader in order to backup the TA partition, but you are too late now...
Solution
1) Use flashtool to relock the bootloader
2) Use pccompanion to update to latest firmware
3) Unlock the bootloader again with flashtool
4) Flash a custom kernel for stock based ROMs
5) Install SuperSU from the play store.
DONE!

6317
gregbradley said:
Yes you are right.
Also, there is no issue with losing IMEI when downgrading, it happens to everyone, but it comes back when you upgrade.
Also, if you unlock the bootloader there is no need to downgrade, that is a locked bootloader method of rooting
You should root before unlocking the bootloader in order to backup the TA partition, but you are too late now...
Solution
1) Use flashtool to relock the bootloader
2) Use pccompanion to update to latest firmware
3) Unlock the bootloader again with flashtool
4) Flash a custom kernel for stock based ROMs
5) Install SuperSU from the play store.
DONE!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Greg
Thank you very much for your quick response. I will try and follow your advice to the letter tonight/tomorrow and let you know how it goes.
Thanks again

retro100386 said:
Hi Greg
Thank you very much for your quick response. I will try and follow your advice to the letter tonight/tomorrow and let you know how it goes.
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..and if you want to see the Video which help you to understand better just check the @gregbradley Signature or mine.

eclyptos said:
..and if you want to see the Video which help you to understand better just check the @gregbradley Signature or mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The video by shem is for locked bootloaders, he needs an unlocked bootloader method

gregbradley said:
The video by shem is for locked bootloaders, he needs an unlocked bootloader method
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So we have to ask @shem2409 to do another vid for Unlocked Bootloaders...

eclyptos said:
So we have to ask @shem2409 to do another vid for Unlocked Bootloaders...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so, the unlocked bootloader method is very generic and there are hundreds (if not thousands) of guides and probably as many videos.

gregbradley said:
I don't think so, the unlocked bootloader method is very generic and there are hundreds (if not thousands) of guides and probably as many videos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know but as you see the users still do mistake anyway, even if there is a lot of vids with a clear explanation.

conflicting messages?
gregbradley said:
Yes you are right.
Also, there is no issue with losing IMEI when downgrading, it happens to everyone, but it comes back when you upgrade.
Also, if you unlock the bootloader there is no need to downgrade, that is a locked bootloader method of rooting
You should root before unlocking the bootloader in order to backup the TA partition, but you are too late now...
Solution
1) Use flashtool to relock the bootloader
2) Use pccompanion to update to latest firmware
3) Unlock the bootloader again with flashtool
4) Flash a custom kernel for stock based ROMs
5) Install SuperSU from the play store.
DONE!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Greg, can you give me a bit more advice please.
i'm just looking at the tutorial to relock by bootloader. It says "before u relock bootloader u have to be on pure stock kernel (flash only the kernel.sin using flashtool), else the device WILL NOT BOOT after relock"
The problem is i'm already flashed on to an FTF image that was on this site. From so by doing this am i going to brick my phone? i'm confused and i don't want to make things work so your advice would be apprecaited
thanks

retro100386 said:
Hi Greg, can you give me a bit more advice please.
i'm just looking at the tutorial to relock by bootloader. It says "before u relock bootloader u have to be on pure stock kernel (flash only the kernel.sin using flashtool), else the device WILL NOT BOOT after relock"
The problem is i'm already flashed on to an FTF image that was on this site. From so by doing this am i going to brick my phone? i'm confused and i don't want to make things work so your advice would be apprecaited
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Greg
it's fine, i am just being stupid again, i just relocked without a problem, thanks again

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2014/0...oid-kitkat-devices-in-one-tap-no-pc-required/
check this out

[Q] Relock bootloader - warranty

If I received unlock code from Sony, unlocked phone via official way, than relocked bootloader and restored TA is there any way that service will detect if bootloader is relocked?

johnny212 said:
If I received unlock code from Sony, unlocked phone via official way, than relocked bootloader and restored TA is there any way that service will detect if bootloader is relocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think sony is only able to see especially if your request code!! but the operator does not see it because he lacks experience lool he does not know the word bootloader!
why this issue ??

johnny212 said:
If I received unlock code from Sony, unlocked phone via official way, than relocked bootloader and restored TA is there any way that service will detect if bootloader is relocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont't think so, because you can request the code and never use it. Restoring TA brings the phone back to state like it was never unlocked. Nobody can tell if you unlocked bootloader or not. If you relock bootloader via flashtool instead via restoring TA backup, then they can tell you relocked it because your DRM keys will be missing. You are safe.

merci
zeroed said:
I dont't think so, because you can request the code and never use it. Restoring TA brings the phone back to state like it was never unlocked. Nobody can tell if you unlocked bootloader or not. If you relock bootloader via flashtool instead via restoring TA backup, then they can tell you relocked it because your DRM keys will be missing. You are safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well summarized ! only restore TA solution !!!

ok

johnny212 said:
Ya, but I sent him device and they resent me it back cause of non official software (my fault!!! ). I don't want the same story again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
relock via TA and restore via pc compagnion !!!

<deleted>

johnny212 said:
But if I did these steps:
1 Relock bootloader via flashtool
2 Repair via PC Companion
3 Install root and restore TA Partition
4 Install official firmware from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z/general/stock-xperia-z-c6603-10-5-0-230-central-t2759584
Is there ANY chance they will detect it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No is the simple answer.
I don't know if they have the tools to check such things, but they most probably will only check if official fw == 1 &if bootloader lcoked == 1.
I normal language: They will only check if you have official fw and if your bootloader is locked.

ok

is it normal that the "TA backup" is 160 kilobytes? i did a backup sometime ago.. but 160kb is not really much.. i thought it would be 800mb or something

rockyy said:
is it normal that the "TA backup" is 160 kilobytes? i did a backup sometime ago.. but 160kb is not really much.. i thought it would be 800mb or something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's normal. My own backput weight is only 121KB.