Database Develop

Rooting Xperia Z then restoring back to COMPLETE original state

Hi all,
I have a stock Xperia Z at the moment. Its a work phone.
I want to root it but because its a work phone I have to know I can go back to complete original state if I want to.
Now I have read the threads about backin up your TA partition but I am not sure if by doing this and also by having a stock image I can go back to 100% original?
I read this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Few questions:
- If I root the phone - does it do anything permanent or can I then just loose root easily and go back to exactly how it is now?
- What exactly is the difference between rooting your phone and unlocking your boot loader?
- If I backup the TA partition using the steps in the thread provided above, can I then just do anything else I want to the phone and then restore back to original or are there other steps? and if so, what are they.
Any and all up to date information from someone who knows what they are talking about hugely welcomed.
More nervous than usual just because its a work phone (rooted and used to Custom ROM my HTC Sensation all the time but didn't care as it was my own phone).
Thanks

No one?
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

nnila said:
Hi all,
I have a stock Xperia Z at the moment. Its a work phone.
I want to root it but because its a work phone I have to know I can go back to complete original state if I want to.
Now I have read the threads about backin up your TA partition but I am not sure if by doing this and also by having a stock image I can go back to 100% original?
I read this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Few questions:
- If I root the phone - does it do anything permanent or can I then just loose root easily and go back to exactly how it is now?
- What exactly is the difference between rooting your phone and unlocking your boot loader?
- If I backup the TA partition using the steps in the thread provided above, can I then just do anything else I want to the phone and then restore back to original or are there other steps? and if so, what are they.
Any and all up to date information from someone who knows what they are talking about hugely welcomed.
More nervous than usual just because its a work phone (rooted and used to Custom ROM my HTC Sensation all the time but didn't care as it was my own phone).
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 - Rooting only changes things on the software side. So it allows you to get complete access to the system files and execute low level actions. So it doesn't do anything on the hardware side. That said, is your phone customized by your employer? Does it have anything specifically done to it? In that case two things might happen. The software is so customized that if you root it and flash a custom ROM on top of that, you WILL lose all the original apps and settings. So there might not be anyway of getting back to the original state. Secondly, your employer might have locked the bootloader permanently. This, I shall take up for answering your next question.
2 - As I mentioned, rooting is only a software level hack that gives unrestricted access. However, let's say you need to flash a custom KERNEL or flash CyanogenMod/AOKP/AOSP (based ROMS), then it's absolutely necessary to unlock your bootloader. This basically is telling the bootloader (which loads your kernel) to allow any unsigned kernels .i.e. non-stock kernels, to be flashed on to your phone. Now mind you, this will cause the DRM keys in your phone to be erased which means you will lose Bravia Engine enhancements for your Pictures. It does remain for the videos though. Lastly, you can relock your bootloader. But you can never get back the DRM keys and hence the Bravia Engine.
So you can either root by unlocking your bootloader or by using root exploits while keeping your bootloader locked.
3 - Since your bootloader is locked right now, I suggest you use DooMlord's rooting toolkit
Here's the link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2327472
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, backing up the TA partition is only necessary if you want to unlock your bootloader. This aims at backing up your DRM keys so that you can flash them back when you want to relock your bootloader. However this method is still dicey and I wouldn't recommend it considering it is a very risky method and can easily hard brick your device.
Upshot: Locked bootloader - Use Rooting toolkit. Will retain DRM keys.
Unlocked bootloader - For custom Kernels and CM Roms. Will lose DRM keys.

nnila said:
Hi all,
I have a stock Xperia Z at the moment. Its a work phone.
I want to root it but because its a work phone I have to know I can go back to complete original state if I want to.
Now I have read the threads about backin up your TA partition but I am not sure if by doing this and also by having a stock image I can go back to 100% original?
I read this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Few questions:
- If I root the phone - does it do anything permanent or can I then just loose root easily and go back to exactly how it is now?
- What exactly is the difference between rooting your phone and unlocking your boot loader?
- If I backup the TA partition using the steps in the thread provided above, can I then just do anything else I want to the phone and then restore back to original or are there other steps? and if so, what are they.
Any and all up to date information from someone who knows what they are talking about hugely welcomed.
More nervous than usual just because its a work phone (rooted and used to Custom ROM my HTC Sensation all the time but didn't care as it was my own phone).
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-Root ---U can get back your device unRoot by update your device via SUS.
- ROOTING and Unlock BL very difference.
Root >> i can only reach your device till system app or modified many thing in system exclude kernel. and i cant install MOD ROM that need kernel from that ROM.
Unlock BL -- U will loss DRM key your device but u can install may MOD rom or new kernell with good features. and u always can root your device with easy
About TA idk to much and only do backup here, not want to restore it coz can get Hard Bricked my device.
only that i know.... and im sorry for my poor English.
maybe other ppl can explain more or u can search by yourself in android development section.
Sent from my C6602 using xda premium

nnila said:
Hi all,
I have a stock Xperia Z at the moment. Its a work phone.
I want to root it but because its a work phone I have to know I can go back to complete original state if I want to.
Now I have read the threads about backin up your TA partition but I am not sure if by doing this and also by having a stock image I can go back to 100% original?
I read this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Few questions:
- If I root the phone - does it do anything permanent or can I then just loose root easily and go back to exactly how it is now?
- What exactly is the difference between rooting your phone and unlocking your boot loader?
- If I backup the TA partition using the steps in the thread provided above, can I then just do anything else I want to the phone and then restore back to original or are there other steps? and if so, what are they.
Any and all up to date information from someone who knows what they are talking about hugely welcomed.
More nervous than usual just because its a work phone (rooted and used to Custom ROM my HTC Sensation all the time but didn't care as it was my own phone).
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you backup your TA partition, you can restore it later. This doesn't include anything other than the TA partition.
Rooting the phone just means that you have root access just like on any other linux distribution. You can fully unroot at anytime without any problems. Flashing an unrooted ROM or flashing the original ftf will remove root.
Rooting implies getting root access. You have higher privileges & apps that run as root have higher privileges. Unlocking the bootloader gives you access to protected partitions. The only real question is, do you want to use a custom kernel? - If you do, then unlock. Some ROMs, such as CM, run on custom kernels, so if you plan on using such ROMs, you need to unlock.
No, backing up TA is not enough, Follow this thread to get yourself a full ftf for your current customization that can be flashed with the official flashtool for Unlocked bootloaders or the unofficial flashtool that works with locked bootloaders. Further, you also need to relock your bootloader to fully return back to the original state.
If you aren't comfortable with doing all this, don't.
The next time you want to ask a quick question, please post in the Help Thread.
These questions are nothing new, already been answered multiple times, just adding to the clutter in the Q&A forum.

[Q] Rooting/unlocking

So I've got myself a Sony Xperia Z1 and I'm a little unsure about how you root it.
From my understanding you need root to backup the DRM keys. but to get root apparently I need to unlock the bootloader to be able to put a certain version of the ROM on (which wipes the DRM keys).
Then I can root the phone.
Then I can backup the DRM keys
I'm seeing a loop here and I'm not sure what the first step would be. if anyone could point me in the right direction it would be heavily appreciated.

Hunter-Nyan said:
So I've got myself a Sony Xperia Z1 and I'm a little unsure about how you root it.
From my understanding you need root to backup the DRM keys. but to get root apparently I need to unlock the bootloader to be able to put a certain version of the ROM on (which wipes the DRM keys).
Then I can root the phone.
Then I can backup the DRM keys
I'm seeing a loop here and I'm not sure what the first step would be. if anyone could point me in the right direction it would be heavily appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not need to backup the TA area (Which contains the DRM keys) if you just want to root. you only need to do that if you unlock the bootloader.
First, read this about unlocking the bootloader
http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/
If you can and you want to unlock the bootloader then do so, making sure you have backed up your TA
If you cant (And in any case you must do this in order to backup your TA) you must
1) Downgrade to 4.2
2) Root using Bin4rys method, google it
3) Install dual recovery for 4.2, Its in the development thread
4) Flash a prerooted 4.4 Rom, in the development section.
If you still want to unlock the bootloader, backup the TA

[Q] Basic root / unlocking questions

I'm coming from the very easy, in relation to root and flashing, world of a Nexus device, so I wanna ask some basic questions regarding rooting, unlocking of bootloader and the whole DRM keys thing.
As I understand it, DRM keys are lost when you unlock the bootloader, unless you back them up first.
So, is this the procedure to use?
1. Root & backup DRM keys (following something like this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/how-to-root-backup-drm-keys-t3013343)
2. Unlock bootloader with Sony's official tool & install custom recovery
3. Make a nandroid of the stock phone, for warranty use.
4. Flash any rom I want (will probably be Resurrection Remix, unless you have other suggestions?)
If I need to use my warranty:
5. Flash the nandroid from 3.
6. Relock the bootloader using the Backup TA tool (which will restore the DRM keys also, right?)
7. ???
8. PROFIT (and enjoyment of this wonderful handset).
I just wanna know, if I'm on the right track, and have understood the whole bootloader / DRM keys thing correctly. Thanks!

BetaLyte said:
I'm coming from the very easy, in relation to root and flashing, world of a Nexus device, so I wanna ask some basic questions regarding rooting, unlocking of bootloader and the whole DRM keys thing.
As I understand it, DRM keys are lost when you unlock the bootloader, unless you back them up first.
So, is this the procedure to use?
1. Root & backup DRM keys (following something like this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/how-to-root-backup-drm-keys-t3013343)
2. Unlock bootloader with Sony's official tool & install custom recovery
3. Make a nandroid of the stock phone, for warranty use.
4. Flash any rom I want (will probably be Resurrection Remix, unless you have other suggestions?)
If I need to use my warranty:
5. Flash the nandroid from 3.
6. Relock the bootloader using the Backup TA tool (which will restore the DRM keys also, right?)
7. ???
8. PROFIT (and enjoyment of this wonderful handset).
I just wanna know, if I'm on the right track, and have understood the whole bootloader / DRM keys thing correctly. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All correct

basti2909 said:
All correct
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, thanks for the reply!
\Sent from my GNex

DRM keys backup confusion

Hello, after my patience ran out with google play services batter drain issues i have decided to try out moding and i think i messed up DRM recovery part.
I used https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/how-to-root-backup-drm-keys-t3013343 this as a guide.
Things i have done so far in order:
1. flashed 4.4
2. rooted
3. made DRM keys backup
4. unlocked bootloader
5. installed twrp recovery
6. installed this https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/development/rom-aoxp-rom-v1-t3478863 rom
7. recovered DRM TA zip thing.
Now my problem is, my bootloader is locked, so i guess recovery procedure went ok, but camera perfomance is as awful as without drm keys. Where did i go wrong? What can i do to fix my camera perfomance?
p.s. i am really sorry for my english as it is not my native langue thanks in advice for help.

You don't lock the bootloader when you restore the TA backup it actually locks the bootloader,so try unlocking it again and then restoring the TA backup

Dinkec27 said:
You don't lock the bootloader when you restore the TA backup it actually locks the bootloader,so try unlocking it again and then restoring the TA backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you dont lock it actually locks
that is what i understood, could you be more clear please?

Teraman said:
you dont lock it actually locks
that is what i understood, could you be more clear please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry.
What I meant to say is,when you restore a TA backup from an unlocked bootloader state,it locks the bootloader when you restore it.
So what I am saying is you should unlock the bootloader again,and restore the TA backup as it will lock the bootloader again and should restore camera quality.
Clear now?

Dinkec27 said:
Sorry.
What I meant to say is,when you restore a TA backup from an unlocked bootloader state,it locks the bootloader when you restore it.
So what I am saying is you should unlock the bootloader again,and restore the TA backup as it will lock the bootloader again and should restore camera quality.
Clear now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, but one thing. Why do i need to restore twice to get back camera quality?
Thank you a lot!

Teraman said:
yes, but one thing. Why do i need to restore twice to get back camera quality?
Thank you a lot!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno tbh I never restored a TA backup since I was an idiot and forgot to back up TA when I was going to unlock my bootloader.
Try it and tell me how it went! Good luck!

No need to restore it twice! Just be sure that you are on stock kernel before you restrore TA.img
Savest way is to flash Kernel+Bootdelivery out of normal FW tft using flashmode (not fastboot !)
Then restore TA.img with Backup tool.
Reboot and done... And Camera is back....
As an alternativre you can flash DRM fix as well... There is also an other projekt running to mount your TA.img from another location.
But this is not yet tested that much... Stay with locked BL and TA - Or with UB and DRM fix.
DRM fix
https://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/xperia-z1-z2-z3-series-devices-drm-t2930672
Sometimes its needed to delete following folders (with all including files) to reset DRM stuff (root needed)
/data/credmgr
/data/drm
/data/mediadrm
Don't be afraid of loosing something - Those folders and files will be created automaticly new on boot....
btw: Why you unlocked your bootloader? For Root we have 2 ways to do it without Unlocking bootloader...
Anyway -if you have an TA backup you are save actually...

fluffi444 said:
No need to restore it twice! Just be sure that you are on stock kernel before you restrore TA.img
Savest way is to flash Kernel+Bootdelivery out of normal FW tft using flashmode (not fastboot !)
Then restore TA.img with Backup tool.
Reboot and done... And Camera is back....
As an alternativre you can flash DRM fix as well... There is also an other projekt running to mount your TA.img from another location.
But this is not yet tested that much... Stay with locked BL and TA - Or with UB and DRM fix.
DRM fix
https://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/xperia-z1-z2-z3-series-devices-drm-t2930672
Sometimes its needed to delete following folders (with all including files) to reset DRM stuff (root needed)
/data/credmgr
/data/drm
/data/mediadrm
Don't be afraid of loosing something - Those folders and files will be created automaticly new on boot....
btw: Why you unlocked your bootloader? For Root we have 2 ways to do it without Unlocking bootloader...
Anyway -if you have an TA backup you are save actually...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to install twrp, because in guide i read it needs unlocked bootloader and i needed twrp for best battery rom i found.

Teraman said:
to install twrp, because in guide i read it needs unlocked bootloader and i needed twrp for best battery rom i found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are also two ways of using TWRP:
One is to flash twrp.img onto former FOTA partition. For this you would need UB... This works only with new bootloaders (LA3.0_M_3 from FW .291 is prefered - This bootloader will be installed if you flash full FW 291 or only bootdelivery and kernel in flashtool)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/d5803-z3c-aries-twrp3-0-t3543113
But the other method is putting TWRP files to /system/etc/mm_twrp_recovery on SYSTEM partition...
This works also with LB!
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/recovery-root-mm-575-lb-t3418714
EDIT
Third one is to have recovery build into kernel...
Just to be complete.. ?

Cannot make my phone work after flashing a stock ROM (Bootloop)

I was trying to downgrade firmware to be able to root the device as it explains in this thread:
[XZ1c/XZ1/XZp] temp root exploit to backup drm keys implemented
Tools to backup TA partition (drm keys) of Xperia XZ1 Compact by j4nn https://j4nn.github.io/ As everyone knows, bootloader unlock via code from sony removes drm keys. That disables certain functions, the most critical one being the camera...
forum.xda-developers.com
I downloaded the 47.1.A.8.49_CE1 firmaware, and I flashed to the phone (removing all .ta files and user_XXX.sin files), and what I got is a bootloop... I tried other stock ROM and with the same result. In the desesperation, I may flashed user data, so maybe DRM key is forever gone, but I cannot say for sure... I don't know what I'm doing wrong, at this point I don't mind to lose the DRM key or if I have to instal a custom ROM. Any help would be really apreciated. I tried EMMA but it says the phone is bootloader is locked.

I was able to recover the phone by flashing a modern firmware... DRM keys and personal data were safe. To do a downgrade a factory reset is mandatory?

Te problem now is that I cannot use WiFi anymore. It disables instantly every time I enable it. Another problem is that I can't use the digital sensor anymore. I have tried two different firmwares with the same result.
Maybe I should try to flash a custom firmware? Downgrading seem a little bit difficult to me, so if I unlock the bootloader losing the drm keys in the provess, that won't be a problem for custom rom, isn't it?