Database Develop

[Q] Help with Reverting/Relocking

So I installed CM10.2 on my phone. For that I had to root and unlock my bootloader. I didn't really like it to be honest so I decided that I wanted to go back to stock rom, the problem however, is that i'm not sure how I should do this. I made a backup of my TA Partition so I also could get my DRM keys (Bravia Engine, etc) back. I don't know what I should do first and I was wondering if there is someone who could help me through this process. Do I first need to flash stock kernel, then flash stock ftf, and then install that TA backup in order to relock my bootloader? But I thought I needed root for this, if I flash a stock ftf then root will be gone right? So many questions
Thank you in advance

parfa10 said:
So I installed CM10.2 on my phone. For that I had to root and unlock my bootloader. I didn't really like it to be honest so I decided that I wanted to go back to stock rom, the problem however, is that i'm not sure how I should do this. I made a backup of my TA Partition so I also could get my DRM keys (Bravia Engine, etc) back. I don't know what I should do first and I was wondering if there is someone who could help me through this process. Do I first need to flash stock kernel, then flash stock ftf, and then install that TA backup in order to relock my bootloader? But I thought I needed root for this, if I flash a stock ftf then root will be gone right? So many questions
Thank you in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[Tutorial] Xperia Z & ZL Bootloader Unlocking/Relocking
:good:
hit thanks

x102x96x said:
[Tutorial] Xperia Z & ZL Bootloader Unlocking/Relocking
:good:
hit thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your response but this is only relocking etc. My problem is that I don't know in what order I should do things. So far I think I should do it like this (but i'm not sure, so i'm asking for someone to tell me if it's wrong) : 1. Simply flash a stock ftf (with the ftf the stock kernel will be installed too, right?) 2. Relock bootloader 3. Then apply the TA Backup to get the DRM Keys back.
Is this the right order to do things? Will I make an expensive brick out of it if I do it like that?

Flash a stock FTF and root it (or flash a pre-rooted stock based ROM through recovery ). Then restore TA, which will automatcally lock bootloader and restore DRM keys
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

shoey63 said:
Flash a stock FTF and root it (or flash a pre-rooted stock based ROM through recovery ). Then restore TA, which will automatcally lock bootloader and restore DRM keys
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much, I tried this and it worked.

[Q] C6903 .290 Need help with root, downgrade, TA backup

Alrighty some background info and where I'm at. I've got some dev (Android XML layout fixes) experience on a custom ROM on i9300 and I finally decided to upgrade my phone onto the beasty Xperia Z1.
My phone came factory shipped with .290. It's the C6903 model. I've been looking up videos and trying to find info about where to begin with getting my root, bootloader, cwm, and custom ROM install going. Then I found out about the TA partition and that even though my phone allows me to unlock the bootloader, it's a smart idea to first backup the TA partition before I unlock my bootloader via the $ony website. With the TA backed up I can revert my phone back to stock at some point and restore the TA so that my phone looks basically factory fresh. So I realised that I probably ought to back up my TA in case of any warranty issues. Which means I need to get my phone rooted before anything else. (I hope my assessment has been correct so far, it would be awesome if someone can verify the above paragraph)
Now this is where I am completely confused. I've attempted to use VRoot - and of course it does not support the .290 firmware.
Then I found out that it is possible to downgrade the firmware so that I can root and TA backup before bootloader unlock. This is the knowledge level I am up to. I have no idea which firmware to downgrade to or how to even actually perform a successful downgrade. (I've kinda gotten frustrated at the huge slab of info and I need some specific info from some users more experienced at this than I am at this point..)
I read how some people have flashed down to .534 and others have flashed down to .257. I would like to know exactly what steps I should take and which is the best firmware to downgrade to, just to do a root crack and TA backup. Can you even downgrade firmware without bootloader involved?
Basically the flow of what I need to do right now is this (I think):
1) Downgrade firmware to probably .534 from my current .290 (I need to flash the FTF using Flashtool, correct?)
2) Install Root with VRoot
3) TA Backup (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598&highlight=ta)
4) Upgrade back to .290 (Do I do this via OTA? I hope it is not difficult to do it via some command line tools if it comes to that..)
--- Above step also gets rid of most of Root access provided to the older firmware (this is what I've read.. Is this correct?)
5) Unlock bootloader (must do this in version .290 to avoid the camera bug), via guide on Sony website
6) Go crazy with all the custom things I want to install - CWMRecovery, CM11, etc
7) ???
8) Profit
Can someone please tell me if the above list is the order I need to proceed with?
:good: Thanks for any help you guys can give me. I am truly frustrated by this 290 firmware version! And reading all the topics about people who bricked after attempting similar things without knowing exactly what they needed to do and which order to do it in..
tl;dr - On .290 firmware, I want to backup TA before I unlock bootloader, which firmware version do I downgrade to?

SleepinDevil said:
Alrighty some background info and where I'm at. I've got some dev (Android XML layout fixes) experience on a custom ROM on i9300 and I finally decided to upgrade my phone onto the beasty Xperia Z1.
My phone came factory shipped with .290. It's the C6903 model. I've been looking up videos and trying to find info about where to begin with getting my root, bootloader, cwm, and custom ROM install going. Then I found out about the TA partition and that even though my phone allows me to unlock the bootloader, it's a smart idea to first backup the TA partition before I unlock my bootloader via the $ony website. With the TA backed up I can revert my phone back to stock at some point and restore the TA so that my phone looks basically factory fresh. So I realised that I probably ought to back up my TA in case of any warranty issues. Which means I need to get my phone rooted before anything else. (I hope my assessment has been correct so far, it would be awesome if someone can verify the above paragraph)
Now this is where I am completely confused. I've attempted to use VRoot - and of course it does not support the .290 firmware.
Then I found out that it is possible to downgrade the firmware so that I can root and TA backup before bootloader unlock. This is the knowledge level I am up to. I have no idea which firmware to downgrade to or how to even actually perform a successful downgrade. (I've kinda gotten frustrated at the huge slab of info and I need some specific info from some users more experienced at this than I am at this point..)
I read how some people have flashed down to .534 and others have flashed down to .257. I would like to know exactly what steps I should take and which is the best firmware to downgrade to, just to do a root crack and TA backup. Can you even downgrade firmware without bootloader involved?
Basically the flow of what I need to do right now is this (I think):
1) Downgrade firmware to probably .534 from my current .290 (I need to flash the FTF using Flashtool, correct?)
2) Install Root with VRoot
3) TA Backup (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598&highlight=ta)
4) Upgrade back to .290 (Do I do this via OTA? I hope it is not difficult to do it via some command line tools if it comes to that..)
--- Above step also gets rid of most of Root access provided to the older firmware (this is what I've read.. Is this correct?)
5) Unlock bootloader (must do this in version .290 to avoid the camera bug), via guide on Sony website
6) Go crazy with all the custom things I want to install - CWMRecovery, CM11, etc
7) ???
8) Profit
Can someone please tell me if the above list is the order I need to proceed with?
:good: Thanks for any help you guys can give me. I am truly frustrated by this 290 firmware version! And reading all the topics about people who bricked after attempting similar things without knowing exactly what they needed to do and which order to do it in..
tl;dr - On .290 firmware, I want to backup TA before I unlock bootloader, which firmware version do I downgrade to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you need to downgrade to .534 and root before you can backup your TA
Here is a guide on how to achieve that
If you follow the video guide you will end up with rooted .290
Then backup you TA:
and go to Sony's website to unlock the bootloader. An unlocked bootloader will let you flash custom kernels to your phone and thus you will be able to use roms such as CM, AOSP etc.
NEXT TIME PLEASE READ BEFORE CREATING A NEW THREAD. THIS HAS BEEN COVERED 100's OF TIMES

in general you have to do these steps:
downgrade to an early firmware that can be rooted and root it.
then install dual recovery.
in dual recovery wipe your phone, flash rom, flash again superuser and again dual recovery.
power off phone.
power on and direct flash kernel,baseband, bootbundle. for this i would recommend using NUTs stripped FTF files. also from his site you get recovery and superuser/supersu.
you only loose TA when you unlock your bootloader. unlocking is only neccessary if you plan to flash a custom kernel too.
when you are on rooted firmware backup TA, you never know if you need it later.
a good step by step tutorial is iHackers 2.1 thread.
also be prepared that actually there is a chance to brick your device. many can be restored using Sony Update Service or by flashing a full stock FTF, but some devices need a new mainboard. things are a litte bit tricky at the moment

shem2409 said:
Yes, you need to downgrade to .534 and root before you can backup your TA
Here is a guide on how to achieve that
If you follow the video guide you will end up with rooted .290
Then backup you TA:
and go to Sony's website to unlock the bootloader. An unlocked bootloader will let you flash custom kernels to your phone and thus you will be able to use roms such as CM, AOSP etc.
NEXT TIME PLEASE READ BEFORE CREATING A NEW THREAD. THIS HAS BEEN COVERED 100's OF TIMES
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When on 4.3 and I tried many time still can't downgraded to 534. How to do it? Thank!
Lukily my TA had been backup.
Send from GT-I9506 using Tapatalk
Devices: Samsung GT-I9506 and Sony Z1 C6903

timberwolf60 said:
When on 4.3 and I tried many time still can't downgraded to 534. How to do it? Thank!
Lukily my TA had been backup.
Send from GT-I9506 using Tapatalk
Devices: Samsung GT-I9506 and Sony Z1 C6903
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a video on how to use flashtool
The previous video that I have sent you shows you step by step how to do everything

[Q] Root and DRM advice

I'm new to Sony phones, have had the Z3C for only a few weeks.
I was surprised by the amount of stuff (mostly useless) on the phone and would like to debloat. I'd like to keep as close to stock as possible. I also note the issue with DRM.
So is it best to use the root, DRM backup option first, then select a ROM to flash.
Any advice gratefully received :good:

Root ur phone via downgrade. Install dualrecovery and then flash a debloated lollipop firmware. For this u dont need to unlock bootloader so ur drm keys stay intact. After root u can of course backup drm/ta partition to be safe.
Guide to root
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3013343
Good debloated firmware i use, just an example. There are more to use.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3076161

Rooting while keeping DRM keys in MM for the complete noob

Hi
i've had a z3c for a long time without rooting but now after upgrading to Marshmallow i want to root but, i don't know anything about rooting (what's flashing, twrp, custom rom,)?
what i want this:
Root my D5803 without ruining the camera after losing the DRM keys
Phone info:
Model number: D5803
Android version: 6.0.1
Android security patch: February 1, 2016
Build number: 23.5.A.0.570

Gandora42 said:
Hi
i've had a z3c for a long time without rooting but now after upgrading to Marshmallow i want to root but, i don't know anything about rooting (what's flashing, twrp, custom rom,)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not flash a pre rooted rom and keep your bootloader intact. Slim 1.3 has a good following and Wajk is a committed developer
Destroying your TA partition just so you can get onto the latest (bug ridden & problematic) deployment seems a bit extreme.
Edit: if you already have MM installed then you will need to follow bilboa1's great guide on how to back up your TA partition and root
This will mean downgrading your rom to an older version, then rooting, then adding recovery, then flashing a MM build with root built in.
It's a long process but non destructive, you'll get to the magical MM but with bootloader intact.

Didgesteve said:
Why not flash a pre rooted rom and keep your bootloader intact. Slim 1.3 has a good following and Wajk is a committed developer
Destroying your TA partition just so you can get onto the latest (bug ridden & problematic) deployment seems a bit extreme.
Edit: if you already have MM installed then you will need to follow bilboa1's great guide on how to back up your TA partition and root
This will mean downgrading your rom to an older version, then rooting, then adding recovery, then flashing a MM build with root built in.
It's a long process but non destructive, you'll get to the magical MM but with bootloader intact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, one question though, you said that the bootloader will be intact, what about the drm keys? i've read that the DRM keys might go even if the bootloader is locked!

Gandora42 said:
Thank you, one question though, you said that the bootloader will be intact, what about the drm keys? i've read that the DRM keys might go even if the bootloader is locked!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you take the time to read the thread linked thread above, you'll see that it shows you how to care for your DRM keys so that they can be restored in the event of something untoward happening.
There is an encrypted partition (TA) on your phone that has your personal DRM keys, unique to your phone, they can't be replaced with anyone elses. To open you phone up to a custom kernel or a CM build rom you have to overwrite this encrypted partition, or unlock the bootloader.
Once you have used the old rom exploit to root the phone, you can flash any stock rom without fear. Stock roms are designed to work with the TA partition and pushing a stock rom onto your phone will not damage your DRM keys. That's why I said unlocking the bootloader is a big deal, not to be done just to root a phone. There are less damaging ways to get to an MM build, with all your camera functions intact.

Didgesteve said:
If you take the time to read the thread linked thread above, you'll see that it shows you how to care for your DRM keys so that they can be restored in the event of something untoward happening.
There is an encrypted partition (TA) on your phone that has your personal DRM keys, unique to your phone, they can't be replaced with anyone elses. To open you phone up to a custom kernel or a CM build rom you have to overwrite this encrypted partition, or unlock the bootloader.
Once you have used the old rom exploit to root the phone, you can flash any stock rom without fear. Stock roms are designed to work with the TA partition and pushing a stock rom onto your phone will not damage your DRM keys. That's why I said unlocking the bootloader is a big deal, not to be done just to root a phone. There are less damaging ways to get to an MM build, with all your camera functions intact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so if i want to root but still keep my DRM keys i must use my phone with stock roms only? that's fair
Thanks again

Gandora42 said:
so if i want to root but still keep my DRM keys i must use my phone with stock roms only? that's fair
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just would like to add that you don't have to keep stock roms (like the pre-rooted stock roms) but also stock based custom roms, for example SliMM (http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/development/rom-slimm-t3359831). There are probably more stock based custom roms but SliMM is probably the only one that is being actively developed. I use it daily and love it.

CaptainJohny said:
I just would like to add that you don't have to keep stock roms (like the pre-rooted stock roms) but also stock based custom roms, for example SliMM (http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/development/rom-slimm-t3359831). There are probably more stock based custom roms but SliMM is probably the only one that is being actively developed. I use it daily and love it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, you mean Slim like I mentioned in my first post

Didgesteve said:
Oh, you mean Slim like I mentioned in my first post
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Sorry for basically repeating your post, I just wanted to make it a little bit more clear for him, that there is a difference between stock based custom rom and a custom rom

to tell you the truth, i didn't know that slimm rom was a custom rom, i thought it was a stock rom with "more features"

If you don't know what root is etc I suggest you do some research on it before just jumping in without knowing anything about it ?
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk

How can I maintain XReality after rooting?

Well, my problem is this: I have a perfect Z4, still with bootloader closed. I want have to root To use my control of PS3 with bluetooth and to have all the functions that it grants. But according to read the XReality is removed and the quality of the camera is lowered. How can I rotate while maintaining all that?

Ju4n_ said:
Well, my problem is this: I have a perfect Z4, still with bootloader closed. I want have to root To use my control of PS3 with bluetooth and to have all the functions that it grants. But according to read the XReality is removed and the quality of the camera is lowered. How can I rotate while maintaining all that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before unlocking bootloader, take back up of DRM Keys (TA Partition). For this you need to flash android 5.1 (firmware version 28.0.A.8.266) using flashtool and Iovyroot to back up DRM keys.
Guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z4/general/guide-safe-bootloader-unlock-restore-t3386915
After unlocking bootloader, you loose X-reality and some other functions, for that you need to patch DRM Fixed Kernel (guide available in the above link how to create patched kernel for any Android version). You can make or you can use any custom kernel availabel for your firmware. Automatically X-reality will be fixed. Once you flashed patched / custom kernel, root will not effect X-reality.
First read the guide or any other posts carefully for 2 or 3 times, keep back up of important data, then do the experiments, anything goes wrong, use flashtool and flash any version of stock (you must knowhow to flash firmware using Flashtool)
Even without bootloader unlocking, you can flash any firmware with flashtool.