z3 compact how to root? me confused or me stupid - Xperia Z3 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

i am deeply sorry if this is the wrong place or already been answered but i have spent almost 6 hours looking for the right solution.
so the story is i have a Z3 compact which is branded to Vodafone UK (not sure if it is relevant)
attached are images of my about page and the configuration page (where you dial *#*#7378423#*#*)
i also (on my search) have my code from the sony site where i selected my phone, sent an email, entered IMEI number and gave me a code to run using fastboot (this did not work for me)
based on theses settings what program/files/tools do i need to install custom rom, which i guess also will root it (im looking at either paranoid android or lineageOS)

paresh90 said:
i am deeply sorry if this is the wrong place or already been answered but i have spent almost 6 hours looking for the right solution.
so the story is i have a Z3 compact which is branded to Vodafone UK (not sure if it is relevant)
attached are images of my about page and the configuration page (where you dial *#*#7378423#*#*)
i also (on my search) have my code from the sony site where i selected my phone, sent an email, entered IMEI number and gave me a code to run using fastboot (this did not work for me)
based on theses settings what program/files/tools do i need to install custom rom, which i guess also will root it (im looking at either paranoid android or lineageOS)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't unlock you bootloader mate, the screenshot you put up says so. Meaning no custom kernels, which also means no ROMs that aren't based on stock. You're stuck with MIUI and various other zip-ports. No Lineage or AOSPA etc.
You can root it no problem though. Just use google or whatever, there's a couple of ways to do it.

someone755 said:
You can't unlock you bootloader mate, the screenshot you put up says so. Meaning no custom kernels, which also means no ROMs that aren't based on stock. You're stuck with MIUI and various other zip-ports. No Lineage or AOSPA etc.
You can root it no problem though. Just use google or whatever, there's a couple of ways to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for your response thought this would be a dead thread.
a few follow up questions if i may:
1. i asume i can find any post with MIUI in the title while should be compatible
2. i read something about down grade of firmware (is that a possible option for me)
3. in my google searching, would i need to state that my BL is locked

paresh90 said:
thank you for your response thought this would be a dead thread.
a few follow up questions if i may:
1. i asume i can find any post with MIUI in the title while should be compatible
2. i read something about down grade of firmware (is that a possible option for me)
3. in my google searching, would i need to state that my BL is locked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just find a MIUI ROM in the dev section if you want MIUI.
You can install any firmware from Sony using Flashtool. Learn to use it, it's gonna be your friend.
That means you download any FTF file for your phone (there's a thread somewhere with a collection of FTFs), and you can flash it. KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, or Concept.
I don't know how to root really, I just do it the old fashioned way since my bootloader is unlocked (and I pray that never changes). I think you'll have to downgrade to KitKat, which, again, is very easy if you know how to use Flashtool.
Np mate, I know the feeling of dead threads. Just happened by luck that I saw yours and got intrigued by the title lol.

someone755 said:
Just find a MIUI ROM in the dev section if you want MIUI.
You can install any firmware from Sony using Flashtool. Learn to use it, it's gonna be your friend.
That means you download any FTF file for your phone (there's a thread somewhere with a collection of FTFs), and you can flash it. KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, or Concept.
I don't know how to root really, I just do it the old fashioned way since my bootloader is unlocked (and I pray that never changes). I think you'll have to downgrade to KitKat, which, again, is very easy if you know how to use Flashtool.
Np mate, I know the feeling of dead threads. Just happened by luck that I saw yours and got intrigued by the title lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's difficult trying to find a post that works for your situation.
Top of your head do you know any good miui ROMs. Light ones
And if I downgrade to kitkat or something will I be able to unlock my BL (or is it compleatly different )
I don't have the phone with me will check tomorrow

paresh90 said:
It's difficult trying to find a post that works for your situation.
Top of your head do you know any good miui ROMs. Light ones
And if I downgrade to kitkat or something will I be able to unlock my BL (or is it compleatly different )
I don't have the phone with me will check tomorrow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't used MIUI since 2013 so you'll have to find one by yourself lol. I'm more of an AOSP guy -- if I was forced to use a locked bootloader I'd just install the concept FTF. That's about as light as you can get on this phone.
You can't unlock your bootloader, period. No software hack will help you. At least not from home. You'd need something like a riffbox and extensive knowledge of the phone's bootloader software to unlock it.

someone755 said:
Haven't used MIUI since 2013 so you'll have to find one by yourself lol. I'm more of an AOSP guy -- if I was forced to use a locked bootloader I'd just install the concept FTF. That's about as light as you can get on this phone.
You can't unlock your bootloader, period. No software hack will help you. At least not from home. You'd need something like a riffbox and extensive knowledge of the phone's bootloader software to unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Concept it is
Ok thank you for making it super clear (for me and anyone else reading this. )
It's annoying that the sony website gave me a code to unlock it. I'm sure they could have known from the IMEI number whqt it was and stuff.

paresh90 said:
Concept it is
Ok thank you for making it super clear (for me and anyone else reading this. )
It's annoying that the sony website gave me a code to unlock it. I'm sure they could have known from the IMEI number whqt it was and stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the carriers lock the bootloaders, not Sony. As far to my knowledge, Sony ships out the devices unlocked, and the carriers decide whether to lock them, but don't report back to Sony. Their site just assumes you don't have a s'hitty carrier.
Best of luck man, and welcome to the Z3C forums!

Related

A few questions before I root.

I did my research but I'm still unsure of a few things.
Once you root your device there is no going back if there is a problem with your phone and need to send it back HTC will know or can you completely go back to 100% unroot/stock like you could with the HTC Magic? Is this true?
I don't plan on installing a custom ROM I just want to use some root programs such as WiFi teather. Will I still get OTA updates from Google?
Wow every single question you just asked has been asked so many times its not even funny..
There really REALLY needs to be a Rooting 101 thread to inform people properly of what rooting does and is, and what are the benefits. Searching just isn't happening it seems..
I'm still searching the forums for definitive answers to my questions and I'm not finding them.
Eclair~ said:
Wow every single question you just asked has been asked so many times its not even funny..
There really REALLY needs to be a Rooting 101 thread to inform people properly of what rooting does and is, and what are the benefits. Searching just isn't happening it seems..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
broken89 said:
I'm still searching the forums for definitive answers to my questions and I'm not finding them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@ Eclair-I have a feeling people don't see the page2 button at the bottom....
@ Broken89- Search back a few pages.....answer is NO.....N1 un-locking is final.....There is no going back *YET*!!!!
- You will not get OTA updates unless you install the stock ROM and the default recovery (or so I heard, don't know about the recover part) though many ROMs include OTA features before they are released. Like himem (using all the available RAM), trackball colors, and gif image support.
- Once you unlock your bootloader (which you have to do to root) you cannot at this time re-lock it on our N1's. Notice I said 'at this time'. It seems HTC is still covering hardware defects such as dust and touch screen calibration issues for SOME people, while others are being charged or refused. You can unroot, but you cannot relock your unlocked bootloader.
- WiFi tethering I believe may still require custom ROMs.
martin0285 said:
@ Eclair-I have a feeling people don't see the page2 button at the bottom....
@ Broken89- Search back a few pages.....answer is NO.....N1 un-locking is final.....There is no going back *YET*!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went far beyond page 10 in both QA and General. I don't know if I just overlooked what I was looking for or what.
Eclair~ said:
- You will not get OTA updates unless you install the stock ROM and the default recovery (or so I heard, don't know about the recover part) though many ROMs include OTA features before they are released. Like himem (using all the available RAM), trackball colors, and gif image support.
- Once you unlock your bootloader (which you have to do to root) you cannot at this time re-lock it on our N1's. Notice I said 'at this time'. It seems HTC is still covering hardware defects such as dust and touch screen calibration issues for SOME people, while others are being charged or refused. You can unroot, but you cannot relock your unlocked bootloader.
- WiFi tethering I believe may still require custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Meh you were right apparently the stock kerenel dosent support it. If I update the Kerenl will I still get OTA Updates from google? and would there be any harm from doing so?
Thanks for the help guys.

[Q] Few questions

Okay so, since I'm sort of new, I wanted to ask a few questions:
1. Is it possible to root xperia x8 with manufacturing date 11w48? At least at 95% chance. I'm a bit scared of the bricking part...
2. If it is possible, what kind of "ROM" (if I understood correctly) should I get?
3. If I get hard bricked/soft bricked what's the chance my phone will be still usable.
That's about it. Please don't rage at me for "OMG USE SEARCH BUTTON" type of thing.
I have tried doing it but no results found. Just threads and posts of people updating their.. ROMs I gues? Correct me if I typed anything wrong there.
But yeah, help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Jetboard said:
Okay so, since I'm sort of new, I wanted to ask a few questions:
1. Is it possible to root xperia x8 with manufacturing date 11w48? At least at 95% chance. I'm a bit scared of the bricking part...
2. If it is possible, what kind of "ROM" (if I understood correctly) should I get?
3. If I get hard bricked/soft bricked what's the chance my phone will be still usable.
That's about it. Please don't rage at me for "OMG USE SEARCH BUTTON" type of thing.
I have tried doing it but no results found. Just threads and posts of people updating their.. ROMs I gues? Correct me if I typed anything wrong there.
But yeah, help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You can safely root your x8 regardless of when it is manufactured, you will not brick it
2. You have 11w48 so it is very risky to unlock your bootloader, i suggest you flash ROMS that is for stock
3. If you get soft bricked you can flash the stock firmware back using flashtool or SEUS, if it is a hard brick, you need to go to the nearest Service center or use a JTAG
Swyped via Tapatalk 2
Thanks a whole bunch. I thought I cannot root because of my manufacturer date. But what is a flash ROM tho?
Jetboard said:
Thanks a whole bunch. I thought I cannot root because of my manufacturer date. But what is a flash ROM tho?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can root your phone. but you can't unlock bl.
when you root your phone, you cam install cwm recovery. simply dl a rom for stock kernel and go to recovery and install(flash) the rom. remember to check the instructions first.
Just because i don't doesn't mean i can't.
All what I found until today was that if I cannot unlock BL I cannot install CWM recovery.
Maybe it is related to model - mine is Sony Xperia J. Y2012.
There is no fastboot available.
Am I wrong, can I have CWM, nandroid backup etc on stock ROM as only such one I may flash ?
F308 said:
All what I found until today was that if I cannot unlock BL I cannot install CWM recovery.
Maybe it is related to model - mine is Sony Xperia J. Y2012.
There is no fastboot available.
Am I wrong, can I have CWM, nandroid backup etc on stock ROM as only such one I may flash ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is for x8. not sure how it works on J. but yeah we don't havt fastboot either. but we can install cwm even with a locked bl. again that's for se x8.
edit: my advice is go to your phone's subforum. you'll get your answers there.
Just because i don't doesn't mean i can't.
Thank you. I understand that lot of things is device dependent but thought there are non-breakable rules, like gravity,
and what is possible to do under certain circumstances was one of them.
Need walk through XDA forum once more, maybe there is a hope.
F308 said:
Thank you. I understand that lot of things is device dependent but thought there are non-breakable rules, like gravity,
and what is possible to do under certain circumstances was one of them.
Need walk through XDA forum once more, maybe there is a hope.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there probably are a few unbreakable rules, but not being familiar with your device i can't guarantee that it's safe or it would work.
Just because i don't doesn't mean i can't.
Despite lot of reading I still am missing knowledge.
Question is:
What is fastboot ?
I found more than one definition of it and compiled into my own.
1.
Of course fastboot.exe is Windows binary (part of flashtool pack) which does certain type of work.
This is not what we are interested in.
2.
I concluded that:
- fastboot is one of modes into what android device can wake up. Just like linux can boot in different ways or Windows into single mode.
- this feature is encoded into boot.img, it is not separate android application.
- boot.img will work only with related kernel.img. They are like love and marriage (which is like horse and carriage - Bundy's).
- Sony sometimes disables stock boot.img to boot into this mode then without replacing boot .img it is impossible.
More comments ?
Fastboot is protocol used to update the flash filesystem in Android devices from a host over USB. It allows flashing of unsigned partition images.
Just because i don't doesn't mean i can't.
Okay, I got one more last question. Is this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=906195&nocache=1 okay to use for rooting? I'm still trying to find the LATEST safe ones =/ I wonder if this one is okay.
Um, I tried that one it didn't work. It said some stuff are missing, then it exited randomly etc.. Can someone give me a link or a short/long guide which I can use that's latest? I do have some X8 drivers in a .zip file but no idea how to install them. Thanks in advance.
Jetboard said:
Okay, I got one more last question. Is this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=906195&nocache=1 okay to use for rooting? I'm still trying to find the LATEST safe ones =/ I wonder if this one is good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted mine with this
Means its safe
Sent from my X8
Having few issues with the SuperOneClick thing... It sometimes randomly exits, tells me that some stuff are missing etc. Any help? =/

[Q] The fu...lovely bootloader

Hi there
I will try and keep this as short as I can. I have an Xperia T which I recently recovered from a bootloop thanks to the helpful folks here at XDA. The issue arose because I tried to flash a custom ROM without unlocking the bootloader (I rooted using Doomlord's Toolkit). I have since done a lot more reading about the process, but it is nearly impossible to read every related link on the internet, so I'd really appreciate if someone could answer the following two questions before I attempt to flash a custom ROM again.
Fortunately, my bootloader is unlockable, although I am currently using the stock firmware without any changes.
The first thing I want to do is backup the TA Partition so I can reinstate Bravia etc once I am happy with the custom ROM. I thought I had backed this up using the Android Flash Tool 0.9.13.0, but I have since read that this doesn't backup the TA Partition in full. For this, I need to use Backup-TA 9.10. My question about this is, do I need to use both the Flash Tool and Backup-TA in order to fully backup and restore the TA Partition, or is Backup-TA sufficient on its own? Also, I don't see an option to restore the backup created in the Flash Tool. How is this done?
The second question I have is, can I unlock the bootloader without going through the formal Sony bootloader unlock process? I have no money to replace my phone and it is under warranty until October this year so I do not want to jeopardise this if it is not possible to unlock the phone without involving Sony. The Android Flash Tool 0.9.13.0 provides a Bootloader Unlock option, yet I have read that it is not possible to unlock the bootloader without informing Sony. If I am able to use the Flash Tool to unlock my bootloader, I have downloaded a file called "LT30_relock_bootloader.ftf" which claims to relock the bootloader should I ever need to do so for the purposes of my warranty, so I have no issue unlocking the bootloader provided I do not need to go through Sony. So, is the information I am currently armed with correct? And is using the Android Flash Tool the best method to unlock the bootloader (so I can install a custom ROM)?
I intend to backup the TA Partition, use Doomlord's Toolkit to root my device, then unlock the bootloader (if possible), then install CWM v8 to flash a custom ROM.
Any clear advice would be greatly appreciated, as ever.
pfhastie said:
Hi there
I will try and keep this as short as I can. I have an Xperia T which I recently recovered from a bootloop thanks to the helpful folks here at XDA. The issue arose because I tried to flash a custom ROM without unlocking the bootloader (I rooted using Doomlord's Toolkit). I have since done a lot more reading about the process, but it is nearly impossible to read every related link on the internet, so I'd really appreciate if someone could answer the following two questions before I attempt to flash a custom ROM again.
Fortunately, my bootloader is unlockable, although I am currently using the stock firmware without any changes.
The first thing I want to do is backup the TA Partition so I can reinstate Bravia etc once I am happy with the custom ROM. I thought I had backed this up using the Android Flash Tool 0.9.13.0, but I have since read that this doesn't backup the TA Partition in full. For this, I need to use Backup-TA 9.10. My question about this is, do I need to use both the Flash Tool and Backup-TA in order to fully backup and restore the TA Partition, or is Backup-TA sufficient on its own? Also, I don't see an option to restore the backup created in the Flash Tool. How is this done?
The second question I have is, can I unlock the bootloader without going through the formal Sony bootloader unlock process? I have no money to replace my phone and it is under warranty until October this year so I do not want to jeopardise this if it is not possible to unlock the phone without involving Sony. The Android Flash Tool 0.9.13.0 provides a Bootloader Unlock option, yet I have read that it is not possible to unlock the bootloader without informing Sony. If I am able to use the Flash Tool to unlock my bootloader, I have downloaded a file called "LT30_relock_bootloader.ftf" which claims to relock the bootloader should I ever need to do so for the purposes of my warranty, so I have no issue unlocking the bootloader provided I do not need to go through Sony. So, is the information I am currently armed with correct? And is using the Android Flash Tool the best method to unlock the bootloader (so I can install a custom ROM)?
I intend to backup the TA Partition, use Doomlord's Toolkit to root my device, then unlock the bootloader (if possible), then install CWM v8 to flash a custom ROM.
Any clear advice would be greatly appreciated, as ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't read your post completly, but you can't install ANY custom rom if your bootloader is unlockable. You can't install a custom kernel. So all your efforts are worthless....
St.Jimmy90 said:
I haven't read your post completly, but you can't install ANY custom rom if your bootloader is unlockable. You can't install a custom kernel. So all your efforts are worthless....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that you have a lot of problems with English, he has phone with UNLOCKABLE bootloader, which means that it CAN BE unlocked...
This is not your first post where you're blowing away people not knowing what they are writing.
St.Jimmy90 said:
I haven't read your post completly, but you can't install ANY custom rom if your bootloader is unlockable. You can't install a custom kernel. So all your efforts are worthless....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why would u answer the question without understanding what he wrote ? and the fact remains that u admitted that u didnt read it all the way so its pointless to reply jus like u may be saying its pointless for me to reply to your post and not answer the question
Yes, just to confirm my bootloader can be unlocked (unlike some Xperia T variations), but is currently locked. And I am enquiring as to whether it can be unlocked without contacting Sony and how best to go about it.
I would really appreciate some help as I am disinclined to do anything on my phone until I can solve the issues and questions outlined above.
pfhastie said:
Yes, just to confirm my bootloader can be unlocked (unlike some Xperia T variations), but is currently locked. And I am enquiring as to whether it can be unlocked without contacting Sony and how best to go about it.
I would really appreciate some help as I am disinclined to do anything on my phone until I can solve the issues and questions outlined above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no know not of any other ways but sony and flashtool atm
1: Use backup-TA ONLY. You won't be reinstating it and getting back Bravia while you are using a custom ROM though You restore this backup only if you want to go back to stock and restore Bravia/send phone in for service.
2: You need the code from the Sony service. However just because you got the code, doesn't mean you used the code so won't wreck your warranty on its own. You restore the TA backup before your send away under warranty and then they don't even know you ever unlocked in the first place
Don't flash any .ftf to relock your bootloader, thats what you make the TA backup for. Any other method to relock bootloader will show relocked instead of never unlocked status you need for warranty. TA is only thing that will restore Bravia also.
pfhastie said:
Hi there
I will try and keep this as short as I can./QUOTE]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nlooooo said:
I think that you have a lot of problems with English, he has phone with UNLOCKABLE bootloader, which means that it CAN BE unlocked...
This is not your first post where you're blowing away people not knowing what they are writing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doh man, usually I understand everything but it seems I have to read more carefully..... And I shouldn't try to read something while talking to a friend. It won't happen again
Thanks for that, mdc1983uk, I understand about the TA partition now.
My only remaining question is, if I need the Sony code to unlock the bootloader, what happens when you use the Android Flash Tool 0.9.13.0 Bootloader Unlock option? Does it still require you to get a Sony code?
pfhastie said:
Thanks for that, mdc1983uk, I understand about the TA partition now.
My only remaining question is, if I need the Sony code to unlock the bootloader, what happens when you use the Android Flash Tool 0.9.13.0 Bootloader Unlock option? Does it still require you to get a Sony code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know you need the code. Every phone gets an unique code created from your Imei
OK, thanks for the advice.
New problem: I upgraded to 4.3, now Doomlord's Rooting Toolkit doesn't work. Is there another way to root 4.3? I can't use Backup-TA unless device is rooted.
I swear, I can understand why it sometimes seems a little tetchy round here - every step of every path seems to lead straight into a brick wall!!!
pfhastie said:
OK, thanks for the advice.
New problem: I upgraded to 4.3, now Doomlord's Rooting Toolkit doesn't work. Is there another way to root 4.3? I can't use Backup-TA unless device is rooted.
I swear, I can understand why it sometimes seems a little tetchy round here - every step of every path seems to lead straight into a brick wall!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What if you flash Darklords pre rooted and deodexed rom?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2647459
Thanks for that, I appreciate that would work, but I still haven't come close to being able to successfully flash a single ROM and I just don't have the time or mental strength required to work my way through every ball-breaking step. No matter how simple it seems, there will be a problem.
Unless there is a simpler solution, I shall just keep watching these forums hoping the mighty Doomlord releases a new Toolkit or another method comes to light. Surely within a few weeks there ought to be another solution given all the high IQ bods on the case.
pfhastie said:
Thanks for that, I appreciate that would work, but I still haven't come close to being able to successfully flash a single ROM and I just don't have the time or mental strength required to work my way through every ball-breaking step. No matter how simple it seems, there will be a problem.
Unless there is a simpler solution, I shall just keep watching these forums hoping the mighty Doomlord releases a new Toolkit or another method comes to light. Surely within a few weeks there ought to be another solution given all the high IQ bods on the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't bank on the devs coming up with a new root method for 4.3, currently there isn't a need for one since we can all root on 4.1 then unoffically upgrade with a pre-rooted firmware, this is a relitevly simple procedure and can be done within an hour
It wouldn't be an hour for me, unfortunately. It would likely be three solid days of profound agony and disturbed sleep. Even tonight, it took me hours to connect to PC Companion to run a fresh copy of the firmware and the thread related to the 4.3 pre-rooted firmware suggests there are still a few issues. The great and mighty Doomlord's Toolkit takes seconds and works perfectly. I am sure I am not alone in my concerns.
pfhastie said:
It wouldn't be an hour for me, unfortunately. It would likely be three solid days of profound agony and disturbed sleep. Even tonight, it took me hours to connect to PC Companion to run a fresh copy of the firmware and the thread related to the 4.3 pre-rooted firmware suggests there are still a few issues. The great and mighty Doomlord's Toolkit takes seconds and works perfectly. I am sure I am not alone in my concerns.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on what @matt4321 said in the previous post. Downgrade to 4.1.2, root, and then backup your TA partition with Backup-TA, flash CWM v8, and unlock bootloader if so desired.
If you want to be on 4.3, once you're unlocked, and after flashing any Official 4.3 FTF, you can then flash a kernel that can be found in EXR leaked 4.3 thread which comes with CWM already included, and finally proceed to flash SuperSU in recovery.
The minute one of the Official 4.3 FTF's came out I flashed it and tried the kernel I just mentioned; it's been working fine, probably even better than the official stock kernel (even though it is based on a stock kernel, only with CWM, that's why you need to be unlocked), given that I don't have a single one of the bugs that people are reporting exist on the Official 4.3 Roms. Battery is at 40% and I am already at almost 35 hours on a single charge.
If you already have the FTF files, this procedure doesn't take more than 40 minutes, if you're comfortable with and know what you're doing.
I hear you and will very likely give it a shot as soon as I can find the time (if only this was my only concern). At this stage, I'd be inclined to use Doomlord's Rooted&Deodexed ROM as it doesn't require unlocking the bootloader, but it is still a long way around to get root for the 4.3 version I am already using.
What I don't understand is, why would anyone comfortable with this whole process want to run 4.3 anyway when KitKat and supposedly better ROMs are widely available? Doesn't make sense. The truth is, the Sony interface is very well implemented already, and I'm beginning to think that better shortcuts and flashy sidebars are not worth the effort of trying to deal with flashing custom ROMs. I don't want a smartphone - or any computer - loaded with more utilities than apps that actually do stuff. That, I thought, was part of the rank old days.
I read about five web pages devoted to explaining what deodexing actually means and I still don't know, and probably never will.
I'll mull over the situation as I get drunk tonight!
Well, the thing is you need to backup your TA partition, which is the only reason why you'd have to go back to 4.1.2, which lengthens the process.
pfhastie said:
I read about five web pages devoted to explaining what deodexing actually means and I still don't know, and probably never will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding odexing/deodexing, read this.
pfhastie said:
What I don't understand is, why would anyone comfortable with this whole process want to run 4.3 anyway when KitKat and supposedly better ROMs are widely available? Doesn't make sense. The truth is, the Sony interface is very well implemented already, and I'm beginning to think that better shortcuts and flashy sidebars are not worth the effort of trying to deal with flashing custom ROMs. I don't want a smartphone - or any computer - loaded with more utilities than apps that actually do stuff. That, I thought, was part of the rank old days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously, in your case it's simple, since you have an XT and there are several custom ROMS that are currently being actively maintained for that device; you can do pretty much anything you want.
Others, like myself, have an XTX, and apparently none of the devs working on Roms actually have an XTX, so developing for it is a hit and miss. I tried CM11, and it was working flawlessly until I realized that half of the time the phone should be in deep sleep, it does not sleep due to kernel wakelocks. A battery that lasts 6 - 7 hours is no use for me. Therefore, my only option was to go back to JB 4.3.
The people who actually bought an XT have a wide variety of ROMs to choose from. On the other hand, those who have an XTX have about 3 or 4 ROMs (at the most), with the only one actually being maintained, is CM11.
Antiga Prime said:
Well, the thing is you need to backup your TA partition, which is the only reason why you'd have to go back to 4.1.2, which lengthens the process.
Regarding odexing/deodexing, read this.
Obviously, in your case it's simple, since you have an XT and there are several custom ROMS that are currently being actively maintained for that device; you can do pretty much anything you want.
Others, like myself, have an XTX, and apparently none of the devs working on Roms actually have an XTX, so developing for it is a hit and miss. I tried CM11, and it was working flawlessly until I realized that half of the time the phone should be in deep sleep, it does not sleep due to kernel wakelocks. A battery that lasts 6 - 7 hours is no use for me. Therefore, my only option was to go back to JB 4.3.
The people who actually bought an XT have a wide variety of ROMs to choose from. On the other hand, those who have an XTX have about 3 or 4 ROMs (at the most), with the only one actually being maintained, is CM11.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I get you. Still, bit of a faff, isn't it? These devices will be old before they can be utilised perfectly.
Custom ROMS still have a way to go unless stock based. Although the stock 4.3 isn't flawless, its better for me than the 4.3/4.4 custom's running on a 4.1 kernel. Every i've tried comes with the proviso that you will suffer blue screens of death at random until Sony releases the 4.3 kernel open source for them to merge. Some guys are hardcore though and putting up with reboots and crashes is a normal part of the game as it's not a bug - they are waiting for Sony. There's also another huge issue (for me) of the speakerphone never working correctly at the Sony volumes. They have to turn the volume of the whole ROM down to compensate and this makes it hard to hear in a noisy environment, a frustrating bug for me which has hung around since 4.1. You can max the volume up with a file which someone did, but it breaks the speakerphone then so you can only have one or the other.
In a lot of ways I am one of those guys though, I do like to experiment and am comfortable with the processes but I always find what I flash causes me some frustration before long so I go back to stock. If I had the knowledge to help fix problems it would be a different story and i'd stick with custom but as I can't I don't really see the point until 4.3 sources come out and its all a bit more stable.
pfhastie said:
What I don't understand is, why would anyone comfortable with this whole process want to run 4.3 anyway when KitKat and supposedly better ROMs are widely available? Doesn't make sense. The truth is, the Sony interface is very well implemented already, and I'm beginning to think that better shortcuts and flashy sidebars are not worth the effort of trying to deal with flashing custom ROMs. I don't want a smartphone - or any computer - loaded with more utilities than apps that actually do stuff. That, I thought, was part of the rank old days.
I read about five web pages devoted to explaining what deodexing actually means and I still don't know, and probably never will.
I'll mull over the situation as I get drunk tonight!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Various noob questions

Hello !
I've a new Xperia E1 Dual (2105).
I've successfully rooted it, thanks to the information I've found on this forum.
Now I've some questions :
1) on my previous phone (Xperia X8) I had a recovery screen accessible upon reboot onto which I could make backups of the whole software on the SDCARD. I would like to have the same on the E1 but I can't find nothing to make this work. What should I do ?
2) Is there any advantage to run a custom ROM on this device, given it already has 4.4 ? (the X8 needed a custom ROM to go beyond 1.6 or 2.1 version Sony delivered).
Many thanks in advance for your help !
Recovery requires unlocked bootloader
Yes, you can backup stuff using PhilZ or TWRP. You can get into recovery by tapping the walkman button during Sony logo
We are currently stuck on 4.4.2, but there are many Stock ROM mods that speeds up it up the phone, such as KillaMade, Illumination, etc.. It frees your time enchancing the ROM, or If you are completely new to Android, It avoids you to give a few headache
If you are unsure what to do, check my guide, It is mostly noob-friendly
Kizoky said:
Recovery requires unlocked bootloader
Yes, you can backup stuff using PhilZ or TWRP. You can get into recovery by tapping the walkman button during Sony logo
We are currently stuck on 4.4.2, but there are many Stock ROM mods that speeds up it up the phone, such as KillaMade, Illumination, etc.. It frees your time enchancing the ROM, or If you are completely new to Android, It avoids you to give a few headache
If you are unsure what to do, check my guide, It is mostly noob-friendly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your answer.
I'm a bit confused because I am not able to install TWRP because it says that my phone is unsupported.
I've cleaned bloatware using RUninstaller (backing up each APK before removing it) and moved the backuped APK to the SDCard and to my PC for a possible re-install. But I would have liked to make a backup of all the files with the device cold before tweaking ... I like having belt and suspender when going wild
georgesgiralt said:
Thank you for your answer.
I'm a bit confused because I am not able to install TWRP because it says that my phone is unsupported.
I've cleaned bloatware using RUninstaller (backing up each APK before removing it) and moved the backuped APK to the SDCard and to my PC for a possible re-install. But I would have liked to make a backup of all the files with the device cold before tweaking ... I like having belt and suspender when going wild
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just saying using any TWRP app will always say E1 is incompatible, because it is not supported (officially) daily
However, you can install TWRP here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe.../recovery-main-thread-twrp-xperia-e1-t3323159
As I said It requires unlocked bootloader, otherwise you can't get into recovery
Kizoky said:
Just saying using any TWRP app will always say E1 is incompatible, because it is not supported (officially) daily
However, you can install TWRP here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe.../recovery-main-thread-twrp-xperia-e1-t3323159
As I said It requires unlocked bootloader, otherwise you can't get into recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your answer !
I've read about unlocking the bootloader and saw that it will reset the phone/apps/settings to factory default.
I should have done it long before ....
But I wonder if there is a way to backup everything BEFORE unlocking and, restore after unlocking to get my settings back.
What do you think ?
georgesgiralt said:
Thank you for your answer !
I've read about unlocking the bootloader and saw that it will reset the phone/apps/settings to factory default.
I should have done it long before ....
But I wonder if there is a way to backup everything BEFORE unlocking and, restore after unlocking to get my settings back.
What do you think ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I don't have a locked BL, so I can't really tell you how to make the recovery work, though there are many threads about how to boot into PhilZ under locked BL @xezrunner
If you do however manage to flash PhilZ, you can backup your entire system along with apps, data, and etc..
I suggest backing up TA, If you ever need to relock the BL back again to make use of the warranty
Here's the appropiate thread on how to install recovery on a locked bootloader.
xezrunner said:
Here's the appropiate thread on how to install recovery on a locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much but I've already used that and installed a recovery. You are late by a couple of hours.
I was able to do a backup of my present configuration and even make a "custom ROM" with the actual phone. So I'm very pleased !
I looked into the service menu and saw that my boot loader is not locked and that I've no DRM installed (maybe that's because my phone is a plain Sony one ? without any paid application ? )
Now, I've just to use the thread about changing the behavior of the Walkman button in order to disable it...
Thank to all who responded and provided help ! I'm an IT guy but far from an Android guy ! And I would not have done this without you !
Edit :
An additional question :
Now, I still have a locked bootloader (because I did not unlock it) and a recovery installed (PhilZ). Do you think I could install TRWP rescue still without unlocking the BL ? (this way I may keep the warranty of the phone ?)
TWRP is in a different image file (recovery.img), which locked BLs will never be able to boot in it
PhilZ is stored in the kernel (boot.img), so you can easily flash another ftf file to erase the kernel If you need to deliver the phone to your provider
(some providers take this seriously as this is a great excuse for them to ask for more money, or even worse, refuse to repair it, however Sony is still pretty calm about things like this)
As long as your BL is locked, and your TA is intact, your warranty is safe
georgesgiralt said:
I looked into the service menu and saw that my boot loader is not locked and that I've no DRM installed (maybe that's because my phone is a plain Sony one ? without any paid application ? )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Xperia E1 has no DRMs whatsoever. What DRMs could you even have? The camera lacks any enchancements Sony has for the other devices...
xezrunner said:
The Xperia E1 has no DRMs whatsoever. What DRMs could you even have? The camera lacks any enchancements Sony has for the other devices...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ! OK !
This clarifies a lot of things. I was wondering what's this DRM thing was about.
Last question, do you know if one can backup the official ROM downloaded through Sony PC Companion during "Repair phone" operation ?
georgesgiralt said:
Ah ! OK !
This clarifies a lot of things. I was wondering what's this DRM thing was about.
Last question, do you know if one can backup the official ROM downloaded through Sony PC Companion during "Repair phone" operation ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a much better way to get a .ftf file that you can flash with Flashtool. Use XperiFirm.
xezrunner said:
There's a much better way to get a .ftf file that you can flash with Flashtool. Use XperiFirm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you thank you thank you !
It's amazing the volume and quality of information I got asking simple questions.
I would have had to read thousand of pages of this forum to get that much ! You definitely saved me weeks of investment.
Do you know if I can install a Sony software made for a different CDA phone ? Because I have an old X8 which came with Orange branding and it has been so badly configured it is a pity. So I would like to try it with plain Sony Ericsson software and compare with the ROM I tested on it.
Have a bright nice day !
georgesgiralt said:
Thank you thank you thank you !
It's amazing the volume and quality of information I got asking simple questions.
I would have had to read thousand of pages of this forum to get that much ! You definitely saved me weeks of investment.
Do you know if I can install a Sony software made for a different CDA phone ? Because I have an old X8 which came with Orange branding and it has been so badly configured it is a pity. So I would like to try it with plain Sony Ericsson software and compare with the ROM I tested on it.
Have a bright nice day !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely, you can flash any kind of firmware and it will work as long as it's for that specific model. You might experience some issues like no 3G if the firmware was made for a country that has no 3G support or has a different kind of cellular reception. But that's rare. The amount of bloat also varies beetween firmwares, of course. Kizoky has made a thread on all the firmwares available in XperiFirm with the fewest amount of bloat, I'm using the Turkey one and it's working really nice.
Glad to be of help!
Hello !
Here I am again !
I've a question I can't solve myself.
I've searched and didn't find an answer.
When I'm at work, I would like to send some calls directly to the answering machine without the phone even ringing. Mostly the personal calls because I can't get any privacy when at work.
Before the Android Era, I had a phone with a white list and a black list. And you could manage the actions for the white or the black lists. This served me well.
On my Android 4.4 I did not find something similar.
I would be delighted to get some help from you guys !
Thanks in advance for your answer.
georgesgiralt said:
Hello !
Here I am again !
I've a question I can't solve myself.
I've searched and didn't find an answer.
When I'm at work, I would like to send some calls directly to the answering machine without the phone even ringing. Mostly the personal calls because I can't get any privacy when at work.
Before the Android Era, I had a phone with a white list and a black list. And you could manage the actions for the white or the black lists. This served me well.
On my Android 4.4 I did not find something similar.
I would be delighted to get some help from you guys !
Thanks in advance for your answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ugh, now that's some tough question.
Try asking in here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/help
Kizoky,
Thank you for your answer. Actually, i had an idea to search for just blacklist android. It was more productive this way. I've to learn how to search ...
I've found two ways : the first one (not working) is to activate the black list from the settings in the contacts. The second one is to download an app to do just that. For now, I've to find one acting just on the phone call and not on the SMS. Funny Sony or Google did not think it was a need to fulfil ...

Help a BIG noob with Root.

So, I want to root my Xperia Z3 Compact. 6.0.1 D5803 .291.
I found few text tutorials here on this site, yet these don't help me at all, most of the words used in these threads i don't understand at all.
For example; "Backup your DRMs" And I'm Like "Backup what?,Backup how?"
If it comes to android I'm complete noob, and I don't know anything about this OS.
So I'm here hoping someone will waste their time trying to help me understand anything.
Edit: If this post has wrong flair, is in wrong sub or something is wrong with it, please point it out. Thats my first time using this site.
thtjst said:
So, I want to root my Xperia Z3 Compact. 6.0.1 D5803 .291.
I found few text tutorials here on this site, yet these don't help me at all, most of the words used in these threads i don't understand at all.
For example; "Backup your DRMs" And I'm Like "Backup what?,Backup how?"
If it comes to android I'm complete noob, and I don't know anything about this OS.
So I'm here hoping someone will waste their time trying to help me understand anything.
Edit: If this post has wrong flair, is in wrong sub or something is wrong with it, please point it out. Thats my first time using this site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So first of all you asked the question in the right sub so don't worry about that.
Regarding the DRM keys,here is a brief explanation.
So the guides you saw probably say that you should unlock your bootloader,and when you unlock your bootloader you lose the said DRM keys.
When you lose the DRM keys your camera becomes a bit bad with it being very bad in low light situations and as well some of the Sony features won't work.
There is a zip you can flash to return the camera quality BUT it only works on stock ROMs.
So I would only recommend unlocking the bootloader if you are going to install something like Carbon ROM or LineageOS.
Now if you want to avoid unlocking the bootloader and just using the stock ROM there is a way to root it on a locked bootloader,you can find the method in the General subforum.
But do remember you can only install stock based ROMs on a locked bootloader,else the phone will be bricked.
I hope you understand now.
To start stay with locked bootloader and follow this tut. Do not unlock bootloader at this time...
This is about to Root and get TWRP (custom Recovery) and stay with locked bootloader...
Get familar with "Flashtool" - Everything needed is linked in below mentiond thread.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/guide-newbshow-to-291-mm-z3clocked-t3536395
If you have root go on and back up TA partition.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/universal-dirtycow-based-ta-backup-t3514236
... and most important: read, read, read and... understand... And do not do things without thinking...
We all started like this

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