[Q] ICS Update; 'Wiping and flashing?' - Sony Xperia P, U, Sola, Go

Hello,
I have a Sony Xperia S model running currently on Gingerbread version and the ICS update is now available in my country (India) too. After reading all the pros and cons with it Ive decided to go ahead with upgrading.
But,i also came across a suggestion which asked me to 'wipe' the phone completely and 'flash' it before updating.These terms are new for me and i would very much appreciate it if someone could tell me what exactly does this mean and how do i go about doing it.Thanks in advance.
P.S - I do NOT want to root my phone or do anything that devoids the default warranty period however.Just saying.
Edit : Ok,iam seriously confused now.Just read somewhere a 'full wipe' means erasing everything from your phone,except for the Clockwork mod and download mod.Does this mean i wont be able to upgrate to ICS after the full wipe ?! :S Help needed and ASAP please.

you can upgrade it officially thru Sony pc companion, Sony website, or over the air that's provided by your carrier. the terms flashing or clockwork are options for users who have rooted their phone as they cannot update officially anymore without going back to a locked bootloader. so since the update is available in your country, you can do it officially thru the methods mentioned above. you don't have to root.

Related

[Q] about to take a plunge....

my service provider is atrocious (3mobile Australia) as they still haven't released the proper update for my X10a. I havent really fully understood the process because there is too much information i.e. old/new/contradicting/too difficult/too many problems... so i decided that i might take the plunge and follow this simple one here on this site
Code:
lazeroth4th.blogspot.com/2010/11/as-in-my-previous-post-ive-said-that-i.html
(sorry if im not allowed to post that link....)
heres some questions i have
i was wondering if i use the global generic firmware will that affect me in any way? I've heard of people haveing trouble with mediascape and timescape not working and needing to be installed in complicated methods
after flashing it to the global generic FW will i just be able to use SEUS to upgrade my 1.6 X10 to 2.1?
Will i be able to upgrade my phone as SE rolls out more updates?
will i be able to come back to my Australian firmware? if so, how can i do that?
please bear with my noobishnes....i've spent at least 8 hours looking at different sites and i just wanna make 100% sure i want to do this...
dpt90 said:
my service provider is atrocious (3mobile Australia) as they still haven't released the proper update for my X10a. I havent really fully understood the process because there is too much information i.e. old/new/contradicting/too difficult/too many problems... so i decided that i might take the plunge and follow this simple one here on this site
Code:
lazeroth4th.blogspot.com/2010/11/as-in-my-previous-post-ive-said-that-i.html
(sorry if im not allowed to post that link....)
heres some questions i have
i was wondering if i use the global generic firmware will that affect me in any way? I've heard of people haveing trouble with mediascape and timescape not working and needing to be installed in complicated methods
after flashing it to the global generic FW will i just be able to use SEUS to upgrade my 1.6 X10 to 2.1?
Will i be able to upgrade my phone as SE rolls out more updates?
will i be able to come back to my Australian firmware? if so, how can i do that?
please bear with my noobishnes....i've spent at least 8 hours looking at different sites and i just wanna make 100% sure i want to do this...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In regards to issues with mediascape and timescape i had no issues. Well i never had to issues apart from laggyness at the beginnig which is expected. Youll be able to update as normal via pcc or seus. In terms of Australian firmware you can as long as your rooted, there is a thread in this forum on how to do this.
Sent from my X10i Quadrant 832 using XDA App
anther question sorry......
I found an app called androot that roots my phone in the push of a button without the long process. and it installs something called superuser. is that a viable means of rooting my phone or is there a difference in the result of the two methods...

[Q] Full 100% Noob looking for a helpful person to explain things

Hello i know the title seems an awful lot like a dating website info but basically i have been researching androids and stuff for hours on ends and i do not understand the jargon!! i need some simple answers please
I have a Galaxy Ace and i hope someone can answer questions such as
what is rooting and what can it do?
what is updating firmware because i fink i should update to 2.3.5 but does this mean i cant root if i update?
what is custom ROMs and what can they do?
At what stage do i back up my phone e.g. before i root or after i root? before i update or after i update?
I will be very very grateful and plz dont direct me to other links because i have read hundreds of them and all of them explain in too much detail.
Thank You.
See here: http://droidlessons.com/what-is-rooting-on-android-the-advantages-and-disadvantages/ and here: http://www.androidauthority.com/roo...e-to-root-your-android-phone-or-tablet-10915/. Sorry , too long to explain.
Rooting is forcing the phone to allow you access to the internal files of the phone (like the root directory of a hard drive)
Once you have access to the root you can do things that neither android / your service provider wanted you to play with.
Change fonts, modify the teeny system images, allow programs to do (dangerous) system changes to your phone.
Changing the firmware is not something I've played with but, say your phone comes to you with version 1 on it, and version 2 is released in Japan. Well some of the cleverer out there pick and poke and make working versions and then put them up, sometime months before people like o2 orange vodafone have put them into testing / marketing / production / helplines etc.
I'm pretty sure that rooting can affect warranty.
Changing the firmware definately will.
IMO rooting was needed on my x10i before 2.3.3 came out as the Sony Ericsson stuff was eating battery life. Now, its massively sorted out. No need to root.
But I'm not much of a tinkerer
Sent from my X10i using Tapatalk
KelvinMead said:
I'm pretty sure that rooting can affect warranty.
Changing the firmware definately will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just rooting alone WILL void your warranty. No flashing of roms is required.
---------- Post added at 07:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:32 PM ----------
anz2k8 said:
At what stage do i back up my phone e.g. before i root or after i root? before i update or after i update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You backup your device after you root but before you install a custom rom. To root your device, see here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1034145.
Warning: Do not attempt this until you fully understand the risks and you know exactly what you are doing.
thanx for da links and simple explanations
it helped me understand rooting alot more however custom ROM is still a grey area.. and when should i update to gingerbread.. before or after rooting?
i ask this because i'm seeing rooting similar as chipping a psp where you need the right official firmware before you chip it.. so i'm thinking i will need a certain firmware for a certain root.
also.. i was wondering which is the best overall firmware i should go to ; 2.3.3, 2.3.4, 2.3.5? i am thinking the 2.3.5 as it is the latest but new doesn't always mean best as it could have untested bugs etc.
Thank You
anz2k8 said:
thanx for da links and simple explanations
it helped me understand rooting alot more however custom ROM is still a grey area.. and when should i update to gingerbread.. before or after rooting?
i ask this because i'm seeing rooting similar as chipping a psp where you need the right official firmware before you chip it.. so i'm thinking i will need a certain firmware for a certain root.
also.. i was wondering which is the best overall firmware i should go to ; 2.3.3, 2.3.4, 2.3.5? i am thinking the 2.3.5 as it is the latest but new doesn't always mean best as it could have untested bugs etc.
Thank You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should update to Gingerbread after rooting (with a custom rom). Custom roms are simply roms made unofficially (not from manufacturers or service providers) by developers. You could update to 2.3.7 with this rom: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1263292. After you root and install a custom recovery, then you can start flashing roms.
google is your friend..use him
he wont hurt u
I am also curious about the new updates, i suppose it all depends on if the rom you have can handle it? I'm using coredroid on my HTC Sensation

[Q] Couple things about Atrix 4G

Hi!
Im proudly owner of motorola milestone. It was great phone with blocked bootloader, but I'm old and I had in my live some "normal phone" so I didnt cry about locked BL. I simply dont need unlocked BL because in time when I play with Stone We had a lot of rom by recovery.
But from time when I made some weird things took a lot time and a lot of things change in new smartphones so I have some questions for You.
1) On milestrone I could without problems update 2.1>2.2 and downgrade it to 2.1 with official sbf, and I know Atrix has official update from 2.2 to 2.3. I still can make this without problems? (from 2.2>2.3>2.2 and other ways...)
1a) I saw news about update to ICS, and it Was on motorola page (forgot which one). It will be in this year? (official q3 2012)
2)Do I need to unlock BL to use "roms" from recovery? Or I need recovery only?
(like neutrino / cm7)
3) I will not use any of atrix accessories, it will be for me mp3 player, phone and maybe sometimes game console. I still need to unlock BL? And if yes, for what?
3a) when we are speaking about games, every rom fully support tegra?
4) Is something what I need to know about atrix 4g before I will purchase it?
5) Can any user of this phone who live in germany tell me what about using germany mobile network?
sorry for lame questions and thanks for answers
Aesandar said:
Hi!
Im proudly owner of motorola milestone. It was great phone with blocked bootloader, but I'm old and I had in my live some "normal phone" so I didnt cry about locked BL. I simply dont need unlocked BL because in time when I play with Stone We had a lot of rom by recovery.
But from time when I made some weird things took a lot time and a lot of things change in new smartphones so I have some questions for You.
1) On milestrone I could without problems update 2.1>2.2 and downgrade it to 2.1 with official sbf, and I know Atrix has official update from 2.2 to 2.3. I still can make this without problems? (from 2.2>2.3>2.2 and other ways...)
1a) I saw news about update to ICS, and it Was on motorola page (forgot which one). It will be in this year? (official q3 2012)
2)Do I need to unlock BL to use "roms" from recovery? Or I need recovery only?
(like neutrino / cm7)
3) I will not use any of atrix accessories, it will be for me mp3 player, phone and maybe sometimes game console. I still need to unlock BL? And if yes, for what?
3a) when we are speaking about games, every rom fully support tegra?
4) Is something what I need to know about atrix 4g before I will purchase it?
5) Can any user of this phone who live in germany tell me what about using germany mobile network?
sorry for lame questions and thanks for answers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No. Due to bootloader changes between 2.2 and 2.3 you can't just use an sbf. You can however flash a fruitcake which is just a copy of the boot and system partitions. Doesn't do anything to the bootloader. Your bootloader needs to be unlocked to do this and you will need to flash a customer recovery program such as CWM. However, you can use an sbf if you are going between the same version without unlocking the bootloader. Example 2.3.4 to 2.3.4.
1a. Yes. We will should be seeing an ICS upgrade anytime from now to September.
2. Your bootloader will need to be unlocked and a custom recovery will need to be flashed.
3. If that's all your planning to use it for then there really isn't a reason you will need to unlock the bootloader.
3a. Every rom should as far as I know.
4. Some people report that the battery gets quite hot and causes problems. I'm lucky to say that I've had the phone for over a year and haven't had an issues.
5. Sorry, can't help you with question 5, but I hope I was able to answer the rest of your questions.
so without unlock bootloader I cant use custom recovery? In my MM I have recovery and from this recovery I can start "custom" and from this custom I can recover roms...
And what about update from 2.2 > 2.3, when moto release 2.3 for atrix it should be possible to update it without unlock bootloader? Only with OTA?
For god sake, why everyone are making us soooo much problems about custom OS... This is my phone and I should make with it what I want...
Aesandar said:
so without unlock bootloader I cant use custom recovery? In my MM I have recovery and from this recovery I can start "custom" and from this custom I can recover roms...
And what about update from 2.2 > 2.3, when moto release 2.3 for atrix it should be possible to update it without unlock bootloader? Only with OTA?
For god sake, why everyone are making us soooo much problems about custom OS... This is my phone and I should make with it what I want...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are planning on flashing custom roms you will need the bootloader unlocked. Going from 2.2 to 2.3 you don't need an unlocked bootloader. You should be able to either use the OTA option, the sd card option, or the update program from moto via the pc.

[Q] (help) Sony Xperia Ray Update to android 4 on modified phone?

Hi,
So I've done my best to read up on this but I'm absolutely terrified of Bricking my phone, so can someone please give me some advice?
I've got a Sony Xperia Ray running android 2.3.4 which is terrible and It won't let me use any decent apps.
I want to upgrade it to Android Icecream but I'm terribly dumb when it comes to phones, my talents lie in computers and I've been up the past couple of hours trying to decide what to do, I can't find a explanation that is noob freindly.
The reason I'm so hesitant is this phone was unblocked from a network to be compatable on any network, and I'm not sure if this effects the updating procedure?
When I downloaded the Sony PC companion it prompted me to upgrade my android but I'm not sure if this will upgrade the Kernel as well (Sorry if it's a stupid question).
I really need someone's help, I'm terrified!
Specs below:
Model: ST18i
Android Version:2.3.4
Baseband Version:8x55A-AAABQAZM-2-3028D-64
Kernel:2.6.32.8-perf
[email protected]#1
Buld Number:4.0.2.A.0.62
confusedphoneman said:
Hi,
So I've done my best to read up on this but I'm absolutely terrified of Bricking my phone, so can someone please give me some advice?
I've got a Sony Xperia Ray running android 2.3.4 which is terrible and It won't let me use any decent apps.
I want to upgrade it to Android Icecream but I'm terribly dumb when it comes to phones, my talents lie in computers and I've been up the past couple of hours trying to decide what to do, I can't find a explanation that is noob freindly.
The reason I'm so hesitant is this phone was unblocked from a network to be compatable on any network, and I'm not sure if this effects the updating procedure?
When I downloaded the Sony PC companion it prompted me to upgrade my android but I'm not sure if this will upgrade the Kernel as well (Sorry if it's a stupid question).
I really need someone's help, I'm terrified!
Specs below:
Model: ST18i
Android Version:2.3.4
Baseband Version:8x55A-AAABQAZM-2-3028D-64
Kernel:2.6.32.8-perf
[email protected]#1
Buld Number:4.0.2.A.0.62
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony's PC software will also update kernel if going to 4.0.4
sonys 4.0.4 is same or more laggy than 2.3.4 (gingerbread) also it still have a small storage, so u dont will have many space for apps.
if sony software fails to update, download the "flashtool" , with this u can flash firmwares manually. see in general section for tuts. firmwares can be downloaded here: http://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Andro...y-Bean-ICS-Ice-Cream-Sandwich-and/td-p/154389
but the best you can do with this phone is to install some good custom rom. it will give the best experience on that phone.
to do so you need to check if you can unlock bootloader in service menu (google how to enter)
unlock bootloader: http://developer.sonymobile.com/unlockbootloader/unlock-yourboot-loader/
lookup this fine ROM: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2543426
good luck!

[Q] Please help. Phone from Hong Kong, can't update past 4.2.2.

Hey guys,
Thanks in advance for any help you can give on the subject.
I just bought a Sony Xperia Z Ultra from eBay, arrived a couple of days ago, in great working condition. The firmware installed is 4.2.2, and I can't upgrade past there.
I contacted Sony and they told me it's because the IMEI number puts it's origin in Hong Kong which is why I can't update it. The only thing I can do is contact Sony Hong Kong, and I'm having a difficult time doing so.
Does anyone have a fix or workaround for this situation?
I was thinking I could root it and put an upgraded version of android on there, but as I'm not sure how rooting works, I thought I'd ask if there were any alternative options.
At this point, I'm thinking I'm just going to have to send it back, reason being when I chose this phone, one of the main points was because of the soon to be released 5.0 update.
Thanks,
Proxish said:
Hey guys,
Thanks in advance for any help you can give on the subject.
I just bought a Sony Xperia Z Ultra from eBay, arrived a couple of days ago, in great working condition. The firmware installed is 4.2.2, and I can't upgrade past there.
I contacted Sony and they told me it's because the IMEI number puts it's origin in Hong Kong which is why I can't update it. The only thing I can do is contact Sony Hong Kong, and I'm having a difficult time doing so.
Does anyone have a fix or workaround for this situation?
I was thinking I could root it and put an upgraded version of android on there, but as I'm not sure how rooting works, I thought I'd ask if there were any alternative options.
At this point, I'm thinking I'm just going to have to send it back, reason being when I chose this phone, one of the main points was because of the soon to be released 5.0 update.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know you should be able to use flashtool and flash a stock ftf for your region, or wait for 5.0 to be released and then flash it.
adfurgerson said:
As far as I know you should be able to use flashtool and flash a stock ftf for your region, or wait for 5.0 to be released and then flash it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for getting back to me.
I may wait for 5.0. I'll need to learn how to use a flashtool with android first.
Quick couple of questions. Would using a flashtool to flash a stock ftf require the phone to be rooted?
Also, do you know if there is anyway I could use the Google Play firmware on my non-Google play edition?
Proxish said:
Thank you for getting back to me.
I may wait for 5.0. I'll need to learn how to use a flashtool with android first.
Quick couple of questions. Would using a flashtool to flash a stock ftf require the phone to be rooted?
Also, do you know if there is anyway I could use the Google Play firmware on my non-Google play edition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashtool does not require root. The GPe firmware has to be "ported" to run on Sony Z Ultra due to different partition sizes. For 4.4 there is the option to use it with locked or unlocked bootloader. For 5.0 it is only for unlocked bootloader.
adfurgerson said:
Flashtool does not require root. The GPe firmware has to be "ported" to run on Sony Z Ultra due to different partition sizes. For 4.4 there is the option to use it with locked or unlocked bootloader. For 5.0 it is only for unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you again for getting back to me.
Do you know if there is a tutorial for both porting the GPe firmware and for installing 4.4 using a bootloader? As I'm not even sure where to start with this, I'm not even sure what the difference between a locked and unlocked bootloader is. But I don't want to use up all your time, so if you can point me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks again,
Proxish said:
Thank you again for getting back to me.
Do you know if there is a tutorial for both porting the GPe firmware and for installing 4.4 using a bootloader? As I'm not even sure where to start with this, I'm not even sure what the difference between a locked and unlocked bootloader is. But I don't want to use up all your time, so if you can point me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks again,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has already been ported here in this thread linked below, UB and LB are short for unlocked bootloader and locked bootloader. The second post has instructions for locked install, and a simple explanation of bootloader is a set of instructions for loading the kernel so locked will only load stock. The kernel is the interface between software and hardware as I understand it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2800414
This thread is up to date if you wish to read up on rooting and unlocking methods. Please don't hesitate to ask questions as it would be better than stumbling into a mess that could be avoided.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/general/guide-everything-root-4-4-4-t2938098
adfurgerson said:
It has already been ported here in this thread linked below, UB and LB are short for unlocked bootloader and locked bootloader. The second post has instructions for locked install, and a simple explanation of bootloader is a set of instructions for loading the kernel so locked will only load stock. The kernel is the interface between software and hardware as I understand it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2800414
This thread is up to date if you wish to read up on rooting and unlocking methods. Please don't hesitate to ask questions as it would be better than stumbling into a mess that could be avoided.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/general/guide-everything-root-4-4-4-t2938098
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for all the information.
I've done a bit of research, and read through most of what you linked.
I'm slightly confused. As far as I understand it right now, if my bootloader is locked, I can only flash official ROMs. If my bootloader is unlocked, then I can flash any ROM I want, as long as it's compatible with my phone, but I will lose the Sony Bravia engine if I do so, is that correct? I'm not too bothered about this, just curious if this is true.
Where I am really confused, is the part where in the requirements of LB Rom Port, it said
"Be on 4.4.4 firmware (only .108)"
I'm currently stuck on 4.2, and can't get my phone to 4.4.4 with either the built in software or Sony Pc Companion. Is there a guide somewhere on how I can upgrade to 4.4.4 without using the two methods just mentioned?
I've also had a search and not been able to find a 5.0 GPe ROM Port either, guessing no one has bothered with it?
Thanks again,
Proxish said:
Thank you for all the information.
I've done a bit of research, and read through most of what you linked.
I'm slightly confused. As far as I understand it right now, if my bootloader is locked, I can only flash official ROMs. If my bootloader is unlocked, then I can flash any ROM I want, as long as it's compatible with my phone, but I will lose the Sony Bravia engine if I do so, is that correct? I'm not too bothered about this, just curious if this is true.
Where I am really confused, is the part where in the requirements of LB Rom Port, it said
"Be on 4.4.4 firmware (only .108)"
I'm currently stuck on 4.2, and can't get my phone to 4.4.4 with either the built in software or Sony Pc Companion. Is there a guide somewhere on how I can upgrade to 4.4.4 without using the two methods just mentioned?
I've also had a search and not been able to find a 5.0 GPe ROM Port either, guessing no one has bothered with it?
Thanks again,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I seem to have also lost the miracast screen mirroring after unlocking bootloader, if you root then back up the TA first it can be restored. I don't have any experience with pc companion, usually when it is mentioned it is because someone couldn't get it to work. In those instances flashtool is recommended to use. Here is a guide for flashtool. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428319
And link for 5.0 GPe port.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/development/scrubber-t2961315
adfurgerson said:
I seem to have also lost the miracast screen mirroring after unlocking bootloader, if you root then back up the TA first it can be restored. I don't have any experience with pc companion, usually when it is mentioned it is because someone couldn't get it to work. In those instances flashtool is recommended to use. Here is a guide for flashtool. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428319
And link for 5.0 GPe port.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/development/scrubber-t2961315
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the links, again, much appreciated.
I was able to find an official thread for Sony Roms, and think I've found the ROM I need to upgrade to 4.4.4.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2453921
STOCK ROM] [FTF] Xperia Z Ultra (C6833) 14.4.A.0.108 "US RETAIL"
I assume this one will be ok, though I'm unsure. My phones model number is C6833, and this was the only 14.4.A.0.108 ROM I could find, and as far as I've seen, that's the recommended one for 4.4.4, assuming I haven't done anything wrong.
And just double checking, do I Need to root the phone to put the 5.0 GPE port on?
Thanks,
adfurgerson said:
I seem to have also lost the miracast screen mirroring after unlocking bootloader, if you root then back up the TA first it can be restored. I don't have any experience with pc companion, usually when it is mentioned it is because someone couldn't get it to work. In those instances flashtool is recommended to use. Here is a guide for flashtool. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428319
And link for 5.0 GPe port.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/development/scrubber-t2961315
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to use FlashTool to update the phone to the official 4.4.4 ROM, so that you very much for all your help.
I think I may just end up sticking with the Xperia ROM, in favor of rooting and installing a port. I'm actually really liking the 4.4.4 Xperia version.
Thank you very much for all your help, I really appreciate it, wouldn't of been able to do this without your help.
Proxish said:
I was able to use FlashTool to update the phone to the official 4.4.4 ROM, so that you very much for all your help.
I think I may just end up sticking with the Xperia ROM, in favor of rooting and installing a port. I'm actually really liking the 4.4.4 Xperia version.
Thank you very much for all your help, I really appreciate it, wouldn't of been able to do this without your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good that you got updated. If you decide later to try custom ROMs or the ports be sure to root, then backup the TA partition before unlocking the bootloader. If you wanted to stay on stock but add some customizations you could root and install xsposed framework modules.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/index-xposed-modules-collection-post-t2327541

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