[How-To] Install a custom kernel/rom on xperia devices (2011/2012) - Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini, Mini Pro, Xperia Pro, A

You have just unlocked your bootloader, maybe using my tutorial here and you don't know what to do now?
Or you have a locked bootloader and just rooted your phone, maybe with this tutorial?
INSTALLING A CUSTOM KERNEL/ROM WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY! I ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY BRICKED UP DEVICES OR COMPUTERS! DO ALL THAT ON YOUR OWN RISK!
Before you start make sure the battery is more than 75%, better 100% charged.
First you have to choose if you have an
1. Unlocked Bootloader
or a
2. Locked Bootloader
1. Unlocked Bootloader
How to flash a kernel
You have your Bootloader unlocked and you want to flash a custom kernel? The easiest way to flash a custom kernel is using flashtool. Download flashtool from here and install it.
Now you go to the flashtool installation folder. There you open the drivers folder and install the drivers.
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In the flashtool -> drivers folder is the drivers installer
Now you are ready to install a custom rom/kernel.
Let's start:
You go to development section and choose a rom you want for your device. You download the rom and the kernel for your device (make sure it is the right for yours! Sometimes the kernel is included in the installation zip file of the rom.
Now you have the boot.img or a kernel.sin or a kernel.elf and the rom
You copy the installation zip file to your sd card. If that's done, unplug your device and turn it off.
Now you have to put it in fastboot mode. For that you hold the volume up key and connect it to the computer. The blue led will light up.
Now you launch flashtool
To install the custom kernel, we click on the flash
and select fastboot mode
Now there comes up the toolbox
where we choose "select kernel to flash"
Now we have to browse to the kernel boot.img (or the kernel.sin/boot.elf) we want to flash
Here's the log of flashing the kernel image
10/010/2012 17:10:07 - INFO - <- This level is successfully initialized
10/010/2012 17:10:08 - INFO - Flashtool Version 0.9.0.0 built on 2012-07-19 22:57:15
10/010/2012 17:10:08 - INFO - You can drag and drop ftf files here to start flashing them
10/010/2012 17:10:14 - INFO - Device disconnected
10/012/2012 17:12:15 - INFO - Launching Fastboot Toolbox 1.0 by DooMLoRD
10/012/2012 17:12:16 - INFO - Device Status: NOT FOUND
10/014/2012 17:14:44 - INFO - Device connected in fastboot mode
10/015/2012 17:15:34 - INFO - Selected kernel (boot.img or kernel.sin): C:\Program Files (x86)\Flashtool\kernels\Kernelname\boot.img
10/015/2012 17:15:34 - INFO - Flashing selected kernel
10/015/2012 17:15:37 - INFO - sending 'boot' (6444 KB)...
10/015/2012 17:15:37 - INFO - (bootloader) USB download speed was 9190kB/s
10/015/2012 17:15:37 - INFO - OKAY [ 0.726s]
10/015/2012 17:15:37 - INFO - writing 'boot'...
10/015/2012 17:15:37 - INFO - (bootloader) Download buffer format: boot IMG
10/015/2012 17:15:37 - INFO - (bootloader) Flash of partition 'boot' requested
10/015/2012 17:15:37 - INFO - (bootloader) S1 partID 0x00000003, block 0x00000280-0x000002e3
10/015/2012 17:15:37 - INFO - (bootloader) Erase operation complete, 0 bad blocks encountered
10/015/2012 17:15:37 - INFO - (bootloader) Flashing...
10/015/2012 17:15:37 - INFO - (bootloader) Flash operation complete
10/015/2012 17:15:37 - INFO - OKAY [ 1.297s]
10/015/2012 17:15:37 - INFO - finished. total time: 2.023s
10/015/2012 17:15:37 - INFO - FASTBOOT Output:
sending 'boot' (6444 KB)...
(bootloader) USB download speed was 9190kB/s
OKAY [ 0.726s]
writing 'boot'...
(bootloader) Download buffer format: boot IMG
(bootloader) Flash of partition 'boot' requested
(bootloader) S1 partID 0x00000003, block 0x00000280-0x000002e3
(bootloader) Erase operation complete, 0 bad blocks encountered
(bootloader) Flashing...
(bootloader) Flash operation complete
OKAY [ 1.297s]
finished. total time: 2.023s
10/015/2012 17:15:37 - INFO - Please check the log before rebooting into system
10/015/2012 17:15:42 - INFO - Finished Fastboot Toolbox
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SEE THE LOG BEFORE YOU DSICONNECT! IF THERE ARE NO ERRORS/BAD BLOCKS GO ON!
How to flash the custom rom
Now, you disconnect and power on your device and while it boots up, press volume down again and again. Then you are in clockworkmod.
Now you select backup and restore and you backup your current rom. Then go on:
See on the thread of the rom you want to install, what has to be formatted or wiped, for example:
format /system
format /data
format /cache
wipe data/factory reset
etc
You do this and then you choose "install zip from sd card" > "choose zip" and you select the installation zip.
There are 2 options:
- It will install automaticly.
- It has Aroma installer. This is a setup assistant, which goes with you through the installation. You will just have to choose your device and that you have an unlocked bootloader. You navigate with the volume up/down keys and select with the home button.
After the installation has finished, you sometimes have to flash gapps (=google apps like playstore etc). You do this with the same procedure (install zip from sd card etc).
After that reboot phone and enjoy
2. Locked Bootloader
If you want to install roms on a locked bootloader, you'll have to root your phone (like hereand install clockworkmod recovery. For that you can do the following:
Download "cwm-autoinstaller" or now "xparts" from playstore and it can install cwm automaticly. Just select install clockworkmod!
Now you go to development section and search for a rom for locked bootloader.
YOU CAN'T INSTALL ROMS FOR UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER ON A LOCKED BOOTLOADER!!
You download the rom installation package (it's a zip file) and copy it to your sd card
Restart your phone and while it restarts press volume down again and again. It will boot into clockworkmod.
There you choose Backup and restore and you make a backup of your current rom
After that you look in the thread of the rom you want to install, what has to be formatted or wiped (system or data or cache, etc). You do that and after that you choose "install zip from sd card" > "choose zip" and click yes to install.
There are 2 options:
- it'll be install automaticly
- or it has aroma installer included. Then you choose your device and after that select locked bootloader. To navigate you use volume up/down and home to select.
After that just reboot and enjoy!

---

mihahn said:
Now you select backup and restore and you backup your current rom. Then go on:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is the backup option available by default, or do i need to create a backup using 3rd party apps like Titanium or such likes?
See on the thread of the rom you want to install, what has to be formatted or wiped, for example:
format /system
format /data
format /cache
wipe data/factory reset
etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How will i know which what is to be formatted/wiped? is there specific which thread that i need to format/wipe clean?
After the installation has finished, you sometimes have to flash gapps (=google apps like playstore etc). You do this with the same procedure (install zip from sd card etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how do i install gapps?
Thanks once again..

---

williamgurumayum said:
is the backup option available by default, or do i need to create a backup using 3rd party apps like Titanium or such likes?
How will i know which what is to be formatted/wiped? is there specific which thread that i need to format/wipe clean?
how do i install gapps?
Thanks once again..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The backup option in clockworkmod will be available by default and you don't have to backup your apps separately using titanium backup if you have backed up using clockworkmod.
Normally you will not wipe system partition (it will be wiped automatically before flashing a custom Rom) if the Rom developer of the Rom you are going to flash has specified in his Rom thread to wipe one of the partitions, then you must do so.
Gapps is just a flashable zip package containing all the google apps and services. You can download it from cyanogenmod site and flash it using clockworkmod after flashing a new custom Rom which does not have gapps by default (see the Rom's thread).
press thanks if I have helped you!
sent from my smultron

---

About installing gapps...
Download gapps for your Android version...
A zipp file is downloaded...
Now turn off your device and then switch it on... Sony logo will appear
Then press volume down key... Repeatedly...
You will be directed to clockworkmod recovery...
Then choose "install zip from sd card"
Then go to location where you saved the zip file and select the file...
Then choose install and after that simply reboot your phone...
Gapps will be installed
Note: flash gapps after installing your ROM:thumbup:

---

PREDATOR95 said:
About installing gapps...
Download gapps for your Android version...
A zipp file is downloaded...
Now turn off your device and then switch it on... Sony logo will appear
Then press home button and volume up key...
You will be directed to clockworkmod recovery...
Then choose "install zip from sd card"
Then go to location where you saved the zip file and select the file...
Then choose install and after that simply reboot your phone...
Gapps will be installed
Note: flash gapps after installing your ROM:thumbup:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why should he press home button? Normally we enter cwm by pressing volume down again and again while booting...

---

williamgurumayum said:
is the backup option available by default, or do i need to create a backup using 3rd party apps like Titanium or such likes?
How will i know which what is to be formatted/wiped? is there specific which thread that i need to format/wipe clean?
how do i install gapps?
Thanks once again..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is by default in cwm. Go to backup/restore -> backup and it will backup all! If you restore after that you have the same system/data/cache/android secure like before...
This is explained in the specific thread. For example in FXP Cm10 thread they say you should wipe data/factory reset before flashing the rom zip. But that's explained in the thread of the rom you like
You flash the gapps like another rom, normally there's no need to do a factory reset after flashing them. But be sure you flash the right ones for your software version (gb=gingerbread 2.x.x, ics=ice cream sandwich 4.0.x, jelly bean 4.1.x). You can find all of them here

---

You go to development section and choose a rom you want for your device. You download the rom and the kernel for your device (make sure it is the right for yours! Sometimes the kernel is included in the installation zip file of the rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When i extract the file i can't see any ZIP file as in the attached image. I am attaching my image, how it looks
Now you have the boot.img and the rom
You copy the installation zip file to your sd card. If that's done, unplug your device and turn it off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do i need to place the downloaded ZIP file without extracting on the SD card.?
Please advise... attached is the way how it looks when i extract the FXP142-cm-10-20121013-UNOFFICIAL-mango.zip downloaded.
Do i need to place this on the root of the SD Card?
Thanks

---

williamgurumayum said:
When i extract the file i can't see any ZIP file as in the attached image. I am attaching my image, how it looks
Do i need to place the downloaded ZIP file without extracting on the SD card.?
Please advise... attached is the way how it looks when i extract the FXP142-cm-10-20121013-UNOFFICIAL-mango.zip downloaded.
Do i need to place this on the root of the SD Card?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you must save the file in zip format...
Now about flashing ROM
Turn off your device...
Wipe system/cache/dalvik cache
Then choose install zip from sd card... Then browse to the zip file and then select it...
And install...
And reboot after installation...
First reboot takes time... Be patient... :thumbup:
No there is no need to extract the FXP142 file... for flashing it
That boot.img in the image is the kernel for FXP142
Sent from my ST15i

---

@PREDATOR95
The Unlock Code doesn't appear after i press Get Unlock Code.
Below the window, Network Status is showing Ready
---------- Post added at 11:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:00 PM ----------
Also, i managed to have an UNLOCK code from SOny's website. Can i use it on the field?
Or, the Unlock code not appearing, is it some sign of trouble coming in my way?

---

williamgurumayum said:
@PREDATOR95
The Unlock Code doesn't appear after i press Get Unlock Code.
Below the window, Network Status is showing Ready
---------- Post added at 11:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:00 PM ----------
Also, i managed to have an UNLOCK code from SOny's website. Can i use it on the field?
Or, the Unlock code not appearing, is it some sign of trouble coming in my way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is your bootloader unlocked now or not? What do you mean with unlock code. If you got one from sony site, paste it there and try it. Otherwise do the steps of my bootloader unlocking guide

---

Yes, i am following your steps..
I have successfully unlocked the Bootloader.. Now when i reboot my phone in Clockworkmod, it is freezes.. Before that the FreeXperia logo was appearing. Now it has freezes, just a dim light...

---

williamgurumayum said:
Yes, i am following your steps..
I have successfully unlocked the Bootloader.. Now when i reboot my phone in Clockworkmod, it is freezes.. Before that the FreeXperia logo was appearing. Now it has freezes, just a dim light...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you are sure you flashed the right kernel for your device? Have you flashed it with flashtool? When the logo appears press volume down again and again. It should work...

---

Yes, i am flashing with the right Kernel...
Yes i have flashed it with FlashTool..
Below are the LOG
23/028/2012 23:28:42 - INFO - Flashing selected kernel
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - sending 'boot' (9920 KB)...
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - (bootloader) USB download speed was 9184kB/s
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - OKAY [ 1.117s]
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - writing 'boot'...
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - (bootloader) Download buffer format: boot IMG
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - (bootloader) Flash of partition 'boot' requested
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - (bootloader) S1 partID 0x00000003, block 0x00000280-0x000002e3
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - (bootloader) Erase operation complete, 0 bad blocks encountered
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - (bootloader) Flashing...
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - (bootloader) Flash operation complete
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - OKAY [ 1.893s]
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - finished. total time: 3.010s
23/028/2012 23:28:46 - INFO - FASTBOOT Output:
sending 'boot' (9920 KB)...
(bootloader) USB download speed was 9184kB/s
OKAY [ 1.117s]
writing 'boot'...
(bootloader) Download buffer format: boot IMG
(bootloader) Flash of partition 'boot' requested
(bootloader) S1 partID 0x00000003, block 0x00000280-0x000002e3
(bootloader) Erase operation complete, 0 bad blocks encountered
(bootloader) Flashing...
(bootloader) Flash operation complete
OKAY [ 1.893s]
finished. total time: 3.010s
23/028/2012 23:28:46 - INFO - Please check the log before rebooting into system
23/030/2012 23:30:15 - INFO - Device disconnected

---

williamgurumayum said:
Yes, i am flashing with the right Kernel...
Yes i have flashed it with FlashTool..
Below are the LOG
23/028/2012 23:28:42 - INFO - Flashing selected kernel
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - sending 'boot' (9920 KB)...
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - (bootloader) USB download speed was 9184kB/s
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - OKAY [ 1.117s]
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - writing 'boot'...
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - (bootloader) Download buffer format: boot IMG
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - (bootloader) Flash of partition 'boot' requested
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - (bootloader) S1 partID 0x00000003, block 0x00000280-0x000002e3
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - (bootloader) Erase operation complete, 0 bad blocks encountered
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - (bootloader) Flashing...
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - (bootloader) Flash operation complete
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - OKAY [ 1.893s]
23/028/2012 23:28:45 - INFO - finished. total time: 3.010s
23/028/2012 23:28:46 - INFO - FASTBOOT Output:
sending 'boot' (9920 KB)...
(bootloader) USB download speed was 9184kB/s
OKAY [ 1.117s]
writing 'boot'...
(bootloader) Download buffer format: boot IMG
(bootloader) Flash of partition 'boot' requested
(bootloader) S1 partID 0x00000003, block 0x00000280-0x000002e3
(bootloader) Erase operation complete, 0 bad blocks encountered
(bootloader) Flashing...
(bootloader) Flash operation complete
OKAY [ 1.893s]
finished. total time: 3.010s
23/028/2012 23:28:46 - INFO - Please check the log before rebooting into system
23/030/2012 23:30:15 - INFO - Device disconnected
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And if you unplug the device now and you press the on button, what happens? What happens if you plugin in your charger? Can't you boot in cwm?

---

And if you unplug the device now and you press the on button, what happens?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The device powers up, showing the FreeXperia logo and then the screen goes dim/black.....and then i am stuck there.
What happens if you plugin in your charger?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, the FreeXperia logo shows up and then the battery meter.
Can't you boot in cwm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When i try to boot in CWM, the FreeXperia logo shows up and goes dim(same as in powering up device) and nothing happens
Is my phone bricked?

---

williamgurumayum said:
The device powers up, showing the FreeXperia logo and then the screen goes dim/black.....and then i am stuck there.
First, the FreeXperia logo shows up and then the battery meter.
When i try to boot in CWM, the FreeXperia logo shows up and goes dim(same as in powering up device) and nothing happens
Is my phone bricked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's not bricked. How did you try to boot in cwm? Just power on device and press volume down again and again. Don't hold it, press it again and again. After some time there should be a purple(?) notification light and if you press volume down then, you are in cwm

---

Just power on device and press volume down again and again. Don't hold it, press it again and again. After some time there should be a purple(?) notification light and if you press volume down then, you are in cwm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow..dat did the trick...now i am backing up my system..
What i was doing was holding down the Volume down button all the time, instead of pressing it again and again,.....
I will update you my status..
You are a life saver

---

williamgurumayum said:
wow..dat did the trick...now i am backing up my system..
What i was doing was holding down the Volume down button all the time, instead of pressing it again and again,.....
I will update you my status..
You are a life saver
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes do a nandroid backup. Backup/restore -> backup. If you are ready, I hope you have the FXP142 CM10 zip on your sd card?
Wipe data/factory reset, advanced -> wipe dalvik cache -> install zip from sd card -> choose FXP 142 zip -> wait until it has finished -> install zip from sd card -> choose the gapps for jelly bean -> reboot and enjoy jelly bean

---

choose the gapps for jelly bean ->
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i forgot to store it in my SD card, can i do it in later stage after installing the update?
Right now, i am installing the Update........wow!! keeping my fingers crossed....
---------- Post added at 01:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:02 AM ----------
YIPEEE...at last i am there...JB on my phone...wow
Thanks mihahn and PREDATOR95....

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williamgurumayum said:
i forgot to store it in my SD card, can i do it in later stage after installing the update?
Right now, i am installing the Update........wow!! keeping my fingers crossed....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure you can do it later, or you go to mounts/storage -> mount usb storage -> plug in pc -> push these gapps on your sd card and install them