[STARTERS GUIDE] Help for Newbies| Flashtool | Rooting | Unlocking Bootloader etc. - Sony Xperia P, U, Sola, Go

[STARTERS GUIDE] Help for Newbies| Flashtool | Rooting | Unlocking Bootloader | CWM Recovery Installation | Nandroid backup ​
Here is very user friendly guide for newbies/starters for rooting, unlocking the bootloader, setting up Clock Work Mod recovery, performing a nandroid backup
Please say thank you and leave feedback if you find this guide useful.
XPERIA P
Root Device
CWM Recovery
Nandroid Backup
Bootloader Unlock
Flashing Custom ROMs
ROOTING
Android rooting is the process of allowing users of smartphones, tablets, and other devices running the Android mobile operating system to attain privileged control (known as "root access") within Android's subsystem.
As Android was derived from the Linux kernel, rooting an Android device is similar in practice to accessing administrative permissions on Linux.
In simple words you are allowed to change android system yourself according to your need like deleting apps, installing system apps, installing CWM recovery etc..
STEPS:
Check your phone software/firmware number by going to settings>about phone>build number
If you are on any GB firmware use flashtool guide in second post
If you are on ICS firmware (6.1.B.0.544 or 6.1.B.0.550 or 6.1.B.0.559) ,then
Download Rooting tool by Bin4ry from here
Extract it using 7zip/Winrar etc.
Double click the RunMe.bat and select 1. i.e normal phone option
Backup and restore app will open
Select RootMe.tar and click on restore
Follow instructions and bongo you are rooted :victory:
If you are on ICS firmware version (6.1.1.B.1.54 or 6.1.1.B.1.75), then
Download flashtool from official flashtool website
Install it on your PC using onscreen instructions.It will create a folder "Flashtool" in your drive(C\Flastool)
Now go to C\Flastool\drivers\flastool-drivers.exe and click on it and install it after marking/checking "xperia p,xperia u,xperia sola drivers" which is below there on the list
Download the file from here-
Now copy the files "Xperia P LT22_6.1.1.B.1.54_Kernel.ftf" , "Xperia P LT22_6.1.B.0.599_Kernel.ftf" and "Xperia P LT22_6.1.1.B.0.75_Kernel.ft and paste them in "C\Flastool\Firmwares" in PC.
Now keep "Root_with_Restore_by_Bin4ry-XP" folder in the dekstop as it is.
Now for your SXP.Go to 'settings>developer options>USB Debugging">'mark/check this option
Open flashtool from PC.
Click on the "flash" icon of the flashtool which is on the left side of the iconic tab(below the 'file' option-it's like a lightning sign).a window will be opened Mode Selector.Check "FlashMode" and press "ok" button.
You will see "Xperia P LT22 version 6.1.B.0.599" on the options.single click on that .uncheck "exclude kernel" (on the right side) and check "no final verification" and press the "ok" button.
A window will be opened saying to connect your device.switch off your phone for 30 secs.now connect the USB cable to PC(not on your device).now press down the vol.down button and hold it while connecting the USB to your phone.[now the flashtool will start flashing.but if you are doing for the first time sometimes the drivers are not able to detect the drivers of your phone and the phone starts charging in a normal way instead of flashing.don't worry.Disconnect the USB from phone only.wait for 10-20 secs.repeat from step v again and then connect your device while pressing vol.down button.the flashtool will detect your device and start flashing.)
You will be able to see percentage below.after it is finished it will be written there.disconnect USB cable from your phone only after watching it.
Restart your phone.
Go to your dekstop on PC.open the "Root_with_Restore_by_Bin4ry-XP" folder.
Click on "RunMe.bat" .a commend promt window will open on your PC.
now write only "1" (Normal Phone) in the "Make a choice" section
it should be like this.
Make a choice : 1 [Hit enter then]
It will promt to connect your device in debugging mode.Connect the USB to your phone with debugging mode turned on.now the Command Promt Window will do its work and it will say to you to open your "backup and restore" app.
Get your phone in your hand.open "app drawer>back up & restore" and hit the "restore" button.
The phone will be restarted in a while.
now you will see "super user" or "superSU" app on your app drawer.that means your phone is ROOTED successfully.
Restart your device again.(just for being safe)
Phone is rooted but the kernel is of previous version 6.1.B.0.599.So we have to reflash "6.1.1.B.1.54_Kernel.ftf" or 6.1.1.B.1.75_Kernel.ftf to the phone using Flashtool again.
Open flastool.watch step v and do the same.but select the "Xperia P LT22 version 6.1.1.B.1.54" or "6.1.1.B.1.75_Kernel.ftf"option instead of the previous ".599".now check and uncheck as the same before and flash your device pressing "ok" button.
Disconnect the phone.FINISHED.
Enjoy Rooting
You can also check video guide from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...6#post33470626
If you are on JB firmware version (6.2.A.0.400), then
Goto
[TUT][PRE-ROOTED JB ROM ZIP][How To] Root JB for locked Boot Loader
or
Root the new JellyBean [build 6.2.A.0.400] [UB and LB]
or
[guide][LB]Easy Root JB with OTA ROOT KEEPER
If you are on JB firmware version (6.2.A.1.100), then
GotoDooMLoRD Easy Rooting Toolkit (v14) {perf_event exploit}
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INSTALLING CWM RECOVERY
CWM recovery (Clock World Mod recovery) is a tool that you can use to flash custom ROMs, Apps, MODs, make a fill backup of phone and lots more... It a must thing for a rooted phone which can help your phone to recover from OS not booting up (bootloop)
STEPS:
Download the zip package from this thread
Extract the folder using zip/winrar
Connect your phone to the pc with USB debugging on
Click on install.bat
How to use:
Power off the phone
Power on the phone
Pressing the Volume down (-) button continuously while you see the recovery
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Performing Nandroid Backup
Nandroid backup is a complete backup of your phone (system, data. apps, cache). You can restore it any time using CWM recovery to restore your phone to a stage you have made a backup. I can save lives
STEPS:
Enter into CWM recovery (power off phone, power on. press repeatedly volume down button (-) after SONY logo till you see recovery)
Scroll down using menu button (or volume down button)
Select backup and restore using home button or power button
Select backup (You can choose backup format by scrolling down)
Wait till completion :laugh:
If you want to restore you phone just follow same instructions and instead of selecting backup select restore and select restore file
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Unlocking bootloader
Unlocking your bootloader allows you to flash a custom kernel i.e. kernel made by some developer rather than the stock SONY kernel.
Flashing custom kernels allows you to flash CUSTOM ROMS like Cyanogenmod ROMS which have very vast features and user experience with imporoved performance, features and battery life.
Note: Unlocking Bootloader of Xperia P Will Void It’s Warranty Provided By The Manufacturer (Warranty Can Be Retained By Relocking The Same).
But DRM keys are lost forever if you unlock your bootloader i.e. some apps like TrackID, download mucis info in walkman app etc. doesn't work and also you would not get any OTA firmware update after you unlock your bootloader and also if you relock afterward
STEPS:
Firstly Get & Note Down IMEI Code of Your Device. It can be Obtained by Dialing *#06#in Phone Dialer.
Charge Your Phone upto 60% Battery Level So As To Ensure That It Doesn’t Turn Off During The Process of Bootloader Unlocking.
Temporarily Disable Your PC’s Antivirus Software As This Might Interrupt The Process.
By Assuming That You’ve Followed The Essential Steps Mentioned Above, You Can Now Move To The Further Part Of The Article Where Will Check on How To Unlock Bootloader of Xperia P.
Procedure To Unlock Bootloader of Sony Xperia P LT22i :
Step 1 : Installation of USB Drivers (Xperia P)
Download Fast Boot Package (With USB Drivers)
Switch Off Your Device & Connect It To The Computer Using USB Cable While Enabling Fast Boot Mode (Press & Hold Volume Up Button To Trigger Fastboot Mode). Windows Will Start Driver Installation As soon As You’ll Connect Your Device To The Computer While Keeping It In Fastboot Mode.
Now Extract The Fastboot Package Which You’ve Just Downloaded in Your PC.You Will Find 2 Folders Named As ‘fastboot’ & ‘usb_driver’.
Point Driver Installation Location To ‘usb_driver’ Folder.
Once Drivers Get Installed, Disconnect Xperia P From PC & Power On It.
Step 2 : Unlocking Bootloader of Xperia P
Before Unlocking Bootloader, You Need To Check That if Your Device’s Bootloader Can Be Unlocked Or Not. For Checking Bootloader Status Dial *#*#7378423#*#* From Phone Dialer To Access Service Menu.Find Bootloader Unlock Status Over There. If It is Set To Yes Then Only You Can Unlock Your Device’s Bootloader Otherwise It’s Impossible To Unlock It.
After Verifying Bootloader Unlock Status Set To Yes, Go To Sony’s Official Bootloader Unlocking Site : http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com.
Scroll To The Bottom of The Page & Press Continue.
You Will be Prompted With The Message “Are You Sure ?”. Accept It By Clicking On “Yes I Am Sure”.(Assuming That You’ve Read It Properly). Then Accept The Legal Terms.
Now You’ll Get “Create Unlock Request” Page.Enter Your Name, Email Address & IMEI (Which You’ve Noted in Essential Steps Mentioned Above).
You’ll Now Get Unique Key Which Will Be Displayed On The Screen. Save It Safely As We Will Require It In Next Part Of The Article.
Open Command Prompt In Your Computer & Point/Set It’s Location To ‘fastboot’ Folder.
Again Connect Your Device To PC By Enabling Flash Mode On It (Check Step 1).
Now In Command Prompt (CMD) Type The Following Command :
fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version
If Value is Returned (It Should return 0.5), It Means Device is Connected Properly.
Type This Second Command Mentioned Below :
fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY
Replace The KEY With The Unique Key Which You’ve Received Earlier (In Step 2). And Hit Enter.
Congratulations !! You’ve Successfully Unlocked Bootloader of Your Xperia P.Enjoy The Advantages of Unlocking Bootloader.
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Flashing Custom ROMs
STEPS:
Download any Custom ROM for Xperia P. You can get a Index of ROMs, Kernels etc from here.
Do read instructions in the thread because every ROM may have a different requirement of Kernel and way of installing but basic idea is same.
Place your ROM i.e. xxx.zip file in your Root of SDCard (in internal storage)
Power off the device
Power on and repeatedly press volume down (-) button after SONY logo appears until you see the recovery
Now to clear cache scroll down to wipe cache partition and select it and scroll down to yes
To clear data or do a factory reset scroll down to wipe data/factory reset and select it and scroll down to yes
To clear dalvik cache scroll down to advanced select it again scroll down and select wipe dalvik cache
After you perform all the steps press back to enter main menu
Scroll down to install zip from sdcard and select it
Scroll down to choose zip from sdcard and select it
Now scroll to the ROM i.e. xxx.zip and select it and scroll down to yes to confirm.
Press back and reboot system.
Enjoy.
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FLASHTOOL
Flashtool using guide​
Download flashtool from official flashtool website
Install it on your PC using onscreen instructions.It will create a folder "Flashtool" in your drive(C\Flastool)
Now go to C\Flastool\drivers\flastool-drivers.exe and click on it and install it after marking/checking "xperia p,xperia u,xperia sola drivers" which is below there on the list
Restart your PC
Flashing STOCK firmwares:
Note: Make sure you have USB debugging on. If not goto setting>developer options> and check USB debugging on
Download the flashtool firmware file (.ftf) from Xperia P android Development Section and place it in C:/Flashtool/firmware
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Open flashtool from PC.
Click on the "flash" icon of the flashtool which is on the left side of the iconic tab(below the 'file' option-it's like a lightning sign).a window will be opened Mode Selector.Check "FlashMode" and press "ok" button.
Now select your firmware like "LT22i_6.1.1.B.1.75_Generic" in my case
Uncheck wipe data if you dont want to delete your apps and data and press ok
If you want fresh install then dont uncheck wipe data and press ok
After that flashtool will prepare files for flashing and then you will be prompted to connect phone in flashmode.
Power off the phone and wait for 5 secs
Connect phone to PC using USB cable while pressing volume down button (-) (Make sure you dont release Volume down button until flashtool starts flashing)
Flashtool will start flashing firmware it may take some time.
After flashing flashtool will prompt you to disconnect you phone. Discconet it and power on your phone (It may take some time for the first boot).
Enjoy

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Credits to:
Androxyde for flashtool
Bin4ry for Rooting tool
atis112 for Working CWM recovery for locked bootloader
neectron for Index of ROMs, Kernels
naruto20007 for Rooting method (6.1.1.B.54)
kangi26 for giving permissions to start the thread

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Reserved again

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Reserved last

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Really useful guide... I had to struggle a lot on getting information for my Xperia inspite of having an android phone before.... Sony phones are a bit different

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thank you very much...

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Need Help
Switch Off Your Device & Connect It To The Computer Using USB Cable While Enabling Fast Boot Mode (Press & Hold Volume Up Button To Trigger Fastboot Mode). Windows Will Start Driver Installation As soon As You’ll Connect Your Device To The Computer While Keeping It In Fastboot Mode.
When I get that part I get into fastboot, there is about 5 seconds and then immediately goes out, someone help me please

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joaovsjf said:
Switch Off Your Device & Connect It To The Computer Using USB Cable While Enabling Fast Boot Mode (Press & Hold Volume Up Button To Trigger Fastboot Mode). Windows Will Start Driver Installation As soon As You’ll Connect Your Device To The Computer While Keeping It In Fastboot Mode.
When I get that part I get into fastboot, there is about 5 seconds and then immediately goes out, someone help me please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you install the fastboot, flashmode and xperia drivers from the drivers folder in the flashtool installation location?
If yes, then make sure you release the volume up key as soon as the led glows blue.

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dewanshu93 said:
Flashing Custom ROMs
STEPS:
Download any Custom ROM for Xperia P. You can get a Index of ROMs, Kernels etc from here.
Do read instructions in the thread because every ROM may have a different requirement of Kernel and way of installing but basic idea is same.
Place your ROM i.e. xxx.zip file in your Root of SDCard (in internal storage)
Power off the device
Power on and repeatedly press volume down (-) button after SONY logo appears until you see the recovery
Now to clear cache scroll down to wipe cache partition and select it and scroll down to yes
To clear data or do a factory reset scroll down to wipe data/factory reset and select it and scroll down to yes
To clear dalvik cache scroll down to advanced select it again scroll down and select wipe dalvik cache
After you perform all the steps press back to enter main menu
Scroll down to install zip from sdcard and select it
Scroll down to choose zip from sdcard and select it
Now scroll to the ROM i.e. xxx.zip and select it and scroll down to yes to confirm.
Press back and reboot system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello I'm stock rom 6.1.1.B.1.54 locked bootloader having some things unclear about this:
1. Can I flash custom ROMs wth locked bootloader? If not, what happens if I try to? Do I brickwall my phone? Is it recoverable?
2. Can I still flash other stock ROM (for example .75) with locked bootloader?
3. What's the difference between flashing custom ROM via CWM and via Flashtool?
4. Do I always before flashing new ROM have to clear data? Do this wipe all installed apps and settings?
5. If flashing new rom wipes everything, will I be able to restore all apps&settings from full Titanium backup?

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bflmpsvz said:
Hello I'm stock rom 6.1.1.B.1.54 locked bootloader having some things unclear about this:
1. Can I flash custom ROMs wth locked bootloader? If not, what happens if I try to? Do I brickwall my phone? Is it recoverable?
2. Can I still flash other stock ROM (for example .75) with locked bootloader?
3. What's the difference between flashing custom ROM via CWM and via Flashtool?
4. Do I always before flashing new ROM have to clear data? Do this wipe all installed apps and settings?
5. If flashing new rom wipes everything, will I be able to restore all apps&settings from full Titanium backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for late reply :angel:
1. It depends upon the ROM you flashing.. Some ROMS need custom kernel i.e bootloader unlocked and some can run on stock kernel.. So check the ROM requirements before you flash it... If u flash ROM that requires unlocked bootloader and you flash it on locked bootloader you will end in a bootloop
2. Stock ROMS (stock based ROMS) can be flashed on locked bootloader
3.Flashtool will flash Orignal firmware (Stock firmware from sony) i.e ftf file... And through CWM you can flash ROMS i.e *.zip files
4. Yes it is recommended to clear data (it will delete all apps and settings)... But also check ROM installation procedure some may not require to clear data. If you are flashing stock firmware (ftf file) using flashtool you can uncheck wipe data to preserve you data.
5. Yes you can use titanium backup to backup and restore apps anytime on any ROM or firmware

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Great, thanks for explaining

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Re: Can someone help
Deleted.
Sent from LT22i via Tapatalk

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Congrats
This was a great thread started by you brother. Keep it up.. All the wishes. And congrats for the promotion as a Recognized Contributor in XDA...

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how can i get System Folder from FTF file.... i try to use Flashtool but cant go forward, i used SIN Editor to Dump Data for system.sin but it only create .ext4 file, no .unyaffs. so am stuck cant go further. pleaseany help!

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IAmNice said:
Now Extract The Fastboot Package Which You’ve Just Downloaded in Your PC.You Will Find 2 Folders Named As ‘fastboot’ & ‘usb_driver’.
Point Driver Installation Location To ‘usb_driver’ Folder.
How can I point driver installation location? My xperia P's led just turns blue and windows says installation succesful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then i guess you have successfully installed fastboot drivers :good:

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whalesplaho said:
how can i get System Folder from FTF file.... i try to use Flashtool but cant go forward, i used SIN Editor to Dump Data for system.sin but it only create .ext4 file, no .unyaffs. so am stuck cant go further. pleaseany help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use some ext explorer software to open ext4 file :silly:

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dewanshu93 said:
Use some ext explorer software to open ext4 file :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dnt know any brov... would appreciate yur help please!

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Everytime when i try to use the flashtool i get that it can't find the drivers. I've tried in on 2 computers reinstalled flashtool and the drivers. I hope someone got a fix for this...
EDIT:
Took a quick screenshot

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liquidfood said:
Everytime when i try to use the flashtool i get that it can't find the drivers. I've tried in on 2 computers reinstalled flashtool and the drivers. I hope someone got a fix for this...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to C:/Flashtool/Drivers and install drivers for Xperia P as well as flashmode drivers (second last option)... It should work