[Q] Downgrade from .244 to 307
Hi Folks
I've just updated my tablet to the 10.3.1.A.0.244 and i didn't knew it wasn't rootable, I feel like an idiot.
So now i want to downgrade to .307 wich can be root and then update it to .244.
I spotted this tuto [FTF][4.2.2] Xperia Tablet Z (SGP321) 10.3.1.A.0.244 Global Unbranded but i'm not quite sure about some of the steps.
How can i flash the .307 firmware with flashtool if my tablet isn't bl unlocked?
How after flashing the .244 firmware back can i boot my tablet from a boot.img?
And finaly does the backup TA method really relock the bl as it was prior bl unlock?
Thank you in advance for you help!
satanluimm said:
Hi Folks
I've just updated my tablet to the 10.3.1.A.0.244 and i didn't knew it wasn't rootable, I feel like an idiot.
So now i want to downgrade to .307 wich can be root and then update it to .244.
I spotted this tuto [FTF][4.2.2] Xperia Tablet Z (SGP321) 10.3.1.A.0.244 Global Unbranded but i'm not quite sure about some of the steps.
How can i flash the .307 firmware with flashtool if my tablet isn't bl unlocked?
How after flashing the .244 firmware back can i boot my tablet from a boot.img?
And finaly does the backup TA method really relock the bl as it was prior bl unlock?
Thank you in advance for you help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed the steps in the thread you mentioned and successfully backed up my TA partition, unlocked my bootloader, rooted .244 and restored DRM keys & re-locked bootloader ... It too me some time but it did all work.
Got it but...
b8drf said:
I followed the steps in the thread you mentioned and successfully backed up my TA partition, unlocked my bootloader, rooted .244 and restored DRM keys & re-locked bootloader ... It too me some time but it did all work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply mate!
Can you tell me wich partitions you excluded in flashtool? which checkbox you checked?
i was so eager to gain root access in order to remove all the bloatware that i couldn't wait to try and finaly i did it but once finished my device was stuck in a bootloop^^
I had to update it via sony update tool to get it back.
At first i excluded everything except the system partition and i also unchecked wipe data, it didn't work...
Then i added baseband cause i assumed it was linked to the firmware and that was why it failed, wasn't it either...
I have an unknown partition which i don't what it's used for^^ and also a partition named partition ( the internal memory?).
FOTA and TA i can guess.
satanluimm said:
Thanks for your reply mate!
Can you tell me wich partitions you excluded in flashtool? which checkbox you checked?
i was so eager to gain root access in order to remove all the bloatware that i couldn't wait to try and finaly i did it but once finished my device was stuck in a bootloop^^
I had to update it via sony update tool to get it back.
At first i excluded everything except the system partition and i also unchecked wipe data, it didn't work...
Then i added baseband cause i assumed it was linked to the firmware and that was why it failed, wasn't it either...
I have an unknown partition which i don't what it's used for^^ and also a partition named partition ( the internal memory?).
FOTA and TA i can guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I simply followed the instructions in the thread ...
So just to be clear
So just to be clear, you lunched flashtool you click flash, selected the flasmode method then selected the 307 firmware in the list ( where did you dowloaded the 307 firmware??
i founded it on this thread [FTF] SGP321 10.1.1.A.1.307 Unbranded)
Then what did u do? Just click flash and nothing else?
I don't see any particular directives except flash 307^^
satanluimm said:
So just to be clear, you lunched flashtool you click flash, selected the flasmode method then selected the 307 firmware in the list ( where did you dowloaded the 307 firmware??
i founded it on this thread [FTF] SGP321 10.1.1.A.1.307 Unbranded)
Then what did u do? Just click flash and nothing else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct and that is the link where I downloaded the .307 firmware from - just make sure you check the md5's after download - also make sure you have the tablet in Flashmode (FlashTool will tell you if it is in Flashmode or Fastboot)
hth.
b8drf said:
Correct and that is the link where I downloaded the .307 firmware from - just make sure you check the md5's after download - also make sure you have the tablet in Flashmode (FlashTool will tell you if it is in Flashmode or Fastboot)
hth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm confused about that cause on the BACKUP TA thread it says you cannot flash someone elses ta partition...
I'll try it
satanluimm said:
I'm confused about that cause on the BACKUP TA thread it says you cannot flash someone elses ta partition...
I'll try it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That isn't a TA partition, that is a copy of the .307 unbranded firmware (.ftf file)
The TA partition backup is later in the instructions and you are correct, you have to restore your own TA backup as they are tied to the individual phone.
To be honest, and please take this the way it was intended, by the types of questions you are asking it would appear that this is all very new to you - please proceed at you own risk as I cannot help much further as I simply followed the instructions in the original post.
hth.
New to the tablet z for sure i've had several abdroid devices sony htc samsung, never had any problems but with this one i'm king of very cautious..
Makes me Wonder why^^
Flashed it works but i don't want to unlock the bl since i need to enter my imei on sony's website and that mate voids the garanty^^
I will stay on .307 until a root procedure comes up for .244
Many thanks for your time!
satanluimm said:
New to the tablet z for sure i've had several abdroid devices sony htc samsung, never had any problems but with this one i'm king of very cautious..
Makes me Wonder why^^
Flashed it works but i don't want to unlock the bl since i need to enter my imei on sony's website and that mate voids the garanty^^
I will stay on .307 until a root procedure comes up for .244
Many thanks for your time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I thought that as well re: IMEI, but simply requesting an unlock code via the Sony site doesn't mean you actually went thru with the unlock process - as long as your tablet is showing the correct Rooting status = "Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes" then they have no proof that you followed thru with the unlock ...
I understand your caution though ...
hth.
Related
I read in the Developers forums that you can get Cwm for Locked Bootloaders. Ive been trying to get it for a week and can this be done? I bought the Ultra at Bell and it says its model number c6806 and its locked.
dvella21 said:
I read in the Developers forums that you can get Cwm for Locked Bootloaders. Ive been trying to get it for a week and can this be done? I bought the Ultra at Bell and it says its model number c6806 and its locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. here it is:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2426739
However just because you have CWM, doesn't mean you can flash ROM's.
All you can do is flash Root, and other mods.
hamdogg said:
Yes. here it is:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2426739
However just because you have CWM, doesn't mean you can flash ROM's.
All you can do is flash Root, and other mods.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry for the quick question, but would that work on the C6802 on .257, with locked bootloader? i've been wondering if i could get root without unlocking the bootloader(to preserve warranty).
yogi2010 said:
sorry for the quick question, but would that work on the C6802 on .257, with locked bootloader? i've been wondering if i could get root without unlocking the bootloader(to preserve warranty).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you can root with a locked bootloader.
to unlock your bootloader you need to have root access.
You can always backup your TA partition, and then unlock bootloader, and then restore the TA partition and restore bootlock as well.
many possibilitites
hamdogg said:
yes you can root with a locked bootloader.
to unlock your bootloader you need to have root access.
You can always backup your TA partition, and then unlock bootloader, and then restore the TA partition and restore bootlock as well.
many possibilitites
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey thank you sir for the response. I got my phone with .257 version already on it tho, and from what I'm reading, I can't find a way to root on .257 without unlocking the boot loader. is this correct?
as I see it, the only option I have on .257 is to unlock the bootloader with the Sony method, but no way to root first. am I mistaken? thanks!
lmemma16 said:
hey thank you sir for the response. I got my phone with .257 version already on it tho, and from what I'm reading, I can't find a way to root on .257 without unlocking the boot loader. is this correct?
as I see it, the only option I have on .257 is to unlock the bootloader with the Sony method, but no way to root first. am I mistaken? thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you could do is use flash tool to go back to another firmware, then root, and then update to the newest version. But not flashing the kernel. then you can flash the modified kernel with CWM, and then flash the new kernel afterwards.
I think there is a tutorial on here that tells you how to do it.
hamdogg said:
What you could do is use flash tool to go back to another firmware, then root, and then update to the newest version. But not flashing the kernel. then you can flash the modified kernel with CWM, and then flash the new kernel afterwards.
I think there is a tutorial on here that tells you how to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah yes, OK, that's what I was wondering, whether it is possible to downgrade the firmware with a locked boot loader, using Flashtool. perhaps I will try.. thanks
I just remember on some other devices I've had, a locked boot loader wouldn't allow a firmware downgrade.
Hello dear XDA Community,
- Xperia Z Ultra
- 4.4.2
- 14.3.A.0.681
- C6833
I have a big problem with understanding all of this tutorials. I read everything about rooting and unlocking the Bootloader.
I understood that I need to backup my TA Partition for Unlocking my Bootloader so I can continue to use Sony technology.
Requirements ? Root. Okay that was my first problem. So i looked up how to root my phone and what do i need ? A phone with a unlocked bootloader. great! Sure you can say "look at this topic and carefully read" but I really did that and I am really helpless. Thanks for any help!
What did I read ?
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598&nocache=1 (requires root)
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2569904 (requires unlocked bootloader)
- watched severel youtube videos and encountered the same problem
Greets
tr0teK
When your bootloader is unlocked, you can never use X-Reality and any other item which requires the DRM in the Trim Area partition,
Restoring the TA partition without relocking the bootloader will not result in the return of X-Reality and such even if you are using a Sony ROM. This situation appears to have changed since the release of 4.4.
Backing up the TA partition is only good for relocking the bootloader on a Stock ROM (any custom AOSP, CM, AOSPA etc will fail to boot on a locked bootloader), for personal choice or returning the phone under warranty.
You can unlock the bootloader when not rooted, in fact you don't do it with the phone running normally anyway so root or not rooted, it does not matter in that sense.
You don't need to unlock the bootloader to root, if you are willing to re-set up your phone again. What you need to do is downgrade to 4.2, which is rootable, root, install recovery and flash the 681 pre-rooted zip, and use flashtool to flash the associated ftf file to get rooted on 681.
Follow the instructions in Lord Manhattan's thread that you linked to,in order to downgrade and install a recovery, then visit the following link to get the zip & ftf to re-up to 4.4 (681). You most likely will lose cellular connectivity whilst you are downgraded (there is a way around this, but as you are only going down to 4.2 to get a recovery, maintaining your IMEI for that short period of time is just a waste of effort), but it will return when you are back on 681 (4.4).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2687848
- Downgrade to 532
- Root it using Bin4ry's tool
- Backup the TA partition
- Unlock bootloader
- Either update to 681 again and take it from there or flash a kernel with recovery/TWRP and flash a pre-rooted 681. It's easy to root 681, so whatever floats your boat.
Don't mean to hijack this topic but I don't want to open another thread,
if I back up the TA partition, unlock bootloader, root the phone, then relock bootloader, then restore TA partition to bring back the xreality,
I am not going to install custom recovery and Roms.
Thanks for the Informations. I will give it a try the next days and report you if it worked.
coolmingli said:
Don't mean to hijack this topic but I don't want to open another thread,
if I back up the TA partition, unlock bootloader, root the phone, then relock bootloader, then restore TA partition to bring back the xreality,
I am not going to install custom recovery and Roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically it'll work, but i have never done it before. Everything should go smoothly until you're going to re-lock the bootloader. You can't re-lock it on a custom kernel, and you'll be on a custom kernel once you flash Jackie's kernel with recovery, so you'll have to flash a complete stock kernel, then restore the TA partition with the TA Backup Tool, which will also automatically re-lock the bootloader. You should in theory end up with a complete stock ROM with root. That's on paper.
Worst case scenario? If you re-lock the bootloader while you're on a custom kernel, it'll explode it won't power on at all, and all you'll get is a blinking red LED and death. To fix this, just unlock the bootloader in Flashtool again and you're back to start again. It's not dangerous, but it's nerve wrecking to see it there, just blinking without any sign of life. I almost crapped my pants the first time i experienced it, and had no clue what was happening or what to do.
LordManhattan said:
Technically it'll work, but i have never done it before. Everything should go smoothly until you're going to re-lock the bootloader. You can't re-lock it on a custom kernel, and you'll be on a custom kernel once you flash Jackie's kernel with recovery, so you'll have to flash a complete stock kernel, then restore the TA partition with the TA Backup Tool, which will also automatically re-lock the bootloader. You should in theory end up with a complete stock ROM with root. That's on paper.
Worst case scenario? If you re-lock the bootloader while you're on a custom kernel, it'll explode it won't power on at all, and all you'll get is a blinking red LED and death. To fix this, just unlock the bootloader in Flashtool again and you're back to start again. It's not dangerous, but it's nerve wrecking to see it there, just blinking without any sign of life. I almost crapped my pants the first time i experienced it, and had no clue what was happening or what to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, I think I will ditch rooting from this phone, too much troubles, I don't understand why Sony put the DRM key in a trim partition, perhaps they don't want us to root the phone after all.
I did it guys. It worked!
My steps:
- Downgraded to 4.2.2 with Flashtool (.532)
- Rooted with Bin4ry's tool
- Installed CWM and TWRP Dual Recovery for Xperia Z locked Bootloader by krabappe12548
- Flashed to 4.4.2[rooted] (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2687848)
Now I have the newest version with Root Access. Everything works great
Greets
tr0teK
tr0teK said:
I did it guys. It worked!
My steps:
- Downgraded to 4.2.2 with Flashtool (.532)
- Rooted with Bin4ry's tool
- Installed CWM and TWRP Dual Recovery for Xperia Z locked Bootloader by krabappe12548
- Flashed to 4.4.2[rooted] (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2687848)
Now I have the newest version with Root Access. Everything works great
Greets
tr0teK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is this witout unlock the bootloader?
MjsNL said:
is this witout unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that will work well on a locked BL
If you are only downgrading to flash the current rooted firmware, you don't even need to root 532, as [nut]'s dual recovery can be installed by the same method that bin4ry's root is delivered, just install the recovery, flash the zip, flash the ftf and away you go
I have a new xperia z ultra c6806
Read a lot but still confused. ( Not everybody is made equal )
I want to root and back up TA
1 - My understanding is for backing up TA, i need to be rooted. But for rooting I need to be unlocked. But unlocking will erase the TA information. Am I wrong.
2- If I unlock boatloader can I flash back to pure stock for either warranty or returning the device.
Thanks
C6806 eh?
- Open the dialer and dial *#*#7378423#*#*
- Go to Service Info -> Configuration and check what is says under "Rooting status". Does it say Yes or No?
If it says yes, go ahead and downgrade to 532 and root it using Bin4ry's root tool, backup your TA partition and then unlock the bootloader, update to 757 again and flash Jackie's kernel and flash SuperSU. You can find links and what not here.
LordManhattan said:
C6806 eh?
- Open the dialer and dial *#*#7378423#*#*
- Go to Service Info -> Configuration and check what is says under "Rooting status". Does it say Yes or No?
If it says yes, go ahead and downgrade to 532 and root it using Bin4ry's root tool, backup your TA partition and then unlock the bootloader, update to 757 again and flash Jackie's kernel and flash SuperSU. You can find links and what not here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply
It says " Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes
So I guess, I will follow what you are saying
One thing; don't panic when you're noticing that you're not getting any signal at all (cell, WiFi etc.). That's the way it is when you're downgrading the baseband past .290, but you're only going to be on 532 for a short period of time, so it's no big deal. You'll get your signal back once you're back on 757.
LordManhattan said:
One thing; don't panic when you're noticing that you're not getting any signal at all (cell, WiFi etc.). That's the way it is when you're downgrading the baseband past .290, but you're only going to be on 532 for a short period of time, so it's no big deal. You'll get your signal back once you're back on 757.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got 532 installed and unlocked but now cant update to 757.... Pc companion is saying I am uptodate..
There seems to be no link to download 6806 757 firmware
Edit : oofff ... finally got everything working.. That was lot of work...
aalupatti said:
Got 532 installed and unlocked but now cant update to 757.... Pc companion is saying I am uptodate..
There seems to be no link to download 6806 757 firmware
Edit : oofff ... finally got everything working.. That was lot of work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you figured out that you had to use Flashtool? You backed up TA? And you managed to unlock the bootloader and root?
Don't worry, this is a one time thing. The boring stuff is the downgrading and backup of TA, so since you've backed it up, it's done. If you have to relock your bootloader and un-root for whatever reason and you want to root again, you don't have to do this again. You then have to unlock the bootloader and simply flash a kernel.
Sent from my C6833
LordManhattan said:
So you figured out that you had to use Flashtool? You backed up TA? And you managed to unlock the bootloader and root?
Don't worry, this is a one time thing. The boring stuff is the downgrading and backup of TA, so since you've backed it up, it's done. If you have to relock your bootloader and un-root for whatever reason and you want to root again, you don't have to do this again. You then have to unlock the bootloader and simply flash a kernel.
Sent from my C6833
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My issue was downgrading and some driver issues with windows 8. All went well..
However now when I reboot I get this error " System UID's are inconsistent, you need to wipe your data partition or your device will be unstable"
But fixed that using twrp
I cant believe how good quality the phone hardware is.. Was using samsung for the last few years...
I am waiting for the next generation of z ultra and going to get that too.... Wish they introduce qi charging...
Hi guys,
I am seeking help. I had an unlocked bootloader for a while and then relocked it via flashtool. Now I would like to unlock it again, but flashtool throws errors on me:
- Command not succeeded or Failed: Device is rooted already
I do not have root (checked with root checker), and the .ftf firmware I have flashed was .108 Generic Europe.
Any ideas what's going on?
maxld said:
Hi guys,
I am seeking help. I had an unlocked bootloader for a while and then relocked it via flashtool. Now I would like to unlock it again, but flashtool throws errors on me:
- Command not succeeded or Failed: Device is rooted already
I do not have root (checked with root checker), and the .ftf firmware I have flashed was .108 Generic Europe.
Any ideas what's going on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you backup your TA Partition?
A few months ago, I had the very same issue. However I never used flashtool to relock my bootloader.
For me, I am in the belief that I had an issue with TA Backup 9.10, as after I restored my TA Partition via TA Backup 9.10 from a backup made from the same version I would be faced with the same error. As I had previous used TA Backup 9.9 to backup my TA Partition, I tried that version with the backup it had made, and I was able to unlock my bootloader again.
Summary
Using TA Backup version 9.10 to backup my TA Partition and then restore it to relock the bootloader resulted in Command not succeeded or Failed: Device is rooted already. When trying to re-unlock my bootloader.
Using TA Backup version 9.9 to backup my TA Partition and then restore it to relock the bootloader, Fastboot was able to unlock my bootloader again.
Thanks for a suggestion. However I managed to unlock it with a different method.
In the flashtool folder, check if
[FLASHTOOL FOLDER]/custom/mydevices/[DEVICE SERIAL]/ulcode.txt
exists.
If not, create the folders along the way there and then use notepad or something very lightweight to create the ulcode.txt. Put in the code, be sure to enter the code without the 0x, so just the code as it came from Sony. Save the file and start FlashTool.
Cheers.
maxld said:
Thanks for a suggestion. However I managed to unlock it with a different method.
In the flashtool folder, check if
[FLASHTOOL FOLDER]/custom/mydevices/[DEVICE SERIAL]/ulcode.txt
exists.
If not, create the folders along the way there and then use notepad or something very lightweight to create the ulcode.txt. Put in the code, be sure to enter the code without the 0x, so just the code as it came from Sony. Save the file and start FlashTool.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you mark the topic with [solved], this is one post we need to keep so we can find
blueether said:
Can you mark the topic with [solved], this is one post we need to keep so we can find
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, but how (lol). When I edit my first post, I can't change the topic.
Edit: thanks wedgess.
I will soon be getting a new Z Ultra and I would like to know what to do:
I want to stay on the stock rom but root it and update it to the latest version
So should I downgrade/root/unlock bootloader/whatever before i start using it?
If so, can someone tell me the steps to doing it e.g.
1) downgrade to .623
2) unlock bootloader
3) flash kernel and recovery
4) backup TA
5) update to latest version
6) root
???
panyan said:
I will soon be getting a new Z Ultra and I would like to know what to do:
I want to stay on the stock rom but root it and update it to the latest version
So should I downgrade/root/unlock bootloader/whatever before i start using it?
If so, can someone tell me the steps to doing it e.g.
1) downgrade to .623
2) unlock bootloader
3) flash kernel and recovery
4) backup TA
5) update to latest version
6) root
???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If all you are wanting is latest firmware with root just let it update then follow this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
If you do decide to unlock bootloader then you have listed steps in wrong order.
1. Root
2. Backup TA
3. Unlock Bootloader
Alternately you could use the dualrecovery installer for step 1 as it has the root exploit built in.
adfurgerson said:
If all you are wanting is latest firmware with root just let it update then follow this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
If you do decide to unlock bootloader then you have listed steps in wrong order.
1. Root
2. Backup TA
3. Unlock Bootloader
Alternately you could use the dualrecovery installer for step 1 as it has the root exploit built in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to have recovery installed and have a backup of my TA partition just in case
Can you tell me the whole process please?
1-> ?
panyan said:
I would like to have recovery installed and have a backup of my TA partition just in case
Can you tell me the whole process please?
1-> ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...de-root-android-4-4-4-ver-14-4-0-108-t2801587
2.http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
Backing up TA needs to be done before unlocking bootloader as that is when DRM keys become lost. Also want to mention that I made a Nandroid right after using dualrecovery installer and before unlocking bootloader. When that backup was restored my bootloader became locked again, but I can't swear that the DRM keys remained intact.
adfurgerson said:
If all you are wanting is latest firmware with root just let it update then follow this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
If you do decide to unlock bootloader then you have listed steps in wrong order.
1. Root
2. Backup TA
3. Unlock Bootloader
Alternately you could use the dualrecovery installer for step 1 as it has the root exploit built in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adfurgerson said:
1.http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...de-root-android-4-4-4-ver-14-4-0-108-t2801587
2.http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the whole process would be:
1) root (http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...de-root-android-4-4-4-ver-14-4-0-108-t2801587)
2) backup TA (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598)
3) unlock bootloader?
4) flash recovery
5) update to latest version OS
6) root
?
panyan said:
So the whole process would be:
1) root (http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...de-root-android-4-4-4-ver-14-4-0-108-t2801587)
2) backup TA (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598)
3) unlock bootloader?
4) flash recovery
5) update to latest version OS
6) root
?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I am at work so my simple replies are even worse than normal.
The easyroot method (towelroot) and the dualrecovery exploit don't require downgrading, so just let it update to latest firmware. If you can't get the OTA for any reason you can flash the latest FTF for your region with flashtool. Then once on latest use dualrecovery installer and TA backup tool. That should have you rooted with recovery and backed up.
Edit...unlocking bootloader is only needed to flash custom ROMs or kernels.
adfurgerson said:
Sorry I am at work so my simple replies are even worse than normal.
The easyroot method (towelroot) and the dualrecovery exploit don't require downgrading, so just let it update to latest firmware. If you can't get the OTA for any reason you can flash the latest FTF for your region with flashtool. Then once on latest use dualrecovery installer and TA backup tool. That should have you rooted with recovery and backed up.
Edit...unlocking bootloader is only needed to flash custom ROMs or kernels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont apologise, I really appreciate your help.
I will want to flash custom roms in the future so should I unlock it on day 1?
So the process is:
1) update to latest 4.4.4
2) install dual recovery from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2647492
3) go into recovery and make a backup
4) make a TA backup with this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
5) root with this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
panyan said:
Dont apologise, I really appreciate your help.
I will want to flash custom roms in the future so should I unlock it on day 1?
So the process is:
1) update to latest 4.4.4
2) install dual recovery from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2647492
3) go into recovery and make a backup
4) make a TA backup with this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
5) root with this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Step 5 shouldn't be needed as the dualrecovery will take care of rooting. I didn't check the links you posted but if they are the same as I did you should be good.
adfurgerson said:
Step 5 shouldn't be needed as the dualrecovery will take care of rooting. I didn't check the links you posted but if they are the same as I did you should be good.
Click to expand...
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Ok, excellent
What would the process be if I wanted to unlock the bootloader too?
panyan said:
Ok, excellent
What would the process be if I wanted to unlock the bootloader too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a quick rundown....TA backup needs root to work, TA backup saves DRM keys needed for Sony proprietary stuff like audio, video and camera, also if warranty replacement is needed. DRM keys are lost when bootloader is unlocked, also internal storage is wiped. If unlocking a brand new phone then nothings lost, but if you have apps, pics, etc. then you will need to back them up first. I can't remember if I needed to rerun the dualrecovery after unlocking or if recovery was intact. I do know that restoring a Nandroid that I made before unlocking bootloader to phone after it was unlocked caused a soft brick until I unlocked it again. Maybe @blueether could double-check the info I have given you for accuracy as I may be over my head here.
adfurgerson said:
Here is a quick rundown....TA backup needs root to work, TA backup saves DRM keys needed for Sony proprietary stuff like audio, video and camera, also if warranty replacement is needed. DRM keys are lost when bootloader is unlocked, also internal storage is wiped. If unlocking a brand new phone then nothings lost only the DRM keys are lost, but if you have apps, pics, etc. then you will need to back them up first. I can't remember if I needed to rerun the dualrecovery after unlocking or if recovery was intact. I do know that restoring a Nandroid that I made before unlocking bootloader to phone after it was unlocked caused a soft brick until I unlocked it again. Maybe @blueether could double-check the info I have given you for accuracy as I may be over my head here.
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Click to collapse
It all looks about right, I would just change the above a little
blueether said:
It all looks about right, I would just change the above a little
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will root and recovery persist after unlocking bootloader? I can't remember if it does or not. Thanks for looking that over, the last I want is to give out erroneous advice.
adfurgerson said:
Will root and recovery persist after unlocking bootloader? I can't remember if it does or not. Thanks for looking that over, the last I want is to give out erroneous advice.
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Click to collapse
I cant unforget either, been too long since I've had a locked BL
1) update to latest 4.4.4 - See FTF thread
2) install dual recovery by [NUT]
3) go into recovery and make a backup - handy if you ever need to get back to stock - I'm not sure if it backs up the TA either
4) make a TA backup and save it on the cloud and on HDD
5) unlock the BL by visiting Sony's dev site and using flashtool
6) re-root / reinstall su if needed
7) make another backup of the TA and call this one unlocked - this can then be used to unlock the BL with out the data wipe
All off the top of my head and not done in ages
blueether said:
1) update to latest 4.4.4 - See FTF thread
2) install dual recovery by [NUT]
3) go into recovery and make a backup - handy if you ever need to get back to stock - I'm not sure if it backs up the TA either
4) make a TA backup and save it on the cloud and on HDD
5) unlock the BL by visiting Sony's dev site and using flashtool
6) re-root / reinstall su if needed
7) make another backup of the TA and call this one unlocked - this can then be used to unlock the BL with out the data wipe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brilliant - thank you very much
You guys have been invaluable!