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i'm thinking about getting this phone instead of the note 3 (coming from note 2) and wondering what the deal is with root, unlocking the bootloader etc?
ta
congratz to 1000 post... the deal? What u wanna know?
Root, well to root on locked bootloader is to make an TA Backup where all your drm keys are stored. These are removed when unlocking the bootloader. The benefit of doing this backup is that you then can restore these keys if needed in the future. And also you can run apps and access features that requires the device to be rooted.
I noticed you are in some level of familiar with custom roms and root as I checked your previous post here at XDA running some sammy roms.
But the benefits of unlocking the bootloader? You can flash roms with ease along the features of being rooted as above.
ah sorry. i didnt meant it in that sense. i had to unlock the bootloader on my old htc desire (samsung since then and no lock). i wondered what the deal was in getting it done?
on the samsungs i've just flashed a custom recovery and that's it. easy as pie but way back when i had to use a goldcard to get the desire unlocked and more steps in getting s-off
is it easy or tricky with the sony? if i get this phone i'd be needing to root straigt away to put my TB backups back on so wouldnt have any drm keys to backup yet
tommo123 said:
ah sorry. i didnt meant it in that sense. i had to unlock the bootloader on my old htc desire (samsung since then and no lock). i wondered what the deal was in getting it done?
on the samsungs i've just flashed a custom recovery and that's it. easy as pie but way back when i had to use a goldcard to get the desire unlocked and more steps in getting s-off
is it easy or tricky with the sony? if i get this phone i'd be needing to root straigt away to put my TB backups back on so wouldnt have any drm keys to backup yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The TA backup does make a backup of alla the DRM keys, as the Bravia engine...and bla bla bla what other features there are.
It is easy to unlock the bootloader IF you not running Windows 8. On W8 it is a bit tricky because you have to reboot the OS in test mode disabling the driver verification in order to be able to install fastboot driver and S1 driver. Other than that, it should be done in about 30 sec if there's no issue :good:
and typically i'm on win 8 (though wish i wasn't at times).
cheers for the info. wonder if it would work with win7 via VM
well, i ordered it, and put my old note 2 for sale on mazuma
As a fellow Galaxy Note user here, Rooting the ZU is easy...
Unlocking the bootloader is another.. It is pretty much straightforward from the tutorials on this forum but you have to watch out of your TA partition..
I have gone as far as backing up my TA but I haven't unlocked my Bootloader yet.. I don't feel the need for a custom ROM yet.
Stock, Rooted .532 ROM with Xposed Framework serves most of my needs.. Plus seamless connection of the Dualshock controller which is a definite plus for me!
cool. i've read the guide and i get that the TA partition holds DRM info but isn't thatonly for purchases etc? if it's lost what's the worst case scenario? brick or you lose access to paid for content?
tommo123 said:
and typically i'm on win 8 (though wish i wasn't at times).
cheers for the info. wonder if it would work with win7 via VM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea how stable it gonna be to make an operation like this? ..because you have to manually unmount and mount the choosen device in to VMware. Now I don't have VMWare Workstation installed as I recently moved to Windows 8 Enterprise. ..big mistake when doing this kind of operations. It took me about an hour to figure out how to properly disarm all this stupid verification of drivers and certificates and bla bla bla microsoft features. In these moments I love my linux mint.
The TA backup benefits from that first of all you do make a backup of your DRM keys if you would like to restore them in the future if going back to stock rom and for example sending it for service covered warranty. You don't necessarily lose your warranty but there might be times when the service center denies your request as they see that the device has been tempered with. I think I read that it does also relock your bootloader but I might need to confirm that..not entirely sure.
If you lost the DRM keys or the backup? Ehm.. yeah no more bravia engine, Track ID and the other apps provided by sony wont work. Other than that, It's not that big of a deal but It's good to have a backup just in case!
ah, good to know then. cheers.
i suppose i could throw a wubi ubuntu install on or something i guess.
Yes, the TA partition has your UNIQUE DRM info needed for Sony's proprietary software to work. (aka bravia engine and xreality) take note of the word UNIQUE.. you cannot use a TA backup from another phone.. So you really have to back it up.. A few minutes of effort to back it up is worth spending rather than losing your keys forever..
As I've read from one of the posts on other threads, restoring the TA partition would not relock your bootloader.. They are two separate steps.. You have to manually relock it after restoring.. Which as far as i understand is fairly easy although I haven't done it myself..
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Hey Guyz,
New to XDA-Developers platform,just wanted to get your help on rooting Xperia Z2.
I want to mirror my xperia z2 on my laptop. All the applications around need rooted phone to perform this action. Although some are working with USB cable option,but not working at my side either.
I have already downloaded all the necessary tools for rooting,the problem am facing is selection of my firmware
My Phone Software Version is 1278-4770_23.0.1.A.0.167
I want to remain on my 4.4.4 version of kitkat and root as well,till now i have learned that my software version supports German Unbranded FTF file for root.Can anyone provide me that file or some link.
Accept my Thanks and Wishes in Advance
Regards
There are many ways to obtain root access with the xperia Z2
Now keep in mind this:
There is a easy way and a hard way
The easy way voids your warrenty permanently and the hardway alows your warrenty to be restored
Think about this decision and pick one
(ill guide you through it)
Envious_Data said:
There are many ways to obtain root access with the xperia Z2
Now keep in mind this:
There is a easy way and a very hard way
The easy way voids your warrenty permanently and the hardway alows your warrenty to be restored
Think about this decision and pick one
(ill guide you through it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would definitely NOT say downgrading is a very hard way, that's just outright over exaggeration.
There is no easy way or hard way, only a quick way which voids your warranty and there is a longer way that won't void. The longer way takes about an hour if you download all the files previously.
o0 Matt 0o said:
I would definitely NOT say downgrading is a very hard way, that's just outright over exaggeration.
There is no easy way or hard way, only a quick way which voids your warranty and there is a longer way that won't void. The longer way takes about an hour if you download all the files previously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*a tad tedious
I find its just a bit anoying with the back and forth
Envious_Data said:
There are many ways to obtain root access with the xperia Z2
Now keep in mind this:
There is a easy way and a hard way
The easy way voids your warrenty permanently and the hardway alows your warrenty to be restored
Think about this decision and pick one
(ill guide you through it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Envious_Data for your kind replay.
I am not much concerned with the removal of warranty permanently. I have decided my cards
Now i'll be thank full to you if you can guide me further...
isaleem7 said:
Thank you Envious_Data for your kind replay.
I am not much concerned with the removal of warranty permanently. I have decided my cards
Now i'll be thank full to you if you can guide me further...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take note that you CANT get any repairs from sony even if you want to pay, check that you are satisifed with your device aka no defects
Note that you lose some xperia functions, X-Reality, SuperVivid and some Playstation and sony apps dont work from my testing
Now lets get started
You will need this tool for unlocking your bootloader and flashing a recovery
http://www.flashtool.net/index.php
You will need this tool for installing the fastboot/flashmode/Z2 drivers for Z2
https://www.google.co.uk/url?q=http...KA9T2g&usg=AFQjCNEKiBoUgTCpZhx3dv1GJigiYpH2WQ
After unlocking your bootloader flash this boot.img to your device using flashtool
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=56540642&postcount=54
Next you will need to download supersu
http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu
You can use twrp to flash this which will root your device
If you need help more than i have explained here then ask
Concider the losses from void warrenty and the few lost services
Do not use twrp to flash anything from another device, mods yes but anything more than just a mod is NO
isaleem7 said:
Thank you Envious_Data for your kind replay.
I am not much concerned with the removal of warranty permanently. I have decided my cards
Now i'll be thank full to you if you can guide me further...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It blows my mind that people elect to destroy their drm keys when keeping them takes an extra 10 minutes. It is safer to do and can always revert back to stock if your phone screws up.
Although you have been told that on 4.4.4 you lose warranty, camera quality, ps4 remote play, all the xperia unique apps like lounge. How do you know what you lose on lollipop?
Each to there own, I know I've been stung by this is the past so I would never destroy my drm keys again.
o0 Matt 0o said:
It blows my mind that people elect to destroy their drm keys when keeping them takes an extra 10 minutes. It is safer to do and can always revert back to stock if your phone screws up.
Although you have been told that on 4.4.4 you lose warranty, camera quality, ps4 remote play, all the xperia unique apps like lounge. How do you know what you lose on lollipop?
Each to there own, I know I've been stung by this is the past so I would never destroy my drm keys again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually funny enough I've learned that the lack of warranty or Xperia features phases none on some people just because they have a well working unit and most likely wont need a warrenty repair or replace
i kept my TA due to the fact i had 4 defective units in a row however with my Xperia S i had no need for them and similar with my current Z2
whats your opinion on this
Envious_Data said:
actually funny enough I've learned that the lack of warranty or Xperia features phases none on some people just because they have a well working unit and most likely wont need a warrenty repair or replace
i kept my TA due to the fact i had 4 defective units in a row however with my Xperia S i had no need for them and similar with my current Z2
whats your opinion on this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest i think it would be better to downgrade even if its just for the sake of taking a backup of your TA partition. i myself will be going stock lollipop once official CM or PA ROMs roll out, but i would still like to have a way to get back my warranty just in case its needed. currently neither rooted nor UL BL.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=53220418
Try these or
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2933155
All of these methods are locked bootloader freindly
Take a backup of your TA after rooting just for safety
Hello, just got my Z4 after my old Z just got in the hand of my 2-year old son
I had rooted and installed a custom rom on that one (CM 12), but I never bothered with Sony own "things" such as the Bravia engine and all.
Now, given that there are not yet any interesting roms for the Z4 and that the developers' scene has never been so active for Sony's products (hence we won't probably see anything interesting for a while, in terms of rom), what are the true disadvantages of JUST rooting the device to install stuff like adaway, titanium backup and the rest of the goodies that rooting allows? Will I lose OTAs by simply unlocking the bootloader and rooting? Since the TA partition will be gone forever, what else are the side-effects of the rooting procedure?
Thanks for any help to a semi-noob.
Luca
astrovale said:
Hello, just got my Z4 after my old Z just got in the hand of my 2-year old son
I had rooted and installed a custom rom on that one (CM 12), but I never bothered with Sony own "things" such as the Bravia engine and all.
Now, given that there are not yet any interesting roms for the Z4 and that the developers' scene has never been so active for Sony's products (hence we won't probably see anything interesting for a while, in terms of rom), what are the true disadvantages of JUST rooting the device to install stuff like adaway, titanium backup and the rest of the goodies that rooting allows? Will I lose OTAs by simply unlocking the bootloader and rooting? Since the TA partition will be gone forever, what else are the side-effects of the rooting procedure?
Thanks for any help to a semi-noob.
Luca
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apart from the minor Sony stuff that gets lost with the TA partition, I think I read you'll indeed lose the OTA updates abd the only way to upgrade your ROM is with Flashtool (from flashtool.net). Which is also no big deal, really. Just inconvenient, especially on Windows 8+, which you'll have to boot into a mode in which it accepts installation unsigned drivers needed for the tool.
Another potentially big disadvantage is warranty-related, of the bootloader unlocking. Depends on country and vendor.
Thanks a lot for your help Jelbo. Don't worry too much about using flashtool (done already). I remember though that there used to be a tool to backup TA partition. I'll look into it, but I guess that, if it's not here....
Never worried about warranty as well. I just hope I'll be lucky, I guess!
jelbo said:
Apart from the minor Sony stuff that gets lost with the TA partition, I think I read you'll indeed lose the OTA updates abd the only way to upgrade your ROM is with Flashtool (from flashtool.net). Which is also no big deal, really. Just inconvenient, especially on Windows 8+, which you'll have to boot into a mode in which it accepts installation unsigned drivers needed for the tool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:crying::crying::crying: Another drawback which I haven't known. Meybe it's more comfortable to use virtual machine with flashtool.
astrovale said:
Thanks a lot for your help Jelbo. Don't worry too much about using flashtool (done already). I remember though that there used to be a tool to backup TA partition. I'll look into it, but I guess that, if it's not here....
Never worried about warranty as well. I just hope I'll be lucky, I guess!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backing up your TA is only possible when you have acquired root on your device without unlocking the bootloader. This is impossible as of now on the Z4 Tablet. Well, technically it might be possible, but no one has found an exploit yet. Maybe one will be found someday, but I wouldn't wait on it.
alex009988 said:
:crying::crying::crying: Another drawback which I haven't known. Meybe it's more comfortable to use virtual machine with flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, don't see things so badly. There's lots to enjoy on the Z4T right now.
Running Flashtool with the flashmode driver in a VM is impossible I think. The driver thing on Windows 8+ is really easy tough.
Thanks Jelbo. I went and researched the subject and the first I read was that you need to be rooted to backup your TA partition (indeed I used for my Z the doomlord tool). Well, I guess I'll wait as much as I can, but I really miss adaway most: I hate those ads everywhere cluttering my apps!
Eventually, I'm afraid I'll root and forget about it! I was just wondering also what is the meaning of loosing the bravia engine, but I'll research that too and see. All I know is that I guess I lost it on my Z...but never missed it anyway, so I guess it isnt' that fundamental to enjoy a good tablet like the sony Z4!
Bye
Luca
astrovale said:
Thanks Jelbo. I went and researched the subject and the first I read was that you need to be rooted to backup your TA partition (indeed I used for my Z the doomlord tool). Well, I guess I'll wait as much as I can, but I really miss adaway most: I hate those ads everywhere cluttering my apps!
Eventually, I'm afraid I'll root and forget about it! I was just wondering also what is the meaning of loosing the bravia engine, but I'll research that too and see. All I know is that I guess I lost it on my Z...but never missed it anyway, so I guess it isnt' that fundamental to enjoy a good tablet like the sony Z4!
Bye
Luca
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't miss the image 'enhancements' that are lost, especially when you care for color accuracy.
A cool thing I found out is that the Z4T supports 'KCAL', which enables you to tweak all kinds of image parameters using a tool like Kernel Adiutor.
Apart from killing ads, the thing I'm second most happy about with being rooted is the ability to permanently hide the soft keys using a build.prop edit, while keeping the ability to type anywhere. I mapped the back and home controls to sliding gestures from the left and right screen edges using a GMD app.
Dear community,
I've recently got a Z5 compact (updated it to MM already) and after reading around here and around the Z5 forums I came to a cruel conclusion (didn't do my homework before getting the phone, but that's my problem):
You cannot root without unlocking the bootloader and you cannot backup the DRM keys without having root access.
Is this correct? If so, how did people writing the tutorials about DRM keys backup achieve root access in the first place?
I'm a little bit confused here...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
daniel_loft said:
Dear community,
I've recently got a Z5 compact (updated it to MM already) and after reading around here and around the Z5 forums I came to a cruel conclusion (didn't do my homework before getting the phone, but that's my problem):
You cannot root without unlocking the bootloader and you cannot backup the DRM keys without having root access.
Is this correct? If so, how did people writing the tutorials about DRM keys backup achieve root access in the first place?
I'm a little bit confused here...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
currently,for the z5 family,there is no way to root without unlocking bootloader.Period.
the tutorials you see on the z5 pages are ways to restore sony credentials after unlocking bootloader but does not restore TA partition (where the DRM keys are) which is lost once you unlock bootloader. i.e you trick the phone into believing the bootloader is unlocked and can still enjoy the sony goodies with the patch (very simplified explanation here).
older models are able to achieve root (like the Z3+) only recently due to exploit found on MM and also using older firmwares.
you might want to hold back on unlocking bootloader for now.the z5 has impressive hardware rivaling samdung.the sad part is backing up TA partition while bootloader is locked,which has not been found.
that or you can hold out till the new nexus arrives.
Frostmore is correct in that you cannot backup DRM currently. But I disagree that you should hold off on doing so, the z5c lacks in most all places and root helps fix some stuff.
Does the loss of DRM keys affect camera performance?
DrYnternet said:
Does the loss of DRM keys affect camera performance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes it does, Mobile Bravia Engine is gone, Track ID in music player is gone and camera performance is also gone.
but now you can backup and restore your own TA if you have not unlocked bootloader yet
I thought that It is possible to backup TA partition with iovyroot here. It is working on Lollipop. So if you upgraded to Mashmallow, you need to downgrade with flashtool here which does not unlock the bootloader. After downgrade It is possible to backup DRM keys I think isn't it?
Yes downgrade then unlock boot loader then root then relock with DRM keys.
Sent from my E6633 using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 12:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:27 PM ----------
It will say boot loader status relocked in service menu
Sent from my E6633 using XDA-Developers mobile app
I am completely baffled. I managed to restore ALL my original DRM keys!
I lost them while unlocking the bootloader, and then rooted my device. I also didnt do my homework and didn't realise I would lose all the DRM keys. When I factory resetted my device, using companion, I got my phone working on android 7.0 again, but ofcourse the drm keys were gone. Filming was almost impossible and fingerprint was not working etc.
And for whatever reason, guess I was bored, I unlocked the bootloader again, since it wouldn't matter anyway. So I unlocked the bootloader with oem unlock and the sony developer site, and then the device started rebooting. It looked like a bootloop, it took about 5 minutes, everything on my phone was gone (damnit). But when I tried fingerpringt, camera, everything worked like before! I have no idea how this happened but maybe this'll work for anyone here. aswell! From now on I'm not gonna touch ANYTHING anymore, since I just don't have enough developer knowledge.
btw: I made an account on this site especially to share this information with you :highfive:
Weslietje said:
I am completely baffled. I managed to restore ALL my original DRM keys!
I lost them while unlocking the bootloader, and then rooted my device. I also didnt do my homework and didn't realise I would lose all the DRM keys. When I factory resetted my device, using companion, I got my phone working on android 7.0 again, but ofcourse the drm keys were gone. Filming was almost impossible and fingerprint was not working etc.
And for whatever reason, guess I was bored, I unlocked the bootloader again, since it wouldn't matter anyway. So I unlocked the bootloader with oem unlock and the sony developer site, and then the device started rebooting. It looked like a bootloop, it took about 5 minutes, everything on my phone was gone (damnit). But when I tried fingerpringt, camera, everything worked like before! I have no idea how this happened but maybe this'll work for anyone here. aswell! From now on I'm not gonna touch ANYTHING anymore, since I just don't have enough developer knowledge.
btw: I made an account on this site especially to share this information with you :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to XDA, and thanks for going through the trouble of creating an account to share information.
However, some of the information you shared is either wrong or misinformed.
Also, this thread is quite old, digging up old threads is generally frowned upon.
First of all, if you never made a backup of your DRM keys before unlocking your bootloader, then those keys are gone. Forever. There's absolutely no possible way of restoring them.
Second, missing DRM keys do not cause the camera or fingerprint scanner to stop working. Only certain "enhancement features" are disabled, such as X-Reality that makes images appear sharper and more vivid when viewing photos/videos, or advanced low light noise reduction when taking pictures.
Many of those DRM-reliant features can be re-enabled by applying a DRM fix patch that can be found on the XDA forums.
The fingerprint scanner is disabled for certain region's firmware by Sony via software means, but it is not dependent on DRM.
You probably messed up somewhere flashing or rooting your firmware, causing functions like the camera and fingerprint scanner to not work. Do a factory reset or clean flash in case this happens.
And finally, it is clearly worded on the web page where you go to unlock the bootloader that your phone will automatically perform a factory reset upon unlocking the bootloader, so you shouldn't be surprised that all your data was erased. It's expected behavior.
You should always backup your data before fiddling with your phone, it's good practice and common sense.
So in conclusion, no, there's no way of restoring the DRM keys without a prior backup. You didn't manage to restore it.
Here's how to verify if your DRM keys are present:
In the dialer, input *#*#7378423#*#* to enter the service menu
Service tests > Security
If your keys are intact, the first three lines should all say [Key OK][Active], and at the bottom FIDO_KEYS : Provisioned
You probably fixed your camera and fingerprint issues by performing a factory reset unknowingly, which is done automatically when you unlock the bootloader as mentioned.
mhaha said:
***
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, I guess I'll just stick to reading this forum and finding solutions for my problems instead of trying to give advice. That'll look like a homeless guy, giving financial advise. Thanks for the large explanation anyway!:good:
Hi all,
So ive been holding off modding my phone as the thought of DRM key emulation etc makes me uneasy... Is there a safe repeatable way for me to backup my DRM keys, so that I may restore them at a later date if I sell my phone or return it for repair?
After many months of lurking, I have still yet to find any concrete answer to this
Kind regards
Gomezie said:
Hi all,
So ive been holding off modding my phone as the thought of DRM key emulation etc makes me uneasy... Is there a safe repeatable way for me to backup my DRM keys, so that I may restore them at a later date if I sell my phone or return it for repair?
After many months of lurking, I have still yet to find any concrete answer to this
Kind regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no restoring them, only backing them up. I've been using the DRM fix for going on 7 months or so and no issues.
Thanks, thats a shame I would like to resell this device with confidence.
Kind regards
I think there's some misunderstanding.
If you had never unlocked your bootloader, then your DRM credentials are (obviously) intact and you can backup and restore them using this tool. As long as you've made a backup of the TA partition (where the DRM stuff resides), you can fully restore your phone to its original stock and warranty-covered state. See the linked post for details and links to tutorials.
If you did not backup your TA partition BEFORE you unlock your bootloader, then it is as civicsr2cool says, there's no restoring them, it's gone forever. The good news is that you can employ a workaround ("DRM fix") which emulates DRM that allows certain DRM-reliant functions to work (e.g. low light algorithm etc.), but your warranty remains voided, and it does not restore your original DRM.
Since you said that you've held off modding your phone, I believe your situation falls into the former category, in which case the answer to your question is, YES, there is a SAFE and REPEATABLE method to backup your DRM and restore it.
So you are saying it is also possible to re-lock the bootloader and restore the formerly backed up TA partition and that gives you back a phone that is indistinguishable from an untouched stock phone? So, if done right, all steps are reversible? Is there a full tutorial (especially for the restore) you can point us to?
Cheers
Lemming0815 said:
So you are saying it is also possible to re-lock the bootloader and restore the formerly backed up TA partition and that gives you back a phone that is indistinguishable from an untouched stock phone? So, if done right, all steps are reversible? Is there a full tutorial (especially for the restore) you can point us to?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes , this is the thread , http://forum.xda-developers.com/z5-compact/general/summary-tutorial-root-sony-xperia-z5-t3360515 check it out. you can backup ta partition and then root and later roll back to .200 fw at which you backed up TA partition and restore your drm keys. you can even restore them while you are rooted and having those lost functions back , check it foe that. http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/development/root-automatic-repack-stock-kernel-dm-t3301605
http://twigstechtips.blogspot.gr/2016/04/sony-z5-compact-root-without-losing-ta.html
Good guide using tools you ll find here.
for mm .253 i used rootkernel v3 rc4. It seems to work fine, root, xposed, etc, but can't comment yet on battery or other issues that show up in longterm.