I'll try and keep this short and to the point.
Currently running stock .290 firmware and wanting to root it, preferably without flashing a pre-rooted firmware, and without losing DRM keys.
Now if i want to root it according to this thread, i will need to unlock the Bootloader first:
"You'll have to unlock the bootloader if you want to root the .290 firmware (Android 4.3)."
and then root it via this, before i can run TA Backup to backup my DRM keys
What I'm confused about though, is that once the Bootloader is unlocked I lose my DRM Keys (as per this thread, and many other comments)
"The TA partition contains all your DRM keys for the Bravia/X-Reality Engine.
The first time you mess with your phone by unlocking the bootloader, these DRM keys will be deleted!"
The general consensus with regards to the proper order is:
1. Root
2. TA backup
3. Unlock bootloader
However for .290 it seems to be:
1. Unlock bootloader
2. Root
3. TA backup (if there is even anything left to backup?)
I guess what I'm wondering is if there is anyway to root .290 directly without first unlocking the Bootloader (and thus losing my DRM Keys), and without flashing pre-rooted firmware?
Or do i have this completely wrong, and by unlocking my Bootloader first, I won't lose my DRM Keys (contrary to what the linked thread above says)?
Thanks!
djyoshii said:
I'll try and keep this short and to the point.
Currently running stock .290 firmware and wanting to root it, preferably without flashing a pre-rooted firmware, and without losing DRM keys.
Now if i want to root it according to this thread, i will need to unlock the Bootloader first:
"You'll have to unlock the bootloader if you want to root the .290 firmware (Android 4.3)."
and then root it via this, before i can run TA Backup to backup my DRM keys
What I'm confused about though, is that once the Bootloader is unlocked I lose my DRM Keys (as per this thread, and many other comments)
"The TA partition contains all your DRM keys for the Bravia/X-Reality Engine.
The first time you mess with your phone by unlocking the bootloader, these DRM keys will be deleted!"
The general consensus with regards to the proper order is:
1. Root
2. TA backup
3. Unlock bootloader
However for .290 it seems to be:
1. Unlock bootloader
2. Root
3. TA backup (if there is even anything left to backup?)
I guess what I'm wondering is if there is anyway to root .290 directly without first unlocking the Bootloader (and thus losing my DRM Keys), and without flashing pre-rooted firmware?
Or do i have this completely wrong, and by unlocking my Bootloader first, I won't lose my DRM Keys (contrary to what the linked thread above says)?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
You need to downgrade to 532 root, backup ta, unlock bootloader then update.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
SpyderTracks said:
No.
You need to downgrade to 532 root, backup ta, unlock bootloader then update.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems I'm really left with no option then.
In that case, are DRM keys linked to the hardware or firmware? In other words, by flashing the pre-rooted firmware will i still keep my original DRM keys? Or will I have new DRM keys, belonging/linked to said pre-rooted firmware?
djyoshii said:
Seems I'm really left with no option then.
In that case, are DRM keys linked to the hardware or firmware? In other words, by flashing the pre-rooted firmware will i still keep my original DRM keys? Or will I have new DRM keys, belonging/linked to said pre-rooted firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, it's only connected to xreality and a couple of other bits. More importantly it does have an effect on some streaming apps like netflix which will only work with drm. Think there may be a workaround for that on xda somewhere.
Also, if you lose drm and cannot restore the ta partition in event of breakage, then warranty is void.
Worth backing up I'd say if only for warranty purposes.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Like Spyder says, downgrade to 532 with Flashtool (no root or anything is needed), root it (it's very simple), backup TA (even simpler), unlock your bootloader, update to 290 again and root it (it's pretty simple with an unlocked bootloader).
If you regret it all and you want to re-lock the bootloader, be sure to be on a stock ROM with stock kernel and restore TA with the same tool you used to back it up with. This will also re-lock the bootloader. If you re-lock it on a custom kernel, your Ultra will not function. It will not reboot, and all you'll be left with is a blinking red LED over the screen. IF this happens, be sure to unlock the bootloader again, and it'll boot normally again.
You only have to backup the TA partition once, so if you choose to restore it and you want to unlock the bootloader yet again down the road, then just unlock it. You have the DRM keys, so you're safe. Be sure to back them up in the cloud too (Drive, Dropbox etc.) in case your computer crashes or you simply forget the DRM keys are there.
I wrote a guide on all this stuff, so take a look at it here.
You'll need to follow:
- Downgrading
- Rooting
- Backup TA Partition
- Unlocking the bootloader
After that, just download a 290 FTF and repeat step one (downgrading, but only with 290). Then when you're on 290, follow the guide you've already found. You can also flash Recovery/TWRP by following the short "Recovery and TWRP" section.
Good luck!
Related
Hi guys, i have an idea. Will the idea of unlocking the bootloader and then do the root (with recovery enabled kernel that is) and then relocking (restoring the TA partition first) the bootloader work? I am a little bit confused with the fact about the DRM kind of things, since i don't want to lose it so if we could restore it back later then why this technique was never discussed? Please give me any information :angel:
hansip87 said:
Hi guys, i have an idea. Will the idea of unlocking the bootloader and then do the root (with recovery enabled kernel that is) and then relocking (restoring the TA partition first) the bootloader work? I am a little bit confused with the fact about the DRM kind of things, since i don't want to lose it so if we could restore it back later then why this technique was never discussed? Please give me any information :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah i forgot.. this trick will not work if you haven't done TA backup wouldn't it? :-/ I have done that before so i guess this idea won't work for anybody without TA backup i guess no?
hansip87 said:
Oh yeah i forgot.. this trick will not work if you haven't done TA backup wouldn't it? :-/ I have done that before so i guess this idea won't work for anybody without TA backup i guess no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flashing the TA partition and locking the bootloader, and then flashing a stock FTF base/firmware will make your device exactly how you bought it.. It will allow x-reality to work in both movies/album, as well as track ID working.
- This technique has been discussed in previous threads.
== Do a search and you will see there is a FTF flashing guide. flashtool guide both in the android development section.
A guide on just about everything in the general section... have a look...
However even an unlocked bootloader will allow the x-reality engine to work with videos. But will stop netflicks from working. So there are probably a few apps out there that need a locked bootloader to work properly.
To have a locked bootloader you need a stock kernel. It will need to be signed, so even a boot.img or kernel.sin would be fine. Just needs to be stock.
- You could Root, backup TA partition, unlock bootloader, and then lock bootloader again. But that still uses a rooting tool.
forgive me if I'm wrong (and someone correct me) but we cant do a TA back up without root.
When I was looking into the ZU the only way to root was to unlock the bootloader then flash a new boot.img (?), this avoided vroot et al, and the issues that we seem to have atm but did mean that the first to root lost their DRM keys (TA partition) with the rooting
blueether said:
forgive me if I'm wrong (and someone correct me) but we cant do a TA back up without root.
When I was looking into the ZU the only way to root was to unlock the bootloader then flash a new boot.img (?), this avoided vroot et al, and the issues that we seem to have atm but did mean that the first to root lost their DRM keys (TA partition) with the rooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep my bad.. wrong way round.. :good:
blueether said:
forgive me if I'm wrong (and someone correct me) but we cant do a TA back up without root.
When I was looking into the ZU the only way to root was to unlock the bootloader then flash a new boot.img (?), this avoided vroot et al, and the issues that we seem to have atm but did mean that the first to root lost their DRM keys (TA partition) with the rooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can downgrade to lower firmware anytime without root, than use vroot if you don't mind some risk, than backup TA
Hello,
I'm in need of some clarification regarding TA backup. After reading several threads I came to the conclution that it's best to backup TA before unlocking bootloader and so on. Current build is 257 without any modifications made.
Since I can't backup TA without root and cannot root without flashing from 257 to 532, is it possible to flash 532, root, backup TA, then flash back to 257 and restore TA backup? I'd imagine that they have information about my phone being 257 when it was shipped and refuse to repair the phone.
Did some searching and couldn't find an answer to this.
Guides I've had a look at:
Flashtool guide.
How to root 14.1.B.2.257 using OTA
You won't lose your TA, so you can downgrade and root as much as you want. The only way you'll lose your TA is if you unlock your bootloader, which you don't need to do when you just want to root. You'll have to unlock it if you want to flash CM, PAC or other custom ROMs.
Downgrade to 532, root, backup TA (just so you have it), update through OTA to 257 and you're done.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
LordManhattan said:
You won't lose your TA, so you can downgrade and root as much as you want. The only way you'll lose your TA is if you unlock your bootloader, which you don't need to do when you just want to root. You'll have to unlock it if you want to flash CM, PAC or other custom ROMs.
Downgrade to 532, root, backup TA (just so you have it), update through OTA to 257 and you're done.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent! Thank you for the clarification. TA has nothing to do with the build then?
Also, is there any disadvantages to this when it can be restored to original state with the backup? Thinking about unlocking bootloader etc later.
Correct, your TA folder has your Ultra's unique DRM keys etc. and it's tied to your device itself and not the ROM, so you can go ahead and flash stock ROMs as much as you want without worrying about it.
And no, there are no real disadvantages to it. The only thing that will be changed after unlocking it is that X-Reality will no longer work, but it'll be back to normal once you restore your TA and relock the bootloader.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
When i originally unlocked the bootloader I had backed up my TA partition.
Now I have a question, can I restore my drm keys from it since im on another version of lollipop?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Drm keys are Android version independent. So the answer is yes, you can restore them.
However it's good to remember some rules before restoring; it will also relock your bootloader so, if you have unauthorized software inside your phone by Sony, like a recovery or a custom ROM, your phone will NOT boot as they are normally designed to work with unlocked bootloader.
You should do a backup before proceed or make sure you are on a nin-custom Sony firmware.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
_delice_doluca_ said:
Drm keys are Android version independent. So the answer is yes, you can restore them.
However it's good to remember some rules before restoring; it will also relock your bootloader so, if you have unauthorized software inside your phone by Sony, like a recovery or a custom ROM, your phone will NOT boot as they are normally designed to work with unlocked bootloader.
You should do a backup before proceed or make sure you are on a nin-custom Sony firmware.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me I ment im on another version of Android*, From your answer I understood I cant restore that.. So what are my options for restoring them?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
As I understand, the DRM keys are not reliant on your Android version. So keys from 4.4.4 should work on 5.0.2 as they shouldn't change. I'm pretty sure envious_data has confirmed this (please correct me if I'm wrong).
HOWEVER, restoring them will relock the bootloader. If you are on a non-sony custom ROM (so CM, AOSP, etc) the phone will not boot (eXistenZ, Moonwalker (I think), and other stock based ROM's will however).
Stock based ROM's will ONLY boot if you have a stock kernel (which is found inside of the ftf file), any custom kernel (advanced stock, AndroPlus, any CM/AOSP, any other stock based kernel) kernels will not.
A locked bootloader recovery will not prevent the phone from booting, as it is on the /system partition and not inside of a kernel.
Also, if you have a recovery installed to the FOTAKernel partition, restore that to stock as that will prevent the phone from booting. The stock FOTAKernel file can be found in the ftf file too. If needed I can strip an ftf file down to stock kernel and FOTAKernel to be flashed.
CosTuMe said:
Excuse me I ment im on another version of Android*, From your answer I understood I cant restore that.. So what are my options for restoring them?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can restore your DRM keys on any android version but you must make sure you'r completely on a stock build. (No custom kernals)
Deleted.
whats the procedure for restoring them?
CosTuMe said:
whats the procedure for restoring them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you used the BackupTA tool (or whatever it is called, it's in the cross device section) use the restore function in that.
But before you do, make sure you are on a stock based ROM, with a full stock kernel and full stock FOTAKernel partition.
gamer649 said:
If you used the BackupTA tool (or whatever it is called, it's in the cross device section) use the restore function in that.
But before you do, make sure you are on a stock based ROM, with a full stock kernel and full stock FOTAKernel partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, i had done it(and the phone boots). is there anyway to check i got them back?
CosTuMe said:
Ok, i had done it(and the phone boots). is there anyway to check i got them back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open the phone dialer, *#*#7378423#*#*, Service Tests, Security, and then look to each row. Each one will be followed by [KEY OK][ACTIVE].
Also, to check the bootloader is relocked.
Open the phone dialer, *#*#7378423#*#*, Service Info, Configuration, look to rooting status. It will say "Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes", instead of "Bootloader unlocked: Yes".
Thank you very much, I had succeeded restoring them
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
im currently on kitkat rom with full root and unlocked bootloader, and im planning to lock the bootloader. if i upgrade my phone to the latest official lolipop rom. can my phone lock the bootloader? can i get a new DRM key?
PS: i unlocked BL without backing the DRM keys so i lost it.
ulyshut said:
im currently on kitkat rom with full root and unlocked bootloader, and im planning to lock the bootloader. if i upgrade my phone to the latest official lolipop rom. can my phone lock the bootloader? can i get a new DRM key?
PS: i unlocked BL without backing the DRM keys so i lost it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can re-lock the bootloader without the DRM keys, however it will not restore them. You can use the bootloader unlock/re-lock function in flashtool to lock the bootloader again.
You can lock the bootloader on any android version, regardless of what version you unlocked it on. But if you didn't back up your DRM keys there is no way to get them back, they are lost forever unfortunately.
thanks for the reply, because my remote play access did not work when i rooted my phone . now based on the other thread, its about the DRM key and unlock BL that is causing the issue.
Steps to restore DRM keys?
Hey,
I want to just request some help about the DRM keys. I know more or less what to do since I have lost them in order to get root. As I have understood the steps go:
Backup all apps and whatnot
Flash stock ftf file from any version (wipe APPSLOG, CACHE, DATA) via Flashtool
Root using Easy Root Tool
Backup TA partition using this tool
Push dual recovery into phone using NUTs Dual Recovery script
Restore TA partition using the tool above
And hopefully I would have Root with working keys? I am currently getting the 17.1.2.A.0.314 & 17.1.1.A.0.402 ftf firmware. If I am missing anything from the steps above please inform me.
Thanks ^^
.
suenoromis said:
Hey,
I want to just request some help about the DRM keys. I know more or less what to do since I have lost them in order to get root. As I have understood the steps go:
Backup all apps and whatnot
Flash stock ftf file from any version (wipe APPSLOG, CACHE, DATA) via Flashtool
Root using Easy Root Tool
Backup TA partition using this tool
Push dual recovery into phone using NUTs Dual Recovery script
Restore TA partition using the tool above
And hopefully I would have Root with working keys? I am currently getting the 17.1.2.A.0.314 & 17.1.1.A.0.402 ftf firmware. If I am missing anything from the steps above please inform me.
Thanks ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you unlocked your BL before making backup of TA your keys are lost FOREVER .
Even if you downgrade and start everything again you won't get the keys back as they were unique to your device. If you don't have a TA backup of your keys don't waste time downgrading...
But if you DO HAVE A WORKING TA backup with YOUR keys then downgrade to 4.4.2, root, restore your TA (BL will get locked in the process), install dual recovery and upgrade to a pre-rooted firmware. You'll still have your keys and BL locked.
Steps to restore DRM keys?
ptmaniac said:
If you unlocked your BL before making backup of TA ..... You'll still have your keys and BL locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there's absolutely no way to get the keys back after unlocking the bootloader?
What about this?
_delice_doluca_ said:
Drm keys are Android version independent. So the answer is yes, you can restore them.
However it's good to remember some rules before restoring; it will also relock your bootloader so, if you have unauthorized software inside your phone by Sony, like a recovery or a custom ROM, your phone will NOT boot as they are normally designed to work with unlocked bootloader.
You should do a backup before proceed or make sure you are on a nin-custom Sony firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
suenoromis said:
So there's absolutely no way to get the keys back after unlocking the bootloader?
What about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confused about what? you are overcomplicating things.
You can get your keys back ONLY if you have a backup of your TA BEFORE unlocking your bootloader.
DID YOU BACKUP YOUR TA BEFORE UNLOCKING YOUR BOOTLOADER?
If you answer YES --> you can restore your keys
If you answer NO --> they are lost forever.
SImple.
suenoromis said:
So there's absolutely no way to get the keys back after unlocking the bootloader?
What about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, If I got things complicated. Let me explain it in scenerios and steps;
Small İnfo first; there is a small partition (or a small and untouchable part inside of a partition) in our phones. It contains and "device-specific" keys, basically an ID.
Some Sony-made softwares (like a picture or sound enhancer which are activated when user starts a music or takes a picture) are patent protected and search for these keys before run. If keys are not there user still can take a picture or listen to music however the patented enhancing software will not kick in. So how do you lose the keys? Why is Sony making this?
Because they want to protect their patented technology from being exposed to inspections or non-Sony users. So basically they tell you if you "unlock your bootloader" you will be able to do anything with your phone freely but the keys-including-partition will be wiped forever and those patented software addings will not run.
Let's get to scenerios.
1th Scenerio: You want to install custom kernel, recovery or ROM to your device? You have to unlock bootloader and it is simple. But doing this basically will wipe your keys and they will be gone forever.
2nd Scenerio: The device can be rooted without unlocking its recovery (very clever Sony, you think about protecting your patent and invent the "keys partition" and lock them to bootloader and get rooted that easily). Once we obtain root, we can read and write to any partition, including the one with the keys (it is called Trim Area). Once we are rooted, with FlashTool, we can backup the TA partition and protect the keys on our PCs.
"After the backing up", once we unlock the bootloader the phone will wipe TA partition but we will have a backup of them on our PCs.
With that backup on our PCs, we can safely do whatever we want; install custom ROMS, kernels, recoveries etc. (actually, there is even a recovery installation possible with "locked bootloader" ) and once we need to claim our warranty or want Sony-patented software enhancements, we can simply restore the TA partition (again with FlashTool).
I've seen multiple threads on rooting the device both here and on other sites and all of them conveniently leave out mentioning the fact that you're irreversibly ****ed if you don't backup your DRM keys first.
With DRM keys, I find the thread for Backup TA only to be told the tool is no longer maintained, and I haven't come across anything else that's similar.
The instructions for Backup TA say that you need the device to be rooted in order to perform a backup. If I understand correctly, rooting requires unlocking the bootloader first - and doing that will invalidate the keys, so epic Catch 22 right there.
And yes, I know that this question has been asked before, but I'm looking to see if there is anything new as of today, i.e. July 2nd 2015 that is specifically applicable to the very latest firmware. So is it possible to root the device without losing DRM keys or having to downgrade to last year's firmware first?
If you download an app called "kingroot" I think, you will be able to root on the latest firmware, however, there are roumors who says that this method sends your IMEI to a company in Japan or China or something.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app somewhere in Norway
You could just download some older firmware, install it without unlocking the bootloader. Then root the device using some other method (because on older firmware there were exploits available) and backup the TA partition (DRM keys) right away. Then you're able to wipe the device again, install the latest LP firmware and be happy with a backup
KaiserSnorezay said:
I've seen multiple threads on rooting the device both here and on other sites and all of them conveniently leave out mentioning the fact that you're irreversibly ****ed if you don't backup your DRM keys first.
With DRM keys, I find the thread for Backup TA only to be told the tool is no longer maintained, and I haven't come across anything else that's similar.
The instructions for Backup TA say that you need the device to be rooted in order to perform a backup. If I understand correctly, rooting requires unlocking the bootloader first - and doing that will invalidate the keys, so epic Catch 22 right there.
And yes, I know that this question has been asked before, but I'm looking to see if there is anything new as of today, i.e. July 2nd 2015 that is specifically applicable to the very latest firmware. So is it possible to root the device without losing DRM keys or having to downgrade to last year's firmware first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have it confused. Rooting using exploits like towel root or kingroot doesn't unlock your bootloader and you dont loose your DRM keys. If you want to unlock your bootloader you will have to goto Sony website and type in your IMEI and follow a procedure.
Try the steps mentioned in this link, it'll help you root your phone without unlocking your boot loader. Once you have root and recovery, you can go to recovery and backup only the TRIM Area which is the TA partition.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z2/development/stock-d6502-6503-23-1-1-28-complete-t3104145
Can anyone tell us if reflashing the stock rom over a custom rom will reinstate the LOCKED BOOTLOADER and the DRM KEYS!
Your help is always appreciated, Thanks in advance.
Will not reinstall them. After unlocking of bootloader DRM keys are gone forever. The only way to keep DRM keys is before unlocking of bootloader to make backup of TA partition.
valyo_bg said:
Will not reinstall them. After unlocking of bootloader DRM keys are gone forever. The only way to keep DRM keys is before unlocking of bootloader to make backup of TA partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every thread i have been on, require us to root the device first!
So does that mean we cant backup TA Partition for DRM KEYS? As for root bootloader should be unlocked for this device.
With Lollipop phone can be rooted without unlocking of boot loader. Then you can make backup of TA partition. After backup phone can be upgraded to Marshmallow, then bootloader can be unlocked and phone rooted. In fact my phone also is rooted, I don't need DRM keys and don't make backup of TA partition. Why you need backup of DRM keys?
valyo_bg said:
With Lollipop phone can be rooted without unlocking of boot loader. Then you can make backup of TA partition. After backup phone can be upgraded to Marshmallow, then bootloader can be unlocked and phone rooted. In fact my phone also is rooted, I don't need DRM keys and don't make backup of TA partition. Why you need backup of DRM keys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for such a fast response.
The reason is because i really want to root my device. But people over net sometimes complain for issues at camera(quality reduction and non functionality) after unlocking bootloader. I dont even know if these are really related. I just wanted to be ready if anything happens.
Please tell having a TA BACKUP for DRM, is that necessary or not. And TA BACKUP from my lollipop will work at my marshmallow as well ryt!
My phone is rooted and don't find any quality problem with camera or something else .