I have searched and read through the forums and I am sorry, but I am very very confused. I ultimately don't want to screw up my phone so I am posting here to ask your guidance.
Got a brand new ZU with the 14.2.A.1.136 firmware. Now I want to flash it with the gpe firmware. I read that the first thing I need to do is TA Backup. But the TA Backup back up tool says I need root do to the backup. Now to root, I need to unlock the boot loader which will destroy the DRM keys and defeats the purpose of TA Backup.
Can some good heart, guide on exact tools and steps to use to properly backup my current firmware so that I can restore to stock when necessary and finally flash a custom rom? Thanks!
This may help you : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2569904
I did go through this. This guide is pretty unclear for the 1.136 fw. One guide for rooting as per the link in the guide requires you to unlock the BL. The other one requires you to use vroot, which I believe is not a legit tool?
It's not that hard...
Downgrade (see my sticky in the general section)
From here down follow Lordmanhattan's guide posted above
Root (Bin4ries tool)
Back up TA
Flash 4.3 or 4.4.2 FTF (Flashtool - you need the newer firmware for baseband etc)
Unlock BootLoader (Flashtool and Sony's dev site)
Flash boot.img from ROM zip (Use flashtool - this has the recoveries and kernel)
Boot into recovery and flash ROM
Related
Hi,
Is it possible to downgrade so I can
save my TA Partition
Unlock the bootloader
get Recovery and TWRP
I'm on 4.4.2 version 14.3.A.691 now
BR. Engis
engis said:
Hi,
Is it possible to downgrade so I can
save my TA Partition
Unlock the bootloader
get Recovery and TWRP
I'm on 4.4.2 version 14.3.A.691 now
BR. Engis
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to read more....
Read.....
First
Install the last version of Flashtool 0.9.15.0 and the respective drivers..
Go here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2569904
Read careful... And follow the steps one by one...
you may loose your IMEI so follow this guide to prepare:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2593918
also bevore you start make your own FTF following this guide using Path C:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2334653
Just use Sony Update Centre and choose repair phone, so you have your own FTF to flash.
Rest follow Lc1975`s link
GETTING YOUR ULTRA ROOTED AND
READY FOR FLASHING
This guide should in theory make your Ultra ready for flashing custom ROMs, and with that said...
...here comes the warning: If you follow the steps contained herein
Your warranty is now voided. I/we are not responsible for bricked devices, or whatever you might end up with.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Warnings
ROOT KitKat (Android 4.4.4)
Back up TA Partition
Install Recovery
Unlock the Bootloader
Install Custom ROM
Using Flashtool
Back to Stock
Handy Links
Glossary
Misc.
Warnings:
Backup your TA partition before unlocking your bootloader - you will lose DRM keys and other stuff during the unlock
Unlocking the Bootloader will wipe your phone, so backup your stuff
Never Flash a FTF to a ZU GPe - it will kill it
Your warranty is now VOID
ROOT KitKat (Android 4.4.4):Rooting 4.4.4
FTFs
14.4.A.0.108
14.4.A.0.118
To root KitKat we have a handy tool called Easy Root by @zxz0O0. This tool will root all modern Xperia devices running KitKat. Please read the thread.
To use this tool first upgrade to one of the above FTFs or use Sony's PC companion to update the phone to Android 4.4.4
Instructions:
What you get
Root
Access to /system rw
Requirements
USB debugging enabled
Settings => About phone => Click 7 times on Android Build to unlock developer options
Unknown sources enabled
Settings => Security
adb drivers installed
How to use
Download the latest version and extract it
Start your device and plug it to your computer
Run install.bat and follow the instructions on screen
Install SuperSU by Chainfire (recommended!)
Congratulations! You should now be rooted.
Don't forget to make a donation or thank the OP in the original thread
Rooting Pre 4.4.4
Upgrade to one of the 4.4.4 FTFs listed above to save any hassle
Rooting The GPe
GPe Owners: Do not try and flash any FTFs to your device. You will BRICK it with no way to recover it.
Go to this thread and follow the steps.
Back up TA Partition:The TA partition is the "Trim Area". There are lots of things stored in here like root certs, revoked certs, DRM keys, current firmware version,... the list goes on. What we are concerned about here is with the DRM keys. Some service centres will not service a Sony device if these are missing. Unlocking the BL will erase these.
Once you lose these keys, you can't get them back, so backup the TA and upload it to your Dropbox etc
You will need Backup TA for Sony Xperia by @DevShaft Please read the thread.
Instructions:
Download the latest version of Backup TA.
Extract the ZIP file to a folder location of your choosing.
Navigate to the folder location of Backup TA.
Make sure no other script or application which is using ADB is running.
Make sure the device is booted in normal mode (the way you normally use it).
Run Backup-TA.bat
Read the last paragraph of the license before continuing.
Read the information and follow the instructions given by the tool.
Don't forget to make a donation or thank the OP in the original thread
Install Recovery:
Download the latest version of @[NUT]'s Dual Recovery
Instructions:
Make sure you have USB debugging turned ON.
download ZU-lockeddualrecovery[VERSION]-BETA.installer.zip from http://nut.xperia-files.com
Windows:
unpack at C: or somewhere you will remember!
navigate to the resulting directory and look for install.bat, double click it to run;
Linux:
unpack in your home folder with 'unzip ZU-lockeddualrecovery[VERSION]-BETA.installer.zip'
navigate to the resulting directory and 'chmod +x install.sh', then execute it, follow instructions.
Your phone WILL reboot when installation has completed and it will go into the default recovery for the first boot.
Reboot to system from recovery to allow the installer to clean up after installation (it is safe to skip this step).
Enjoy DUAL RECOVERY!
Don't forget to make a donation or thank the OP in the original thread
Unlock the Bootloader:This will wipe your phone, so backup your stuff
You only need to unlock the bootloader if you want to run either a custom kernel or a custom ROM. Most ROMs based on the Sony releases will run on a locked bootloader.
Instructions:
Go to Sony's Developer site
Request the unlock key and check your mail straight away. Email is quick these days.
Open the latest Flashtool on your computer
Click the "BLU" icon
Follow the steps and enter your unlock key
Install Custom ROM:To install a custom ROM you will have to complete the steps above (ROOT, Back up the TA Partition, and Unlock the Bootloader) you dont need to have installed recovery but it will help you make a backup of the current state of your device.
After the above are done:
Backup current software with custom recovery (TWRP or cwm - use the same recovery the the new ROM uses*)
Downlod ROM
Extract boot.img from within the .zip
Flash the boot.img (not absolutely necessary but will mean you are on a recovery that is tested to work with the ROM)
In fastboot mode use either flashtool or the fastboot commands
- If you want to use the boot.img's recovery to make a back up of the current software/state of the device use:
Code:
fastboot boot boot.img
- or if you just want to flash the kernel and recovery to flash the ROM use:
Code:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot reboot
Wipe Data
Wipe Cache
Wipe Delvik Cache
Flash ROM
Reboot
*CM based ROMs normally use CWM. Slim and Omni based normally use TWRP
Using flashtool:Please use this very good guide: Flashtool XZU
Back to Stock:
To get back to pure stock Sony there are several things that need to be done:
Make sure you have root
Backup any data/photos/etc on the phone
Restore your TA backup with the TA backup tool above
If you are on a custom kernel or ROM you ZU will not boot at this stage
Start flashtool and load a FTF
Start the flash and wait for the onscreen instructions to connect the ZU
Connect your ZU in flashmode
With the ZU powered off
Connect to PC while holding the volume down key
Flash will start
Wait for flash to complete
Handy Links:FTFs: The FTF depository thread
Flashtool: http://flashtool.net
SuperSU: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.supersu&hl=en
Glossary:FTF: A flashable package of Sony's stock firmware. These can be found in The FTF depository thread
TA Partition: The TA partition is the "Trim Area" there are lots of things stored in here like root cert, revoked certs, DRM keys, current firmware,... the list goe on. What we are concerned with is the DRM keys. Some service centres will not service a Sony device if these are missing. Unlocking the BL will erase these.
Bootloader or BL: This is the thing that loads Android. To run a custom ROM (non Sony) you have to unlock this
Root: You are GOD
boot.img: The kernel and recovery (on Xperia)
XDA:DevDB Information
Z-Ultra Root Guide, Tool/Utility for the Sony Xperia Z Ultra
Contributors
blueether, H. E. Pennypacker, adfurgerson, LordManhattan, [NUT], geohot, many others
Version Information
Status: Stable
Created 2014-11-13
Last Updated 2015-01-01
Reserved
As always, very informative blueether.
Questions:
(1) Does this mean we no longer need to downgrade/upgrade/restore imei etc?
(2) Unlocking the bootloader is a requirement for installing any rom? No way around this?
(3) I understand the need for the disclaimers but rooting/unlocking BL doesn't automatically void your warranty does it?
unidentifier said:
As always, very informative blueether.
Questions:
(1) Does this mean we no longer need to downgrade/upgrade/restore imei etc?
(2) Unlocking the bootloader is a requirement for installing any rom? No way around this?
(3) I understand the need for the disclaimers but rooting/unlocking BL doesn't automatically void your warranty does it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1/ was only needed on 4.2
2/ added a line
3/ ring Sony and say this: "I rooted my ZU, and now it won't boot. Can you fix it for me?" what do you think their response will be?
With the warranty question: I asked because I'm more concerned about the cracked glass issues than bricking the device because I couldn't follow instructions. Thanks again for the instructions.
I may sound dumb but if I am only interested in root just for link2sd feature & foldermount to overcome internal storage limitation by transfering to SD card then do I have to follow all steps ? or only first 2 step will do i.e. Root & install SU.
I will just root it & don't want to touch TA or Bootloader as not planning to update with custom rom. please suggest that even for rooting do I need to backup TA / unlock bootloader.
also will new update of Android Lollipop will wipe my root or will I be able to upgrade to lollipop in later on stage with Root.
please reply on this.
Nice with an updated version. Do speak up if you need some help with anything.
anandbohra said:
I may sound dumb but if I am only interested in root just for link2sd feature & foldermount to overcome internal storage limitation by transfering to SD card then do I have to follow all steps ? or only first 2 step will do i.e. Root & install SU.
I will just root it & don't want to touch TA or Bootloader as not planning to update with custom rom. please suggest that even for rooting do I need to backup TA / unlock bootloader.
also will new update of Android Lollipop will wipe my root or will I be able to upgrade to lollipop in later on stage with Root.
please reply on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My XZU hasn't arrived but my experience with other phones is that root alone should allow you to use link2sd and fouldermount.
Can't speak to OTA updates being blocked on rooted phones..
anandbohra said:
I may sound dumb but if I am only interested in root just for link2sd feature & foldermount to overcome internal storage limitation by transfering to SD card then do I have to follow all steps ? or only first 2 step will do i.e. Root & install SU.
I will just root it & don't want to touch TA or Bootloader as not planning to update with custom rom. please suggest that even for rooting do I need to backup TA / unlock bootloader.
also will new update of Android Lollipop will wipe my root or will I be able to upgrade to lollipop in later on stage with Root.
please reply on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes if you just need root the only go that far
OTA will probably fail with root, and flashing a FTF will wipe root when L arrives
rooting is not working. stops as there is no tr.apk included. In the guide there is nothing about tr.apk needed to be downloaded as well as that you need to donate before you can download. I dont mind to donate but I need to know it will work.
krystan said:
rooting is not working. stops as there is no tr.apk included. In the guide there is nothing about tr.apk needed to be downloaded as well as that you need to donate before you can download. I dont mind to donate but I need to know it will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you only wanting to root, or do you plan to install recovery also?
blueether said:
Yes if you just need root the only go that far
OTA will probably fail with root, and flashing a FTF will wipe root when L arrives
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your prompt reply.
will post my experience once I receive my piece & just plain root it.
anyhow as per google Lollipop might take another 4-5 months for Xperia Z Ultra (might be May-15)
Thanks every one.
anandbohra said:
Thank you very much for your prompt reply.
will post my experience once I receive my piece & just plain root it.
anyhow as per google Lollipop might take another 4-5 months for Xperia Z Ultra (might be May-15)
Thanks every one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just roo should be fine
We are getting close to haveing a working AOSP L, give it a few days I guess (but pleas dont clog this thread up with L stuff for now
All my previous Sumsang phones were on custom ROMs.
But with SonyXZU I just want to root, for now
krystan said:
All my previous Sumsang phones were on custom ROMs.
But with SonyXZU I just want to root, for now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Darn I was going to suggest using the dualrecovery installer for locked bootloaders and then flashing supersu from here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...de-root-android-4-4-4-ver-14-4-0-108-t2801587
I have the towelroot apk that I downloaded a few days ago, but not sure what you would need to do with it.
adfurgerson said:
Darn I was going to suggest using the dualrecovery installer for locked bootloaders and then flashing supersu from here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...de-root-android-4-4-4-ver-14-4-0-108-t2801587
I have the towelroot apk that I downloaded a few days ago, but not sure what you would need to do with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you adfurgenson
If I do dualrecovery will I be able to get 5.0?
Or only manually?
krystan said:
Thank you adfurgenson
If I do dualrecovery will I be able to get 5.0?
Or only manually?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am pretty certain that you have to go back to stock to receive the OTA, but I think that would apply also if you only rooted. Flashing an ftf file with flashtool without checking the boxes to wipe data is what I have seen recommended to get back to stock. I hate giving an answer I am not one hundred percent sure is correct so I will call on some experts, @blueether or @HEPennypacker can you confirm this is correct please.
adfurgerson said:
I am pretty certain that you have to go back to stock to receive the OTA, but I think that would apply also if you only rooted. Flashing an ftf file with flashtool without checking the boxes to wipe data is what I have seen recommended to get back to stock. I hate giving an answer I am not one hundred percent sure is correct so I will call on some experts, @blueether or @HEPennypacker can you confirm this is correct please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
meh, can't be bothered writing a reply. What you said will work if/when the OTA fails
OK more of a reply...
unless the OTA is only very minor it will normally fail even if the ZU just rooted
ADB Drivers and Sony PC Companion
ADB
Trying to prep the computer before the XZU arrives. The sticky mentions ADB drivers.
Are these the best ways to get them or are there better options?:
15 Second ADB Installer: http://goo.gl/ixQyom
Minimal ADB and Fastboot: http://goo.gl/EuGtRo
PC COMPANION
Link to Sony PC Companion
http://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/xperiazultra/tools/pc-companion/
Hi guys.
I really took my time and I have searched the whole forum, all the threads involving rooting and also googled the heck of it, but still I am not pretty 100% sure how should I root mine Z2 23.0.1.A.0.167 after update as in many threads I found different answers.
Could please someone point me how to root my Z2?
Specifications below:
- first time root
- no custom recovery
- bought as 4.4.2, now updated to 4.4.4 @23.0.1.A.0.167
- UK, unbranded
I would like to get root, have custom recovery, could flash custom roms/kernels, etc.
I will really appreciate any help.
Thanks.
1. Use flashtool to downgrade to 314 firmware (exclude data)
2. Root and install recovery
3. Flash 167 rom
4. Useflashtool to flash pre-rooted 167 firmware (excluding data and system)
This method would alow you to keep your bootloader locked
I recomend using the TA Backup tool to backup ur TA just incase you want to unlock your bootloader
(when you root your device on 314)
Envious_Data said:
1. Use flashtool to downgrade to 314 firmware (exclude data)
2. Root and install recovery
3. Flash 167 rom
4. Useflashtool to flash pre-rooted 167 firmware (excluding data and system)
This method would alow you to keep your bootloader locked
I recomend using the TA Backup tool to backup ur TA just incase you want to unlock your bootloader
(when you root your device on 314)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow this sucks do we have to downgrade ?
and where do i find these can you give links ty
Envious_Data said:
1. Use flashtool to downgrade to 314 firmware (exclude data)
2. Root and install recovery
3. Flash 167 rom
4. Useflashtool to flash pre-rooted 167 firmware (excluding data and system)
This method would alow you to keep your bootloader locked
I recomend using the TA Backup tool to backup ur TA just incase you want to unlock your bootloader
(when you root your device on 314)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much. Looks like I am going to play with it today.
(something changes if I dont care about my bootloader unlocked?)
MonsterMMORPG said:
wow this sucks do we have to downgrade ?
and where do i find these can you give links ty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also like to get the links even I saw threads describing it, but just for clarification.
MonsterMMORPG said:
wow this sucks do we have to downgrade ?
and where do i find these can you give links ty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.flashtool.net/index.php
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2759934
If you have a unlocked bootloader you can just flash a recovery and use it to flash A root zip
splasenekladivo said:
Thank you very much. Looks like I am going to play with it today.
(something changes if I dont care about my bootloader unlocked?)
I would also like to get the links even I saw threads describing it, but just for clarification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Links above
Bootloader cant be unlocked at all unless YOU unlock it via flashtool or fastboot
Envious_Data said:
http://www.flashtool.net/index.php
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2759934
If you have a unlocked bootloader you can just flash a recovery and use it to flash A root zip
Links above
Bootloader cant be unlocked at all unless YOU unlock it via flashtool or fastboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the links.
I thought you can easily unlock bootloader via Sony code, as I checked mine in software info I would be able to do it, or am I wrong?
In case I have unlocked bootloader, I will just flash via flash tool for example the dual recovery, then flash prerooted rom and I am good to go right?
(when I will pass all of this I will write it over here)
splasenekladivo said:
Thanks for the links.
I thought you can easily unlock bootloader via Sony code, as I checked mine in software info I would be able to do it, or am I wrong?
In case I have unlocked bootloader, I will just flash via flash tool for example the dual recovery, then flash prerooted rom and I am good to go right?
(when I will pass all of this I will write it over here)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash pre-rooted rom and flash a 167 FTF (exclude system and data)
If your on unlocked bootloader flash recovery and then use recovery to flash a pre-rooted rom
Envious_Data said:
Flash pre-rooted rom and flash a 167 FTF (exclude system and data)
If your on unlocked bootloader flash recovery and then use recovery to flash a pre-rooted rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again, going to try it and will report afterwards.
Cheers.
splasenekladivo said:
Thanks again, going to try it and will report afterwards.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more question, any way to get root before flashing whole rom so I can run titanium backup before I wipe the whole thing?
Get your backup before the process.
Hey guys,
I am new to the Z2 and Sony devices in general. I rooted and flashed Samsung and HTC devices before, so I am not a total beginner.
Basically what I wanna do is: Flash the eXistenz Rom with locked BL.
1. Flashtool
Okay, so I need to downgrade. I already downloaded the flashtool + a .314 firmware for my phone.
Do I leave the flashtool flashing options just at the defaults? I mean do I really don't wanna check things like partition and TA in the "exlude" field.
Wouldn't that mean that it is going to flash TA and re-partition the storage (doesn't really sounds like what I want). I read some threads,
but they're always like "Yeah, just click flash", so I thought I doublecheck.
2. Rooting
Okay, so theres many root methods out there, which one can you guys recommend? What root method does flashtool use?
3. Nut's
If I do all the above mentioned, I could just flash a ftf file and my phone would be completely stock right? Nut's is also some sort of hack which doesn't alter the original recovery in the recovery partition on my phone, right?
Thanks in advance.
Kamairo said:
Hey guys,
I am new to the Z2 and Sony devices in general. I rooted and flashed Samsung and HTC devices before, so I am not a total beginner.
Basically what I wanna do is: Flash the eXistenz Rom with locked BL.
1. Flashtool
Okay, so I need to downgrade. I already downloaded the flashtool + a .314 firmware for my phone.
Do I leave the flashtool flashing options just at the defaults? I mean do I really don't wanna check things like partition and TA in the "exlude" field.
Wouldn't that mean that it is going to flash TA and re-partition the storage (doesn't really sounds like what I want). I read some threads,
but they're always like "Yeah, just click flash", so I thought I doublecheck.
2. Rooting
Okay, so theres many root methods out there, which one can you guys recommend? What root method does flashtool use?
3. Nut's
If I do all the above mentioned, I could just flash a ftf file and my phone would be completely stock right? Nut's is also some sort of hack which doesn't alter the original recovery in the recovery partition on my phone, right?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. yes leave flashtool options at default (it will wipe your internal storage)
TA partition isnt touchable realy, if your DRM keys exist they arent affected by using flashtool
2. Rooting depends on your firmware, 167 or newer isnt rootable via tool so you will have to folow a slightly longer task to root, easy root tool is recomended (check the info thread near the top of QnA section)
3. [NUT] Is a user who makes recovery for locked bootloaders, You need to be rooted to be able to install his recoveries
flashing a FTF will completly reset your device to stock
[NUT]'s Recovery for locked bootloader doesnt affect the boot or Recovery partition hence its ability to run on a locked bootloader
Envious_Data said:
1. yes leave flashtool options at default (it will wipe your internal storage)
TA partition isnt touchable realy, if your DRM keys exist they arent affected by using flashtool
2. Rooting depends on your firmware, 167 or newer isnt rootable via tool so you will have to folow a slightly longer task to root, easy root tool is recomended (check the info thread near the top of QnA section)
3. [NUT] Is a user who makes recovery for locked bootloaders, You need to be rooted to be able to install his recoveries
flashing a FTF will completly reset your device to stock
[NUT]'s Recovery for locked bootloader doesnt affect the boot or Recovery partition hence its ability to run on a locked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Okay, yeah, that makes sense if the BL is locked
2. So I'll check out Easy root tool, thx
3. That's what I thought, thank you
Hi guys,
I recently bought a Xperia Z2 Tablet SGP512, and for some reason I find the touchscreen quite unresponsive if connected with USB to the computer.
Anyway I've updated to the latest Stock firmware (Android 5.1.1, build 23.4.A.1.200) and now I'd like to try another ROM.
Since I haven't unlocked my bootloader yet, I want to make a backup of the TA partition. But in order to do that, I need to root the device. And I haven't found a simple way to root it. I can't find how to keep my TA partition safe; do you guys know if the following will erase my TA partition:
If I downgrade the firmware?
If I flash a pre-rooted firmware?
Is using flashtool the good way to go (flashing a ftf file)?
Thank you for your help.