[Q] Downgrade & Root - Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi there
I've asked a couple of questions in various threads, but I'm not sure if they get noticed as they get buried a couple of pages deep or the threads don't get touched for a couple of days.
I bought my Z2 second hand, and the firmware is already 4.4.4 23 etc .167
My customisation version is 1281-1460, do I need to find a ftf 4.4.2 with the same customisation number or can I just pick a generic AU branded 4.4.2 to downgrade using flashtool and then root/backup from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2759934
then follow the rooted 4.4.4 flash guide contained here?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z2/general/4-4-4-creating-rooted-update-package-t2933155
Thanks very much
Glenn

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After running a few different methods I finally got one method to work following a YouTube video. Took me three laptops and two different downloads to get the downgrade this morning (4.4.2/314) and about an hour of finding a root method that worked for me. I think half of it is driver issues because it was my wife's rubbish laptop that wound up doing both jobs.
I'll play around with 4.4.2 for a while before deciding on custom rom or 4.4.4
Sent from my D6503

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Dzyans15 said:
After running a few different methods I finally got one method to work following a YouTube video. Took me three laptops and two different downloads to get the downgrade this morning (4.4.2/314) and about an hour of finding a root method that worked for me. I think half of it is driver issues because it was my wife's rubbish laptop that wound up doing both jobs.
I'll play around with 4.4.2 for a while before deciding on custom rom or 4.4.4
Sent from my D6503
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please share the link to the video

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Roger, will do. Just about to flash a custom rom, I will get back with details.
Cheers
Sent from my D6503

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Here it is here.
ROOT Xperia Z2 [17.1.2.A.314]: http://youtu.be/oEWheFGJRJ0
Other than changing laptops one of the other things I did was change from MTP to MSC which I didn't see written anywhere. Not sure if it was that, the method, the third laptop or just dumb luck, but it worked.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
And now I'm running existenz 4
Cheers
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app