it took me aaages to figure out how to debrand my Orange UK branded x10i. I had the 1.0.14 firmware and wanted to put the 1.0.16 on it. The missing instruction EVERyone seems to ommit from their guides is to make sure you have *show hidden files and folders* . You can do this in folder options( in windows 7 anyways) and enable it. Therefore when you go to my computer and then C Drive it will display a hidden folder called Program Data. NOT PROGRAM FILES! You go into this folder and then sony ericsson etc...
So here are the CORRECT revised instructions and they do work on orange uk x10i's. they work on any x10.
Tutorial on debranding your Xperia X10
1) Download one of the following files depending on which region you are in. Each download contains two files (a +100MB one and a +10MB one).
Please note: Flashing your Xperia X10i to X10a (and vice versa) will result in SEUS not being able to update your phone for future updates.
2) Delete contents of db folder (C: –> Program DATA( the newly visable hidden folder!) **NOT FILES**–> Sony Ericsson –> Update Service –> db).
3) Run the PC Companion (SEUS) to repair your Xperia X10
4) Go to C: –> Program Data –> Sony Ericsson –> Update Service –> db –> 13740270 –> blob_fs.
5) Sort files by date in descending order (latest date at top). The two files at the top will be +100MB and one around 15MB.
6) Backup these two original files into a different directory. This is an optional step but means you can revert back to the branded firmware if needed.
7) Now find the two files that you downloaded in Step 1. Rename the largest file with the same name as the top one in blob_fs. Do the same with the second. Move these downloaded files into the blob_fs folder, overwriting the original files.
8 ) Run the PC Companion (SEUS) again and repair.
9) Voila! Your Xperia X10 is unbranded.
(ORIGINAL instructions from lollylost100 @ esato )
Please let me know if you got it working thanks
Ryan
this is more like something to do with ur computer.. and it's ProgramData 1 word not 2. If everything was done correctly. SEUS is installed in c:\program files>sony ericsson>update service. so the folder u needed to delete is in there. SEUS doesn't access the programdata folder only if you update ur phone thru PC companion, in that case the file path is c:\programdata>sony ericsson>SEMC OMSI Module. i'm also using windows 7 so i dunno how SEUS managed to download files to ur program file and programdata at the same time.
and the original instruction is from lollylost100 @ esato i think he also posted in here too
i tried using every other conceivable method lol. it isnt to do with my computer i used mine and another on 2 x10i's and the seus wouldnt do it . unless it is to do with the region or type of branding which was put on the phone by orange uk. as long as it helps i made a wee mistake i meant pc companion not the seperate seus program
Where are the files? You said download one of the following files, yet there are none.
Fantastic job!!
Thank you
I've just moved over from a Desire to the X10 and so far, I'm feeling that the Desire "does" have qualities I like, but I think they're all to do with 2.1 rather than anything else.. the X10 is a good looking, sleek phone and I can't fault it
yeah it said i couldnt put links on it :S erm leme try this
xperiax10 (dot) net/2010/04/14/debrand-your-xperia-x10-tutorial/
thats the original instructions for updating the firmware and there are 3 links to whichever firmware is appropriate for your phone
hope this helps cant wait for the next update though 1.0.16 definitely improves from .14 lol
Ryan
My X10i is unlocked and the baseband was already .14.
I tried both SEUS and PC companion but still couldn't get it to .16-----as it said i already have latest firmware.
Now guess what, The method works great. Thx
Update*
UK Generic X10i .16 doesn't support Chinese Handwriting.
now i am back to .14 again T_T
Are you saying my tutorial is not working? The website you got the tutorial from is mine and was copied without my permission. Not only the tutorial was copied, the files were uploaded onto other servers which I also disallowed.
i didnt claim any ownership of the original tutorial lollylost. from reading others posts and from my own experience the changes i found to the tutorial have seemed to help others get the new software. The hidden folder seems to be the reason ppl cant get the new software. They complain as i did that we couldnt find the long *file_3959304_4838294 blah blah numbers* instead because they went to program files, sony ericsson and then eventually db they got the list of *ICON's* which is obviously not where they should be workiing. The main thing is more people have confirmed this method works also. Maybe it depends on the model or something but i had to do this to 2 x10's as the other method didnt seem to work for them . We all appreciate the work youve otherwise we'd all still be stuck with .14 :S just personally i needed to tweak it Ryan
Hi Ryan,
Please can you tell me how you know when your xperia x10 is debranded. I will be glad to hear from you soon.
Hakeem
peaceborn said:
Please can you tell me how you know when your xperia x10 is debranded. I will be glad to hear from you soon.
Hakeem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering his last Activity was on the 3rd May, I'm not sure you will be hearing back from him.
You'll know it's debranded when you've removed the carrier crap during flashing.
i repair it once, get the files downloaded, and everytime i try to replace the files in C:\ProgramData\Sony Ericsson\Update Engine\db\13740270\blob_fs, it would delete the modified files that i copied over, and redownload the official firmwares again T.T
any idea how i should fix this?
tookieboy said:
any idea how i should fix this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That method doesn't work anymore, so would suggest you read one of the other numerous debranding threads - XPERIA X10 Android Development
yeah i used the newbies guide to debrand to UK, then attempted that method to debrand to nordics, but it failed so i used binary's nordic flasher. (intend to use his flasher and replace all the .sin files with my branded rom .sin files in case i wanna change back )
thanks for the clarification
Excited.....
India Finally got R2BA023 from R1FA16 Firmware as Over the Air
Sony Ericsson has updated its SE Update Service (SEUS) software over the last week to version 2.10.7.15. There’s no way of trying to run the older version as SEUS will automatically update it once started. One of the main changes appears to be a fix that SE has implemented to stop people debranding their handsets.
The guide below shows you how to unbrand the handset.
new guide on debranding your handset ( Step -* 8*)
1) Download one of the following files depending on which region you are in. Each download contains two files (a +100MB one and a +10MB one).
Download link on POST #3
Please note:
Flashing your Xperia X10i to X10a (and vice versa) will result in SEUS not being able to update your phone for future updates.
2) Delete contents of db folder (C: –> Program Files –> Sony Ericsson –> Update Service –> db).
3) Run the Sony Ericsson Update Service (SEUS) to update your Xperia X10
4) Go to C: –> Program Files –> Sony Ericsson –> Update Service –> db –> 13740270 –> blob_fs.
5) Sort files by date in descending order (latest date at top). The two files at the top will be +100MB and one around 15MB.
6) Backup these two original files into a different directory. This is an optional step but means you can revert back to the branded firmware if needed.
7) Now find the two files that you downloaded in Step 1. Rename the largest file with the same name as the largest one in blob_fs. Do the same with the second.
8 ) IMPORTANT: Please read this step fully before executing it.
Run the Sony Ericsson Update Service (SEUS) again. It should say that you already have the latest update, click on the reinstall button anyway. The program will then start to re-download the same files. The trick here is to replace the files that are being re-downloaded with your new files from Step 7.
Open up Windows Explorer and navigate to the blob_fs folder. SEUS will first re-download the smaller (+10MB) file. Constantly monitor this folder to find out when the smaller (+10MB) file has been fully downloaded again. Once it has, immediately move your smaller file from Step 7 into the blob_fs folder and overwrite the file.
Now for the larger file. Keep an eye on the download progress bar in SEUS. Once the download is very near to completion you will need to copy the larger (+100MB) file from Step 7 into the blob_fs folder and overwrite the file. Time the file transfer for when there is literally around 1/2MB left to be downloaded.
If successful, the installation will carry on as normal. If not, try again. Don’t worry you will not brick your phone if it doesn’t work. It will simply tell you that the installation failed.
9) Voila! Your Xperia X10 is unbranded.
Download link for R2BA023
Download link for R2BA023
Rapidshare
http://rapidshare.com/files/406213898/X10i_Generic_R2BA023.rar.html
Hotfile
http://hotfile.com/dl/53877279/03ebccc/X10i_Generic_R2BA023.rar.html
but in india , what branding does it comes with ?
I mean we dont have airtel / reliance brading na... just a doubt , correct me if am wrong...
i too think in india the phone is unbranded.
we don't need to do these steps.
we just need to root the device.
You wouldn't happen to have the generic X10a firmware as well, would you?
indian R2BA023 firmware was released by last webnesday itself by OTA and its available in SEUS and PC companion from thursday onwards.........
Its not for any specific Provider ..
its jsut the latest Update !
Candy[MAN] said:
You wouldn't happen to have the generic X10a firmware as well, would you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IK1HOS43
Believe that's it.
Android Variations: Check em out!
Hay All.,
I just downgread my x10i to previous version i.e. R2BA20 to R1FA016.
And then use the update service absolutely under Setting to update my set to R2BA023.
Really very happy now to see the performing improvement.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
mspl said:
Hay All.,
I just downgread my x10i to previous version i.e. R2BA20 to R1FA016.
And then use the update service absolutely under Setting to update my set to R2BA023.
Really very happy now to see the performing improvement.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just doing the same ...
80% Complete with the new firmware (after downgrading)
The SEUS update gave me quite the sacre..thought i will be forever stuck with the O2 branded firmware
I swear I will never be impatient again & quitely wait for regional updates to become available
farhan032 said:
Just doing the same ...
80% Complete with the new firmware (after downgrading)
The SEUS update gave me quite the sacre..thought i will be forever stuck with the O2 branded firmware
I swear I will never be impatient again & quitely wait for regional updates to become available
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude!
Its bit tricky.
Downgrading is tricky .. follow the Step - 8 carefully;
i tried foe 6 times.. finally its work for me.
Cant I just use the update option under settings ? Or just use SUES for updating ? I dont want to mess around with dad's phone but would like update in legal and safe way.
Aparently ota updates around 40mb n seus updates around 140mb.. people are claiming the seus update have improved their x10s better than the actual ota updates through personal experiences..
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Hi Im Running My x10a 2.1 Bulid Number 2.1.A.0.435
I Need A Generic 1.6 Firmware for The x10a or AT&T's 1.6 Can anyone Help Me With Downgrading And Doing This And The Files I Need Thank You
re:
x10iNick said:
Hi Im Running My x10a 2.1 Bulid Number 2.1.A.0.435
I Need A Generic 1.6 Firmware for The x10a or AT&T's 1.6 Can anyone Help Me With Downgrading And Doing This And The Files I Need Thank You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you can find it here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=872298 just flash using flashtool, i think it will work...
Search and you will find the answer, but I will help you out this time!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=872298
The problem when I had went back to 1.6 was that it would not install correctly via flashtool. I had to use the old non-gui flashtool to get back correctly. I think it's included in the above link. Otherwise you can probably go into J's CM7 thread and download the baseband 52 in his mirror/fileserve account. Just put the files into the firmware folder, replacing the baseband files and you should be good.
Restoring back to AT&T 1.6 Branded 1237-4604 Firmware with Root Explorer:
Your phone must be rooted. Make sure you run a backup first as this will wipe data. You need the app Root Explorer set to write permissions R/W (at top of the screen) then go into system/build.prop file and long press on build.prop file and open in text editor. Then change the SI number from 1234 - 4820 back to 1237-4604 in every place you find it. I think it appears 2 maybe 3 times. Then save and close. REBOOT! Then run repair software via SEUS or PC Companion. *If you have run SEUS or PC Companion since you updated to 2.1, you need delete the contents inside the folder "db" found inside the update service program wherever it is saved on your computer. **It will say that you have the latest software, but REPAIR ANYWAY! Reboot, setup, reinstall your Backup app from market, Restore. DONE!
*Root Explorer costs a couple $, but well worth it. If you have problems finding Root Explorer or do not have a paypal account, send me a PM. I will help you.
Would this be the same process on a Rogers phone? Or would the SI numbers be different?
Different numbers, but same process. There is a thread with all the SI and CDA numbers.
[Guide] All in one 'Namaste guide' to Bootloader unlocking, Rooting, Flashing & more.
So you got an Arc!!!! Congratulations on being an owner of this beauty with brains. It’s a great phone if you know how to make the most of it. Damn!!! That’s the problem. You don’t know what to do. Google led you to XDA Forums and you are lost in this techy - geeky world of Rooting, Modding and Unlocking. DON’T WORRY. Let’s go on an intellectual yet fun guide on WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU OWN A XPERIA ARC.
[Please push thanks and if possible donate to Lollylost100, Chainfire, kistigun, Androxyde, Bin4ry, constin, Blagus and many such genius’s at XDA without whom we may not be able to move even an inch with this guide].
Feel free to ask anything which you think is not clear to you, i'll be there to help. There is a thanks button on your screen waiting to be pressed & You can always donate to help me get a new phone .
Ques -What the hell is a bootloader?
According to Wikipedia – “When a computer (Your smartphone - Arc) is first powered on, it usually does not have an operating system in memory (ROM or RAM). The computer (phone) must execute a relatively small program stored in memory from which the operating system programs and data are loaded into RAM. The small program that starts this sequence of loading into RAM is known as a bootstrap loader, bootstrap or boot loader. This small boot loader program's only job is to load other data and programs which are then executed from RAM.”
Ques – Ok. So what is meant by unlocking the bootloader and why do I need it?
Every Android phone has a bootloader that instructs the operating system kernel to boot normally. But you need to understand one thing here that as Android OS is an open source OS and is available on a variety of different hardware, every manufacturer (Sony Ericsson – SE, in case of xperia arc) has their own version of bootloader specific for the hardware present in it’s environment. A bootloader is usually locked on an Android device because although it’s an open source OS, still the manufacturers (SE) want you to stick to their Android OS version specifically designed for the device. In order to apply this concept, SE lock the bootloader.
If you want to install a Custom ROM, you’d need to have your stock bootloader unlocked. In simple terms Unlocking the bootloader allows you to install custom Firmware on your Android phone. [Source - [URL]http://www.addictivetips.com/[/URL]
Ques – Got it. But what on earth is a firmware and what is meant by installing a custom ROM (or whatever you call it)?
An operating system (OS) is a piece of software which provides environment for various applications (Yes, the ones you download and enjoy from Android market) to run. For instance, Windows 7/Vista/XP or Macintosh or Linux are nothing but OS’s. A firmware/ ROM is a term used for the operating systems designed for phones. A stock/generic firmware/ROM is an OS on your phone which is developed by Sony Ericsson and comes pre-loaded when you got your phone. A custom ROM is a modified firmware where modifications can vary from modifying the speed of firmware or making it look beautiful.
Ques – Ok. So quickly tell me how to unlock my Xperia Arc’s bootloader and install a beautiful Custom ROM.
Not so fast dear. I described a deal about bootloader and benefits of its unlocking but let’s get practical. There are disadvantages of unlocking the Xperia Arc’s bootloader.
1. Important – If you unlock your phone’s bootloader, you MAY void your warranty from Sony Ericsson.
2. You will loose the DRM keys present in your phone. DRM keys are (sort of) licence files which are required in order for SE’s custom developed apps like Track ID to work. In short you will loose Track ID and some other SE based apps.
3. You will not be able to update your phone by SE's official programs (SEUS and/or PC comapnion).
Ques - Ohh!! So this means that I should never unlock the bootloader of my ARC, what a waste of my smarty phone.
Looks like I’d scared you with this voiding the warranty stuff (sometimes I scare myself too, don’t worry...). We have so far discussed the disadvantages of unlocking the bootloader, let's look at some of the major advantages -
1. All the updates released by Sony Ericsson will be available to you within a few hours of their release irrespective of your country of purchase or country of usage of the phone.
2. You will be able to root your phone (read the questions below to know more about rooting) much faster than any other method available.
3. Few custom ROMs are in their final stages of testing. By unlocking the bootloader you will be able to run those ROMs on your Xperia Arc.
Ques – Hmm, so this means that once I unlock the bootloader of my Arc, I will never be able to run Track ID or update my phone using SEUS/PC companion.
Well, there is a catch. The catch is that you can Relock your bootloader anytime you want. All you need to do is to follow these steps –
1. Go to Blagus's post at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134335 to download Xperia_Relock_Bootloader.ftf file.
2. Follow steps 2 to 7 of the question ("I am still not ready to unlock my bootloader. So guide me how to perform rooting on my locked Xperia Arc.") given below to flash the Xperia_Relock_bootloader.ftf file to your phone.
3. You should be on a relocked bootloader. To confirm, try to use repair function in pc companion or SEUS. If these official programs update/repair your phone, then you had successfully relocked your bootloader.
4. Thanks to itskapil for a video guide at [GUIDE] How To Re-lock Xperia Arc Boot Loader.
Ques – Woooo. Thank you for the information. But Vaibhav, if warranty gets void by unlocking the bootloader and we have a method of relocking the bootloader, then why are we worried about this?
You little genius. Look, I agree that you can relock the bootloader and unlock it as many times you want, but you should always keep in mind that –
1. Even if you will certainly revert back to your initially locked state and hence technically you are not voiding the warranty...,
2. still, you can’t get your DRM keys to work once they are gone .
So, in other words, you can relock your bootloader any number of times but you can’t get Track ID to ever work on your phone. So, if you don’t like Track ID or you can live with alternatives (Shazam works like a charm, why bother about Track ID?), unlocking the bootloader is a really good choice.
Ques – Who cares about Track ID or facebook ‘like button’, android market is full of alternatives. Can you please tell me how to unlock bootloader in little detail?
Sure. I will recommend you to follow this lollylost100’s awesome guide. There is a link to step by step video of unlocking the Arc by ItsKapil . Make sure you watch that too.
For those who got their phone by a carrier can't unlock their bootloader officially, by the above mentioned method. In that case, just follow any of these two guides -
1. Paid unlocking - Remote unlocking
2. Paid unlocking - Remote unlocking
Ques – Hmmm. Done unlocking the bootloader. But my gut feeling says this is not the end. Isn’t it vaibhavknockout?
Bingo. You are absolutely right. Now, rooting and modding and theming comes in picture. The real fun begins.
Ques – Can you brief me on rooting?
In tech world, you can access any file in two modes –
1. Either as a basic user who can just read the file but is not allowed to change it in any way, or
2. As an administrator/Root who can read, write and execute any file in the OS/firmware.
When you get a fresh copy of any OS (e.g. Windows, Mac, Linux etc.) or a firmware (e.g. Android 2.3.X aka Gingerbread on your phone), the OS treats you as a basic user. Rooting is a procedure which grants you the administrator/superuser/root/su permissions so that you can modify any file inside your Android OS. Afterall you should be the one to decide the ‘flavour’ of your gingerbread.
Ques – So this means that I can change system files by rooting. Big deal. What can I possibly do by changing the system files and can we discuss the disadvantages of rooting (and advantages – if any…).
Believe me rooting is a big deal. Here are THE things you can do if your phone is rooted –
1. You can remove bloatware. Bloatware are those crappy apps that comes pre – loaded inside your Xperia Arc (e.g. LetsGolf, Whatsapp, Timescape, postcard, playnow etc.) by SE or your carrier which can’t be uninstalled, which usually drains your battery most of the time and which make your phone slower and laggy.
2. You can get any SE official firmware. This means that if someone like me is having an Indian generic firmware and want to install a generic UK firmware, rooting will allow me to do so (totally officially via SEUS or PC companion). This also means that you can debrand your carrier locked phone to use sim free phone.
3. You can customize your statusbar, lockscreen, bootanimation, homescreen etc. if you are rooted.
Ques – Vaibhav I don’t want to unlock the bootloader (just don’t feel like) but I want to perform rooting on my Xperia Arc. Can I do that?
YES. You can do that. To summarize, you can have locked bootloader and still root your phone. The advantages of rooting is that you can mod your phone without worrying about unlocking the bootloader stuff. You can unroot your phone anytime you want. As far as disadvantages are concerned there is none.
Ques – WoW!!! So guide me how to perform rooting on Xperia Arc.
Note – It is always advised to back up your contacts and other data before trying out any of the following steps. Be ready to wipe your phone to get a clean better firmware. I repeat – IT IS ABSOLUTELY SAFE AND ADVANTAGEOUS TO ROOT YOUR PHONE.
There are two modes of rooting Xperia Arc depending upon whether your bootloader is locked or unlocked. Read next few questions for further details.
Ques – I am still not ready to unlock my bootloader. So guide me how to perform rooting on my locked Xperia Arc.
Don’t worry. XDA’s big brains have developed something called a FLASHTOOL. It will help you getting a rooted 2.3.4.
1. Go to Jozinek’s post on [ROM]Generic LT15i (Arc) 4.0.2.A.0.42 (1247-1041) (Android 2.3.4) and follow the link named ‘http://multiupload.com/xxxx’ to download official SE world firmware/ROM. Unzip the file and save the LT15i_4.0.2.A.0.42.ftf file in a folder.
2. Go to Androxyde’s post at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=920746 and download the latest version (0.4.1.0) of flashtool.
3. Run the autoextractor in a folder.
4. Download LT15.rar file (attached to this post below) and copy "LT15.sin" to "loaders" folder in flashtool. You can skip this step safely.
5. Copy your “LT15i_4.0.2.A.0.42.ftf” in the "firmwares" folder.
6. Run X10Flashtool.exe (as administrator in case you are working on windows 7/Vista).
7. Follow steps in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Keo61Zffh5Q to flash the LT15i_4.0.2.A.0.42 firmware on your phone. The video asks you to download firmware and flashtool, keep in mind that you already did that in steps 1-6 above.
8. After flashing, restart phone and check your Android version, you will be on 2.3.4.
9. Now go to ‘settings’, ‘Applications’ and tap ‘Development’. Tap ‘Unknown sources’ and ‘USB debugging’ to tick on them.
10. Connect the phone (in running state) back to the computer in media transfer mode. Flashtool should detect your phone now. Press the root button on top left side of flashtool and wait(just a button tap and you are done) to root your phone on latest 2.3.4 firmware.
11. Similarly, install superuser and busybox via flashtool. The phone should now be running a rooted 2.3.4.
Ques – I have already unlocked the bootloader of my phone. How can I perform rooting on my Xperia Arc?
Congratulations. Now that you have unlocked the bootloader of your phone, you have opened a way for yourself into an awesomely wonderful world of modding your Xperia Arc. Before we move any further, let's review some techy-geeky concepts -
1. Partitions – Just like the human brain, a computer needs to store data for performing different functions. Again, a computer also has memory, similar to human brain. But unlike the human brain, a computer possesses two different sets of memories. One is relatively permanent and is called as ROM (Read only memory, should not be confused with android ROMs), the other is volatile and is referred to as RAM (Random access memory/ cache memory).
Our Xperia Arc (or any other smartphone for that matter – even iPhone ) also has two memory system. But unlike computers, smartphones have a single physical memory disk, since it is not feasible to have two different physical memory disks in a small portable device like our phone. To provide the two memory architecture, the single physical memory disk is PARTITIONED into two or more virtual disks. This is similar to the fact that although Asia (or any other continent) is a single continuous physical land surface (you need to ignore mountains and rivers ), virtual boundaries make different countries. These virtual memory disks are known as partitions.
2. Boot sector/boot partition (“/boot”)– When your phone (Arc) starts, the bootloader (you know what a bootloader is, right. What, you were sleeping!!) needs to start a boot program (known as a kernel) which further guides the rest of the system to start in sequence (the Sony Ericsson text that appears when you start your Arc is what you have as a kernel). This boot program is stored in a memory partition known as boot sector or boot partition.
3. Cache partition (“/cache”)– A cache partition (as discussed above) is a memory disk space which is volatile. This means that it stores programs temporarily onto it, until the program is executed. The moment a program is no longer needed, it is erased from cache and loaded back to a relatively permanent storage called system partition, where it stays (until user decides to erase it).
4. System partition (“/system”)– All the files and applications that are visible to you in your phone (including all the system files like settings, app drawer etc.) are stored on a disk partition known as system partition.
5. Data partition (“/data”)– Did you ever wondered as to why is it that when you save a setting or install an app, it remains as it is even when you turn off the phone? This happens because all of it is saved in the data partition of memory disk.
6. Recovery partition (“/recovery”)– Recovery is another boot program (kernel) that is added by a manufacture (Sony – Ericsson in our case) to perform restoration and damage control if something goes wrong in the system simply by booting into recovery and skipping the normal kernel boot. Recovery program is usually stored in a partition called recovery partition. Developers utilize this partition to boot their own custom recovery kernels to provide us much advanced functionalities like – Backup, Restore and Flashing to name few important ones. To read more about recoveries follow this.
7. Fastboot – Fastboot is a tool which is used to flash, erase, reboot or boot into a particular boot program (kernel). It is also used to unlock the bootloader. It is a part of Android debug bridge (ADB) supplied by google.
You must have downloaded and installed fastboot into a directory/folder when you had unlocked your bootloader. If you have an unlocked bootloader and you don't know how to install fastboot, watch this video by itskapil. You can download fastboot from a link given in lollylost100's guide.
If you are a MAC user and want to install fastboot follow this guide by im_bol2riz.
To root your phone, simply follow the previous question "I am still not ready to unlock my bootloader. So guide me how to perform rooting on my locked Xperia Arc." to root your unlocked ARC (Yes, the one click method is same for unlocked and locked bootloader phones!, beauty of flashtool!).
Alternatively, after you have downloaded and installed fastboot, just follow these steps to root your phone -
1. – Flash any desired stock ROM for Xperia Arc (download 2.3.4 update from link given in "1." of previous question - "I am still not ready to unlock my bootloader. So guide me how to perform rooting on my locked Xperia Arc.") using flashtool (read the question - "I am still not ready to unlock my bootloader. So guide me how to perform rooting on my locked Xperia Arc." to know how to flash a stock ROM using flashtool). This step is optional if you want to root your current stock ROM.
2. – Download attachments below titled recoveryARC.img and RootXperia.zip. Thanks to jlmcr87 and his post. Copy and paste the file recoveryARC.img to the fastboot folder (folder containing fastboot.exe). Also, transfer the file RootXperia.zip 'as it is' to your SD card.
3. - Open the fastboot folder. Right click on the folder background while pressing shift key on windows PC. Click "Open command window here".
4. - A black cmd window will open. Type in the following command - "fastboot.exe boot recoveryARC.img".
5. - Switch off your phone, connect to the USB cable while holding the menu button (rightmost of the three buttons on Arc). A blue led should light up (It is an indicator of entering in fastboot mode).
6. - Let the process run. Look at the cmd window. If it says the process is complete, remove the USB cable.
7. - On your phone, a menu should appear. This is Clockworkmod/ CWM recovery menu (more about this in later questions). Use volume down key to go to 'install zip from SD card' and enter by pressing camera button.
8. - Choose 'RootXperia.zip' where you've stored it on your SD card. Accept the prompt.
9. - Let the process run until it says that it installed the zip.
10. - Go back to the main menu by either pressing back button or entering into '+++Go Back+++'.
11. - Enter 'reboot system now'. When rebooted, you will have a rooted stock firmware.
Ques – Ok. So I am now rooted. Tell me how to remove bloatware from my phone.
Good. Now you are talking like a pro. Follow these steps to remove bloatware –
1. Download and install Root Explorer from android market. It’s a paid app worth buying.
2. Create backup folder on your memory card - Open Root Explorer, browse to the ‘sdcard’ directory. Press the button at the top so it is ‘Mounted as r/w’ (button will turn to Mount R/O). Create a backup folder on ‘sdcard’ (press menu button and tap “New Folder” icon). Name it anything you want, we have named ours ‘Backup’. This is the folder that we will move the unwanted apps to. By moving it to the memory card, the Android OS will not see them. The backup means that should anything go wrong you can easily move them back.
3. Go to the app directory - Using Root Explorer, browse to the app directory ‘system/app’. Here you will find a list of all of the apps installed, including all those unwanted ones too. The settings button brings up an option for ‘Multi-select’. This will be used to easily move multiple files.
4. Select apps to remove - The next job is to select which apps you want to remove. Go to Flo95's post [Tutorial] Remove Junk Apps + List (4.0.A.2.368, 4.0.1.A.0.283 & 4.0.2.A.0.42) and find the list of apps which are junk as per your phone's firmware version. You can also follow constin’s post at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1089470 and look under section "Safe to remove" for a list of apps which are safe to remove from xperia Arc.
5. Click on the settings button and hit ‘Multi-select’. Select all the apps listed under safe to remove files and then press ‘Move’.
6. Move unwanted apps to backup directory - Now using Root Explorer, browse to your backup folder on your memory card. Make sure the setting at the top is ‘Mounted as r/w’. Then click ‘Paste’. All of the chosen files will then be moved from ‘system/app’ to your memory card.
7. ENJOY YOUR EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE AND FASTER ARC!!!!
Ques – I am loving it……ok, guide me on what are the official SE firmwares and how can I change from one firmware to another?
Note - By following the procedure mentioned below, you can easily debrand your carrier sim locked phone, which means that you will remove any carrier logo, bloatware and other carrier imposed stuff (Except of course, the sim lock).
Well, SE releases its firmwares in different countries with slight differences in number of bloatwares. The one we used for rooting guide (in above mentioned question) is a global world firmware. For instance, for the Android 2.3.3 firmwares the UK o2 firmware is believed to contain least amount of bloatwares and is believed to be the fastest.
As mentioned in an earlier question on rooting, you can search for official firmwares in the XDA forums on Xperia Arc in the ROM.ftf format and flash them directly using Flashtool. A good place to start out is [INDEX]: Arc & Neo - full firmware guide! by Ambroos. Choose wisely.
If you don’t get your desired firmware, there is also a roundabout to this method for phone’s with locked bootloaders. Using Root Explorer (mentioned in previous question on removing bloatware), follow these steps –
1. Go to kistigun’s post at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1082368 and select your desired customization number (e.g. I chose United Kingdom Generic 1247-1073).
2. Open root explorer and go to \system and open the build.prop file in the text editor and change the following three lines:
*ro.product.name=LT15i_XXXX-XXXX
*ro.build.fingerprint=SEMC/LT15i_XXXX-XXXX/
*ro.semc.version.cust=XXXX-XXXX
Change the XXXX-XXXX into the customization number of your desired firmware (1247-1073 for my UK generic selection).
3. Press the menu button and save & exit. Reboot the phone.
4. If you are using pc companion, run it & on your computer and go to:
For windows XP users- C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sony Ericsson\Update Engine\db\13740270\
Or For windows 7 users - C:\ProgramData\Sony Ericsson\Update Engine\db\13740270
5. And delete the blob_fs folder.
6. If you’re using SEUS, run it & on your computer go to:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Sony Ericsson\Update Service\db\13740270\
7. And delete the blob_fs folder.
8. Shut down your phone. Use SEUS for update or use the repair function in pc companion (You know how to use pc companion). Reboot and enjoy your new firmware.
[Source - [GUIDE]Easy way to brand/debrand or change firmware]
Ques – Hey, you said that if I unlock my bootloader, I would be able to try out different ROMs and stuff available for my Arc? How to do that?
Hold that for a minute. Let us first discuss some basic questions –
1. What is meant by flashing a kernel and recovery? – As previously explained, a kernel is a boot program that calls the rest of the system files in sequence when the phone starts. By default, when your phone starts, your bootloader looks for this program in boot partition. In a special case, bootloader can call a different special kernel known as recovery stored at a different place called recovery partition.
2. What the hell on earth is Clockworkmod? – Also known as clockwork and CWM, Clockworkmod recovery is one of the most widely used custom Android recoveries that is available for most mainstream Android devices (including our Xperia Arc). It allows you to perform several advanced recovery, restoration, installation and maintenance operations on your Android device that aren’t possible with the stock recovery. ClockworkMod recovery has been developed by Koushik Dutta (also known as Koush) – the same guy who brought us the Android ROM Manager (I am proud to be an Indian ).
3. What is Cyanogenmod? – Also known as CM, Cyanogenmod is an aftermarket modification of android OS which includes all the basic functionalities of android (as released by Google) with many added functionalities like inbuilt theme chooser. Current release of Cyanogenmod is CM7 based on android 2.3.5.
4. What is FreeXperia? – Cyanogenmod is not available for all the android devices but a few. The Xperia range of handsets by Sony Ericsson is not supported officially by CM. FreeXperia or FXP in short is a joint venture started by a handful of genuises at XDA to provide CM7 to our Xperia devices.
5. What is meant by overclocking? – CPU of a computer or a smartphone processes a huge amount of information at very high rates. The rate of processing of information (speed of a computer or snappiness of a smartphone) is governed by its clock frequency. We all know that hardwares are fabricated with a maximum limit and a safe limit. Overclocking is to shoot up from a safer limit (clock frequency of CPU) to hardware's external maximum limit. It gives you faster hardware but mostly working more than it is designed to work, hence heating and damage risks. I personally don't like the idea of pushing hardwares too much.
6. What is this Doomkernel? – Doomkernel is a supersmart kernel which is designed for our Xperia Arc by doomlord (he is a member of XDA ). It has a lot of functionalities over stock kernel such as CWM recovery, overclocking, voltage change and many more.
Continued in third post
Wow, thank you for putting it together so nicely! Love you for that post. xD
I think I'll finally try to get root on my 2.3.3. over this weekend.
Continued from first post
Ques – If your lecture is over, may I know how to change ROMs on my Xperia Arc?
For locked bootloaders, you can’t use custom ROMs. Flashing stock ROMs by SE is already described in a previous question. For unlocked bootloaders, all you need to do is this –
1. – Flash any kernel having working recovery. I will recommend using the same kernel as provided in the thread of the custom ROM but Doomkernel works well for most of them. Download latest version of kernel.img from Doomlord’s post (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1172885) here and use fastboot as described in a previous question to flash kernel.img. Use this command – “fastboot.exe flash boot kernel.img”.
2. – If you want to flash FXP’s latest release of CM7, download the package from the original thread here. The package will contain a boot.img (recovery kernel) and a CM7.zip file. Flash boot.img using fastboot same as above.
3. – Custom ROMs are usually available as zip files. Just download the ROM.zip file and place it anywhere on your SD card.
4. – Turn off the phone and turn it on. While the first logo/text appears on screen, press down volume key several times until a recovery menu appears.
5. – Install update from SD card as described above in question – “I have already unlocked the bootloader of my phone. How can I perform rooting on my Xperia Arc?”. This time choose the ROM.zip that you have just placed on your SD card.
6. – Restart the phone when done and enjoy your new ROM.
7. – Remember, ideally you need to flash doomkernel or any other recovery kernel just once. Once it is there, you can directly go and download any ROM.zip from Xperia Arc’s development section and use same recovery to flash any ROM.
8. – Since most of the ROMs are in testing stages, it is recommended at the moment to use the specific instructions given in the respective threads of the ROMs.
Ques – Wow, look at that… I just installed a new FXP CM7 based ROM on my Arc and it looks awesome. I wish I could just take a complete backup of my current ROM before trying out something else?
You name it and we have it. CWM recovery also has a popular functionality of taking “Nandroid backups”. This means that if you backup your ROM in its current state, everything in your ROM (your apps, games levels, contacts and even messages) are saved in the form of a backup called Nandroid backup. You can take a backup of your stable favourite ROM, try out a newly released ROM and revert back anytime later to your previous ROM in EXACTLY the same state as it was at the time of backup. To take Nandroid backups, all you need to do is this –
1. – Flash a recovery kernel as explained in the question above.
2. – Go to ‘Backup and Restore’ in the recovery menu.
3. – Enter restore and accept when prompted.
4. – Once done, if you start your phone and check the SD card contents, your backup will be stored in CWM folder on your SD card.
To restore later, all you need to do is this –
1. – Enter the recovery menu.
2. – Enter ‘Backup and restore’, ‘restore’ and then choose the date when you have taken a backup.
3. – Restart when finished.
To be continued
I have 3.0.1.A.0.145 on my Arc
Is it ok to follow kistiguns guide even with 3.0.1.A.0.145?
regards
A space between sentences would make it much easier to read, like where you've numbered certain points.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
XperienceD said:
A space between sentences would make it much easier to read, like where you've numbered certain points.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done.....thanks for the suggestion XperienceD.
hasse_e said:
I have 3.0.1.A.0.145 on my Arc
Is it ok to follow kistiguns guide even with 3.0.1.A.0.145?
regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gingerbreak used a loophole in gingerbread 2.3 to gain root access. Google removed the security loophole in android 2.3.4 while smart-asses at SE incorporated that in 2.3.3 update of Xperia Arc.
So, currently there is no straight way to directly root Android 2.3.3. Hence it is advised at the moment to flash back to 2.3.2 (using flashtool as mentioned in the guide above) and then root the phone. After that just update your phone OTA (over the air - again as mentioned in the Namaste guide above) to retain your root access with 2.3.3.
Its easy, just try it out and feel free to ask for any further help.
vaibhavknockout said:
2. ... Also, once you’ve unlocked your Arc’s bootloader, there is no way in hell you can lock it back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Things are moving faster than your guide
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134335
hush66 said:
Things are moving faster than your guide
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134335
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lolz.....Totally agree with you, things here at XDA are unpredictable.....So finally we got a bootloader relocking method.....great news. Updated the guide with the same.
Thank you for the amendment.
vaibhavknockout said:
Gingerbreak used a loophole in gingerbread 2.3 to gain root access. Google removed the security loophole in android 2.3.4 while smart-asses at SE incorporated that in 2.3.3 update of Xperia Arc.
So, currently there is no straight way to directly root Android 2.3.3. Hence it is advised at the moment to flash back to 2.3.2 (using flashtool as mentioned in the guide above) and then root the phone. After that just update your phone OTA (over the air - again as mentioned in the Namaste guide above) to retain your root access with 2.3.3.
Its easy, just try it out and feel free to ask for any further help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was rooted in 2.3.2, but updated with Companion to 2.3.3
I will give it a try as you suggest
Thanx
vaibhavknockout said:
Done.....thanks for the suggestion XperienceD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome, much better.
Wow man you are awesome.... Thanks....
Akhir indian hi indian ki madad kar sakta hai.....
Bhambya said:
Wow man you are awesome.... Thanks....
Akhir indian hi indian ki madad kar sakta hai.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sahi kaha dost......and u r always welcome.
dude i triead the superoneclick step..my FW is uk and flash it back to 184 uk and use super1clik for rooting,which one should i should use for the exploit psneuter or gingerbreak,,,after i did that OTA the phone but still not yet rooted what went wrong?what am i missing?
elnitrox said:
dude i triead the superoneclick step..my FW is uk and flash it back to 184 uk and use super1clik for rooting,which one should i should use for the exploit psneuter or gingerbreak,,,after i did that OTA the phone but still not yet rooted what went wrong?what am i missing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh? You should be using GingerBreak and not SuperOneClick.
Yup ill be doing it tonight..hope things will go smoothly
elnitrox said:
dude i triead the superoneclick step..my FW is uk and flash it back to 184 uk and use super1clik for rooting,which one should i should use for the exploit psneuter or gingerbreak,,,after i did that OTA the phone but still not yet rooted what went wrong?what am i missing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure whether superoneclick works for this exploit. What you need to do is to flash back to 184 UK, root using gingerbreak (as is also pointed out already by hush66) and then perform OTA. That's what is confirmed to work.
See you on rooted 2.3.3.
thank you my friend =) really nice topic =)
Hi vaibhavknockout,
i've 2.3.3, i used your guide to downgrade to 2.3.2 using flashtool then updated again using WiFi, but still i'm unable to remove system components! like the chinese keyboard!!
what's wrong? please help...
use titanium backup..backup and uninstall..
http://imgur.com/a/OyKOO
This is NOT currently available in xperifirm.
Has anyone already dumped this rom? Would have saved a lot of headache for a coworker's phone I just moved off rogers bloatware, had to go to 5.0 which caused a bootloop and necessitated a wipe.
If not, I'll see if I can get him to dump the rom for you. @Flava0ne did the previous one, I would imagine he would have got this one by now.
lhun said:
http://imgur.com/a/OyKOO
This is NOT currently available in xperifirm.
Has anyone already dumped this rom? Would have saved a lot of headache for a coworker's phone I just moved off rogers bloatware, had to go to 5.0 which caused a bootloop and necessitated a wipe.
If not, I'll see if I can get him to dump the rom for you. @Flava0ne did the previous one, I would imagine he would have got this one by now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry man, I don't have that firmware. I'm not going to be updating my Z3 to Lollipop at all so I won't be getting it.
Update: I was trying create .ftf files for the latest firmware but as of PC Companion v2.10.303 it's no longer possible to do it with Flashtool. The firmware files are no where to be found on my local drive even if the space has been taken up by it. I've searched every hidden folder directory on my drive and can't locate it anywhere.
EDIT: I found the new location of where Sony Mobile Update Engine downloads the firmware files so I'll be able to create .ftf firmware files for 23.5.A.1.291.
Update 2: Sony Mobile PC Companion has now been discontinued and replaced with Xperia Companion and I was able to download and create .ftf files of 23.5.A.1.291 for both Generic CA and Rogers Wireless CA. When I was trying to download the updates with PC Companion, it kept giving me an "unable to communicate with Update Engine (error 13)" and when I searched for solutions online, I found out that PC Companion has been replaced with Xperia Companion. Anyways, here are the latest firmwares for Generic CA and Rogers Wireless CA:
D6603 Generic CA v23.5.A.1.291
Rogers Wireless CA v23.5.A.1.291