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Introduction
After releasing my 'Update to .253' thread, I've figured it is something you might want to do your self, maybe because you like to use your own created FTF, or even want to modify your ROM a bit before flashing. This guide will help you through it, as secure and successful as possible!
Anyone can do it!
There is no need to unlock your bootloader to work this guide, however it did help me out of some sticky situations myself, as long as you keep a cool head while working on your ROM, you'll be able to get out of any situation.
The XDA mantra: MAKE BACKUPS!
Before you do anything on your phone, make sure you create a solid backup first. As CWM and TWRP both do not backup your internal storage, create a backup of it's contents too before trying to install your very own ROM.
Prerequisites
Flashtool version 0.9.x.x (the latest) - Windows / Linux / Mac
Needed to flash your phone, also needed to create the FTF bundle. The Linux version is already installed in the VM but you can download any other version too, to do the flashing and FTF building before hand in a desktop enviroment you are accustomed to.
[GUIDE] Download ANY firmware customization from Sony & create an FTF with Flashtool
This thread will help you make an FTF file for your DIY project, as we already have this excelent thread I will save myself the trouble of creating a guide for that
VMWare Player (76Mb) (Free for non-commercial use) and [NUT]'s UbuntuHost VM (Bittorrent: 4.84Gb)
The VM you download is OK to use on any 4.1.2 ROM as base.
If you wish to use a 4.2.2 ROM, you will need the DIYGuide UPDATE PACKAGE 1 (Bittorrent: 169Mb).
If you wish to use a 4.3 or 4.4 ROM, you will be needing DIYGuide UPDATE PACKAGE 2 (Bittorrent: 159Mb). Flashtool however needs to be updated to 0.9.15.0 if you are going to build a 4.4 ROM
See the index below for the link to the guide post that explains how to use it.
This you will need for the tricky bits, as modifying a ROM is safer on a Linux host with less chances of breaking file permissions. As most of the world around us uses Windows, I've created a VM to support you in your tasks. I've installed the Linux tools you need, for me this VM works just fine.
The VM needs about 10Gb space on your pc and you need around 1Gb of free RAM when trying to use it smoothly.
This VM also contains a build script, simple but effective, which will create the (unsigned) flashable zip for you, grabbing all the files it needs along the way and giving you time to edit what ever you want during the building process.
I've made sure you have fastboot and adb commands to be found in the PATH variable, and that the connection to most android phones and tablets will most probably work just fine. You can do adb and fastboot commands to your phone without having them in the directory where you keep the files, easy to use!
The VM has one user, which is called XDA Community. To log in on Ubuntu, use the following credentials:
User: xda
Password: xdauser
This user has SUDO privileges, so expect to type that password again when prompted to do so while installing packages or even when running the rombuilder script.
Download and install WinRAR or 7Zip to be able to unpack my VM.
Included in the ROM you will build using this DIY Guide
Your DIY ROM will be rooted with SuperUser (or SuperSU when you used an update package), including the reboot fix. It will also include XZDualRecovery 2.3 RELEASE (or newer if you used an update package). So you will end up with a cool ROM!
Extra's
You will be able to use my AROMA ROM Mutator package to fix your JB 4.1 ROM if anything might fall to pieces in the future regarding root. You'll also be able to use it to make the switch from SuperUser to SuperSU using the mutator, if you might change your mind in the future.
Guide Index
Chapter 1: Introduction and Prerequisites
Chapter 2: Installing VMWare Player and getting 'UbuntuHost' running
Chapter 3: Preparing the FTF for NOOB use
Chapter 4: Preparing and Extracting the ROM
Chapter 5: Building the (unsigned) flashable ZIP
Chapter 6: Installing your DIY ROM
Addendum: How to replace the recoveries to suit your device
Addendum: How to update your VM
Frequently Asked Questions
Installing VMWare Player and getting 'UbuntuHost' running
I'm assuming you have downloaded the VMWare Player application suitable for your system. Installing it is a basic knowledge to most Windows users, so I'm not going to elaborate on the actual installation.
I'm also assuming you have downloaded the VM. You can now unpack it to your Documents folder.
Now, fire up VMware player and when you see the following...
{
"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"
}
Then click on 'Open a Virtual Machine' and navigate to the folder you just extracted:
Click on the UbuntuHost.vmx and confirm the choice. You'll end up with this view:
Now you can either double click on the name in the list on the left or click play on the right to start it.
Remember, the password is xdauser
NOTE: This Ubuntu has the Unity interface which means, among other things, the menus are moved from the application window to the top bar. Move your mouse over it and the menus will appear.
And you are ready for the next chapter!
Preparing the FTF for NOOB use
Why would you do that? Well... to make sure you won't screw up flashing the wrong bits and make it erase your userdata... better safe then sorry!
This step is actually also needed to unpack the system partition from the FTF you created using the guide I put in the OP.
Copy the FTF you created to the VM by dragging the file in to the VM window. You can see Ubuntu recognizes it as a ZIP, which it essentially is.
Open it by double clicking on it.
Now delete userdata.sin, cache.sin and appslog.sin from it. Then drag system.sin to the DIY Guide folder on the desktop. Once it's unpacked, delete system.sin from the FTF as well.
That was easy, wasn't it? Lets move on to the next chapter.
Preparing and Extracting the ROM
Click on the Terminal icon on the left, type 'cd FlashTool' and then './FlashTool'.
NOTE: Use 'sudo' and your password you used to login to run FlashTool as root if you run in to problems.
In the Tools menu, you can select Sin Editor, select the system.sin in your DIY_Guide folder in your home.
Then click 'Extract data' to start the extraction, now go get a cup of coffee, this might take a while
Once it's done you will end up with a file called 'system.ext4' inside your DIY_Guide directory.
Click Close and close FlashTool using the orange X in the top left corner.
You can rename it to something you like but it should end with '.ext4' to allow the scripts to recognize it. Just open up the DIY Guide folder on the desktop and right click on the system.ext4 file and choose 'Rename'. For purpose of demonstration I renamed mine to 'nuts.ext4'
NOTE: The scripts allow for more then one flashable system to be created, so you can repeat the above multiple times, just remember to rename the system.ext4 to something else, otherwise you'll just end up overwriting the same file over and over again
Because of size considerations, the virtual disk is not really big (10Gb) so you'll run out of space fairly quickly, do not forget to empty the trash after this step!
That's it for this chapter, lets move on!
Building the (unsigned) flashable ZIP
Now we can open the Terminal by clicking on the icon on the left with the '>_' sign in the 'monitor'. Change directory to DIY_Guide and type 'ls -la' to show the following
You can start the build process using the rombuilder script by typing './rombuilder' and it will ask you for your password before it starts.
Once it successfully mounts the system partition it will open it for you. The script will pause for you to complete whatever modifications you want to do to it. Remember the XDA Mantra? Well... a backup would be good to make right now.
If you have more then one system.sin extracted, the above process will repeat itself until it passes all the various .ext4 files it has found.
NOTE: The mounted ext4 image has been mounted as root and as the contents are owned by root, you will need to sudo your actions when modifying the contents!
Tip: To make it easy on yourself you can use the terminal to open a file manager running as root. Type ctrl+shift+t, this will open a new terminal tab. In there type 'sudo nautilus' which starts the file manager again, but with an appropriate warning at the top of the explorer window, that one will be running as root. Be careful, you might wreck your entire VM if you mess things up big!
Once you are finished with the modifications or just enter through to the next bit, it will pack up the system partition and repeat or when done it will continue to create a flashable ZIP for each of the different .ext4 files you created.
You're almost done! Lets move to the next chapter...
Installing your DIY ROM
FOR 4.1.2 ROM's:
Before doing these steps, remember to have any recovery installed on your phone if you are doing this with a locked bootloader, otherwise you won't be able to flash the zip you've built!
Put your '$NAME.flashable.zip' on (the external) SDcard;
Put the 'FTF' inside the FlashTool/firmwares folder;
Create a backup of your phone in CWM or TWRP and don't forget to backup the contents of 'SDCard0';
Flash everything in the 'FTF' to your phone and boot the phone straight to recovery after that;
NOTE: If you have an unlocked bootloader, you CAN flash the kernel, but you do not need to, to keep your custom kernel.
Flash '$NAME.flashable.zip' in recovery (Works in both CWM and TWRP!)
Reboot to system without clearing (dalvik-/)cache.
And you're done! :victory:
FOR 4.2.2 AND 4.3 ROM's:
Before doing these steps, remember to have any recovery installed on your phone if you are doing this with a locked bootloader, otherwise you won't be able to flash the zip you've built! You will need XZDualRecovery 2.5 BETA or newer to make this work.
NOTE: This guide assumes you are coming from a 4.1.2 ROM. If you have a 4.2.2 ROM already installed, you can skip this one and use the above guide.
Put your '$NAME.flashable.zip' on (the external) SDcard;
Put the 'FTF' inside the FlashTool/firmwares folder;
Create a backup of your phone in CWM or TWRP and don't forget to backup the contents of 'SDCard0';
Flash '$NAME.flashable.zip' in TWRP, then TURN YOUR PHONE OFF AFTERWARDS - DO NOT BOOT IT YET!
Flash everything in the 'FTF' to your phone;
Now boot to system without clearing (dalvik-/)cache.
And you're done! :victory:
Addendum: How to replace the recoveries to suit your device
Download XZDualRecovery specific for your device, the flashable package to be precise.
Drag the file to the VM window and open the zip. You will see 2 folders in there, traverse in to system/bin where you will see the files you need most.
Open the DIY_Guide on the VM's desktop, traverse to updater/system/bin and drag all the files from the zip in to this directory, replacing all the files already in your VM and you are set to go
On the Xperia Z Ultra, Z1 Compact, Z1 and (Tablet) Z2, don't forget to copy the disableric file from the tmp folder inside the recovery zip to the updater/system/xbin folder. Forgetting to do so will cause your system partition to be not fully accessible from the fully booted ROM.
For completeness, you could copy the dr.prop file inside the zip to the updater directory too: this will ensure people downloading your package will know what XZDR version was included.
Addendum: How to update your VM
The update package 1 contains the following:
FlashTool 0.9.11.0
XZDualRecovery 2.5 BETA
The Remount-Reboot fix
Superuser has been replaced by SuperSU
IMPORTANT NOTE: This update makes your flashable ZIP assume you are updating from a 4.1.2 ROM to a 4.2.2 ROM. So the resulting flashable ZIP will move the contents of your internal storage to the new 4.2.2 location. If you are creating a package to go from a 4.2.2 ROM to a 4.2.2 ROM, you will need to edit the updater-script to stop it from doing that
Code:
ui_print(" Moving contents of the internal storage to it's new location...");
ui_print("");
ui_print(" NOTE: This may take a while!");
ui_print("");
run_program("/sbin/busybox", "mv", "/data/media", "/data/temporary");
run_program("/sbin/busybox", "mkdir", "/data/media");
run_program("/sbin/busybox", "mv", "/data/temporary", "/data/media/0");
set_progress(0.850000);
Remove the above portion from updater/META-INF/com/google/android/updater-script using gedit and you're set! :fingers-crossed:
The update package 2 contains the following:
Flashtool 0.9.13.0
SuperSU 1.86
XZDualRecovery 2.7.62.
How to update:
Download the update package from the link in the OP;
Open the Home directory in the VM on the bar on the left;
Drag the file in to the home directory straight from your host PC's location where you stored the downloaded package;
Remove the FlashTool and DYI_Guide folders or rename them (to rename, right click on them to get the menu with the rename option);
Now open the diyvm-update.tar.gz, drag the 2 folders in to the Home directory.
All done! :good:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Could I use this for any other Xperia device?
A: Sure you can! The proof is starting to pop up now and then
Just make sure you put in the right recovery pieces to support your specific device
Q: Am I allowed to release my ROM to the public?
A: Of course! I only require a simple mention or a humble thank you in your topic, where ever that may be. I like to know where my work travels to, so post or PM me the links to it
Q: Am I allowed to change the updater script to suit my needs?
A: You are allowed to change whatever you wish, I have NO copyright or license stuck to my work, simply because I consider anything with a license or copyright not to be 100% pure open source.
Q: I would like to make a ROM for my device, but there is no XZDualRecovery for it?
A: Try to integrate a recovery package available for your device. You can of course also request XZDR support, but it can take some time before that happens.
Q: I want to expand the storage capacity of the VM, is there any guide for that?
A: Yes, @gregbradley posted one here.
Q: My VM disk is slowly filling up, while I am keeping the trash empty, how come?
A: @GavTheStoner found out why, read his post on the subject and the solution he found.
Would be very useful! Thank you for the nice and clear guide!
Could you please also provide the script and other files needed such recovery etc. ? The whole VM image is large...
Fishmanzero said:
Would be very useful! Thank you for the nice and clear guide!
Could you please also provide the script and other files needed such recovery etc. ? The whole VM image is large...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No
It's not hard to find parts in my releases...
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Great guide! Thanks a lot for this!
Gesendet von meinem Xperia Z via Tapatalk
Don't suppose anyone's come up with a way to rebuild to FTF?
Would love to be able to do that and just load with FlashTool.
Johbremat said:
Don't suppose anyone's come up with a way to rebuild to FTF?
Would love to be able to do that and just load with FlashTool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too, but unfortunately that's just impossible... Sorry
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Great Guide
Thanks for sharing - I was able to create my own deodexed and zipaligned 10.1.1.A.1.307 firmware. I tweaked it a bit so it doesn't reboot when changing system to R/W.
Next I'll try creating one for the Japanese 10.1.D.0.343 build
I was able to create a working 10.1.D.0.343 build for the SO-02E variant using your guide. Is it cool with you if I upload it and share it for our Japanese friends? I'll give you credit of course. :good:
lancebukkake said:
I was able to create a working 10.1.D.0.343 build for the SO-02E variant using your guide. Is it cool with you if I upload it and share it for our Japanese friends? I'll give you credit of course. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course you can
If I didn't want you to release it to the public I'd have that explicitly stated in the OP ... which I haven't, so go right ahead! :good:
--- ON A DIFFERENT NOTE ---
I'll be updating the VM soon to reflect the changes in the updater script, the remount-reboot fix and the latest XZDualRecovery.
I'll also make a tar archive with a little guide in one of the reserved posts to help you update your VM so you won't have to download it all over again
Thanks!
But its possible to create a ROM out of a CWM Backup on Windows.. I.E. thats more simple
Thanks for the VM though
jader13254 said:
Thanks!
But its possible to create a ROM out of a CWM Backup on Windows.. I.E. thats more simple
Thanks for the VM though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it is, but that is basically a TAR backup and requires a few extra steps: flashing the FTF to your phone, then booting to recovery to make that backup, dragging that to your PC and stripping the META info from the nandroid backup process adds to the TAR (which makes it a non-standard tar archive!) and you still risk losing all permissions and ownership information on the files inside the archive when extracting that to integrate it in your flashable zip... which is a ZIP and does not know about the extended file permissions and ownership from a Linux system... so you will have to make your updater-script reset permissions or instruct your users to do so using recovery... :silly:
Using this VM and my method of using the SIN file to extract a ROM prevents a huge heap of possible issues and keeps the updater-script nice and small and the installation a breeze
[NUT] said:
I know it is, but that is basically a TAR backup and requires a few extra steps: flashing the FTF to your phone, then booting to recovery to make that backup, dragging that to your PC and stripping the META info from the nandroid backup process adds to the TAR (which makes it a non-standard tar archive!) and you still risk losing all permissions and ownership information on the files inside the archive when extracting that to integrate it in your flashable zip... which is a ZIP and does not know about the extended file permissions and ownership from a Linux system... so you will have to make your updater-script reset permissions or instruct your users to do so using recovery... :silly:
Using this VM and my method of using the SIN file to extract a ROM prevents a huge heap of possible issues and keeps the updater-script nice and small and the installation a breeze
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just used a nice tool called "yaffey" which keeps the file structure and I set permissions via updater-script.
Works really fine but may be more difficult
Reall great way though and big thanks for this guide
I'm a complete beginner when it comes to rooting, flashing and so on. I've been using my Nexus 4 since the day it came out, and have always had it completely stock, never even rooted it or anything. I'm normally not too bad at stuff like this, but I've been googling how to do all of this and been reading some guides on here, and I'm just getting more and more confused.
My goal is to go from Stock Android 5.1.1 to the newest Cyanogenmod nightly, and to keep all my data. Now, how do i go about this?
I'm already stuck at the first step (or at least I think, that's the first step): Creating a backup of my current Stock phone. Apparently I need to create a NANDROID backup first, but I can't do it with a locked bootloader? And if i unlock the bootloader, my data will be wiped? This alone seems completely illogical to me, because how am I going to backup my device then? Is there no simple step by step guide for Nexus devices, that includes EVERYTHING, from backup to the final flashing of the ROM?
This is a good guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2018179
I've seen it and it doesn't answer my question. How do I unlock the bootloader to create a backup, without wiping my device?
jb91 said:
I've seen it and it doesn't answer my question. How do I unlock the bootloader to create a backup, without wiping my device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't unlock the bootloader without wiping the device. The only backup you will be able to make without an unlocked bootloader is copying your sdcard to your pc and use an app like helium to backup your apps and data. Just remember to copy that backup to your pc as well, otherwise it will be wiped.
theminikiller said:
You can't unlock the bootloader without wiping the device. The only backup you will be able to make without an unlocked bootloader is copying your sdcard to your pc and use an app like helium to backup your apps and data. Just remember to copy that backup to your pc as well, otherwise it will be wiped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Do you know this "Nexus Root Toolkit" program? I was able to create a backup file containing all apps with it, as well as extract a file with my contacts data from my Nexus 4. I'm guessing this should also include my SMS / WhatsApp messages and so on?
jb91 said:
Thanks. Do you know this "Nexus Root Toolkit" program? I was able to create a backup file containing all apps with it, as well as extract a file with my contacts data from my Nexus 4. I'm guessing this should also include my SMS / WhatsApp messages and so on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I don't know much about that. You could skim through some of the thread or search to find out if someone else has asked that question and if not ask it there. That would probably be the easiest way to find out.
This is extremely confusing, I have no idea how people can say it is simple to put a custom ROM on a Nexus device. I am absolutely lost trying to back up everything. Is a NANDROID backup just a full backup of the phone? Am I not completely screwed if I can't create this? I have some random app files, extracted from a Root Toolkit, and a contacts file. I don't think that's enough to save my device in case anything goes wrong during flashing?
One of the sticky threads here mentions this right at the beginning:
Before you do anything EVER, you'll always have to backup your stuff, even if you don't feel like it, or your dog died (in which case I'm truly sorry), but, no matter what you're about to do, always have a recent backup sitting around.
There are many ways and things you can and will probably have to backup.
1. Backup your entire phone, by creating a Nandroid Backup.
As you saw in the 'Custom Recovery" picture above, you have a "Backup and Restore" option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it doesn't make any sense. "Before I do anything", I can't even create the NANDROID backup to begin with, because the bootloader is not unlocked by default, and unlocking it will wipe everything on the device. So I don't get how the first step to put a ROM on a phone is to create a NANDROID backup, because from my understanding, it is not possible to do. Also, my Nexus 4 did not come with a "custom recovery" installed and I have no idea how to put this on there (do i do this before or after the NANDROID backup?). I'm really starting to wonder how anyone actually understands these guides.
jb91 said:
This is extremely confusing, I have no idea how people can say it is simple to put a custom ROM on a Nexus device. I am absolutely lost trying to back up everything. Is a NANDROID backup just a full backup of the phone? Am I not completely screwed if I can't create this? I have some random app files, extracted from a Root Toolkit, and a contacts file. I don't think that's enough to save my device in case anything goes wrong during flashing?
One of the sticky threads here mentions this right at the beginning:
But it doesn't make any sense. "Before I do anything", I can't even create the NANDROID backup to begin with, because the bootloader is not unlocked by default, and unlocking it will wipe everything on the device. So I don't get how the first step to put a ROM on a phone is to create a NANDROID backup, because from my understanding, it is not possible to do. Also, my Nexus 4 did not come with a "custom recovery" installed and I have no idea how to put this on there (do i do this before or after the NANDROID backup?). I'm really starting to wonder how anyone actually understands these guides.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Following the link to the guide, I see this:
*****
Unlocking the Bootloader:
***NOTE***
This will perform a factory reset on your device. You will lose all applications. Even the data on your SD Card! I'd recommend making a Backup to your computer BEFORE performing this. There is a method for backing your data up, detailed HERE.
For the time being, there is a method available that will allow you to unlock your device (and root it) without losing your data.
For instructions, click HERE. Please note: this is a hack and isn't the "conventional" and "accepted" way of unlocking your bootloader on a nexus device. The wipe requirement is there for your safety, really, and I'm certain this will be patched in the upcoming releases.
*****
But you can always use adb directly from your pc to backup your entire device. How? adb --help
adb backup [-f <file>] [-apk|-noapk] [-obb|-noobb] [-shared|-noshared] [-all] [-system|-nosystem] [<packages...>]
- write an archive of the device's data to <file>.
If no -f option is supplied then the data is written
to "backup.ab" in the current directory.
(-apk|-noapk enable/disable backup of the .apks themselves
in the archive; the default is noapk.)
(-obb|-noobb enable/disable backup of any installed apk expansion
(aka .obb) files associated with each application; the default
is noobb.)
(-shared|-noshared enable/disable backup of the device's
shared storage / SD card contents; the default is noshared.)
(-all means to back up all installed applications)
(-system|-nosystem toggles whether -all automatically includes
system applications; the default is to include system apps)
(<packages...> is the list of applications to be backed up. If
the -all or -shared flags are passed, then the package
list is optional. Applications explicitly given on the
command line will be included even if -nosystem would
ordinarily cause them to be omitted.)
greg17477 said:
But you can always use adb directly from your pc to backup your entire device. How? adb --help
adb backup [-f <file>] [-apk|-noapk] [-obb|-noobb] [-shared|-noshared] [-all] [-system|-nosystem] [<packages...>]
- write an archive of the device's data to <file>.
If no -f option is supplied then the data is written
to "backup.ab" in the current directory.
(-apk|-noapk enable/disable backup of the .apks themselves
in the archive; the default is noapk.)
(-obb|-noobb enable/disable backup of any installed apk expansion
(aka .obb) files associated with each application; the default
is noobb.)
(-shared|-noshared enable/disable backup of the device's
shared storage / SD card contents; the default is noshared.)
(-all means to back up all installed applications)
(-system|-nosystem toggles whether -all automatically includes
system applications; the default is to include system apps)
(<packages...> is the list of applications to be backed up. If
the -all or -shared flags are passed, then the package
list is optional. Applications explicitly given on the
command line will be included even if -nosystem would
ordinarily cause them to be omitted.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is ADB this "Android Studio" that I had to install in the first step of this guide (Android SDK)? If so, I opened it but I have no clue how to get anywhere where i could enter code like this. This is what it looks like: http://i.imgur.com/zhujSKR.png
jb91 said:
Is ADB this "Android Studio" that I had to install in the first step of this guide (Android SDK)? If so, I opened it but I have no clue how to get anywhere where i could enter code like this. This is what it looks like: http://i.imgur.com/zhujSKR.png
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, i can not help you , if you do not know the basic of basics Lots to read up for you.
cheers
Well ok, lets try it another way: i don't understand how to create a full backup, but i did backup some single apps to my PC using Nexus Root Toolkit (they're .ab files), for which i want to keep my data. I also manually backed up my mp3s and pictures / videos. Would i be fine just starting with the actual process (unlocking bootloader, install custom recovery and so on)?
After all, i should have the possibility to revert anything back for these apps at least, and the official Nexus 4 Stock Android files are available at Google. So, there's no real risk, even without a FULL backup of everything, correct?
Hey friends! I was looking at this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/general/guide-rooting-unlocking-bootloader-t3354307 and I decided to create my own thread about the same topic, however this thread is much more simplified and is for those people who are new to rooting Xperia smartphones.
So without further ado here are the steps
Part One: downloading prerequisites
in order to flash .ftf firmware files to downgrade your phone to lollipop for TA backup you will need.
1. Java JDK :
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk8-downloads-2133151.html
2. XperiFirm(not neccesary if you plan to stay on LP)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/cro...xperifirm-xperia-firmware-downloader-t2834142
3. Flashtool
http://www.flashtool.net/downloads.php
4. Android SDK
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html#downloads
5. iovyroot(not necessary if you do not want to backup DRM)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/iovyroot-temp-root-tool-t3349597
other prerequisites:
Patience
Mountain Dew or Starbucks
A small bit of knowledge on command line interfaces
Part Two: Downloading firmware
1. Open up XperiFirm
2. Select your device from the list
3. Select your model number(can be checked in Settings > about phone > Model Number
4. Pick your country and carrier(does'nt really matter, best firmware to use is UK customised and Singapore customised)
5. Click the latest release in 'available releases'
6. A dialogue should pop up, tick 'automatic unpack'
7. Wait for download to complete
Part 2.5: Creating FTF
Open up Flashtool
1. Click on tools > bundles > Create
2. Select the firmware folder
3. Double click on the Device section and select your device
4. Type in the firmware build number(at the end of the folder name) as for branding type in the country and carrier from which you downloaded the firmware from.
5. Go to file explorer and delete 'fwinfo.xml' from the firmware folder
6. IMPORTANT DO NOT TRANSFER THE FILES WITH A .TA FILE EXTENSION IT WILL BRICK YOUR DEVICE with that disclaimer out of the way go back to flashtool, transfer all the files using the arrows (except those with a .ta file extension)
7. Click create, you should be able to sit back and relax while it does its thing
Part Three: Downgrading firmware
Download the firmware here: http://www.xperiablog.net/forum/resources/xperia-z5_e6653_32-0-a-6-152_central-europe-5_generic.477/
1. Place the file in c: Users/*account name*/.flashtool/firmwares
Open up Flashtool
2. Press the lightning bolt icon
3. Choose Flashmode and click ok
4. choose the firmware you downloaded(Do not choose the one you created)
5. Tick "user data" in the box at the top right hand corner
6. Press flash and wait
Part Four: DRM backup and unlock
1.Extract iovyroot
2. make sure USB debugging and unknown sources are enabled
3. Open up backupdrm.bat and wait
4. make sure there are no errors before proceeding(this usually takes a couple of tries)
5. IMPORTANT keep a safe online backup of your DRM keys.
6. Open up flashtool
7. click on BLU
8. Go to http://developer.sonymobile.com/unlockbootloader/unlock-yourboot-loader/
9. Select your device and follow the instructions
9. after getting the unlock key, paste it inside the BLU dialogue in flashtool
10. wait, then profit!
11. now flash the .FTF that you created
12. boot your device into fastboot(plug in power cable and press vol down when your phone is switched off)
13. Download androplus kernel v23 and above from here: https://kernel.andro.plus/
14. Extract boot.img and put it in the android SDK inside of 'platform-tools'
15. Press shift+right click inside of the same folder
be sure to install xperia z5 fastboot drivers)
16. click 'open command window here'
17. run fastboot devices and make sure it detects your device
18. run this command here : fastboot flash boot boot.img
19. Reboot and DONE
Just a quick note, from my experience with downgrading in the past, you MUST wipe your user data, the phone won't boot else. This happened on multiple Sony phones with multiple different firmware versions.
gamer649 said:
Just a quick note, from my experience with downgrading in the past, you MUST wipe your user data, the phone won't boot else. This happened on multiple Sony phones with multiple different firmware versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just corrected it, thanks for the quick note. Btw my z5 booted with minor issues when downgrading without wiping userdata
_LLJY said:
I just corrected it, thanks for the quick note. Btw my z5 booted with minor issues when downgrading without wiping userdata
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every other Sony phone I've owned (M, Z1 compact, Z2) refused to boot after a downgrade. The main thing to remember when downgrading is to take a backup before doing so to prevent data loss, I've experienced it myself firsthand so I know how stressful it can be.
In the TA backup part you should add a step to make sure the script actually worked and didn't stop with an error, before proceeding on to unlocking BL. I had to reboot my phone & run the script several times before successfully pulling it off.
Hello!
I'm new to the Sony family as you can see in my signature and I wouldn't call myself n00b, but the whole procedure with the extra partitions is so confusing! Thank you for trying to break it down!
the usual 3 step way (1 unlock bootloader, 2 flash recovery, 3 flash SuperSU) is still present but there are some other steps before them.
As i can understand, all the hassle is just for the backup of the TA partition.
I think that we must start with your step 3, just to avoid confusion such as the step 3.4. Please post a direct link to the firmware you suggest, I can't download it because it requires me to register there too.
Also, you should break the part 4 at the step 11. If I'm not mistaken, the order should be 1, 3, 4 (1-10), 2 , 2.5, 4 (11-19).
In the guide, restoring DRM keys also should be added. ?
Nice guide mate.
Sent from my E6683 using Tapatalk
DeathStroke said:
In the guide, restoring DRM keys also should be added. ?
Nice guide mate.
Sent from my E6683 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Latest andro kernel have drm keys intergrated bro
working for e6633 dual ?
I had a doubt! On Part Three, can I use the given E6653 ftf for my E6683? Or I should download the .152 ftf for my exact device model i.e. E6683?
Help me bro @_LLJY
good guide
easy follow
had overheat problem i need help...!
any one please ?
updated from support ( device no pc)
after update full overheat on camera use
Can you guys please help me?
My friend got a 5803, I backed up his DRM keys and unlocked the bootloader but can't root it.
If someone could be so kind to help us it'll be great, I did it to my 6653 but for some reason I can't root this one.
Sent from my E6653 using XDA-Developers mobile app
i am trying to downgrade my z5 from 6.0.1 to a 5.1.1 ftf...but when i begin to flash it stops ERROR - processing of loader.sin finished with errors....please someone can help me?
feesta said:
i am trying to downgrade my z5 from 6.0.1 to a 5.1.1 ftf...but when i begin to flash it stops ERROR - processing of loader.sin finished with errors....please someone can help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unpack firmware Ftf file with flashtool and see is there file called FWINFO.Delete this file and pack Ftf using Ftool and you will not have peoblems with flash.
Sent from my Sony Xperia Z5
Here is a stupid question, what now that i have don all steps? i still dont have cmw or root?
feesta said:
i am trying to downgrade my z5 from 6.0.1 to a 5.1.1 ftf...but when i begin to flash it stops ERROR - processing of loader.sin finished with errors....please someone can help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did two things to try to fix this:
1: Use the previous version of flashtool (0.9.18.6) instead of the current one
2: Use the Software Repair function of Sony's Xperia Companion application
I don't know which of these helped (it might have been neither, actually) but in the end I was able to flash Lollipop 5.1.1 onto my Z5 and use iovyroot to back up the TA partition.
Hi, this is kind of off-topic but this is the best thread for this question I could find.
I was in a hurry to get rid of the bloated, horrible stock rom, and I did not back up my DRM keys. I did patch my current kernel with the DRM fix from another thread here at XDA. Now my question is:
What kind of functionality did I lose from this, except not being able to restore to stock and relocking bootloader?
klemen241 said:
Here is a stupid question, what now that i have don all steps? i still dont have cmw or root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, look at this video:
h**ps:.youtube.com/watch?v=dTlosea6SJE
But at first, i installed at my Z5 the latest Kernal v36 and then i installed the TWRP 2.8.7.0, but i think you can install the newest TWRP too.
At last you install the SuperSu with TWRP, than you have full root!
Creating FTF not possible
hej,
i have a problem creating the FTF as described in Part 2.5:
-i downloaded the latest version via xperifirm (E6653_Customized DE_1298-3675_32.2.A.0.253_R3C)
-i deleted the fwinfo.xml & all .TA files from the folder
-flashtool is hanging here now:
-05/016/2016 09:16:25 - INFO - Streaming from file : C:\Users\hek\Desktop\Sony Xperia Z5\E6653_Customized DE_1298-3675_32.2.A.0.253_R3C\boot\boot_delivery.xml
05/016/2016 09:16:25 - INFO - Adding rpm_S1_Boot_MSM8994_LA1_2_2_40_AID_1_KITAKAMI-TEST-HWID009400E1-SWID0A-OEM0-AID1-DEBUG00_S1-BOOT-TEST-B316-0001-MMC.sin to the bundle
05/016/2016 09:16:25 - INFO - Adding Sumire_S1BootConfig_MiscTA.ta to the bundle
-tried it with singapore customized and german customized (¬ deleting the .TA-files & manually unselecting all TA files in flashtool)
what could be the issue here or is there another way to get the latest version on the phone after unlocking it?
or is it safe just to install the latest version as described here without deleting the .TA-files? (http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/general/guide-sony-xperia-z5-unlock-root-tweaks-t3298224)
thanks for any input!
--
Part 2.5: Creating FTF
Open up Flashtool
1. Click on tools > bundles > Create
2. Select the firmware folder
3. Double click on the Device section and select your device
4. Type in the firmware build number(at the end of the folder name) as for branding type in the country and carrier from which you downloaded the firmware from.
5. Go to file explorer and delete 'fwinfo.xml' from the firmware folder
6. IMPORTANT DO NOT TRANSFER THE FILES WITH A .TA FILE EXTENSION IT WILL BRICK YOUR DEVICE with that disclaimer out of the way go back to flashtool, transfer all the files using the arrows (except those with a .ta file extension)
7. Click create, you should be able to sit back and relax while it does its thing
I used iovyroot and it created taxxxxxx.img that it has 2mb. I think so I read so time ago that taxxxxx.img had 500kb... Is it my ta wrong?? Or it's normal??
Thanks!
Enviado desde mi Z1 mediante Tapatalk
status: BETA Version 9.2
thread is taken from here
Backup TA for Sony XperiaBackup TA is tool created by @DevShaft that can backup and restore the TA partition (DRM Keys) of the device. When you create a backup before unlocking for the first time, then you will be able to restore to full factory state (including a locked bootloader). This means all DRM keys intact, Bravia Engine working in Album and last but not least your warranty when needed
NOTE:
Due to some newer devices can't modify on system partition in cause of verified boot (dm-verity)
it's kernel feature for checking block devices so any modification on system partition will let you in bootloop
--thanks to @zxz0O0 for this tool iovyroot,this tool give us chance to get root shell to backup DRM Keys (A.K.A TA Partition)
this is still in beta state that mean you mainly could get problem while Backup or Restore (this is only for [Testing] Devices)
but it safe to use with compatible devices in previous thread but you could get problem too
=COMPATIBLE DEVICES
=DOWNLOADS
=SOURCE (under MIT license)
GUIDE
1. Download the latest version of Backup TA.
2. Extract the ZIP file to a folder location of your choosing.
3. Navigate to the folder location of Backup TA.
4. Make sure no other script or application which is using ADB is running (Kill ADB from Task Manager).
5. Make sure the device is booted in normal mode (the way you normally use it).
6. Run Backup-TA.bat
7. Read the last paragraph of the license before continuing.
8. Read the information and follow the instructions given by the tool.
FAQ
Q: Is my device supported?
A: Look at the supported devices list. When it is not listed, try to make a backup it will tell you if your device is supported. as well as your device rooted try it or use temp root provided in the tool
Q: Do I need root for this?
A: YES, it's very important to be rooted before backup and restore (for z3+ and later devices use temp root)
Q: Have "Can't Detect root"?
A: your device can't give root access to adb look at your screen and grant it (in SuperSU --> Change ADB Shell to Grant)
for newer devices click (1) for test iovyroot tool
Q: Can I use someone else's backup?
A: Don't ever try to do this , only what you get is bricked device (your TA is unique for your device)
Q: Can I restore my TA while running a ROM with a non-stock kernel?
A: Yes, but it will soft-brick your device and you need Sony PC Companion or Flashtool to fix it by flashing stock firmware. Best is to first return to a complete stock ROM or at least flash a stock kernel (do not confuse with stock based kernel!) before restoring the TA, this prevents the soft-brick.
=you check all FAQ here
please report if [Testing] Devices backup TA successfully, also you can try it on unlocked bootloader to only test so you don't need to restore TA to test this tool just use it but be aware of playing with this Partition
Thanks to
@DevShaft for give us this tool
@zxz0O0 for allowing to use his tool binary here
reserved
Why yet another guide? Why should you follow this guide?
This is more of a future reference for myself, but might be beneficial to some other people, hence why I decided to post it.
Thanks to the "dirty cow" exploit (CVE-2016-5195), we now have a more simple way of backing up the TA partition compared to existing guides, which all relied on another exploit that involved downgrading the firmware, thus making the whole process a bit more complicated.
Unfortunately, as you can probably tell, it's still not a painless ordeal, just "less" painful. But hey, at least you have a choice.
To keep this step-by-step walkthrough guide simple and straightforward, I am focusing on just the steps and skipping the explanations.
Let's get started!
Prerequisites
Important: Your phone must be vulnerable to the "dirty cow" exploit, any firmware version with security patch level 2016-12-01 or earlier should work, such as 32.2.A.5.11. Basically, any MM or LP firmware.
Currently there is no way of backing up the TA partition on Android 7.0 Nougat firmware, you will need to downgrade to MM or earlier firmware first.
Remember to backup all your data before you downgrade, since a downgrade is akin to a factory reset. Downgrade instructions:
Follow Step 0, skip Step 1 and 2
In Step 3, download a MM or LP version firmware. For the sake of simplicity, I suggest you download the one labeled Storefront.
Follow Step 4 and 5
Done, your phone is now downgraded, skip the remaining steps. Continue with the guide as usual from Step 1
Note: If the DRM keys are irrelevant to you (TA partition already backed up/restored/lost) and would just like to root, then you can root using this guide on all firmware versions including Android 7.0 Nougat without downgrading. In this case, you can skip Step 1 and Step 7. Depending on your situation, you can also skip other parts of this guide, such as Step 2 if your bootloader is already unlocked, or in Step 5 don't wipe anything (leave all boxes unchecked) to retain your apps and data for a firmware upgrade.
Computer setup with correct drivers and adb/fastboot connection ability.
Enable USB debugging on the phone:
Settings > About phone > Tap multiple times on Build number until Developer options is enabled
Settings > Developer options > USB debugging > Toggle ON
XperiFirm for downloading official Sony firmware directly from Sony's servers
Flashtool for flashing firmware
Battery preferably more than 80% remaining, loss of power while flashing can brick your phone
Step 0 - Backup your phone (optional)
Move all your data to your SD card using the native tool: Settings > Storage > Transfer data to SD card
Use Sony's Backup & restore app to make a backup: Settings > Backup & reset > Xperia Backup & restore > More > Manual backup > Select SD card > Select content to backup
Personally, I choose everything except apps, they can be re-downloaded from the Play Store at any time, plus they take a long time to backup and restore not to mention eats up free space
Step 1 - Backup the TA partition
Download this wonderful TA Backup tool, unzip to desired location
With the phone powered on, connect the USB cable to the computer, then plug the micro USB end to the phone
Open command prompt (Start > Run > cmd), navigate to the directory where you unzipped the TA Backup tool
Run the following command:
Code:
backupTA
The tool will run and if successful, you should see at the bottom the words "TA Successfully pulled to TA_E5823.img".
TA_E5823.img is the TA partition image file, actual filename will be longer and differ for everyone so to keep it simple we'll just refer to it as TA_E5823.img in this guide.
Please check that the file is 2,097,152 bytes. If not or file is missing, then the backup has failed.
If it fails, just run the tool again a few times, or try rebooting your phone then rerun the tool. If you just can't get it to work, seek help from the tool thread.
Step 2 - Unlock the boot loader
Visit Sony's website and follow the instructions carefully
Important: Pay attention to the warnings. No, really, unlocking the boot loader will wipe your DRM keys (hence the need to back them up in Step 1) and trigger a factory reset, erasing everything on your phone.
After you've successfully unlocked the boot loader, unplug your phone and leave it powered off
Step 3 - Download stock firmware
Run XperiFirm, locate the correct Xperia Z5 Compact version of your phone (E5803/E5823) and download the firmware of your choice.
General recommendation is to download the "Customized" version that's available for your country.
Step 4 - Create a FTF file from the firmware
Open Flashtool
Tools > Bundle > Create
Select source file > Locate the folder where you saved the firmware from XperiFirm in step 3 > You should see your device name appear automatically in Device and the folder list below populated
Branding > The same as Operator in XperiFirm, e.g. Customized AU
Version > The version you downloaded, e.g. 32.2.A.5.11
Hint: Both Branding and Version information is in the folder name
In folder list, select the first item, hold SHIFT and select the last item so that all items are highlighted, then click the "- >" button > The folder list should now be empty, and the Firmware content field populated
Click Create, if successful you will see "Bundle creation finished"
Note: The FTF file is saved to %userprofile%\.flashTool\firmwares by default
Step 5 - Flash the FTF file
Click the lightning symbol in Flashtool > Flashmode
Source folder should be pre-selected to the default location mentioned above and "Sony Xperia Z5 Compact" listed in Firmwares
Expand all the arrows and select the version number
Under Wipe/Sin check all options (APPS_LOG, DIAG, SSD, USERDATA), leave all other options unchecked
Click Flash, wait for an instruction prompt to pop up
Plug the USB cable to your computer if it isn't already plugged
Turn off your phone if it isn't powered off, hold the VOLUME DOWN button while connecting the micro USB end to your phone. Keep the VOL DOWN button held until the prompt disappears, which indicates that Flashtool has detected it and is correctly in flashmode.
Flashtool will begin flashing the firmware automatically. It can take a long time, 10~15 minutes is normal, wait until completed
Unplug your phone and do not power it on yet
Step 6 - Patch the kernel
Download this awesome rootkernel tool, unzip to desired location.
Extract the kernel image file kernel.sin from the FTF file using any file compression program such as 7zip, WinZip, WinRAR, etc.
Open Flashtool > Tools > Sin Editor > Sin file > Locate the kernel you just extracted > Click Extract data. You should now have a file named kernel.elf in the same folder
Copy kernel.elf to the rootkernel folder
Download the latest stable version of the SuperSU ZIP file and copy the entire ZIP file to the rootkernel folder. Do NOT unzip it!
Rename the SuperSU ZIP file name so that it starts with SuperSU (case sensitive) instead of UPDATE-SuperSU, e.g. SuperSU-v2.79-20161211114519.zip
Note: if you're patching Nougat firmware, you may want to use phh's superuser instead of SuperSU due to potential battery drain. See rootkernel thread for more info. If you use phh's superuser, you will need to install the apk from the Play store after Step 8.
(optional) Download the latest Xposed framework ZIP file and copy it to the rootkernel folder. Do NOT unzip it!
Note: this only works with rootkernel v5.0 or later, if you're using an earlier version of the rootkernel tool, skip this and skip Step 9
At time of this edit (2017/2/22), Xposed does not support Android 7.0 (Nougat), so if you're trying to patch a Nougat kernel, do not include xposed. You can check the official Xposed thread for latest announcements to see if it's supported
Open command prompt and navigate to the rootkernel directory
Enter the following command:
Code:
rootkernel kernel.elf boot.img
You will be prompted to make a series of choices, including whether you want to install SuperSU and Xposed. Type Y for all of them.
If you didn't see the prompt for SuperSU (required) or Xposed (optional), check the filename of the ZIP files. Remember they're case sensitive.
You should now have a boot.img file in the rootkernel folder, that is your rooted kernel
Step 7 - Flash the DRM keys (one-time procedure)
tobias.waldvogel (rootkernel developer) said:
Flashing this file with flashtool will write your device key to an alternative unit, from where the drmfix library will pick it up.
This is a one-time task. It will survive a complete reset of the phone or Android system upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Copy the TA backup file TA_E5823.img from Step 1 to the rootkernel folder, then enter the following command in command prompt:
Code:
flash_dk TA_E5823.img DK.ftf
This will create a DK.ftf file in the rootkernel folder
Open Flashtool > Click the lightning symbol > Flashmode > Source folder > Locate the rootkernel folder
"Sony Xperia Z5 Compact" should appear under Firmwares, expand the arrows until you see DeviceKey and 1.0. Select 1.0, click Flash and wait for an instruction prompt to pop up
Hold the VOLUME DOWN button while connecting the micro USB end to your phone. Keep the VOL DOWN button held until the prompt disappears, which indicates that Flashtool has detected it and is correctly in flashmode.
Wait until operation is completed, then unplug the cable from your phone. Do not power on yet
Step 8 - Flash the kernel
Hold the VOLUME UP button and plug in the micro USB cable. Wait until the LED indicator turns blue, then release the VOL UP button.
Enter the following command in command prompt to flash the rooted kernel:
Code:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
After completion, congratulations, you've successfully rooted your phone!
Now you can turn on your phone, the first boot will take a very long time to initialize, don't worry.
If you see the boot animation for more than 30 minutes, then it's time to worry. First try again from Step 6, and if you still can't complete boot, go up a step starting from Step 5. If that still fails, start over from Step 3.
Step 9 - Finish installation of Xposed (optional)
In Step 6, if you chose to include the Xposed ZIP file, which means you want to install Xposed, then there's one more step to complete the installation.
Download the unofficial Material Design Xposed Installer.
Currently, this is the only Xposed Installer that works with the systemless Xposed integration method used by the rootkernel tool. Using the official Xposed Installer will not work.
Go to Settings > Security > Unknown sources > Toggle ON
Copy the Xposed Installer apk to your phone and install it.
Done!
Personal list of xposed modules to install for self reference. This is in no way a recommendation list, your preferences will vary.
Amplify
Android Phone Vibrator
App Locale
BootManager
Disable Low Battery Notifications
DynamicAlarmIcon 2
HideBatteryLowAlert
Keep Trash (broken at the moment)
Lockscreen Album Art Remover
MinMinGuard
NeoPowerMenu
NoHeadsetNotification
Ringer and Notification Volume Unlink
RootCloak
Use USB for Marshmallow V 1.2
XperiaFMwoHS
Xposed Torch: Physical keys
Youtube AdAway
Bonus - How to unroot/fully restore DRM/return to 100% factory state
Thank you for taking the time to write this guide!
best guide for root, thanks!
Fantastic guide, Thank you very much for that!
I had trouble getting the latest version of flashtool (09231) to work (mac and PC). It froze when I was trying to create the new bundle.
After downloading the older version (09186) it worked without problems.
However, currently I am stuck at step 6, running cmd 'rootkernel kernel.elf boot.img':
I get the message:
Code:
Rootkernel V5.11
- Unpacking kernel
error: Android boot magic not found
Unknown boot image format
Aborting
UPDATE:
I found the reason for the img file creation failure.
I was not patient enough in copying the kernel.elf file over. While the flashtool says file with size X created it was still compiling and only a minute later or so finished writing the file. In other words, I copied over the 'unfinished' kernel.elf and that's what caused the issue.
Trying to boot now
Thanks again for this nice guide!
Cheers,
Malcolm
Hey Malcolm, did you manage to complete the process successfully?
good news
thanks for your help. very good tutorial, realy made easy to understand
successfully rooted my nougat z5c with this,
you the best thanks
brokich said:
Hey Malcolm, did you manage to complete the process successfully?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Brokich,
Unfortunately not (yet).
After finishing step 7 my device is stuck at the bootloader
I've tried now several times re-flashing (steps 5-7) but unfortunately no luck yet...Will try to repeat the whole procedure over the next days again.
I am getting problem with flashing kernel :
FAILED (remote: Command not allowed) my bootloader status was unknown at first, then I got unlock code at sony website, then it said my bootloader is unlocked, followed your tutorial and now I not able to flash kernel..
Hello guys
On step 5 i get this error
5/031/2017 13:31:03 - INFO - Device connected in flash mode
05/031/2017 13:31:28 - INFO - Selected Bundle for Sony Xperia Z5 Compact(E5823). FW release : 1298-5497_32.2.A.5.11_R13C. Customization : Customized UK
05/031/2017 13:31:28 - INFO - Preparing files for flashing
05/033/2017 13:33:12 - INFO - Please connect your device into flashmode.
05/033/2017 13:33:13 - INFO - Opening device for R/W
05/033/2017 13:33:14 - INFO - Start Flashing
05/033/2017 13:33:14 - INFO - Processing loader.sin
05/033/2017 13:33:14 - INFO - Checking header
05/033/2017 13:33:14 - ERROR - Processing of loader.sin finished with errors.
05/033/2017 13:33:14 - INFO - Ending flash session
05/033/2017 13:33:14 - ERROR - null
05/033/2017 13:33:14 - ERROR - Error flashing. Aborted
05/033/2017 13:33:14 - INFO - Device connected in flash mode
Any idea why ?
notabene said:
I am getting problem with flashing kernel :
FAILED (remote: Command not allowed) my bootloader status was unknown at first, then I got unlock code at sony website, then it said my bootloader is unlocked, followed your tutorial and now I not able to flash kernel..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you backup your TA-partition before the bootloader status was unknown?
zegovernator said:
Did you backup your TA-partition before the bootloader status was unknown?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, why?
---------- Post added at 01:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:49 PM ----------
zegovernator said:
Did you backup your TA-partition before the bootloader status was unknown?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to flash FTF file. But not the kernel.
notabene said:
yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. It sounds like you wiped your TA partition. On which firmware did you backup your TA? Lollipop using Iovy.root or Marshmallow using this guide? I experienced the same problem once. I recovered my TA partition via Iovy.root. (because back then the only possibility was to downgrade to LP and then backup/restore TA).
Check if the service menue states:
[Bootloader unlock allowed:no] and [Remote Lock State: Locked]
If so, restore TA.
zegovernator said:
Okay. It sounds like you wiped your TA partition. On which firmware did you backup your TA? Lollipop using Iovy.root or Marshmallow using this guide? I experienced the same problem once. I recovered my TA partition via Iovy.root. (because back then the only possibility was to downgrade to LP and then backup/restore TA).
Check if the service menue states:
[Bootloader unlock allowed:no] and [Remote Lock State: Locked]
If so, restore TA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This guide, latest firmware 32.2.A.5.11.
Currently my phone stucked at after boot in TM logo.
Trying to repair via PC Companion
Phone booted. Will check if bootloader is really unlocked.
Bootloader unlock allowed : yes
Remote Lock state : UnLockd
Checked DRM all OK
notabene said:
This guide, latest firmware 32.2.A.5.11.
Currently my phone stucked at after boot in TM logo.
Trying to repair via PC Companion
Phone booted. Will check if bootloader is really unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash a .tft from the MM version your backed up your TA image from. When flashing, ensure to tick everything under wipe except TA Misc.
Well finally was able to do all the steps, but phone wont boot. Stucked in Sony logo, led is yellow and then power off..
Yeah, same here.
Tried now multiple times but it always gets stuck at the xperia screen with orange/yellow LED
One thing that I noticed was "ERROR - root : this bundle is not valid" when I start to create the bundle. Straight after locating the custom firmware that I dowloaded with Xperifirm the message comes up in the log. Thought that this is not an issue though, or is it?
Cheers,
Malcolm
Need to use phone tomorrow, how can i revert to stock for a while since I cannot do it throught Xperia companion?
---------- Post added at 03:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:26 PM ----------
Malcolm143 said:
Yeah, same here.
Tried now multiple times but it always gets stuck at the xperia screen with orange/yellow LED
One thing that I noticed was "ERROR - root : this bundle is not valid" when I start to create the bundle. Straight after locating the custom firmware that I dowloaded with Xperifirm the message comes up in the log. Thought that this is not an issue though, or is it?
Cheers,
Malcolm
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Did you use customized firmware? I did not, i used Tmobile CZ
Now with bootloader unlocked even PC Companion doesnt work..
So the problem is after flashing custom kernel with rootkernel+DRM fix.
So after hours of trying from step 5 with different settings for kernel, I ended up with stock rom flashed via flashtool..
tried to flash back DRM keys from Dirty cow TA Backup, using this command flash_dk TA_E5823.img DK.ftf but when rebooted in service menu drm keys are still gone..
EDIT:
Seems like there is more users with same issue with Z5C and latest rootkernel
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xp...matic-repack-stock-kernel-dm-t3301605/page200
Hmm, I never ran into the stuck at boot problem, and I just successfully flashed a new phone on the same day I posted the guide. That said, I was using v5.0 of the rootkernel tool, not the latest v5.11. The rootkernel developer mentioned that there's battery drain problems with v5.11, so I decided to use the older v5.0 that helped me root two Z5C's several times in the past. Try patching the kernel again using v5.0 and see if that fixes it.
Note that v5.0 only supports up to firmware version 32.A.0.253 out of the box, you will need to make the following modification to support up to 32.2.A.5.11:
Download and unzip rootkernel v5.11 and v5.0.
Open folder \rootkernel_v5.11_Windows_Linux\Android\twrp_common_kmodules
Copy and overwrite all 7 sub-folders (folder names look like 3.10.49-perf-g83fc9bc etc.) to \rootkernel_v5.0_Windows_Linux\Android\twrp_common_kmodules
Then patch the kernel using v5.0 tool.
mhaha said:
Hmm, I never ran into the stuck at boot problem, and I just successfully flashed a new phone on the same day I posted the guide. That said, I was using v5.0 of the rootkernel tool, not the latest v5.11. The rootkernel developer mentioned that there's battery drain problems with v5.11, so I decided to use the older v5.0 that helped me root two Z5C's several times in the past. Try patching the kernel again using v5.0 and see if that fixes it.
Note that v5.0 only supports up to firmware version 32.A.0.253 out of the box, you will need to make the following modification to support up to 32.2.A.5.11:
Download and unzip rootkernel v5.11 and v5.0.
Open folder \rootkernel_v5.11_Windows_Linux\Android\twrp_common_kmodules
Copy and overwrite all 7 sub-folders (folder names look like 3.10.49-perf-g83fc9bc etc.) to \rootkernel_v5.0_Windows_Linux\Android\twrp_common_kmodules
Then patch the kernel using v5.0 tool.
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Thanks, will try in the evening.
Just to know, if I'm upgrading from previous firmware version, do I have to do all steps or I can start from step 4 (flashing ftf file)?