[Q] Rooting the R800i without unlocking bootloader - Xperia Play Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello!
I'm interested in rooting my recently acquired Xperia PLAY (French version), because the bloatware is taking up too much space. However, I don't want to unlock the bootloader as I don't want to void my guarantee. Is this possible?
On a side note, I've heard that some people buy phones that have allready unlocked bootloaders; is there any way to find out if mine is too?
Thanks a lot,
Si1ver Shad0w

Buying phones with unlocked bootloaders is impossible unless it's used. You heard wrong
You can relock bootloader anytime anyways, but track id and qriocity will be gone forever
I used the XDA App to post this, what did you use?

Yeah, I knew that I could relock it, but still, I would prefer a rooting method that doesn't require this.
Also, to root it, I have to install some kind of new kernel or firmware, right?

OK, apparently a way to root without unlocking is to install the 2.3.2 FW and then do an OTA upgrade. But I can't find the ftf file. Can someone help me?
Also, for a French Xperia PLAY, I guess the UK ftf file is the best?
EDIT: Also, the XDA forums are very restrictive to newbies, no replying in the development section, have to wait 5 minutes between posts, etc...

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1287584&page=2

Related

Confused with Debrading and Rooting...SOS, help pls?

Hi everybody, Frist if all I apology if this is a repost and dumb question. Feel free do give a link that can answer my confussion.
I have Rogers branded Xperia Arc (LT15a.181). Now I want to debrand it, remove this junks from Rogers, unlock bootloader abd then root. I also want to upgrade to 2.3.3 as I host my protect 365 in facebook and fix those security issues they fixed. I woukd love if I will keep getting future updates as well (better not via rogers as they are always late).
What should I do? First debrand or Bootloader+Root? There are many artices and XDA-posts. But I'm really confused because I want both.
Also, is it possible to unlock the phone?
Thanks a lot, please help me. At least, a brief answer with details are enough.
Sent from my LT15a using XDA Premium App
Read read, then read some more, bit of practicing what you've read then read some more when you screw up.
To Sim-Unlock you need the code which you have to pay
To de-brand you can use Flashtool and flash the file you like into your phone(get more information by reading @ development section)
There is no 4.3.3
Its 2.3.3 and its not available for North America, but some people have reported that you can flash World Generic.
There are links for all these and you should be able to find them by searching.
Nimche said:
To Sim-Unlock you need the code which you have to pay
To de-brand you can use Flashtool and flash the file you like into your phone(get more information by reading @ development section)
There is no 4.3.3
Its 2.3.3 and its not available for North America, but some people have reported that you can flash World Generic.
There are links for all these and you should be able to find them by searching.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks you both!
Yeah, I read that I need to pay to get a code. I wonder if I should Root the phone first or de-brand first.
I wonder if I will lost future updates from Sony Ericsson because of any of those methods?
Your phone is branded(got it from Rogers right?)
- bootloader can not be unlocked (for now)
- If you want 2.3.3 on your phone then you need to get World Generic (i have NOT tried this myself) and install it (get the version with 181 ending) root it and then do an OTA update.(I am not sure if this method works on lt15a)
If you are fine with North American version which is 2.3.2 then you get the file HERE and then use Gingerbreak to root.
Good Luck
binku said:
Thanks you both!
Yeah, I read that I need to pay to get a code. I wonder if I should Root the phone first or de-brand first.
I wonder if I will lost future updates from Sony Ericsson because of any of those methods?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to have your bootloader unlocked to flash your phone. You could use Flashtool to flash an unbranded (Generic) firmware to your phone. There is the .181 generic firmware on Development forum which you can use. That firmware is the latest Generic one for LT15a.
If you want to go further, there is a .184 firmware UK Generic (LT15i), it's a little more stable and faster than the .181, and you still could use Gingerbreak to get your phone rooted. The only downside (minimal), is that your phone will say that you have the LT15i Model, but it still will use american bands (850/1900/2100). it's Hardware related, not firmware.
The Generic .145 firmware is the latest, but by now, it can't be rooted if you have a locked bootloader, in fact, I'm waiting for a new gingerbreak or something to apply that firmware.
If you root your phone, you still have support from SEUS, don't worry.
Cheers.
Everyone's already answered so hopefully you're on your way.
Just a few extra points:
SIM/network unlocking is ONCE and PERMANENT. Flashing/rooting does not affect it.
Rooting is done after flashing and is optional.
Debranding the arc:
Check out the other videos. Almost everything should be covered.
Dear BlueChipJ, Nimche and chaqo71, Thanks VERY much for the complete guide on rooting and debranding this awesome phone. I really appricate it.
I will follow this and root on this sunday or Monday! *fingers crossed*
Have a good weekend!
Sent from my LT15a using XDA Premium App

[Q] Easiest way to root a unlocked bootloader Arc running on 2.3.3 ?

If you have an Xperia Arc version 2.3.3 unlocked bootloader, you can't root using Gingerbreak or Super1click as the update, unwillingly, made sure that stuff doesn't work anymore.
The only way to root, as far as I know, is flashing -> getting 2.3.2 ROM -> root from their -> update.
I can not use that way as everytime I try to update in the last step it wont turn on again after reboot (so I have to flash using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126358, though i'm sure it'll work for most of you.
Question being: Is there atm really no alternative to root for me then? I'm kinda desperate, i've been looking on XDA a lot of hours and this is rly my last hope to get this over with..
thx in advance!
As you said yourself.. You have an unlocked bootloader.. so you don't have to more like you cannot use the FOTA technique cos OTA update bricks the phone..
Simply flash one of the prerooted kernel like DoomLord Kernel.. Should do it .. Or if you want the stock kernel then Serach the forums for something like "Root 4.0.A.2.368" They will usually specifically say that you need unlocked bootloader..
[Guide] All in one 'Namaste guide' to Bootloader unlocking, Rooting, Flashing & more
thx for the replies.
though, I've read that whole guide before, problem is:
"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 two disadvantages of unlocking the Xperia Arc’s bootloader.
As per my knowledge, till date, there is no Custom ROM designed for your Xperia Arc. So, it’s useless to unlock your bootloader. "
So, if a "non stock kernel" means the same as a "custom ROM", where do I find it? i dont want the original one as that1 is outdated. I know how to flash my phone, but only with delivered folders (which are always X10)
with kind regards,
Tom
Emissia said:
If you have an Xperia Arc version 2.3.3 unlocked bootloader, you can't root using Gingerbreak or Super1click as the update, unwillingly, made sure that stuff doesn't work anymore.
The only way to root, as far as I know, is flashing -> getting 2.3.2 ROM -> root from their -> update.
I can not use that way as everytime I try to update in the last step it wont turn on again after reboot (so I have to flash using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126358, though i'm sure it'll work for most of you.
Question being: Is there atm really no alternative to root for me then? I'm kinda desperate, i've been looking on XDA a lot of hours and this is rly my last hope to get this over with..
thx in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem with my Neo. I've tried flashing 2.2.2, then rooting with Flashtool (just click Xperia X10), but this doesn't work, and after relocking the bootloader and updating, the phone is bricked as well. Tried this like 5 times.
I think I'll just wait for 2.3.4 as my main reasons to root are making screenshots and removing bloatware. 2.3.4 adds screenshots, and currently, my ROM is not totally full.
Same here, just wanna get that bloatware off, starting to look like i'm gonna wait as well... this has already taken enough hours away from me
Emissia said:
Same here, just wanna get that bloatware off, starting to look like i'm gonna wait as well... this has already taken enough hours away from me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash a prerooted image or relock the bootloader and use the more lengthy method.
Emissia said:
thx for the replies.
though, I've read that whole guide before, problem is:
"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 two disadvantages of unlocking the Xperia Arc’s bootloader.
As per my knowledge, till date, there is no Custom ROM designed for your Xperia Arc. So, it’s useless to unlock your bootloader. "
So, if a "non stock kernel" means the same as a "custom ROM", where do I find it? i dont want the original one as that1 is outdated. I know how to flash my phone, but only with delivered folders (which are always X10)
with kind regards,
Tom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. Only non stock kernels yet around are the DoomLord and CM (FreeXperia) kerenls.. Check the development forums for them..
The Stock aren't really "outdated".. These custom kerenels are based on the original stock code with a few features enabled.. So don't expect android 2.3.4 from them or anything..
As for rooting issues.. Follow the Namaste guide and a few posts in the development forum bout rooting arc properly and carefully.. Noting what is Locked and Unlocked and which method works where.. And it won't take more than 15 minutes to setup everything..

[Q] Rogers Branded Arc - Flashing CM7

Hi,
As it is written in the thread title, I am the proud (and frustrated) owner of a an Xperia Arc on Rogers (Canada). I am frustrated because since the "classic" bootloader unlocking methods do not work with Rogers branded phone, I'm unable to use any flashing method that require fastboot.
Also, I've seen a bootloader unlocking method that involves removing the battery, attaching wires on contacts, ... And I do admit that this kind of stuff scares me a little bit.
I wanted to know if wether or not it was possible to use Clockworkmod recovery (or Rom Manager) with a rooted 2.3.2 version and "just" install CM7 that way ? I know it sounds a little naive, but I'm currently stuck trying to root (after a downgrade to 2.3.2) with Gingerbreak and it stalls and the phone ends up never rebooting.
So if anyone has a solution/idea on how to flash CM7 on my locked bootloader Arc, that would make me (and probably dozens of other Rogers Arc owners) sooooo happy.
Also, I just wanted to know if it was possible to flash CM7 with Flashtool ? Before having my Arc, I had an X10 and used flashtool about 15 times to flash MiUI Roms... If yes, would it be by "converting" the CM7 files into a .ftf file ?
Thank you very much
if i were you i would save the hassle. unlock bootloader, and go. i just did it this past weekend so i can get root without jumping through hoops.. i was extremely anxious about it too..but if you follow the instructions you really cant go wrong. ps. im using rogers arc too! and as to your questions.. i really dont think you can.
gk_terato said:
if i were you i would save the hassle. unlock bootloader, and go. i just did it this past weekend so i can get root without jumping through hoops.. i was extremely anxious about it too..but if you follow the instructions you really cant go wrong. ps. im using rogers arc too! and as to your questions.. i really dont think you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 If you can follow instructions then everything is pretty straight forward.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
Roger's Arc owner here as well.
So the the official method via the sony website dont work for us?
As CM7 is getting stable and since its pretty much release, I was gonna start to work on this ...
I was hoping to unlock bootloader ( through either sony , or one fo the threads and peeps that can do it here ) , root it and enjoy CM7.
Hope the official one works :S
fredastere said:
Hope the official one works :S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't, no Operator locked handset can, so you will need to use Alejandrissimo or Jinx13. Worth every penny.
Allright thanks for the heads up , I'll set up an apointment or somethin with Alejandrissimo
gk_terato said:
if i were you i would save the hassle. unlock bootloader, and go. i just did it this past weekend so i can get root without jumping through hoops.. i was extremely anxious about it too..but if you follow the instructions you really cant go wrong. ps. im using rogers arc too! and as to your questions.. i really dont think you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thanks for your quick answer gk_terato. So is the 24 USD $ really worth it (e.g. with alejandrissimo) ? I know a fraction of this amount is used to pay the tokens, but I don't know how much this is really worth... I've (sim) unlocked all of my previous phones and it was never over 15 CAD $.
And btw, I was just wondering wether or not unlocking the bootloader would, at the same time, remove the sim restriction ?
Thanks again !
antoinedl said:
Hi,
Thanks for your quick answer gk_terato. So is the 24 USD $ really worth it (e.g. with alejandrissimo) ? I know a fraction of this amount is used to pay the tokens, but I don't know how much this is really worth... I've (sim) unlocked all of my previous phones and it was never over 15 CAD $.
And btw, I was just wondering wether or not unlocking the bootloader would, at the same time, remove the sim restriction ?
Thanks again !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, i'm jus coming back to the forums checking out a way to unlock the bootloader ...(rogers arc....*sigh) WHo's alejandrissimo or Jinx13...
Please post a link for me newbie guy... thanks
Just look right here :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232050
He'll ask you to add him as a Google talk contact and to install Teamviewer, some drivers and a little application that lets you emulate a USB port over the internet. Good luck !

[Q] About DRM on bootloader unlocking (apps lost)

Hi guys, again here.. I read quite a lot about unlocking bootloader and I already know that it is re-lockable but once unlocked the DRM is gone. My question is just about the DRM...
- This DRM is specific for Sony Ericsson apps, like Track-ID, or will I have problem with other apps I bought from Market?
- Will I still be able to buy apps from Market?
- Does someone know which applications, despite Track-ID, I will lose?
Thank you guys!
OBS: Just one more question I see a lot of threads with Arc (LT15) firmwares with the title "arc/arc S". Can I flash a LT15 fw on a LT18? Like cyanogen, they just have a fw for LT15.. Can I? Thanks
I unlocked my bootloader via the se site about seven months ago and it hasn't really affected anything I use/used. Track ID still works, though I prefer soundhound anyway. Google movies won't let you purchase anything, but that comes with root anyway. Obviously this is my pov, there are probably other issues I'm unaware of as I don't purchase music from se directly, or apps.
Any rom should work for both lt15/18, check the op first though ;-)
sinkster©
The other option to unlock bootloader is to contact Jinx13
It is a paid method but it keeps your DRM keys and won't effect upgrading when ICS comes
if you afraid of unlocking,just dont do it,cause if anything happen you will ended blaming xda devs,and that isnt sweet mate..
Sent from my LT15i using Tapatalk
but we can relock the bootloader then use the ota ics update can be done..!!
No, because DRM is lost I guess
FlashTool will do the job
Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk
hey thanks you all =D... I think I'm going to wait a little more for official releasing of ICS, and then If I'm not satisfied I'll do the unlocking to flash CM. I'm just interested in this method using setool, but if I unlock my phone using this, will I still be able to flash using Flashtool, and even SEUS or PC Companion when ICS official releasing comes?
=)

[Q] Xperia Play r800at Troubles

Hello, I was posting here because I've been having a great deal of difficulty really getting anything done with it. What I'd like to do is either unlock the bootloader, or at least root it to my computer to flash on a new ROM.
In order to root it, I was told to put it in MSC mode, allow unknown sources, and enable USB debuggin, all of which I've done. However, when I go to root it using either SuperOneClick, Doom method, or flashtool, I continually get errors, either saying ADB server is out of date, killing..., or in the case of the doom method that it cannot write any files because they are read only. Somebody mentioned you an overwrite your r800at with an r800i rom to make this work, but the link in that thread lead to some virus (I assume it was taken down a while ago). I put it to a stock AT&T ftf, and still no luck.
My problem lies in the fact that some of the threads I'm looking at are YEARS old at this point, most of the links are dead, and some of the advice is contradictory. I figured then that I could just get somebody to unlock it for money, but all the threads point to alejandrissimo, who I believe is now inactive.
All I would like is to root my phone and put on a new rom, preferably of ICS, with minimal difficulty. I've sunk something like 10 hours into it at this point, and now am the proud owner of a phone with the exact same firmware I started with. I've wiped my contacts like 8 times, and to be honest I'm just getting frustrated with the whole thing. I hate the idea of having bloatware all over my phone though.
So if anybody knows a good way either to root the r800at (and if possible could provide active links to the software), or somebody I could pay to unlock it and skip all this work, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks for reading, have a good one.
I can't help you with unlocking bootloader (i have r800i with unlocked bootloader), but maybe i can help you with root
You didn't say what firmware are you using, but in general use Doomlord's zergrush method v4 for firmware .42 and below or Eroot on newer firmware (it's on chinese but it have one big button with word "ROOT" on it :silly: )
That is only for rooting and with that you can debloat stock firmware or use ROMs for locked bootloader.
SWM_installer V5 , should work on locked bootloader (once you get root) so you can flash custom GB roms.
To be able to install ICS/JB/CM/MIUI ROMS you must unlock your bootloader because they all don't work on stock GB kernel, and you need unlocked bootloader to be able to flash custom kernels
Here is some links, but i hope R800a users can help you more with unlocking bootloader
Xperia Play Index - ROM'S, FIRMWARE, KERNEL'S, GUIDE'S, THEMES, MOD'S
[MEGATHREAD][GUIDES][18th Dec][4Noobs] All My Tutorials!
Cyanlabs ROM Kitchen & Windows Helper Application
Thanks
First, thank you for the very informative response. Here's some additional info, I am not sure if it will be helpful to you
My current Android version is the stock AT&T 2.3.3 and my build number is 3.0.1.b.0.285. I'm honestly not sure which of these things is helpful, but I'll try that Chinese rooting method. Got a long work shift tonight, but I'll report back later.
Thank you so much, I really do appreciate it!

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