Can you unlock the bootloader and still restore DRM keys while keeping it unlocked? - Xperia Z1 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've got one of these on order and was reading about the DRM keys needed for Bravia engine and the camera to work. Can I restore those keys with the TA backup program and still keep the bootloader unlocked? Really would put a damper on the flashing fun.

mas5acre said:
I've got one of these on order and was reading about the DRM keys needed for Bravia engine and the camera to work. Can I restore those keys with the TA backup program and still keep the bootloader unlocked? Really would put a damper on the flashing fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you restore TA back up, it automatically relocks the phone.

dw1llow said:
If you restore TA back up, it automatically relocks the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So theres no way to flash just the keys huh....That kinda kills the modding scene, if someone doesn't find/create a work around. Losing the Bravia engine kinda sucks but that only works with Sony's video player, but losing the camera...that sucks. Sure there are other camera apps but I doubt they would have the software implementation of steady shot.

mas5acre said:
So theres no way to flash just the keys huh....That kinda kills the modding scene, if someone doesn't find/create a work around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if you're going to install custom rom, you'll have to forgo all the software-emulated Sony-specific features, like the BE engine, Bionz, etc.
Oh, btw, when you relock the phone, you gotta have the stock rom installed, other wise it's going to hardbrick your phone.

dw1llow said:
Well, if you're going to install custom rom, you'll have to forgo all the software-emulated Sony-specific features, like the BE engine, Bionz, etc.
Oh, btw, when you relock the phone, you gotta have the stock rom installed, other wise it's going to hardbrick your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll test some roms eventally....I just hate proprietary software on a mostly open platform like android. If I screw it up and don't have the original rom installed and it's hardbricked, can I still recover with a ta backup?
I thought ta both relocked the phone and installed the original rom.
As for the Bionz engine, I've read some bad things about photos taken with the z1 having grain. Maybe losing it isn't such a bad thing.

mas5acre said:
I'll test some roms eventally....I just hate proprietary software on a mostly open platform like android. If I screw it up and don't have the original rom installed and it's hardbricked, can I still recover with a ta backup?
I thought ta both relocked the phone and installed the original rom.
As for the Bionz engine, I've read some bad things about photos taken with the z1 having grain. Maybe losing it isn't such a bad thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TA is just a partition, so you need to flash stock ROM before restoring.
Yeah, me too. I've been using CM for like 2 years, so I don't know what it's going to be like using stock roms/kernels. But I'm pretty sure I'll hate it, cus there's nothing I hate more than being stuck with old android versions. I'm already dreading when my Z1 arrives, it will be running 4.2.2. Such a downgrade from CM10.2.

I backed up TA!

dw1llow said:
Well, if you're going to install custom rom, you'll have to forgo all the software-emulated Sony-specific features, like the BE engine, Bionz, etc.
Oh, btw, when you relock the phone, you gotta have the stock rom installed, other wise it's going to hardbrick your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have the Xperia Z1 in hand to confirm, but if the software is built anything like the Xperia Z then you most certainly won't brick your device by flashing locked TA while on a custom kernel. At worst you might stop it from booting (wrong signature on kernel), but all you need to do then is stick it in flash mode and install a signed kernel image using FlashTool or somthing. Worst case, stick it in fastboot mode and unlock again.

Looking forward to cyanogen 10.2 on Xperia z1!

Related

[Q] Bravia Engine doesnt function

I unlocked my bootloader i forgot to backup those drm keys after I finished unlocking my bravia engine functions well suddenly after a day it doesnt work anymore. I want to ask if there is a way to restore that thing. Thanks in advance!:good::good:
akosirenzo23 said:
I unlocked my bootloader i forgot to backup those drm keys after I finished unlocking my bravia engine functions well suddenly after a day it doesnt work anymore. I want to ask if there is a way to restore that thing. Thanks in advance!:good::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can flash this firmware using flash tool http://*******/UcKWB or mirror http://*******/UcKYT
this is the instructions http://*******/UcKx4 instead of ******* write a d f .ly (remove the space )
akosirenzo23 said:
I unlocked my bootloader i forgot to backup those drm keys after I finished unlocking my bravia engine functions well suddenly after a day it doesnt work anymore. I want to ask if there is a way to restore that thing. Thanks in advance!:good::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you have unlocked your bootloader, your DRM keys are PERMANENTLY gone. There is no other way back if you did not backup your TA partition.
akosirenzo23 said:
I want to ask if there is a way to restore that thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@akosirenzo23:
1) Sad to say, there is nothing to restore right now.
2) If you try to use someone else's DRM keys, you'll hard brick your device and Sony will not give you another one.
3) Some hope to you: who knows in the future (who knows, even in the near future) maybe you'll be able to flash X Reality (Bravia Engine 3) instead Bravia Engine 2.
Thanks
Thank you guys for the answers. I hope in the future someone can be able to bring back our lost drm keys or bravia engine on our mobile. Thanks again.
Does it really matter that much?

[Q] The fu...lovely bootloader

Hi there
I will try and keep this as short as I can. I have an Xperia T which I recently recovered from a bootloop thanks to the helpful folks here at XDA. The issue arose because I tried to flash a custom ROM without unlocking the bootloader (I rooted using Doomlord's Toolkit). I have since done a lot more reading about the process, but it is nearly impossible to read every related link on the internet, so I'd really appreciate if someone could answer the following two questions before I attempt to flash a custom ROM again.
Fortunately, my bootloader is unlockable, although I am currently using the stock firmware without any changes.
The first thing I want to do is backup the TA Partition so I can reinstate Bravia etc once I am happy with the custom ROM. I thought I had backed this up using the Android Flash Tool 0.9.13.0, but I have since read that this doesn't backup the TA Partition in full. For this, I need to use Backup-TA 9.10. My question about this is, do I need to use both the Flash Tool and Backup-TA in order to fully backup and restore the TA Partition, or is Backup-TA sufficient on its own? Also, I don't see an option to restore the backup created in the Flash Tool. How is this done?
The second question I have is, can I unlock the bootloader without going through the formal Sony bootloader unlock process? I have no money to replace my phone and it is under warranty until October this year so I do not want to jeopardise this if it is not possible to unlock the phone without involving Sony. The Android Flash Tool 0.9.13.0 provides a Bootloader Unlock option, yet I have read that it is not possible to unlock the bootloader without informing Sony. If I am able to use the Flash Tool to unlock my bootloader, I have downloaded a file called "LT30_relock_bootloader.ftf" which claims to relock the bootloader should I ever need to do so for the purposes of my warranty, so I have no issue unlocking the bootloader provided I do not need to go through Sony. So, is the information I am currently armed with correct? And is using the Android Flash Tool the best method to unlock the bootloader (so I can install a custom ROM)?
I intend to backup the TA Partition, use Doomlord's Toolkit to root my device, then unlock the bootloader (if possible), then install CWM v8 to flash a custom ROM.
Any clear advice would be greatly appreciated, as ever.
pfhastie said:
Hi there
I will try and keep this as short as I can. I have an Xperia T which I recently recovered from a bootloop thanks to the helpful folks here at XDA. The issue arose because I tried to flash a custom ROM without unlocking the bootloader (I rooted using Doomlord's Toolkit). I have since done a lot more reading about the process, but it is nearly impossible to read every related link on the internet, so I'd really appreciate if someone could answer the following two questions before I attempt to flash a custom ROM again.
Fortunately, my bootloader is unlockable, although I am currently using the stock firmware without any changes.
The first thing I want to do is backup the TA Partition so I can reinstate Bravia etc once I am happy with the custom ROM. I thought I had backed this up using the Android Flash Tool 0.9.13.0, but I have since read that this doesn't backup the TA Partition in full. For this, I need to use Backup-TA 9.10. My question about this is, do I need to use both the Flash Tool and Backup-TA in order to fully backup and restore the TA Partition, or is Backup-TA sufficient on its own? Also, I don't see an option to restore the backup created in the Flash Tool. How is this done?
The second question I have is, can I unlock the bootloader without going through the formal Sony bootloader unlock process? I have no money to replace my phone and it is under warranty until October this year so I do not want to jeopardise this if it is not possible to unlock the phone without involving Sony. The Android Flash Tool 0.9.13.0 provides a Bootloader Unlock option, yet I have read that it is not possible to unlock the bootloader without informing Sony. If I am able to use the Flash Tool to unlock my bootloader, I have downloaded a file called "LT30_relock_bootloader.ftf" which claims to relock the bootloader should I ever need to do so for the purposes of my warranty, so I have no issue unlocking the bootloader provided I do not need to go through Sony. So, is the information I am currently armed with correct? And is using the Android Flash Tool the best method to unlock the bootloader (so I can install a custom ROM)?
I intend to backup the TA Partition, use Doomlord's Toolkit to root my device, then unlock the bootloader (if possible), then install CWM v8 to flash a custom ROM.
Any clear advice would be greatly appreciated, as ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't read your post completly, but you can't install ANY custom rom if your bootloader is unlockable. You can't install a custom kernel. So all your efforts are worthless....
St.Jimmy90 said:
I haven't read your post completly, but you can't install ANY custom rom if your bootloader is unlockable. You can't install a custom kernel. So all your efforts are worthless....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that you have a lot of problems with English, he has phone with UNLOCKABLE bootloader, which means that it CAN BE unlocked...
This is not your first post where you're blowing away people not knowing what they are writing.
St.Jimmy90 said:
I haven't read your post completly, but you can't install ANY custom rom if your bootloader is unlockable. You can't install a custom kernel. So all your efforts are worthless....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why would u answer the question without understanding what he wrote ? and the fact remains that u admitted that u didnt read it all the way so its pointless to reply jus like u may be saying its pointless for me to reply to your post and not answer the question
Yes, just to confirm my bootloader can be unlocked (unlike some Xperia T variations), but is currently locked. And I am enquiring as to whether it can be unlocked without contacting Sony and how best to go about it.
I would really appreciate some help as I am disinclined to do anything on my phone until I can solve the issues and questions outlined above.
pfhastie said:
Yes, just to confirm my bootloader can be unlocked (unlike some Xperia T variations), but is currently locked. And I am enquiring as to whether it can be unlocked without contacting Sony and how best to go about it.
I would really appreciate some help as I am disinclined to do anything on my phone until I can solve the issues and questions outlined above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no know not of any other ways but sony and flashtool atm
1: Use backup-TA ONLY. You won't be reinstating it and getting back Bravia while you are using a custom ROM though You restore this backup only if you want to go back to stock and restore Bravia/send phone in for service.
2: You need the code from the Sony service. However just because you got the code, doesn't mean you used the code so won't wreck your warranty on its own. You restore the TA backup before your send away under warranty and then they don't even know you ever unlocked in the first place
Don't flash any .ftf to relock your bootloader, thats what you make the TA backup for. Any other method to relock bootloader will show relocked instead of never unlocked status you need for warranty. TA is only thing that will restore Bravia also.
pfhastie said:
Hi there
I will try and keep this as short as I can./QUOTE]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nlooooo said:
I think that you have a lot of problems with English, he has phone with UNLOCKABLE bootloader, which means that it CAN BE unlocked...
This is not your first post where you're blowing away people not knowing what they are writing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doh man, usually I understand everything but it seems I have to read more carefully..... And I shouldn't try to read something while talking to a friend. It won't happen again
Thanks for that, mdc1983uk, I understand about the TA partition now.
My only remaining question is, if I need the Sony code to unlock the bootloader, what happens when you use the Android Flash Tool 0.9.13.0 Bootloader Unlock option? Does it still require you to get a Sony code?
pfhastie said:
Thanks for that, mdc1983uk, I understand about the TA partition now.
My only remaining question is, if I need the Sony code to unlock the bootloader, what happens when you use the Android Flash Tool 0.9.13.0 Bootloader Unlock option? Does it still require you to get a Sony code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know you need the code. Every phone gets an unique code created from your Imei
OK, thanks for the advice.
New problem: I upgraded to 4.3, now Doomlord's Rooting Toolkit doesn't work. Is there another way to root 4.3? I can't use Backup-TA unless device is rooted.
I swear, I can understand why it sometimes seems a little tetchy round here - every step of every path seems to lead straight into a brick wall!!!
pfhastie said:
OK, thanks for the advice.
New problem: I upgraded to 4.3, now Doomlord's Rooting Toolkit doesn't work. Is there another way to root 4.3? I can't use Backup-TA unless device is rooted.
I swear, I can understand why it sometimes seems a little tetchy round here - every step of every path seems to lead straight into a brick wall!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What if you flash Darklords pre rooted and deodexed rom?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2647459
Thanks for that, I appreciate that would work, but I still haven't come close to being able to successfully flash a single ROM and I just don't have the time or mental strength required to work my way through every ball-breaking step. No matter how simple it seems, there will be a problem.
Unless there is a simpler solution, I shall just keep watching these forums hoping the mighty Doomlord releases a new Toolkit or another method comes to light. Surely within a few weeks there ought to be another solution given all the high IQ bods on the case.
pfhastie said:
Thanks for that, I appreciate that would work, but I still haven't come close to being able to successfully flash a single ROM and I just don't have the time or mental strength required to work my way through every ball-breaking step. No matter how simple it seems, there will be a problem.
Unless there is a simpler solution, I shall just keep watching these forums hoping the mighty Doomlord releases a new Toolkit or another method comes to light. Surely within a few weeks there ought to be another solution given all the high IQ bods on the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't bank on the devs coming up with a new root method for 4.3, currently there isn't a need for one since we can all root on 4.1 then unoffically upgrade with a pre-rooted firmware, this is a relitevly simple procedure and can be done within an hour
It wouldn't be an hour for me, unfortunately. It would likely be three solid days of profound agony and disturbed sleep. Even tonight, it took me hours to connect to PC Companion to run a fresh copy of the firmware and the thread related to the 4.3 pre-rooted firmware suggests there are still a few issues. The great and mighty Doomlord's Toolkit takes seconds and works perfectly. I am sure I am not alone in my concerns.
pfhastie said:
It wouldn't be an hour for me, unfortunately. It would likely be three solid days of profound agony and disturbed sleep. Even tonight, it took me hours to connect to PC Companion to run a fresh copy of the firmware and the thread related to the 4.3 pre-rooted firmware suggests there are still a few issues. The great and mighty Doomlord's Toolkit takes seconds and works perfectly. I am sure I am not alone in my concerns.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on what @matt4321 said in the previous post. Downgrade to 4.1.2, root, and then backup your TA partition with Backup-TA, flash CWM v8, and unlock bootloader if so desired.
If you want to be on 4.3, once you're unlocked, and after flashing any Official 4.3 FTF, you can then flash a kernel that can be found in EXR leaked 4.3 thread which comes with CWM already included, and finally proceed to flash SuperSU in recovery.
The minute one of the Official 4.3 FTF's came out I flashed it and tried the kernel I just mentioned; it's been working fine, probably even better than the official stock kernel (even though it is based on a stock kernel, only with CWM, that's why you need to be unlocked), given that I don't have a single one of the bugs that people are reporting exist on the Official 4.3 Roms. Battery is at 40% and I am already at almost 35 hours on a single charge.
If you already have the FTF files, this procedure doesn't take more than 40 minutes, if you're comfortable with and know what you're doing.
I hear you and will very likely give it a shot as soon as I can find the time (if only this was my only concern). At this stage, I'd be inclined to use Doomlord's Rooted&Deodexed ROM as it doesn't require unlocking the bootloader, but it is still a long way around to get root for the 4.3 version I am already using.
What I don't understand is, why would anyone comfortable with this whole process want to run 4.3 anyway when KitKat and supposedly better ROMs are widely available? Doesn't make sense. The truth is, the Sony interface is very well implemented already, and I'm beginning to think that better shortcuts and flashy sidebars are not worth the effort of trying to deal with flashing custom ROMs. I don't want a smartphone - or any computer - loaded with more utilities than apps that actually do stuff. That, I thought, was part of the rank old days.
I read about five web pages devoted to explaining what deodexing actually means and I still don't know, and probably never will.
I'll mull over the situation as I get drunk tonight!
Well, the thing is you need to backup your TA partition, which is the only reason why you'd have to go back to 4.1.2, which lengthens the process.
pfhastie said:
I read about five web pages devoted to explaining what deodexing actually means and I still don't know, and probably never will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding odexing/deodexing, read this.
pfhastie said:
What I don't understand is, why would anyone comfortable with this whole process want to run 4.3 anyway when KitKat and supposedly better ROMs are widely available? Doesn't make sense. The truth is, the Sony interface is very well implemented already, and I'm beginning to think that better shortcuts and flashy sidebars are not worth the effort of trying to deal with flashing custom ROMs. I don't want a smartphone - or any computer - loaded with more utilities than apps that actually do stuff. That, I thought, was part of the rank old days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously, in your case it's simple, since you have an XT and there are several custom ROMS that are currently being actively maintained for that device; you can do pretty much anything you want.
Others, like myself, have an XTX, and apparently none of the devs working on Roms actually have an XTX, so developing for it is a hit and miss. I tried CM11, and it was working flawlessly until I realized that half of the time the phone should be in deep sleep, it does not sleep due to kernel wakelocks. A battery that lasts 6 - 7 hours is no use for me. Therefore, my only option was to go back to JB 4.3.
The people who actually bought an XT have a wide variety of ROMs to choose from. On the other hand, those who have an XTX have about 3 or 4 ROMs (at the most), with the only one actually being maintained, is CM11.
Antiga Prime said:
Well, the thing is you need to backup your TA partition, which is the only reason why you'd have to go back to 4.1.2, which lengthens the process.
Regarding odexing/deodexing, read this.
Obviously, in your case it's simple, since you have an XT and there are several custom ROMS that are currently being actively maintained for that device; you can do pretty much anything you want.
Others, like myself, have an XTX, and apparently none of the devs working on Roms actually have an XTX, so developing for it is a hit and miss. I tried CM11, and it was working flawlessly until I realized that half of the time the phone should be in deep sleep, it does not sleep due to kernel wakelocks. A battery that lasts 6 - 7 hours is no use for me. Therefore, my only option was to go back to JB 4.3.
The people who actually bought an XT have a wide variety of ROMs to choose from. On the other hand, those who have an XTX have about 3 or 4 ROMs (at the most), with the only one actually being maintained, is CM11.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I get you. Still, bit of a faff, isn't it? These devices will be old before they can be utilised perfectly.
Custom ROMS still have a way to go unless stock based. Although the stock 4.3 isn't flawless, its better for me than the 4.3/4.4 custom's running on a 4.1 kernel. Every i've tried comes with the proviso that you will suffer blue screens of death at random until Sony releases the 4.3 kernel open source for them to merge. Some guys are hardcore though and putting up with reboots and crashes is a normal part of the game as it's not a bug - they are waiting for Sony. There's also another huge issue (for me) of the speakerphone never working correctly at the Sony volumes. They have to turn the volume of the whole ROM down to compensate and this makes it hard to hear in a noisy environment, a frustrating bug for me which has hung around since 4.1. You can max the volume up with a file which someone did, but it breaks the speakerphone then so you can only have one or the other.
In a lot of ways I am one of those guys though, I do like to experiment and am comfortable with the processes but I always find what I flash causes me some frustration before long so I go back to stock. If I had the knowledge to help fix problems it would be a different story and i'd stick with custom but as I can't I don't really see the point until 4.3 sources come out and its all a bit more stable.
pfhastie said:
What I don't understand is, why would anyone comfortable with this whole process want to run 4.3 anyway when KitKat and supposedly better ROMs are widely available? Doesn't make sense. The truth is, the Sony interface is very well implemented already, and I'm beginning to think that better shortcuts and flashy sidebars are not worth the effort of trying to deal with flashing custom ROMs. I don't want a smartphone - or any computer - loaded with more utilities than apps that actually do stuff. That, I thought, was part of the rank old days.
I read about five web pages devoted to explaining what deodexing actually means and I still don't know, and probably never will.
I'll mull over the situation as I get drunk tonight!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Please help

Hi all I had unlocked my bootloader and root it and instakl cm10.2.1 after that I hate it my stock rom was the best so I relockef my bootloader and restore the stock but Bravia not working in album just in videos so what is the solution now and my friend have one with the same that I have the same customization can I backup the ta from his phone and put them on mine
Please help
Please all help me
You can't do anything if you didn't backup your TA partition. Your DRM keys are gone forever.
Do not restore anyone else's TA partition to your device. You will irreversibly and permanently hard brick it.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
So this is the end
And why I can't
Yes.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
kingvortex said:
Yes.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please dont say it
Even if my friends phone have the same Rom and same customization and from the same reseller
Don't do it unless you want to throw your phone in the trash. You will 100% brick it. I'm not just making this up.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
I'm sorry but how many times can I say this?
You absolutely, 100% cannot fix it.
The DRM keys that allow Bravia engine to work are permanently erased and you didn't make a backup. If you restore them from another device, you will destroy your phone.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
Hhhh sorry but im so disapointed I dropped my Samsung for sonys phone now back to Samsung you do everything with Samsung phone and when you use Odin restore stock rom every thing back like there is nothing happend just use triangle away
I sware in crying now oh common now the is no need for Sony stock rom going to cm11
The last questiom if they update our to android L do they will back ???
I doubt it.
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kingvortex said:
I doubt it.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there is a chance right cuts you doubt right?
NiceIceDice96 said:
The last questiom if they update our to android L do they will back ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They aren't going to get back after you haven't made any TA backup. You'll not be able to use „Sony PC Companion“ as well, as from your phone is with unlocked bootloader. Even if you have relocked it, it hasn't recovered your DRM keys, becouse they are being stored in your UNIQUE TA Backup.
Why can't you flash any other phone TA?
Becouse every phone has unique and different baseband, DRM keys and other keys which are checking when phone's booting up. If phone fails signatures checkpoint, it stops and doesn't start anymore. That's mean, then your phone is completely bricked and you are permanently screwed all things up.
What's differend between simple brick and DRM/TA brick?
In some cases, you CAN give another "live" to your phone, but in TA partition brick-up, - you can't unbrick it anyway anymore. It's just impossible and permanently. Becouse phone fails to check signatures and other stuff. As much as I know, you will be not able to use flashtool, either fastboot functions, becouse your phone won't go through the black screens, in conclusion - it just wont start anymore.
I think I've explained everything understandable.
Sorry if I made some mistakes (in language, either in some my explaination).
If i'm wrong, please correct me.
NiceIceDice96 said:
So there is a chance right cuts you doubt right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, then I should have said no. The DRM keys will never come back. Ever. They might decide to let Bravia Engine work without them though, but who knows.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
kingvortex said:
OK, then I should have said no. The DRM keys will never come back. Ever. They might decide to let Bravia Engine work without them though, but who knows.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please but even if I send it to the factory to fix it
NiceIceDice96 said:
Please please please forgive me bur even if I send it to the factory to fix it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They won't fix it, becouse you void warranty by unlocking your bootloader and even with relocking will not fix this issue, becouse at first what they will gonna do is check DRM keys, - is them in their right places. But don't worry, with unlocked bootloader you can use X-Reality instead, just browse for mods.
Seriously, if you did a modicum of research on the forums before unlocking your bootloader, you would have realised that the first thing to do after rooting is take a backup of your TA partition.
Had you done so, you would be able to restore your device to its pristine, original state any time with just a few mouse clicks.
You didn't, and are now paying the consequences.
It's no use cursing Sony, and saying Samsung is the be all and end all when it comes to flashing and returning to stock because that is untrue. In fact Samsung is the WORST in that regard, because as soon as you flash anything, you will trip the Knox "warranty void" e-fuse, which permanently DESTROYS a part of your hardware, and is irreversible. You can't even flash older firmware after that.
Give me Sony any day.
shoey63 said:
Seriously, if you did a modicum of research on the forums before unlocking your bootloader, you would have realised that the first thing to do after rooting is take a backup of your TA partition.
Had you done so, you would be able to restore your device to its pristine, original state any time with just a few mouse clicks.
You didn't, and are now paying the consequences.
It's no use cursing Sony, and saying Samsung is the be all and end all when it comes to flashing and returning to stock because that is untrue. In fact Samsung is the WORST in that regard, because as soon as you flash anything, you will trip the Knox "warranty void" e-fuse, which permanently DESTROYS a part of your hardware, and is irreversible. You can't even flash older firmware after that.
Give me Sony any day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh didn't knew Samsung is bad that much...
TapaTalked from my Xperia™ Z (C660²) running Dirty Unicorns ROM!
androidfreak70 said:
Oh didn't knew Samsung is bad that much...
TapaTalked from my Xperia™ Z (C660²) running Dirty Unicorns ROM!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep - pure evil

[Q] Restoring DRM Functions (UB)

Hi guys.
New to this forum (well, back after a good 3 years) and I decided to pick up an Xperia Z1 to get back into Android. Did the usual that I do with my Android phones, and quickly went ahead and bootloader unlocked.
Little did I know that there was such a thing as DRM Keys and TA Partitions that required backing up. Yeah, stupid me being all excited on Christmas Eve.
What I'm wondering is, will I be able to use this guide to restore functions of the camera and other hardware/software related bits (BionZ, Noise Cancelling etc) without a valid TA Partition backup and DRM Keys? I've read through a fair amount of that thread looking to see if anyone has done it in the same situation as I'm in, and well, I've found people requesting .FTF with TA Partitions in them (Doesn't that brick your phone?).
If I can possibly restore with a .FTF downloaded off the internet, I'll do so but input would be helpful so I don't go bricking my new device... I'd like to somehow at least restore the camera stuff so that I don't get horrible low light photos, and from there install a custom ROM like iHackers.
If it helps, I'm on build number 14.4.A.0.157 (4.4.4 I think).
Cheers.
BamItzMuffinz said:
Hi guys.
New to this forum (well, back after a good 3 years) and I decided to pick up an Xperia Z1 to get back into Android. Did the usual that I do with my Android phones, and quickly went ahead and bootloader unlocked.
Little did I know that there was such a thing as DRM Keys and TA Partitions that required backing up. Yeah, stupid me being all excited on Christmas Eve.
What I'm wondering is, will I be able to use this guide to restore functions of the camera and other hardware/software related bits (BionZ, Noise Cancelling etc) without a valid TA Partition backup and DRM Keys? I've read through a fair amount of that thread looking to see if anyone has done it in the same situation as I'm in, and well, I've found people requesting .FTF with TA Partitions in them (Doesn't that brick your phone?).
If I can possibly restore with a .FTF downloaded off the internet, I'll do so but input would be helpful so I don't go bricking my new device... I'd like to somehow at least restore the camera stuff so that I don't get horrible low light photos, and from there install a custom ROM like iHackers.
If it helps, I'm on build number 14.4.A.0.157 (4.4.4 I think).
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
using TA partitions from other devices will brick your phone that's what i know.

Various noob questions

Hello !
I've a new Xperia E1 Dual (2105).
I've successfully rooted it, thanks to the information I've found on this forum.
Now I've some questions :
1) on my previous phone (Xperia X8) I had a recovery screen accessible upon reboot onto which I could make backups of the whole software on the SDCARD. I would like to have the same on the E1 but I can't find nothing to make this work. What should I do ?
2) Is there any advantage to run a custom ROM on this device, given it already has 4.4 ? (the X8 needed a custom ROM to go beyond 1.6 or 2.1 version Sony delivered).
Many thanks in advance for your help !
Recovery requires unlocked bootloader
Yes, you can backup stuff using PhilZ or TWRP. You can get into recovery by tapping the walkman button during Sony logo
We are currently stuck on 4.4.2, but there are many Stock ROM mods that speeds up it up the phone, such as KillaMade, Illumination, etc.. It frees your time enchancing the ROM, or If you are completely new to Android, It avoids you to give a few headache
If you are unsure what to do, check my guide, It is mostly noob-friendly
Kizoky said:
Recovery requires unlocked bootloader
Yes, you can backup stuff using PhilZ or TWRP. You can get into recovery by tapping the walkman button during Sony logo
We are currently stuck on 4.4.2, but there are many Stock ROM mods that speeds up it up the phone, such as KillaMade, Illumination, etc.. It frees your time enchancing the ROM, or If you are completely new to Android, It avoids you to give a few headache
If you are unsure what to do, check my guide, It is mostly noob-friendly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your answer.
I'm a bit confused because I am not able to install TWRP because it says that my phone is unsupported.
I've cleaned bloatware using RUninstaller (backing up each APK before removing it) and moved the backuped APK to the SDCard and to my PC for a possible re-install. But I would have liked to make a backup of all the files with the device cold before tweaking ... I like having belt and suspender when going wild
georgesgiralt said:
Thank you for your answer.
I'm a bit confused because I am not able to install TWRP because it says that my phone is unsupported.
I've cleaned bloatware using RUninstaller (backing up each APK before removing it) and moved the backuped APK to the SDCard and to my PC for a possible re-install. But I would have liked to make a backup of all the files with the device cold before tweaking ... I like having belt and suspender when going wild
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just saying using any TWRP app will always say E1 is incompatible, because it is not supported (officially) daily
However, you can install TWRP here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe.../recovery-main-thread-twrp-xperia-e1-t3323159
As I said It requires unlocked bootloader, otherwise you can't get into recovery
Kizoky said:
Just saying using any TWRP app will always say E1 is incompatible, because it is not supported (officially) daily
However, you can install TWRP here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe.../recovery-main-thread-twrp-xperia-e1-t3323159
As I said It requires unlocked bootloader, otherwise you can't get into recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your answer !
I've read about unlocking the bootloader and saw that it will reset the phone/apps/settings to factory default.
I should have done it long before ....
But I wonder if there is a way to backup everything BEFORE unlocking and, restore after unlocking to get my settings back.
What do you think ?
georgesgiralt said:
Thank you for your answer !
I've read about unlocking the bootloader and saw that it will reset the phone/apps/settings to factory default.
I should have done it long before ....
But I wonder if there is a way to backup everything BEFORE unlocking and, restore after unlocking to get my settings back.
What do you think ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I don't have a locked BL, so I can't really tell you how to make the recovery work, though there are many threads about how to boot into PhilZ under locked BL @xezrunner
If you do however manage to flash PhilZ, you can backup your entire system along with apps, data, and etc..
I suggest backing up TA, If you ever need to relock the BL back again to make use of the warranty
Here's the appropiate thread on how to install recovery on a locked bootloader.
xezrunner said:
Here's the appropiate thread on how to install recovery on a locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much but I've already used that and installed a recovery. You are late by a couple of hours.
I was able to do a backup of my present configuration and even make a "custom ROM" with the actual phone. So I'm very pleased !
I looked into the service menu and saw that my boot loader is not locked and that I've no DRM installed (maybe that's because my phone is a plain Sony one ? without any paid application ? )
Now, I've just to use the thread about changing the behavior of the Walkman button in order to disable it...
Thank to all who responded and provided help ! I'm an IT guy but far from an Android guy ! And I would not have done this without you !
Edit :
An additional question :
Now, I still have a locked bootloader (because I did not unlock it) and a recovery installed (PhilZ). Do you think I could install TRWP rescue still without unlocking the BL ? (this way I may keep the warranty of the phone ?)
TWRP is in a different image file (recovery.img), which locked BLs will never be able to boot in it
PhilZ is stored in the kernel (boot.img), so you can easily flash another ftf file to erase the kernel If you need to deliver the phone to your provider
(some providers take this seriously as this is a great excuse for them to ask for more money, or even worse, refuse to repair it, however Sony is still pretty calm about things like this)
As long as your BL is locked, and your TA is intact, your warranty is safe
georgesgiralt said:
I looked into the service menu and saw that my boot loader is not locked and that I've no DRM installed (maybe that's because my phone is a plain Sony one ? without any paid application ? )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Xperia E1 has no DRMs whatsoever. What DRMs could you even have? The camera lacks any enchancements Sony has for the other devices...
xezrunner said:
The Xperia E1 has no DRMs whatsoever. What DRMs could you even have? The camera lacks any enchancements Sony has for the other devices...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ! OK !
This clarifies a lot of things. I was wondering what's this DRM thing was about.
Last question, do you know if one can backup the official ROM downloaded through Sony PC Companion during "Repair phone" operation ?
georgesgiralt said:
Ah ! OK !
This clarifies a lot of things. I was wondering what's this DRM thing was about.
Last question, do you know if one can backup the official ROM downloaded through Sony PC Companion during "Repair phone" operation ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a much better way to get a .ftf file that you can flash with Flashtool. Use XperiFirm.
xezrunner said:
There's a much better way to get a .ftf file that you can flash with Flashtool. Use XperiFirm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you thank you thank you !
It's amazing the volume and quality of information I got asking simple questions.
I would have had to read thousand of pages of this forum to get that much ! You definitely saved me weeks of investment.
Do you know if I can install a Sony software made for a different CDA phone ? Because I have an old X8 which came with Orange branding and it has been so badly configured it is a pity. So I would like to try it with plain Sony Ericsson software and compare with the ROM I tested on it.
Have a bright nice day !
georgesgiralt said:
Thank you thank you thank you !
It's amazing the volume and quality of information I got asking simple questions.
I would have had to read thousand of pages of this forum to get that much ! You definitely saved me weeks of investment.
Do you know if I can install a Sony software made for a different CDA phone ? Because I have an old X8 which came with Orange branding and it has been so badly configured it is a pity. So I would like to try it with plain Sony Ericsson software and compare with the ROM I tested on it.
Have a bright nice day !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely, you can flash any kind of firmware and it will work as long as it's for that specific model. You might experience some issues like no 3G if the firmware was made for a country that has no 3G support or has a different kind of cellular reception. But that's rare. The amount of bloat also varies beetween firmwares, of course. Kizoky has made a thread on all the firmwares available in XperiFirm with the fewest amount of bloat, I'm using the Turkey one and it's working really nice.
Glad to be of help!
Hello !
Here I am again !
I've a question I can't solve myself.
I've searched and didn't find an answer.
When I'm at work, I would like to send some calls directly to the answering machine without the phone even ringing. Mostly the personal calls because I can't get any privacy when at work.
Before the Android Era, I had a phone with a white list and a black list. And you could manage the actions for the white or the black lists. This served me well.
On my Android 4.4 I did not find something similar.
I would be delighted to get some help from you guys !
Thanks in advance for your answer.
georgesgiralt said:
Hello !
Here I am again !
I've a question I can't solve myself.
I've searched and didn't find an answer.
When I'm at work, I would like to send some calls directly to the answering machine without the phone even ringing. Mostly the personal calls because I can't get any privacy when at work.
Before the Android Era, I had a phone with a white list and a black list. And you could manage the actions for the white or the black lists. This served me well.
On my Android 4.4 I did not find something similar.
I would be delighted to get some help from you guys !
Thanks in advance for your answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ugh, now that's some tough question.
Try asking in here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/help
Kizoky,
Thank you for your answer. Actually, i had an idea to search for just blacklist android. It was more productive this way. I've to learn how to search ...
I've found two ways : the first one (not working) is to activate the black list from the settings in the contacts. The second one is to download an app to do just that. For now, I've to find one acting just on the phone call and not on the SMS. Funny Sony or Google did not think it was a need to fulfil ...

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