[Q] Original Neo - Where to Start? - Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo, Pro

So I have a completely original Neo, still on the on the original Gingerbread (2.3.3) it had and I don't quite know how to proceed.
The only thing I do know is that if at all possible I don't want to unlock the bootloader.
Ideally I want to back everything up before I do anything but from my understanding Titanium Backup needs root to back everything up so that creates a bit of a catch 22. Similarly installing CWM so that I can access recovery is risky and could break everything so I'd want a backup first but for that I need either root or recovery so another catch 22. So what would be the safest option?
Also I want to update to ICS, I figure it's about time I get my phone current, but I don't know in what order I should do that in either...
Should I gingerbreak my Gingerbread and then update to ICS?
Should I just update to ICS and then root?
Should I upgrade using generic firmware to a version supporting the zergRush root, then root and then continue updating to current ICS?
I'm fairly confident I can get everything right first time on any method (and I know what all the methods are/am to not to lazy to research the methods myself) but I just can't figure out the safest course of action here...other than staying on Gingerbread for the duration of my phone contract.
Any help you can give me is appreciated.

Start by reading the stickies in the development section, do some reading and you'll know
look at the stickies in neo v section too

Ok so you're saying I should follow the "noob's guide" exactly and try a zergRush Root first? (Skip unlocking the bootloader since it'm not interested in cutoms roms with custom kernels) and then install CWM and make a nandroid backup?
Ok....but that still doesn't tell me whether I should update first or root first?
Also I can't seem to tell from it's thread whether the zergRush root works on the latest ICS (I don't see mention of .431 in the thread with .62 apparently being the last version that worked so that would be a no then?)?
Also my case is different because I could actually even still root with Gingerbreak if that was best/safest unlike most people trying to root (I never downgraded either so I wouldn't be exposed to the 0% issue).

ZergRush method doesn't work on fw's after .42.
There is another method, which you can find in sticky thread in general section.
First update, then root, as root is gone after flas/update.
p.s. whatever you do, just don't flash android 2.3.2 on your phone after you flash 2.3.4, but there is no really point in going to that old fw, same as there is no point in still being on 2.3.3.

Root is only gone if I don't update OTA

SCHUMI_4EVER said:
Root is only gone if I don't update OTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Thanks for telling me that..
I know that, I also know that you can't update from 2.3.3 to 4.0.4(which you said it's your initial goal, in your first post) via OTA. Or you can?

As far as I know I can but I admit I haven't checked yet. I don't see why once it's available for my region through the PC Suite it shouldn't also be available OTA.

Try and let us know.
It's not same if you're updating from x.x.x to x.x.y and from x.x.x to y.y.y, in first case OTA is possible, in second case I kinda doubt
I also didn't try, but if I remember correctly that's how it is.

Yeah but surely it should then just be 3 steps? So from x.x.x to x.x.y to y.y.y...that would would make sense to me anyways
Still reading up on a bit of other stuff then I'll check

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1973017
hope it helps..

Related

Have 1.5 > OTA 2.1? You can still Root. (NOT for Leakers)

For anyone who's NOT on a LEAKED version of 2.1, you can still Root.
We have verified that the PB00IMG.zip goes through its checking process, and asks to update. It looks very much like the Root PB00IMG.zip IS able to be flashed over any phones that went from 1.5 to OTA 2.1.
So anyone who's holding back on going from 1.5 to OTA 2.1, for fear that they wont' be able to root, let your fears disappear.
Special thanks to ssgtob1 from AndroidForums.com who bravely tested booting up in HBOOT with the Root PB00IMG.zip on his SD card.
Thank you for your help, and anyone who DIDN'T leak, we STILL have you covered for Root. Go ahead and follow any set of normal directions for 1.5 to root, and you should be all set to Root your phone.
FOR LEAKERS: Some exploits are still being explored. I hope something comes to fruition. You will know as soon as anyone knows. I promise.
Thanks,
Paul
Peed on yet again leaking sucks. All I know is patience is a virtue I will forever remember to have after this phone. Guess im going to update to v3 leak from v1 since cannot update.
edgeupgx said:
Peed on yet again leaking sucks. All I know is patience is a virtue I will forever remember to have after this phone. Guess im going to update to v3 leak from v1 since cannot update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you should continue to be patient with v1?.....
So, Ive updated to the OTA and did not have root on my 1.5 when I updated. Are you saying that even though I have done this that I can still root? If so, which tutorial/directions should I follow?
Don't worry, two things have been confirmed.
First the OTA will not work with the leaked ROMs installed.
Second, the OTA is exactly the same as the 2.1 leak v3.
This was confirmed on Android-forum by someone that took the time to compare every single file and CRC the binaries. The only difference was that the leaked ROMs use a different bootloader to install as they did and the actual OS and apps are exactly the same so if you got leak v3 you got the OTA.
The OTA won't install because you are already running it. The only down side is you still cannot root, but otherwise you have as good or better than the OTA.
.
So far, I have not come across a cooked ROM for root that does not have bugs or that functions as well as the OTA (which also has a few bugs). I'm hoping that the development will continue or even increase so we will have better ROMs soon.
xtremeskier97 said:
So, Ive updated to the OTA and did not have root on my 1.5 when I updated. Are you saying that even though I have done this that I can still root? If so, which tutorial/directions should I follow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The exact directions, as if you were 1.5. You have a few options. If you have Windows, an easy way to go about it is this:\
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=661413
The manual method does, literally, the EXACT same thing, it's just a teeny bit more technical, but you learn a lot about your phone in the process (that you wouldn't have learned using the Eris Master Application). If you're pretty technical (or using Mac OSX or Unix or Linux) then I would use the following tutorial (except, if you have Unix/Linux, you don't have to worry about drivers, and it's "./adb" instead of "adb" when you're running commands).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=647707
Good luck!
DigitalMD said:
So far, I have not come across a cooked ROM for root that does not have bugs or that functions as well as the OTA (which also has a few bugs). I'm hoping that the development will continue or even increase so we will have better ROMs soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I must vouch for Ivan's Eris_Official 1.0 being as bugless as the OTA, in my experience. This guy's been cooking ROMs for all kinds of phones for YEARS, and knows what he's doing. 100% clean, looks like stock, and is a lot faster.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=652044
Root after 2.1 OTA upgrade from 1.5
OK,
Let me get this straight and understand it crystal clear. Are you saying that an Eris with 1.5 without root can get the 2.1 OTA upgrade and later get root? Has anyone done this? Hoping it's true as I just got the OTA and installed it based on this thread. BTW, 2.1 .......NICE!
Bill
bczygan said:
OK,
Let me get this straight and understand it crystal clear. Are you saying that an Eris with 1.5 without root can get the 2.1 OTA upgrade and later get root? Has anyone done this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is possible, and yes it has been done. I believe if you got the 2.1 OTA from a stock 1.5, the documented root method will work fine.
If you got 2.1 from any of the three leaks, you are stuck without root.
(Someone correct me if I'm wrong though! )
Add on question about rooting the OTA 2.1
I amn in the process of trying to root from the 2.1 OTA. Am I correct in thinking that following the walkthrough, that I will be replacing the OTA with another ROM which is functionally the same, but not the same exact one? Can I later redo the OTA from a file? Will this eliminate root?
Bill
bczygan said:
I amn in the process of trying to root from the 2.1 OTA. Am I correct in thinking that following the walkthrough, that I will be replacing the OTA with another ROM which is functionally the same, but not the same exact one? Can I later redo the OTA from a file? Will this eliminate root?
Bill
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Following the walkthrough OR using the Eris Master Application (if you have Windows) will work JUST fine. (even though those things say you NEED 1.5, that's not exactly true, because OTA 2.1 works as well).
Once you Root, put a Recovery on there, then flash a nice ROM from Recovery, you will flash a ROM (like Ivan's Eris_Official_1.0) that has AT LEAST the exact same functionality as the OTA.
Later, if you want, you can follow the method documented on http://www.androidforums.com/htc-droid-eris/ in the All Things Root section, and click on AcidBath's thread, stickied at the top (then scroll about one page down) for DOWNGRADING from Root 2.1 back to Stock 1.5 (yes it is possible), then follow the tutorial for applying the MANUAL OTA update.
This will take you back from Rooted 2.1 back to OTA 2.1, if you should so choose (though I can't think of a good reason why you'd do that).
Once you have root, and you're using things like WiFi tether and so on, I'm guessing you won't go back. But the option IS available. And yes, if you go back to 1.5 then manual OTA, you will lose root, but you can GET IT BACK the same way you're getting it right now.
pkopalek - Very good info.
I'd just like to add that I manual upgraded from 1.5 to OTA 2.1 and hated it,
and found it possible to go from OTA 2.1 back down to 1.5..and I found the
process to be much easier than the manual OTA install.
I'd like to root now but after reading your instructions, (android forums site is
down right now), I'm still confused.
Root after 2.1 OTA upgrade from 1.5
I did the root last night. Took a while, but everything worked good. I now have recovery and can try other ROMS. Not quite sure yet how to access root or use su. But I love the wireless tethering. Using it right now. Used to use a wired tether program but this is better. I did lose all my apps and settings, but will rebuild it all. I don't think I'll use the OTA again. Love having root. Thanks to all who make this possible.
Bill
BlazeD OnE said:
pkopalek - Very good info.
I'd just like to add that I manual upgraded from 1.5 to OTA 2.1 and hated it,
and found it possible to go from OTA 2.1 back down to 1.5..and I found the
process to be much easier than the manual OTA install.
I'd like to root now but after reading your instructions, (android forums site is
down right now), I'm still confused.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting, you just follow the directions for Rooting a 1.5 phone. If you're on the OTA, that's fine, if you're on 1.5, that's fine. The directions are 100% exactly the same.
The link I posted above was for DOWNGRADING from Root 2.1 to normal 1.5. Ignore that. Here's where you want to be:
The Eris Master App works GREAT if you have Windows:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=661413
Or do the normal manual Rooting method (it's exactly the same thing, just the App does the commands for you, or you do it yourself -- this is the method that I use, every time):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=647707
I suggest Ivan's Eris_Official 1.0 for a ROM, instead of 0.8t2 or whatever is suggested in that thread (that thread is kind of old).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=652044
bczygan said:
I did the root last night. Took a while, but everything worked good. I now have recovery and can try other ROMS. Not quite sure yet how to access root or use su. But I love the wireless tethering. Using it right now. Used to use a wired tether program but this is better. I did lose all my apps and settings, but will rebuild it all. I don't think I'll use the OTA again. Love having root. Thanks to all who make this possible.
Bill
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend Ivan's Eris_Official 1.0 for you too. Download and put it on your SD card.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=652044
Boot your phone into recovery, do Backup/Restore > nand backup (to back up your phone) then go back to main menu (volume down), Wipe > Wipe factory/data reset, wipe Dalvik Cache (both), back to main menu (volume down), Flash Zip from SD Card, flash Ivan's Eris_Official.
You'll be doing great.
ALSO:
anyone who's rooting and flashing these ROMs should also be flashing the latest Radio that comes with the OTA:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6469408&postcount=113
yeah i rooted from the OTA and it worked fine it just took a bit longer than it should've because i had some trouble doing it on a mac but i figured it out eventually.
just follow the instructions and you should be fine *only if you are the 2.1 OTA or 1.5*
Hi! I'm on 2.1 OTA, and my droid Eris has never been modified in any way at a software or hardware level. I am running HBOOT 1.47.0000. Whenever I use the PB00IMG.ZIP (of which I have checked the MD5 sums) and reboot into the bootloader screen (The one with "HBOOT" and searches for images) I always get "No Image or wrong image!" and am never presented with the option of "push activate" as a result. Any tips? Yes, the PB00IMG.ZIP is in the root of the SD card. I can't really think that I'm doing anything wrong, as I've read the instructions a billion times, and checked every site with instructions, to see if there was any variation in methods.
Any input or tips (other than "don't root your phone" ) would be greatly appreciated!
It Works!!!
I gave up root for the OTA...never again. I'll 2nd (3rd, 4th, etc) if you are on the OTA you can get root. Thank God...so glad to be back. ;-)
Ok so I have what might be a very elementary question. And I apologize in advance if this is not the right thread or just generally a dumb question.
Is there any advantage or disadvantage to rooting from 2.1 OTA vs. 1.5? Also is there any real difference between my phone rooted from 1.5 and my wife's phone rooted from 2.1?
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
Monkeypuppet said:
Ok so I have what might be a very elementary question. And I apologize in advance if this is not the right thread or just generally a dumb question.
Is there any advantage or disadvantage to rooting from 2.1 OTA vs. 1.5? Also is there any real difference between my phone rooted from 1.5 and my wife's phone rooted from 2.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I understand it, after rooting, you will have both of the phones on 2.1 rooted.

[Q] Help unrooting Atrix

Okay, here is the situation: I have an Atrix (obviously) that I rooted using the Gingerbreak.exe downloaded from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1046626. I just tried to update my phone to Gingerbread using the OTA update in About Phone and it failed; I’m assuming it is because I have rooted the device (if not please correct me and tell me what I did wrong). So I hopped onto these forums looking for a way to undo the root, or a way to get the update to work, and my eyes have glazed over. Could someone please tell me how to unroot my atrix before i use it as a hockey puck
I posted a thread very similar to this. You should look around.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1184199
Now honestly, I have no idea why it didnt let you update, since I used SuperOneClick with Gingerbreak and it seemed to work after updating, Didn't really test out any SU apps but I still had it. To think of it, It's kinda useless for me to state that, however it states success...
One of the options for you, since you are still on Froyo and apparently rooted are to install Gingerbreak 1.2. I'm not 100% sure if it will work, but i do know it can't harm your device.
After you install Gingerbreak 1.2, you should root again, then after the reboot, reopen the app and unroot. This method should be flawless since you did re-root with the app. But again, Not 100% sure. And right now you can unlock your bootloader and just start loading if you'd like. That is a much easier and safer way to do it. Plenty of tuts on Android Dev forum here.
lol don't worry about unrooting. I'll tell you that much.
It's not so much of a problem with root, but moreso the pre-test that accompanies the OTA. If you fail it because you use Titanium to clear out bloatware and stuff like that. even if you remove root, you still won't be able to upgrade. Instead, just use this method.
Just download the Automated Upgrade for PC Users and let your phone upgrade. All your data should still be there, but backup before just in case. Oh, and if you wanna root again after you upgrade (cause i mean, why WOULDN'T you want root?!), just use the preinstall method (hehe I'll leave this for you to search. it'll be good practice for the future, i promise =])
happy upgrading!
~jojojohnson7410~

[Q] RUU 2.3.4...Can I Root and install custom ROMs?

Hey everyone, I am new to the rooting world however I have only experienced good things. I decided to root my thunderbolt using TB Autoroot+htc sync last night(had the original stock froyo, was going to installed cyanogen mod 7) and was successful. Unfortunately, I then installed the leaked 2.3.4 RUU GB which rerooted my TB before I installed the cm7(wanted to try the RUU out, bad idea lol). I was wondering if all or any of these are possible (dont care about losing data, just don't want to brick, ie avoiding command lines if possible):
1. root the phone while maintaining the leaked 2.3.4 RUU, just as was done for FROYO? Original reason for rooting was to remove the bloatware apps, but not having custom roms would be ok at this point if that is this is the only option. I know there is the revolution method to root, however will that work on the leaked 2.3.4 RUU?
2. root the tb with my current 2.3.4 RUU and install the BAMF 2.3.4/sense 3.0 GB build, or some other custom 2.3.4 rom?
A tutorial or walk through would be great! I know there are some out there, however I am looking for one specifically for those that have the leaked 2.3.4 RUU on the thunderbolt.
Also, can someone explain the difference in features of the GB builds that have been out for some time(customs) vs the RUU by verizon? I'm not talking about the physical aspects or the apps that come with, but more in terms of installing/switching between them. I know I need to root in order to install the custom roms, but assuming i can root the 2.3.4 RUU, will I be able to install any other 2.3.4 rom such as BAMF or cyanogen without problems? I have heard that you just arent allowed to go backwards, ie back to Froyo one you update to GB, but I should be able to install any 2.3.4 GB ROM once rooted via the bootloader(power+volume down) True?
Any help would be great! Thanks!
Yes you can. Just use revolutionary to root the new GB build. Here is a video tutorial for you.
Well, here comes your first less than pleasant reply...
Pretty much everything you wanted to know is posted in my thread stickied in the Q&A section. That's also where this post is going to end up. Please check my thread on basic noob questions, search before posting, and post in the correct forum.
Ota update after root
I just got this thunderbolt replacement in the mail. I noticed OTA was trying to update so I hurried and pulled the battery to intterupt the update since it was in the version I needed to be to ROOT. Ok I went ahead and ROOTED the phone then updated my RADIO (wich by the way is a big difference without it, it wont stay in 4g) ok so I think im good to go when I see the phone is trying to do a FIRMWARE update again, I dont know if this will ruin my root or phone so Im in airplane mode till I find out what to do. I dont know how to turn off automatic update and I dont want to mess up my root or phone. WHAT DO I DO PLEASE HELP!!!
Jeovanny said:
I just got this thunderbolt replacement in the mail. I noticed OTA was trying to update so I hurried and pulled the battery to intterupt the update since it was in the version I needed to be to ROOT. Ok I went ahead and ROOTED the phone then updated my RADIO (wich by the way is a big difference without it, it wont stay in 4g) ok so I think im good to go when I see the phone is trying to do a FIRMWARE update again, I dont know if this will ruin my root or phone so Im in airplane mode till I find out what to do. I dont know how to turn off automatic update and I dont want to mess up my root or phone. WHAT DO I DO PLEASE HELP!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are rooted, just use a program like root explorer to search for a file called otacerts.zip and rename it to otacerts.bak
When you open root explorer, make sure to put it into write mode. look at the top left side of the program and press on the mount r/w option
Cant find rom
I want to flash rom but I cant find it in my sd card through rom manager and also through recovery any suggestions its in the root of the phone highest directory
Jeovanny said:
I want to flash rom but I cant find it in my sd card through rom manager and also through recovery any suggestions its in the root of the phone highest directory
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you used your phone to download a rom, its in the "download" folder, move it to the root of sd card
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Root Error
I am trying to Root my Thunderbolt but keep getting the following error:
Failed to get Root!
I am using revolutionary.
I have installed, made sure their was a connection, and then removed HTC Sync.
I downloaded and installed Android USB Drivers.
I selected USB Debugging
Thunderbolt Info:
HBOOT 1.04.000
Android 2.3.4
ROM Ver 2.11.605.9
What am I missing and where can I get it? Can anyone help me out with this? Thanks in advance...
I've never rooted but I believe you need to downgrade. Revolutionary does not work with the latest OTA. There are several posts around that explain how to downgrade to the previous OTA (link below). Then you should be able to use the revolutionary method.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1401959
Sent from my Thunderbolt using Tapatalk
Yes you need to downgrade to 2.11.605.5 then use reveloutionary

[Q] OTA after root

Hi everyone. Im real good with tech but i cant find anyone having asked...
I want to go buy the S4 and I will definitely root it (following the posted instructions on here) but before i do, will i be able to instal OTA updates after and if not, is there another way id be able to install updates? I used Voodoo rootkeeper on my tablet after rooting and the 1st ota went fine and kept root, the 2nd ota killed the root even while using Voodoo...
Please, any any all responses asap appreciated. I want to get the phone asap as i am tired of my rooted Bionic.
Thank all.
bobstone said:
Hi everyone. Im real good with tech but i cant find anyone having asked...
I want to go buy the S4 and I will definitely root it (following the posted instructions on here) but before i do, will i be able to instal OTA updates after and if not, is there another way id be able to install updates? I used Voodoo rootkeeper on my tablet after rooting and the 1st ota went fine and kept root, the 2nd ota killed the root even while using Voodoo...
Please, any any all responses asap appreciated. I want to get the phone asap as i am tired of my rooted Bionic.
Thank all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wait for a rooted stock ROM based on the OTA to be made by a dev. You never NEED to take an OTA.
Thanks but im not sure what you mean. I have no interest in loading custom roms nor over-screwing around with the phone. Do you mean wait for another root process or wait for a download for an ota update?
Thanks again
Im guessing you mean a rom will be released again after the ota is out with the ota integrated in it... That process makes me kind of nervous as i need my phone for work as well as personal and cant risk screwing up the phone or erasing data eta...
There is pretty much always someone that releases the stock ROM flashable in a custom recovery so you can have a rooted stock ROM. Look at the dev beanstownm106 ROM in the development section. It is basically the stock ROM rooted with some very minor tweaks, but flashable with a custom recovery like TWRP.
BUT...there is almost never anything you can't do with basically any ROM that you can do with the stock ROM. So you really don't need the stock ROM...some people just prefer it. For my old Thunderbolt, it was pretty well known that for a long time there was a custom ROM, very similar to the stock ROM, that was more stable than stock (SkyRaider Zeus).
Another BUT: if you need Good for work, prepare for a constant fight with root detection. And you will want to back up your data often. I have a BB for work that I leave untouched (its not mine).
One more thing...the Loki workaround has its advantages...the bootloader is still locked and untouched, so it would be pretty hard to brick the device because you can get back into download mode and use odin to flash back to factory.
Whats the loki workaround? Also, im dont want to be doing any kind of flashing... I just simply want to root the s4 (which i now have) and be able to run ota updates or if not, download the ota and install the update manually. And if i get an ota, if it will kill root, even if i run voodoo.
Please, if someone could, let us all know if ota wont run or will kill root on say the s3 or s4 and if downloadable updates are another option... without flashing anything or going to crazy.
Thanks again in advance.

[Q] How to update 4.4.2 root but no recovery

Hi!
I have the SGP311 with the 4.2.2 Version of Android. Back then I rooted it using the tool VRoot (i think that was the name).
As all I wanted was root for TiBackup I left it at that. Stock ROM, some modifications through root access, but I saw no need to go further.
I would now like to update. OTA does not work, either because I am root or because the bootloader unlock (which I think happened during the root process).
There are so many guides out there, some contradictory or rather relying on going from certain versions to the newest.
What is my best bet?
Unroot and Relock, OTA update, then re-root? Is there a Guide to that?
Or how do I get a recovery on there easily? Guide?
Then assuming I have recovery on, what do I flash. Sony has grown on me, so I am happy with a stock rom or something very close to it, if I can root it for my mods.
What is the least dangerous way to get this tablet up to date?
Thanks for your help!
Walter_White said:
Hi! I have the SGP311 with the 4.2.2 Version of Android. Back then I rooted it using the tool VRoot (i think that was the name). As all I wanted was root for TiBackup I left it at that. Stock ROM, some modifications through root access, but I saw no need to go further. I would now like to update. OTA does not work, either because I am root or because the bootloader unlock (which I think happened during the root process). There are so many guides out there, some contradictory or rather relying on going from certain versions to the newest. What is my best bet? Unroot and Relock, OTA update, then re-root? Is there a Guide to that? Or how do I get a recovery on there easily? Guide? Then assuming I have recovery on, what do I flash. Sony has grown on me, so I am happy with a stock rom or something very close to it, if I can root it for my mods. What is the least dangerous way to get this tablet up to date? Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vroot would not have unlocked the tablet's boot loader, so are you sure it is unlocked? And have you tried using Sony PC Companion to update the firmware? I was going to recommend trying to use Sony Mobile Update Service, which I preferred over PC Companion, but it appears Sony stopped supporting it.

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