Please help - Sony Xperia X Questions & Answers

Dear friends i have dual sim xperia x. I in nougut and want to flash poison rom but i dont want to loose camera quality.i searched through the form that only in mm we can back up dm keys.in that case do i need to downgrade to mm then back up the dm keys then root flash twrp followed by poison rom then flash back dm keys. Please brothers help me.thanks in advance.

Thats true, you have to downgrade to MM first, then use the Dirty Cow Exploit to backup the TA Partition. If it's done you are free to do whatever you want with your device
Sent from my F5121 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Yes, but you can leave the TA you backed up for later use (e.g. if you want to go back to stock or if you want to build / modify a kernel with your own TA built in), because Poison has a drm fix built in. Hence your camera features should be fine. Nevertheless it is a good habit to backup the TA partition if you unlock the bootloader of any Sony device.

Related

[Q] Installing CM-10.2 Android-4.3

Hey guys, I've rooted, installed CWM Recovery, Unlocked Bootloader, and installed CyanogenMod on another phone before.
The thing is, I've had this phone for about 6 months and wanted to do the same. However, after browsing through the forums, man are there a lot of scary sh*t going down. I would like the request the procedure to install CyanogenMod safely, without losing any Keys/IMEI/XReality/DRMkeys/Etcetera.
I dont know if the method given by FXP is supposed to be this straight forward, but I too like others, do not want to risk losing important stuff if it can be avoided (Keys/IMEI/XReality/DRMkeys/Etcetera).
HOWTO
Install instructions:
first time
- power off the phone:
- hold vol+ and plug usb to boot into fastboot (blu led)
- fastboot flash boot boot.img (from cm10 zip)
- fastboot reboot
- enter recovery, on boot led will be violet for 3'', during this period press vol+
- flash rom zip
- flash gapps zip
- wipe
- reboot
for update just flash rom zip from recovery
Google Apps are not included in this ROM. You'll need to find those yourself if you want them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Frankly speaking, the forums is pretty much jumbled up, and the existing [Guide] Threads are either incomplete (Lacking important steps), or Unclear (Non-Specific steps).
Perhaps someone could do me a favour by using the template that I have below to help me, and possibly others, to install CM 10.2 on our beast of a phone.
Template:
1. Backup TA and DRMkeys and stuff: http://forum-xda-developers-com/backup
2. Root: http://forum-xda-developers-com/root
3. Recovery : http://forum-xda-developers-com/recovery
4: Unlock Bootloader: http://forum-xda-developers-com/ulbl
5: Install FXP's CM 10.2 :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2461286
Something like that would suffice I think, as long as no important steps are missing that would cause me to lose stuff unique to my phone, that cannot be recovered if I didn't back it up.
P.S. My version is 14.1.B.2.257
P.P.S. Thank you in advance.
1. Root
2. Backup TA (VERY IMPORTANT)
3. Install Recovery and unlock the bootloader, or the other way around. Both ways work.
4. Install ROM by following the "guide" that you quoted above.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
I'm on 14.1.B.2.257, I believe reverting to the previous version causes data to be lost unless you back it up right. *Sighs* How troublesome.
Xenogenics said:
I'm on 14.1.B.2.257, I believe reverting to the previous version causes data to be lost unless you back it up right. *Sighs* How troublesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you will have to back up the data anyways. I think unlocking the bootloader does a factory reset, as well one is needed going from stock to CM if i unforget correctly
I am also wondering about this. I'm currently running firmware .257.
I understand that I need to back up the TA partition first (though I'm not exactly sure on what I will loose if I don't). I also understand that to do this I need to root the stock rom. I understand that in order to root, I'll need to first downgrade to an earlier firmware using flashtool. However, after that I'm not so sure what I need to do. As far as I can see, the only method of gaining root currently is to use vRoot, which is currently under investigation for IMEI mining.
How else can I root the device? I was thinking of maybe using the recovery for locked bootloaders here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2426739
Following by flashing SuperSU from recovery as per usual.
Will this work, keeping the TA partition intact so that I can back it up before flashing CM? Assuming so, would I even need to downgrade from the .257 firmware at all?
Thanks,
i have CWM now so can flash custom roms like i did on other phones right?
what does unlocking the bootloader give me? unless i'm wrong and i have to unlock to flash?
all i've done so far is do a backup is all. (did a TA backup a while back though)
stiggy2012 said:
I am also wondering about this. I'm currently running firmware .257.
I understand that I need to back up the TA partition first (though I'm not exactly sure on what I will loose if I don't). I also understand that to do this I need to root the stock rom. I understand that in order to root, I'll need to first downgrade to an earlier firmware using flashtool. However, after that I'm not so sure what I need to do. As far as I can see, the only method of gaining root currently is to use vRoot, which is currently under investigation for IMEI mining.
How else can I root the device? I was thinking of maybe using the recovery for locked bootloaders here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2426739
Following by flashing SuperSU from recovery as per usual.
Will this work, keeping the TA partition intact so that I can back it up before flashing CM? Assuming so, would I even need to downgrade from the .257 firmware at all?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so looking into this further, you already need to have root to be able to flash the "CWM for locked bootloader" rocovery. So as far as I can see, the only way to get root in order to back up the TA partition is to give your IMEI to the Chinese via vRoot?
Thank god the stock rom is so good.
tommo123 said:
i have CWM now so can flash custom roms like i did on other phones right?
what does unlocking the bootloader give me? unless i'm wrong and i have to unlock to flash?
all i've done so far is do a backup is all. (did a TA backup a while back though)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to unlock the bootloader to flash custom ROMs. You can flash stock ROMs without unlocking it, but you have to unlock it if you want CM, PAC, PA etc.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
really, so what would happen if i tried to flash an aosp rom now? would the system partition essentially be read only?
sorry for the Qs but haven't had a locked bootloader since the htc desire (although the s-off for that one was to remap the partitions to allow more room for data) and the reasons for unlocking don't seem to be the same.
tommo123 said:
really, so what would happen if i tried to flash an aosp rom now? would the system partition essentially be read only?
sorry for the Qs but haven't had a locked bootloader since the htc desire (although the s-off for that one was to remap the partitions to allow more room for data) and the reasons for unlocking don't seem to be the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing will happen if you try it now. You can easily unlock the bootloader by going to Sony's Dev site, request your key and use Flashtool to unlock it. It takes a couple of minutes once you have Flashtool and the drivers installed. It's also perfectly safe to unlock it and you will lose your warranty. BUT you can easily relock it again if something happens to your ZU and the warrenty will be back.
Remember to backup your TA before you unlock your bootloader. It contains a lot if device info and your unique DRM keys. Unlocking the bootloader will wipe the system partition, but you will still have root, photos, music etc. (But do a backup of those just in case).
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
i think that's where i got confused with drivers - unlocking.
i have already done a backup of my TA part so that side of it is ok. i'll leave unlocking until there's a rom i want to try. possibly a complete 4.4 or something.
cheers LM
tommo123 said:
i think that's where i got confused with drivers - unlocking.
i have already done a backup of my TA part so that side of it is ok. i'll leave unlocking until there's a rom i want to try. possibly a complete 4.4 or something.
cheers LM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've already backed up your TA, it means that you have the drivers installed, so job done All you have to do is to install Flashtool and get your key from Sony (which you will get on your email straight away). Either way, just ask here if/when you want to unlock it so we can guide you through it (it's very easy though).
ran flashtool but gave me driver errors - missing. unable to install the drivers included (i guess due to windows 8 driver signing)

[Q] Just rooted, if I upgrade will I lose root though?

So today I managed to root my Z2
Following advice from o0 Matt 0o in another thread, I downgraded from 4.4.4 to 4.42 using flashtool, then using the rootkitXperia_20140719 install.bat the phone is now rooted (for some reason it would not find adb even though running adb from a cmd prompt worked!)
Anyway, now I am on 4.4.2 with root, if I upgrade back to stock 4.4.4 rom will I lose the root?
EDIT: I have installed dual recovery, is there a pre packaged rooted rom for:
Android 4.4.4
23.0.1.A.0.167
United Kingdom - 3 - 1281-2574
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont really want to create a rooted package myself, the steps can be confusing
Thanks!
Since you have dual recovery on 4.4.2 you can use the pre-rooted package by niaboc79 (can be found in the Android Development section) or any pre-rooted stock based ROM based on 4.4.4. It is all down to your preference.
I doubt there will be a 3 branded pre-rooted package either.
Actually you're right I should just get one of those roms which is not branded which would look better anyway
One last thing what is the steps to backup ta partition? At some point I will unlock bootloader but don't want to lose the dry keys
Cheers
Ned_Flanders said:
Actually you're right I should just get one of those roms which is not branded which would look better anyway
One last thing what is the steps to backup ta partition? At some point I will unlock bootloader but don't want to lose the dry keys
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the Sony cross device development section there is the backup TA tool, simply use that. Also, make sure to upload your backup to a cloud service or something like that, in case your hard drive goes kaput and you need it to relock your bootloader.
Please remember that unlocking the bootloader wipes the internal SD card (not the user one). Also, restoring the TA backup relocks the bootloader so make sure you are on a stock ROM and kernel when you restore the backup.
gamer649 said:
In the Sony cross device development section there is the backup TA tool, simply use that. Also, make sure to upload your backup to a cloud service or something like that, in case your hard drive goes kaput and you need it to relock your bootloader.
Please remember that unlocking the bootloader wipes the internal SD card (not the user one). Also, restoring the TA backup relocks the bootloader so make sure you are on a stock ROM and kernel when you restore the backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool thanks for the tips :good:

Root and keep DRM

Hi,
I'm planing to buy new phone (currently an owner of a broken Z3 compact).
My question (I can't find any sticky thread on this topic thus asking) for this phone is:
- is it possible to root and keep DRM?
- does unlocking bootloader lose DRM keys?
- does the DRM affect camera quality (for z3 compact it did)?
I also saw some thread of DRM fix (https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-x/development/kernel-drm-fix-nougat-t3530849). Does this mean that after aplying such a fix the DRM is back?
The thing is that I like to have custom ROM (removed all the unnecessary things thus lighter version of original firmware) while keeping all the qualities of Sony phones.; like everyone
Thanks in advance!
mrepovz said:
Hi,
I'm planing to buy new phone (currently an owner of a broken Z3 compact).
My question (I can't find any sticky thread on this topic thus asking) for this phone is:
- is it possible to root and keep DRM?
- does unlocking bootloader lose DRM keys?
- does the DRM affect camera quality (for z3 compact it did)?
I also saw some thread of DRM fix (https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-x/development/kernel-drm-fix-nougat-t3530849). Does this mean that after aplying such a fix the DRM is back?
The thing is that I like to have custom ROM (removed all the unnecessary things thus lighter version of original firmware) while keeping all the qualities of Sony phones.; like everyone
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you could root and keep DRM, but you have to backup DRM first (before unlocking bootloader) while on marshmallow through Dirtycow exploit: https://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/universal-dirtycow-based-ta-backup-t3514236
as you said, unlocking bootloader does wipe the TA partition (where DRM keys are stored) and worsen camera quality (irc, at the point you cannot use stock camera).
this way, before unlocking you'll have a TA partition dump you can restore anytime.
then you unlock BL, flash a custom kernel + super user with a custom recovery (likely twrp), restore TA partition and you should be done.
as for DRM Fix, i believe it's about ignoring some errors which are showed when using stock roms and an unlocked device (i.e. you cannot use stock camera and some other features).
carlo93 said:
you could root and keep DRM, but you have to backup DRM first (before unlocking bootloader) while on marshmallow through Dirtycow exploit: https://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/universal-dirtycow-based-ta-backup-t3514236
as you said, unlocking bootloader does wipe the TA partition (where DRM keys are stored) and worsen camera quality (irc, at the point you cannot use stock camera).
this way, before unlocking you'll have a TA partition dump you can restore anytime.
then you unlock BL, flash a custom kernel + super user with a custom recovery (likely twrp), restore TA partition and you should be done.
as for DRM Fix, i believe it's about ignoring some errors which are showed when using stock roms and an unlocked device (i.e. you cannot use stock camera and some other features).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
So basically after the installation of any custom romantic I just restore TA partition (I need to do a backup prior to doing anything else).
Does this als work with custom kernel?
mrepovz said:
Thanks.
So basically after the installation of any custom romantic I just restore TA partition (I need to do a backup prior to doing anything else).
Does this als work with custom kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
restoring TA partition should work no matter what the kernel is.
in fact, you could just unlock BL and restore TA partition, but it would be pointless then (i mean unlocking BL and not rooting).
a "custom" kernel is required in order to get root access
carlo93 said:
restoring TA partition should work no matter what the kernel is.
in fact, you could just unlock BL and restore TA partition, but it would be pointless then (i mean unlocking BL and not rooting).
a "custom" kernel is required in order to get root access
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great. Thank you.
I get he phone in 2days so until then I have to find everything.
I restored TA partition after rooting but now the phone will not boot. It displays an error about failing verification and will not boot properly. How to get around this?

Will rooting ruin the camera?

Hi, is it possible to root and Xperia Z5 Compact with Nougat without ruining the excellent camera?
chesterrimmer said:
Hi, is it possible to root and Xperia Z5 Compact with Nougat without ruining the excellent camera?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES, just backup your TA and flash kernel with DRM Fix
that's the only way
ryandxter said:
YES, just backup your TA and flash kernel with DRM Fix
that's the only way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I'm new to this - what do you mean by TA? Can you recommend a tutorial?
Thanks!
chesterrimmer said:
Thank you. I'm new to this - what do you mean by TA? Can you recommend a tutorial?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TA partition is 'something' that indeed needed by our Xperia devices which take a role keeping DRM keys, bionz image processing and others.... In short we are luckily and blessed by many devs that create method to backup TA because once we unlock bootlader it will gone forever and you can't take it back with any way including relocking bootloader
just read more from here or use SEARCH instead GOOGLE :highfive: and if you already understand what it is and/or how really important it is then I recommend this tool to backup your TA
if you don't back up the ta, you lose the sony exclusive camera functions
long story short you need flash reflash android 5.1.1 backup TA with scrpit , open Bootloader,>reinstall lastest ROM, flash boot.img >push superuser 2.7 (you can do it all with flash tool or adb terminal you need all sony drivers
i didnt do it yet with my z5c, just what i remmber from my older sony phone (i've still got warranty)
Hello
Thanks for the explanations about TA backup and one way destruction :-/ If i lost my TA partition and my DRM because I unlocked bootloader and rooted too fast in the past, the only way to get a new TA partition is to send the device back to Sony care I suppose ? (meaning phone reset + fee I suppose...)
So far the main loss with DRM is the camera feature. Can we get similar lost feature using 3rd party camera applications ?
uh... you might be able to fake a TA backup, by DRM fixing 5.1.1... check the picture guide, it's about 3 steps in
I will try it

What and how to backup before Sailfish X install?

Hi everyone,
I'm a noob to Xperias and also a bit of a noob to backing up and restoring individual partitions, although I have some experience with flashing the Nexus 5 and Z3C with B2GOS and /e/.
I'd like to put Sailfish X on my Xperia X. I'd like to make sure I can return the phone to stock afterwards, if needed. I have read about backing up the TA partition so I will do that. However, before I even downgrade to Marshmallow to do that what do I need to do firs to ensure I can return to stock?
Maybe I need to do nothing! Will it be sufficient just to reflash stock firmware (which matches my CDA) using Emma or Flashtool when I want to return to stock? Or should I backup some partitions using TWRP before I downgrade to Marshmallow and reflash them later too? Instead of using Emma/Flashtool or before or after?
I think what I want to make sure is that I can get back all the same version numbers in the Software Info of the service menu. Does that really matter? E.g. S1 boot, ETS, etc.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Cheers
backup your TA partition before unlocking bootloader. and your data. for more help ping me on telegram @xsetiadiku
xsetiadi said:
backup your TA partition before unlocking bootloader. and your data. for more help ping me on telegram @xsetiadiku
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you recommend is already what I planned on doing. I was asking about anything else I might need to back up. I don't use telegram so please reply here if you've anything more to add.
Cheers

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