yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Sony Tablet S] Cat McGowan:
Yes, you need a nbx03_015 file.

Have you tried rooting your tablet by selecting 1 Root device from the AiO tool's main menu? If not, then try it. The AiO tool will tell you whether your tablet's Android 3.2 can or cannot be rooted.

If by chance the AiO tool can and does root your tablet's Android 3.2, then download the Android 4.0.3 file using the link http://info.update.sony.net/ST003/nbx03_015/contents/0009/signed-nbx03_015-ota-120410029.zip and run the AiO tool again and select 3 * Custom ROM and Flashing [SUBMENU] from the AiO tool's main menu to root and install the file.

Afterwards, your tablet's OTA system update function should notify you that there is an update available, which will be either Android 4.0.3 (release1a) or Android 4.0.3 (release2a). Allow the update function to download the update file but DO NOT allow it to install the update file. Instead,

move

the update file from your tablet's /cache/ota directory to your external SD card (also copy it to your computer's hard drive for safe keeping). Then run the AiO tool again to pre-root and install the update file on to your tablet.

In the end, use the AiO tool again to turn off the tablet's OTA system update function via 4 * Tweaks and Mods [SUBMENU]. Also, post the name of the update file so Stifilz can add it to his list.
[Sony Tablet S] benjo80:
I already tried the AIO Tool, but it says your device can't be rooted --> I have Kernel 2.6.36.3 built #10 and this Kernel is not rootable.

My only chance i have is, to get an ota update 3.2.1 with kernel #5, like described in FAQ for Us region.
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
UPDATED

FAQ updated to implement new root and a few questions.

Any extras you think should be on here please post.

Stifilz
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
Added guidelines for rooting using binary's script.

Question had come up too many times :p

Stifilz
[Sony Tablet S] DreadPirateDan:
Hello,

I am struggling to get the ICS root method to work :S not sure what I am doing wrong as I have followed every part of the instructions. I'm trying to use the semi-auto method, and then tried version 13 of the tool due to the OP's confirmation it worked for him. It all seems to work, but after it has finished and does the final boot, I'm not rooted, and have less than half a page of apps. The majority are blacked out in the manage apps section claiming they are installed on sd card (don't have one). Even google play disappears..

A factory reset fixes it all up, I'm just confused as to why I can't get it to work.

I changed to US region, updated to 4.0.3 r5 and then tried this, factry reset, then tried again but no luck. I can't see anywhere saying it doesn't work for that firmware and seem to be seeing people who are saying they have gotten it rooted.

Are you meant to select the special mode for Sony Tablet S and Meddion tablets? That's what I have been doing seeing as how I have a Sony Tablet S.

All I know is, basically every step of the tool states "file not found" or something to that effect, then at the end of that will claim it was successful lol. Seems legit :rolleyes:

Any help anyone can give would be much appreciated :)

EDIT: Also my next step is to try it out on a different PC and see if that will help me at all
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
Strange that........

Are you using YOUR signed VpbFaker.apk???

I noticed that even after changing to US region the 'default' one would not work for me and I ended up using the signed file from when tablet was NZ. Seems it is a tablet thing and not a region thing.

I can 100% confirm the root method worked for ICS, R1A and R5. On US and NZ regions (-R5 for NZ lol N/A)

Other than that doing a roll back after each time it doesn't work.

Good luck

Stifilz
[Sony Tablet S] DreadPirateDan:
I see thanks for your reply. Well I'm boned lol. I was already region changed and updated prior to attempting this, so I guess there is no way for me to sign the APK properly.

Unless some kind soul from Australia with a 16gb wifi model would be so nice as to sign and upload one for me :fingers-crossed:

In the mean time, 4.0.3 r5 is much better than when it was unrooted HC so I guess it's not so bad. And even on rooted ICS I really only used it as a recipe book :victory:
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
That is what I was trying to say. I don't think it is a region thing but a tablet thing. In theory you should still be able to sign it (now) and it should work.... If not you can easily root and change back to AUS and Install R1A. :)

Keep trying, took me a while of pissing around to get it to work (was using the manual method though) LOL

Try the manual method so you can see where it is failing :D

Stifilz
[Sony Tablet S] DreadPirateDan:
Ah ok so you are saying that I should be able to at least root it, regardless of this VPN faker signing? That's my mine issue, failing to root. Lol. I'll give it another crack when I get some time/recover my spirit for it. Pretty bummed out from the experience so far and partially submitted to defeat :p
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
Yeah as long as the file in signed by your Tablet (no matter what region is set) it SHOULD work lol.

Good luck, again
[Sony Tablet S] esonnen:
help please

I have tried many methods to root my tablet s. Android 4.0.3 (release 5), kernel version 2.6.39.4 build5 #1. I have tried the all in one, the one click & the root with restore (different versions of each). I feel like I am forgetting one... Anyway, it seems that the common denominator is that my tablet is not communicating with my computer (ADB). I have also followed the directions in the sony forum using the android SDK and the google usb. I do have debugging enabled and install from other sources. I am a noob, and as such I have legitimately scoured the threads looking for answers. I have seen a few others with this problem but not any solutions.

Thanks!
[Sony Tablet S] mikeblahblah:
By any chance is the model # on the back SGPT112US/S ? Or anyone else for that matter?
[Sony Tablet S] esonnen:
Yep, you have the same problem?

Yes, that is the model I have. I have been fighting with it for quite some time. I think the problem lies with the google usb driver. Windows device manager wont recognize the new google usb driver so I tried to force it by using hdwwiz (the old fashioned hardware wizard) from the search in the start menu to force install the updated driver from the SDK. The driver seems to install fine and then at the end it gives an error message saying device was not installed because function driver not found (or something to that effect).

If you find a solution, please be sure to post it here or message me. I will do the same.

Thanks!
[Sony Tablet S] mikeblahblah:
I would suggest trying to uninstall drivers from Device Manager, Uninstall SDK, reboot, download/install CCleaner http://download.cnet.com/CCleaner/3000-18512_4-10315544.html and then run a cleaning on the registry. Then try to re-install SDK/Drivers again.
[Sony Tablet S] esonnen:
Thanks Mike for the advice and sorry it took a bit for me to get back with results-work schedule has been a bit hectic. I did try those things as suggested and I figured out one thing I was doing wrong (I definitely fall under the noob category) but I was was allowing notepad to change the driver to a *.txt file instead of a *.inf. Anyway, I caught that mistake and driver seems to install fine but my device still wont show up when I type in adb devices. I even reset my tablet back to factory condition. Could it possibly be my USB cord even though I can transfer files/pictures just fine between my computer and tablet? The USB cord I'm using came with my Xperia S phone. Any suggestions would be awesome. Thanks for the help!
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
After reset. Did you enable settings > development > usb debugging?

Easily overseen :)

Stifilz
[Sony Tablet S] esonnen:
Yes and I also checked allow install from unknown sources. Im on the edge of giving up on rooting.

This may be an idiot question, but is it possible that someone can make a rooted rom that can be placed on an SD card then flashed from the system restore/startup screen? That would bypass the need for adb. I'm sure its apples and oranges but thats how I put a new ROM on my HTC Hero and it was super easy.

And thanks Stifilz for the FAQ that you have put together - even though I havent had success it is awesome that all the good info is in one place.
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
First of all thanks for the 'thanks' :D

We current;y have no custom recovery, ergo we can't use a custom rom yet. The closest thing we had was condi's AIO tool to disable the FULL signature check. However this no longer works with R5 (Tablet S) as the recovery has changed. Also condi is taking a vacation it seems to spend time with his new born baby and wife. :D

Anyway that also required usb debugging.

I once had a problem with that and it would not work at all I had to factory reset, but you have tried that.

Have you tried another PC? It sometimes is a pain to set up, but once you do it is simple :)

Also try install the full SDK.... this is how I got it to work the first time

Hopefully you can get this going soon

Stifilz
[Sony Tablet S] esonnen:
I tried the full SDK with all the newest android packets all checked, none of the older ones were checked though and of course I did check the usb driver. I also installed the full java development kits for a 32 bit then 64 bit system because I read in a post on another site that it was required to get ADB to work properly on a Win7 64 bit platform, then reinstalled the SDK. I will try on another computer but its going to be a couple weeks until I will have a computer at my disposal. I need to work on my patience anyway :cyclops: Thanks for all the help and I will be back in the near future to let you all know how it turned out and what I did to fix it (hopefully).
[Sony Tablet S] vdanh:
Hi, i am a newbie here. i just bought a SOny tablet S yeterday SGPT111US/S came with HC 3.1

I followed the instruction form this post http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=30147002&postcount=1 to upgrade to ICS.

I upgraded to 3.2.1r2 succeeded and rooted.

Android version: 3.2.1 (release 2)

Kernel version: 2.6.36.3 integ-build@build5#1

Build Number: THMAS0012400

Then i downed this rom to going to upgrade to ICS 4.0.3_R5

But when i want to upgrade from 3.2.1_R2 to ICS 4.0.3_R5 by follwing steps

It appeared the error and i cannot go further. :(

Below is the error

Anyone can help and advice how can i upgrade my tablet to ICS 4.03 with rooted....

Many thanks and appreciate for your help...
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
Dw about using the update in AIO. R5 is rootable using bin4ry's script.

But if you want to do it that way. Use v4.0 and you need to install rescue backdoor. From main menu, tweaks and mods, install rescue backdoor.

Stifilz
[Sony Tablet S] vdanh:
Hi Stifilz, i am very new for this. Could you please help guide me more clearly?

1. How can i using update in AIO? Is it can update 3.2.1 to ICS 4.0.3?

2. If i use Bĩnry's script in this post http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1886460. Does it mean, i can update Sony ICS Stock Rom through OTA then use Bĩnry's script to root it?

Please help advice..

THank you so much...
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
To use AIO try to follow the guide on the first post of the AIO thread.

But option two may be easier. You just accept the ota update on tablet. Then use bin4ry's script.

Stifilz
[Sony Tablet S] vdanh:
Now my tablet is on 3.2.1 r2 with rooted. That mean i cannot update via OTA. So the first thing i need to do is unroot my tablet then update 4.0.3 via OTA. Am i right?

Which option is safer AIO or Bĩnry's script?.

Please help advice..

thanks you :D
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
AIO is safer as it install the root with the update.

However bin4rys is probably easier and r5 is rootable. So it is safe also.

Stifilz
[Sony Tablet S] vdanh:
Thank you so much stifilz,

I used AIO to update and root my tablet.

However, i followed below steps

when i went into this step (highlighted with Bold) i did not see custom_update_signed.zip file in my sdcard, just saw hack_recovery.zip file inside it. Therefore, i selected install.zip file then selected install hack_recovery.zip after that selected install.zip file again.

After tablet rebooted to normal boot, i checked and here the info:

Android Version: 4.0.3 (release 5)

Kernel version: 2.6.39.4 integ-build@build5#1

Build number: TISU0014210

I am not so sure whether i did correct or not. Could you please give me some advice?

Thanks a lots.
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
Well you have release 5 :D so it did work. I believe that it is correct, just the naming in v4.1 was not changed. I allways used v4.0 so never had the problem.

You may have also noticed that your recovery has changed?

So you can no longer get shell access in the recovery, therefore you can no longer use AIO for future updates :(

But root method is still current

Stifilz
[Sony Tablet S] bjanice44:
I am so sorry if this question has been asked previously.? I did search. Does the AIO tool work with the xperia tablet? if not, can it be altered to make it work?
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
First time it has come up. :)

Parts of it work i.e install rescue backdoor.

But most of it i.e custom roms does not.

It could easily be altered to work :D
[Sony Tablet S] bjanice44:
Thanks. I tried the rescue backdoor and it bootlooped me. I was forced to flash r5. should the rescue backdoor work? wonder why it did that to mine. I was running r5

By the way I had already tried the rescue backdoor before I made my original post.
[Sony Tablet S] vdanh:
I am not sure whether the recovery has changed or not. Because when i selected install hack_recovery, it run a minute and message fail appear.

Is there anyway to check the recovery has changed or not? How to compare the original recovery and the changed recovery?

Do mean that i will never can go to recovery mode in my tablet :(.

I used AIO v4.0, too and i have this problem :(

Another thing, after update to ICS 4.0.5 R5 full, i feel the touch response time is slower than then 3.2 :(

And it also lag when i am in Google Play store, ang some app not responding :(

Although i updated my tablet to ICS 4.0.3 R5 but i still receive the notice for system update to 4.0.3 R5???

Is it normal?

I applied this option, but i cannot find the way to move my app / game from tablet into sdCard. Could you please show me how can me app/game to SDcard?

thank you so much?
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
Updated.... See post 1.
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
Updated, covers new questions about R5a R6a/b root
[Sony Tablet S] harryupf:
Unbrick R5a custom

I got my Sony Tablet S bricked after trying to install the "Bravia Engine 2" through the "Pimp my Rom beta" app. Now my tablet can't boot up normally, after the Sony logo the boot animation doesn't show, now it shows graphic glitches and after a few seconds the tablet restarts. That's what I get from tinkering too much. I remember that last time I also bricked my tablet but for another reason, it had 4.0.3R5 and was simple to downgrade and then I upgraded it back to 4.0.3R5a

I have read the faq but it doesn't mention recovering from 4.0.3R5a

My tablet has 4.0.3R5a custom.

Yes, I used the FLASHER to flash "R5A wifi only", and I'm almost sure that it doesn't have the stupid new recovery.

I supposed that trying to flash the same custom rom it already has would work. It doesn't, this is what I get on screen:

*

Android system recovery <3e>

System utility(Rev.36, BL: 0x00000008, EC: 0.73, master)

Use the VOL+ and VOL- buttons to make a selection, and press POWER to confirm.

1. Cancel and restart device.

2. Update system from SD card.

3. Reset to factory settings. (System and application data will be erased.)

*

Then I choose number 2. and select the “custom_prerooted_doubleFLASH_R5A_nbx03_001-ota-121116036.zip” in the SD card.

*

– Install /sdcard …

Finding update package …

Desklunvr update package …

E:Can't desklunvr /sdcard/custom_prerooted_doubleFLASH_R5A_nbx03_001-ota-121116036.zip

Installation aborted.

*

Finally I came up with this: (I would appreciate your support so I know I'll do the correct procedure)

1. lower the incremental (I don't know how to it from recovery menu)

2. flash something like ICS R1A (this must be from the recovery menu)

3. use the FLASHER to flash latest R5a custom rom.

I won't touch my tablet anymore until further instructions. Thanks for reading.
[Sony Tablet S] xARCHONx:
Stifilz I need your help

Stifilz,

Maybe you can help me here.

I'm having immense trouble flashing any of the newer ICS releases.

I made sure to retain my r1a recovery, but that doesn't help things along much.

I tried the double flash, but noticed that the datapp cannot flash as the folder does not receive proper permissions unlike all the other folders.

I tried flashing HC R2, it didn't want to start up. So I proceeded to flash ICS the 1st, that worked, sorta. It didn't finish but it booted up fresh.

Unfortunately the datapp folder was still write-proof even after rooting.

I'm stuck, and I dunno what to do. Also, Condi never replies to any PM's. So I'm even more stuck. Plz help

So I tried flashing HC R2 again, hoping it might succeed this time, instead it froze, so i had to reset and attempt it again, froze once more, so I tried ICS r1a.

Also froze, tried booting, still bootloop, now when I access recovery I get this:

--

E:Fail to read boot logo flag

E:Can't open /dev/block/mmcblk0p5

(No such file or directory)

E:failed to mount /cache (No such file or directory)

E:Can't mount /cache/recovery/command

E:failed to mount /cache (No such file or directory)

E:failed to mount /cache (No such file or directory)

E:failed to mount /sdcard (No such file or directory)

--

So essentially I'm screwed as I cannot access my sdcard to try and flash something anymore.

Yay to me, officially perma-bricked my first device. Now I simply wished I had the funds to feed my new habit -_-

Oh, and adb does not recognize the device anywhere. So I'm even more screwed. I hope you can learn something from my mishaps though
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
Sorry had not bothered to update the FAQ as I thought no one used it anymore... LOL. Anyway you should be able to recover the same use the R5 NOT R5A zip you have (as flasher lowers the incremental so you should be able to flash R5, R1a etc)

Let me know how you get on.

NB: FAQ was also meaning how to downgrade when tablet is running i.e not soft bricked. But should work the same
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
Does it boot at the moment?? If it doesn't you should be able to get a warranty claim. Even though you have been messing with it, they either don't know, don't look or don't care. I had custom_nbx03_003 blah blah blah on my internal SD and they still fixed mine under WARRANTY. lol crack me up.

Other than that you are Screwed, there is no backdoor fixes such as flash mode or fastboot (as seen on Sony Mobile and apparently XTZ)
[Sony Tablet S] harryupf:
Trying to flash the official R5 OTA shows me this message:

*

– Install /sdcard …

Finding update package …

Desklunvr update package …

Opening update package ...

Verifying Update package ...

E:signature verification failed

Installation aborted.

*

Trying to flash the official R1a OTA shows me this message:

*

– Install /sdcard …

Finding update package …

Desklunvr update package …

Opening update package ...

Verifying Update package ...

E:Prohibit update as a result of checking version or base sku

Installation aborted.

*

Are you saying that I can use "flasher" from the recovery menu? I remember seing the option to flash from menu in the AiO. It needed a _recovery_hack.zip

Thanks for your time.
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
Sorry, thought you had used flasher before this. Can you use adb pull /tmp/recovery.log after trying to flash the zips. I will have a look
[Sony Tablet S] harryupf:
I hope you can find the solution

Thanks
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
ota_r5 is that "signed-nbx03_001-ota-120914044.zip"? Could also try incremental "signed-nbx03_001-ota-incremental-120914044-from120803000.zip". Find here http://www.4shared.com/folder/LwQh2332/SONY.html

Weird though if that doesn't work as R1a was good except for incremental being the same.
[Sony Tablet S] xARCHONx:
Screwed!

It throws a bootloop, sometimes even boots into recovery on it's own. But then it can't access the /cache or /sdcard folders. So recovery is useless.

And I don't have warrenty anymore, even if I did, I'm not in the states anymore
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
Want to try something random?

Try to install R5 then reboot recovery, then install R5 again.

Other than that no ideas. Sorry
[Sony Tablet S] xARCHONx:
Bricking Hell!!

Oh believe me, I'd like nothing more than to be able to flash my tab. but it seems that freezing while previously flashing screwed with recovery, as I can't even access my sdcard, which is needed to load the firmware files from.

That's why i'm totally bricked
[Sony Tablet S] harryupf:
thank you

I recovered my tablet. I installed "signed-nbx03_001-ota-12410004.zip" without error messages.

Thanks for your time and help, next time I am going to be careful.
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
4 month bump!

Lol just kidding I have updated the OP with commonly asked questions!
[Sony Tablet S] smgdev:
Little bit off topic but, what does _hack_recovery.zip and flashing a zip twice do?
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
_hack_recovery.zip is old school. It was used to disable the check in recovery with AiO and is pretty redundant now.

As for flashing a zip twice.... If the first partition is no good then recovery would switch to the other partition and try to install there. Happened to me and took me ages to realise that the second partition was no good. So my only chance of installing was on the first partition (i.e had to reboot each time). Unfortunately for me I did not quite realise what was happening and flashed HC 3.2 0035.002 which is NOT rootable and because the other partition incremental is too high, I can not update and I am stuck on 3.2 lol. Also that partition can not be updated as vendor etc for ICS is messed up. (Hence I was able to install HC, before vendor checks were needed).

Hope that helps :D
[Sony Tablet S] smgdev:
Thanks ;), And one more question, My tablet gone into bootloop, fortunately I had rescue-backdoor installed and I flashed latest zip, now my both partitions are going into bootloop. I can notice that because boot animations are different :D. So, I don't wanna mess it up before asking you. ;)
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
Ok try to flash you region JB zip twice in a row, no reboot and then pull the recovery again (above is blank recovery)
[Sony Tablet S] stifilz:
Can you do same as above and I will look
[Sony Tablet S] dvdbane:
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2558367
[Sony Tablet S] JennyBN:
i have downloaded the 2 uk zip files for UK S tablet, both fail when i try to open with winzip/7zip.

if i ever get the files, do i unzip them to a memory card, then restore or just load the zip file onto card?

much appreciated,

ps it's stuck at S.ony logo in a loop i guess
[Sony Tablet S] Z3PHYR:
Its encrypted, you cant unzip it the normal way... just put the whole zip file on the external sdcard an flash it but you will need rescue backdoor first
[Sony Tablet S] JennyBN:
i followed these instructions which didn't mention a "rescue backdoor" - "Q. I am a noob, how do I install (flash) these update zips that everyone is talking about?

A. Good question, firstly go to here for current files or here for my 4Shared older zips.

Then copy file(s) to sd card, turn off tab, insert SD card, hold VOL UP and turn tablet on by pressing POWER button

but keep holding VOL UP until recovery menu, then use UP and DOWN keys to navigate and POWER button to select.

Recovery Menu > Update System From SD Card > signed-..............."

i'll go off and search for it.. but if you want to link me to it, it'll be quicker for sure... thanks for reply
[Sony Tablet S] Z3PHYR:
If you want to flash the same version that you already have on the tablet you will need root and rescue backdoor (all in one tool) and then download the appropriate region zip and put it on the sd card, reboot to recovery and select the zip file