yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
The problem is that security on android has improved a lot lately, thus gaining root on a locled BL is getting harder.

At the moment the ONLY way to have root and keep the DRM keys (TA partition) is to downgrade to .532 and root that with an exploit. To back yo the TA partition we need root access.

If you don't mind losing the TA/DRM keys then root is easy on any of the firmwares. The other problem is that having an unlocked BL and missing TA is that Sony may decide to void the warranty

As to regarding the loss of imei on downgrade, if you upgrade after rooting/TA backup/etc the imei will come back - so it's not a real problem as I don't think you will want to stay on an old firmware.

If you want to stay on sony firmware and have root and recovery the easiest way is to:

Downgrade

Root

Backup TA

Unlock bootloader

Download DoggRom (or my rom, but [MENTION=4642591]hamdogg[/MENTION]'s is better ;) )

Extract the boot.img to <path_to>/flashtool/firmware

Copy DoggRom to SD card

Download .290 ftf fot your model and save to <path_to>/flashtool/firmware

Flash .290 with flashtool

Fastboot flash boot.img with flashtool

Boot to recovery

Wipe/Factory reset

Flash DoggRom from recovery

Reboot
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Alien1891:
project for tomorrow...zzzzzzzzzzz
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Rudolpht:
I'm looking to root my Ultra Z GPe

I noticed there is a revolution boot.img

Is it applicable/useful/damaging for the GPe edition.

I only ask here because I'm shy of the min number of posts to post in the DEV thread
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
It works just fine, but remember to only BOOT it and not flash it. Also, you're over 10 posts now, so you can post in the dev sections. It might take a couple of minutes/hours until the servers "notices" it, so just wait for bit before you try again.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] TheFixerAK:
Ok, I'm just verify what I've determined by reading the multitude of Rooting threads. If I'm on stock non-rooted .290 it's not possible for me to Backup my TA, correct?

I have come to this conclusion, as all guides say that I need to obtain root before backing up my TA, however all the .290 guides say I need to unlock my bootloader before I can obtain root, which means I've lost my TA.

So I can only obtain root WITHOUT unlocking my BL by downgrading to something like .532?

Please tell me I'm making this harder than it is? I don't really want a custom ROM at this point, I just want root.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
You can root 290 with a locked bootloader. Just follow this guide.

I should probably add this to the guide :p Sorry
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Alien1891:
question, if, when downgrading to .532, I check "exclude baseband" will I keep my imei? just curious after reading jackies' [ROOT][Locked BL][STOCK] FULL Root for 4.3 (14.2.A.0.290) C6833 and C6802 post...see, I use my cell for internet, tethering, and have no other source of data. So, I'm in the process of downloading all necessary files before starting anything...but, in case I forget something I would like to be able to tether up and download what I need, or research what I need....without an imei, I'm up poop creek.

Also, after reading about known issues with dogg rom, I'm optimistic...but, can you direct me to any custom roms that have no bugs? or is this the best I'm currently going to find....guess I need some convincing. After my first mod (downloading and installing Sony's 4.3 update) I lost root (my fault, should have read and known that would happen), and my network connection (spotty as it is, I live in the woods) edged (no pun intended) back towards speeds I use to get on my galaxy note. I am on ATT network and get HSPA+ connections where I live, can't get any other internet except satellite (which SUCKS), so I'd prefer to not make any mistakes and lose my internet connection. When I first got the Z ultra and unboxed it I tethered and to my amazement the reception got better (use to about -103dbm on average, and went up to about -99dbm, and I was able to stream video, etc, without as much buffering, even during peak usage hours). I attributed this to the better hardware in the ZU, but after upgrading, I feel it was something in the firmware.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] TheFixerAK:
I should have stated in my post... I have a C6806 and I DO NOT want to lose LTE...
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
Aaaand you're on Bell?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jpeps:
I'm on C6833 Got update. 290 who do I keep. Root. thanks
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] TheFixerAK:
Nope, AT&T..... It just appears that the Root Guide is for C6802's..... and states I'll lose 4G if I follow the instructions...
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
It seems a bit hit and miss, I'm not sure what the cause is so cant say.

I would say DoggRom is stable enough, but you could look at monx® rom to see if that will suite?

---------- Post added at 06:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:44 PM ----------

You still have to downgrade to 532 to get root though
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jpeps:
Who do I root 14.2.A.0.290 with unlock. Bootloader. And keep lte??
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hassanmahmood:
At least try searching the forum first - there's an entire thread on the matter:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2576006
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jutley:
Any chance of a small guide I am on stock 4.3 z ultra c6833 and I want to put the gpe rom on so my boot loader is locked a guide would be nice for those of that are stuck on latest stock rom and want to install the new GPE rom would much appreciate it thanks.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
You'll have to unlock the bootloader and root it. Then you install recovery and then flash GPe.

Edit: Unless you haven't backed up the TA partition yet.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jutley:
Problem is I can't unlock boot loader on 4.3 stock.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
How come?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
You can unless it is unlock-able (bell), But your best bet is to follow the guide that has be laid out before your eyes.

I'm sure every thing you need is in the first post, if not the someone will have answered in this thread.

Harsh I know but it is the truth, everything about unlocking is here, and just about everything about rooting
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jutley:
So I am on stock 4.3 I can still unlock the bootloader and root on 4.3 stock?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
Yes you can, but you WILL LOSE the TA partition, your warranty, your DRM keys and X-reality.

I suggest you read the first post fully and the other sticky about the TA partition. After this I don't think you will want to go straight from 4.3 to an unlocked BL and root.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jutley:
Yea but i can back them up my TA partition and restore them later if going back to stock.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
You can only back up you TA if you downgrade to ,532 and root
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jutley:
That's strange because I backed up my TA on 209 4.3 stock just fine after I rooted it.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hassanmahmood:
Do you have an unlocked bootloader?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jutley:
I do now I unlocked my boot loader on stock 4.3 209 firmware.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hassanmahmood:
I suppose if you keep your bootloader locked and upgrade to 4.3, you should in theory be able to backup your TA on 290.

Those people who first unlocked their bootloader will lose their DRM keys and be unable to backup their TA.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] neverborn:
If you unlocked bl so you can root 290, you would've lost your DRM keys already at that point..

I could be wrong but ideally we take a backup first before unlocking..
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
and how did you root it?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] techpal:
He must have rooted by this http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2602878 and then backed up TA partition and unlocked bootloader.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jutley:
Actually all I did was unlock my boot loader on stock 4.3 sony rom then rooted here http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2576006 and then installed recovery and then backed up my TA partition then made a backup on sd card from recovery then flashed the GPE rom sweet and simple.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] techpal:
Ok so then you must have lost DRM keys as you unlocked boot loader before rooting?

Ideally you should have rooted .290 on locked bootloader and then backed TA (before unlocking bootloader) and then unlocked bootloader.install recovery and flash the rom.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jutley:
I thought you can't root without unlocking the boot loader lol.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] techpal:
You can root without unlocking bootloader. Its not necessary to unlock the bootloader at all. Unlocking bootloader is necessary for only installing custom Roms like CM,PA,AOKP,OMNI etc..
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
Yeah, your DRM keys are gone :p Too bad!
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jpeps:
We can not update to 4.3 yet ?? Until we can save drm keys
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
Depends on what model you have, but it's "easier" to just root 532 if you're on it (or downgrade from 257 to 532), backup TA and update to 290 if you feel like it.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jpeps:
I'm c6833 lte 257 fw

The 290 fw is lte ??

---------- Post added at 08:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:38 PM ----------

I Tryed to do a 290 and lost ime the I redid the 257 fw it work got my ime back
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
- Downgrade to 532

- Root

- Backup TA

- Update again to 257 (through OTA if you want to keep root), or 290 if you feel like it, but you'll lose root and you'll have to root again.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jpeps:
I do to .257 fw backup ta to 290 and root again

---------- Post added at 09:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:04 PM ----------

.s

290 is lte or 4g or 3G

Who I root .290 thanks
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] pTeronaut:
How can I update to 257 through OTA if Sony is pushing 290 that way, do I get to choose?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
Oh, crap. I think you're right. Hmmmm...
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Rox598:
Quick question I just went back to stock and relocked the bootloader and restored the TA partition i took from .290 which it was on when i got it but the music unlimited features aren't working neither is the native video unlimited it's making me download all these separate which i didn't need to do the first time any ideas why? don't tell me my TA partition didn't restore ><
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] rickgillyon:
How did you root 290?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Rox598:
oh wait hang on I took the TA partition from 532 then unlocked and rooted i forgot xD still tho same problem is there music unlimited not in the walkman app

managed to sort it
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hassanmahmood:
Just got the option to update to 290 OTA.

Prior to this only could do it via pc companion.

I don't suppose OTA root keeper would work?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
No :(, that is why we have the many step root process on .290
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jpeps:
Can run 4.3 backup with twrp and flash 4..2.2
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
Again I have no idea what you are asking :confused:
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jpeps:
I'm 4.3 now can do backup and flash 4.2.2

There one app will not work on 4.3
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
I guess you could... but you will lose IMEI if you aren't carefull.

What app wont run on 4.3?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] jpeps:
Gamecih dose not run 4.3

Problem with root it works on 4.2.2 and down here no fix yet
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] ak.exgroup:
i try very much to root my device. but its still not working

i try any way with very softwares :crying:

excuse me for my bad english :(
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
More info please. What model do you have? (C6802? C6806? C6833?)
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
and what software version?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] xda1zero:
Hey all thinking of picking this up, just had one question about flashing the boot file, why? Doesn't the cm image already contain one, or is it a one time thing?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
Sometimes the stock kernel dosent like to flash a non stock img, so doing it that way saves a little hassle id it goes wrong (vise versa is also true)

I've never hit the issue but others have
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] nielo360:
Im not sure if this is answerd already, I have my xperia z ultra rooted with android 4.2 with TA partiton backed up, I cant find any detailed info on how to restore TA backup with flashtool

1)do i need re lock the boot loader and restore the TA partation before updating?

2) I connect my Z ultra with usb debugging on to my pc and flashtool running, how do i restore? and where is my backup located or is it automatically found?

aslo if i click restore from advanced menu it says need to install busybox first.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
use the tool that you made the backup with "Backup TA for Sony Xperia" I think, There is a guide around somewhere to restoring it
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] nielo360:
im using that tool, (flashtool) however there is no guide to restore TA only backup
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
Use the TA backup tool (in the cross development section). Just make a folder in its directory and name it "backup", put your TA backup file inside it and run the tool.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hassanmahmood:
When you first ran the tool to back up your TA - one of the options in the menu was to Restore it - it even has a Dry Restore option you can use just to check it.

Run the same file you used originally and choose the appropriate option.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] nielo360:
Under Advanced menu->Trim - Raw - restore option is there I dont see a dry run option

when I click restore and let it install busybox the program just gets stuck.

Do I hook up my phone to the pc in fastboot or flashmode?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
Why are you still using flashtool? Use the TA tool and spend 30 seconds on it and not half a day like you've done.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] nielo360:
I backed up my TA using flastool, and iv no idea where it puts the back up, i would use TA Tool if i knew what the name or location of my TA back up is.

is it possible to know where flashtool puts this file or what its called?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Phaze1585:
Can I do this on a Mac?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] scoobydu:
The tool is windows only I believe.

From the tools information;

This tool currently only works under Windows. Mac, Linux, and native Android will be supported in the near future. Using this tool is at your own risk.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Phaze1585:
Seriously , I need help with all this.

Ok. So here is my situation.

I have a Sony XZU, Model C6806, running stock 4.3.

I bought it unlocked from Sony.

My main objective is to flash custom roms like CM, PA, and whatever else peeks my curiosity.

Ive heard so many different steps to getting this done that I dont know the proper way to go. I have looked on XDA, and have read many different threads, but this thread looks the best, but even this thread is confusing. Ive heard I have to back-up my TA partition so I dont F-up my phone. Which is fine.

But I heard I can do it whether im rooted or not rooted.

So I would like to know the proper way of backing-up my TA partition.

I would like to be rooted so I can use xposed apps, but Idk the best way (best way, not the easiest way) to root my phone.

If someone out there has the patience. Could you please walk me through this step by step, and just so theres no confusion, can you make it idiot proof. Id really appreciate that.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hassanmahmood:
The guide in the OP is pretty much idiot-proof - at least up to the point that you are most interested in - rooting and backing up the TA.

It literally is so easy a monkey could do it.

Just download the root utility that has been linked in the OP - follow the very easy instructions (run the .bat file and choose Option 0) - you will be completely rooted at this point - it's about a thirty second process including downloading the file.

Just make sure that you have first plugged your phone in to your laptop in regular mode and in USB debugging mode.

(In order to get USB debugging working, go to settings -> About phone and tap on the firmware ten times. That will unlock the developer options submenu in the previous (main settings) menu.)

After you have done this, you can download the TA Backup tool linked in the OP and back up your TA - also an incredibly quick process that merely requires running a .bat file and choosing the appropriate option.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
1 downgrade to .532 see my guide in this section

2 root with bin4ry's root tool

3 backup TA (see OP)

4 unlock BL

5 install recovery

6 flash away

Just follow the above and it should be fine, detailed steps in op.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] rickgillyon:
Although if you want "idiot-proof" and can't work through this guide, you may be better sticking to stock. No insult intended.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hassanmahmood:
I agree.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Nerakk:
Hello and thanks for the guide!

I've tried to search the net for a downloadable .532 EU ftf but coming up empty handed as links are either removed or not working anymore.

So I was wondering if anyone have a link to a .532 ftf so I can finally downgrade my C6833 and get it rooted. Any help would be much appreciated. :)

Keep up the good work though!
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
grab the .532 ftf in my guide on downgrading/imei and root from there, read that guide as well.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2593918
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Nerakk:
Ah. Thanks a bunch. =)
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Alien1891:
I manned up two days ago and spent many hours doing all of this. Good news, it all worked out peachy. Thanks for your help. I did lose imei upon initial downgrade and of course, it came back after upgrading to stock sony .290. Am no running SpicyDogg 4.5, and not having any big issues...a couple random reboots, and force closes, but I believe these could be solved by starting from scratch after a full data wipe and fresh install. Thanks again
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] ps000000:
I have my TA Backed up before unlock my BL

But yesterday when I restored my TA

my BL is not back to locked ???

I need to lock it manually by flashtool
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
should have been locked???
[MENTION=4642591]hamdogg[/MENTION] [MENTION=655433]LordManhattan[/MENTION] ?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hamdogg:
Yeah restoring your TA partition will only restore that part of your Internal memory. You'll still need to lock it.

Think of bootloader locking like having a protected folder. So now you have to lock it. use flash tool and click lock. boom! done!
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
Yeah, this is right, but i noticed that the TA tool locks the bootloader too under some circumstances. The first time i re-locked my bootloader i had to use Flashtool after restoring the TA partition, but i wasn't on the stock ROM, but two days ago i restored the TA partition again, and it relocked the bootloader (i was on stock ROM and checked the service menu after restoring TA), so i think it depends.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] prasad.adam:
Can't unlock BL.

Downgraded to NUT's .532 fine.

Root also fine.

TA backup is good.

When I unlock BL, it first asks me to go to flashmode, this is fine.

Then it asks me to enter fastboot mode. When I do that, it gives error as below:

Guess its a issue with drivers especially fastboot drivers. Someone had similar issues and few reboots of PC seems to have helped. Not so in my case.

Any help on unlocking the BL would be appreciated!
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
C: -> Flashtool -> Drivers -> Flashtool-drivers and scroll down and tick "Fastboot".
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] prasad.adam:
Oh... My bad! Thanks Lord...
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Coolpsi:
boot.img

First of all, thank you very much for your effective tutorial. Having said that, I encountered a "little" problem... I just bought a Xperia Ultra C6833, and after doing the oficial firmware updates I realized that it was not possible to do the root without unlocking the bootloader. So, I followed your tutorial and I downgraded to NUT's .533, then, I made the TA partition backup, I unlocked the bootloader and installed the recovery mode. Untill that point everything was ok, then, I tried to flash the boot image (pac43.img) and at that point the phone stayed stocked in the "pac" logo, to solve it I had to restore the NAND backup. Do you please have any insight about this? As far as I understand, to flash a Rom from the recovery mode, I need to install a boot image, but it din´t work for me. Furthermore, will I have to install a different boot image for each different Rom that I flash? Many thanks in advance for you fast reply.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
Press VOL UP when you see the PAC logo.

You only need to flash boot.img if you're going from stock to an AOSP ROM or you're going back from AOSP to stock. Stock -> stock is fine and it's the same with AOSP.

Sent from my old Desire HD using Morse code
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Coolpsi:
Thank you for your answer! :good: Now, I have a another problem, I already redone the root and install the recovery, but, now I can't access the recovery mode. :( Please note that I haven't unlocked again the bootloader (I did it the first time, so I think I it is not necessary to do it again). What should I do? :-/
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
You only need to unlock the bootloader once. What's your goal? Do you want to flash a ROM, or just have recovery installed? If you want to flash a ROM now, flash boot.img again and boot into recovery and flash a ROM. If you just want to have recovery installed, flash recovery again by using the Windows tool.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Coolpsi:
Ok, my goal is to have the recovery installed and flash a Rom. The first time I made the all procees, after I was stocked in the "pac" logo, I trayed to install another boot image, but something went wrong, and I got stocked with the phone without booting or entering in recovery (red led light). The solution was to flash again the .532 Rom (via flashtool), and there I was again at the strating point. As I told you before, I then root the phone again, and installed the recovery. But, I am not abble to entering in recovery mode now. I thought to flash again the recovery, but I was afraid the something esle went wrong... :-/
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
You have an unlocked bootloader, so you can just flash a boot.img to start flashing. If you have issues after flashing a boot.img, just try a different boot.img and you'll be fine. What ROM do you want to flash?

Sent from my old Desire HD using Morse code
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Coolpsi:
Thank you for your patience...:good: I would like to try "Unofficial SlimKat Build 2.6 RC2" and/or "CM11 - Android 4.4 - FreeXperia Project ". How can I flash a ROM, considering that right now I can't access recovery mode? Should I try to install recovery again?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
The PAC boot.img and others contains recovery, so just flash the boot.img again and flash the ROM.

Use QuickIMG if you want a boot.img flasher with a user interface.

Sent from my old Desire HD using Morse code
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
Also note that all the ROMs (Stock and custom) at the moment need you to come from a 4.3 base so either the .290 FTF or the newer .136 FTF. They need the newer baseband etc.

now that you have an unlocked BL life is easy, you can flash recovery/kernel (boot.img) into any base, so the steps would be:

Flash .136 FTF for your model

Flash boot.img that you have extracted from the rom zip (there are a couple that dont contain one, they rely on you already having recovery installed)

Boot into recovery (press the vol + just after power on when the LED is [normally] purple

Flash .zip