[Xperia SP General] mrjraider:
Hi everybody welcome to my tutorial about Flashing with Flashtool. This thread is for those who want to reflash their device back to Sony Stock. See below for last details about this thread and the last build by Sony.

Note: I DO NOT OWN THIS DEVICE ANYMORE. PICTURES ARE REMOVED FROM MY DROPBOX AND THUS NOT VISEBLE. FOR NOW JUST RELY ON THE EXPLANATION PLEASE. ANY QUESTION CAN BE ASKED HERE. I DO NOT RESPOND TO TECHMAIL!

Created: 23-02-2014

Updated: 05-07-2014

Latest Android build released by Sony: 12.1.A.1.205

Let's begin shall we.. We shall! :)

First you need to download the correct ftf file for your device/operator or needs. This can be done here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2311964 In there you can share and download firmware files in .ftf format..

You alsol need a program called Flashtool. You can download this here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=920746

For Windows 8 and 8.1 users I also recommend you to read this thread: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2095087 Microsoft has enhanced the security in Windows 8/8.1 and Windows won't install proper signed drivers.

When you are done with that you need to move your downloaded firmware file to the proper location for flashtool to be found:

C:\Flashtool\Firmwares

After that you are good to go, just remember the following:

Bootloader locked? If not you wont have BE2/OTA/PCC etc (for unlocking and relocking: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2354721 )

I've made backups of my important files that are stored on my phone?

Battery at atleast 50%?

I have patience?

I got something to do meanwhile?

The last two things are very important :)

Let's get started:

1: Open Flashtool:

Flashtool(.exe) for 32Bits systems and Flashtool64(.exe) for 64Bits systems

2: Press the Lightningbolt picture and select Flashmode

This will give another screen.

3: Select the downloaded ftf. (In this case 2.254)

Make sure that all the wipes are checked and the others are unchecked. This is to prevent any bootloops or other problems after downgrading.

4: Press Flash and the next two lines will be added to the flashtool log

The files are being prepared and checked. Have a bit of patience please.

5: Turn off your phone and turn it back on into Flashmode

After this the process will start.

After flashing you can disconnect your phone and boot it up.

Via Flashtool you can also reset your system after. For example:

You are running the latest ExistenZe ROM from our beloved Niaboc79 and you want to go back to stock for a reason WITHOUT losing data! Just flash the last Stock ROM and untick the following boxes:

Untick DATA and APPSLOG!! But keep CACHE to wipe the /cache (is the same as a wipe cache via CWM).

FAQ​

- My Phone wont stay into flashmode

> Turn it off, wait a few minutes and turn it back into flashmode

- Flashtool wont recognise my phone

> Make sure you have the proper drivers installed. See C://Flashtool/Drivers

- Flashing failed

> Problem depends on the error code given by Flashtool. Post the problem here and perhaps we can help

- Got a bootloop

> Reflash again

- Even after reflash I got into a bootloop

> Turn off your phone via the small button behind the batterycover and wait a few minutes. Then try again. If that doesnt work you need to flash again.

- Booting takes ages

> This is normal. The entire cache needs to be rebuild. Patience my dear..

- After flashing and booting my phone is laggy.

> Reboot device and wait a bit. The phone needs to fully reset and boot itself. Have some patience dear.

- Do I need to unlock my bootloader to use flashtool

> NO!

- Can I unlock my bootloader with flashtool?

> NO!

- Can I relock my bootloader with flashtool?

> Yes