[Xperia Tablet Z General] [NUT]:
Root 4 Dummies

I've FINALLY bought a Tab Z (SGP321) and the day I got it, it took me almost 3 hours to slap root on it and install the prerooted KitKat package from [MENTION=3132820]ryany67[/MENTION] (Based on my DIY Guide, so it was a no-brainer for me, really ;) ).

It helps to know your way around XDA but also around Xperia devices in general ;) I was contacted by some users quite fast after I thanked ryany67 to help them root their tablet Z... I decided to do a thread on the subject instead of sending individual replies which would be basically the same.

The reason why I do this thread is simple: it took me ages to find anything in the form of a 'Root4Dummies' on locked bootloader devices. So here it is:

Preparation

To start, download these files, appropriate for your device type:

[FTF] SGP321 10.1.1.A.1.307 Unbranded

[FIRMWARE][SGP311] 10.1.C.0.370 US Version

[FIRMWARE][FTF][SGP312]10.1.C.0.370 (UK version 32GB WIFI Unbranded)

Missing links: SGP351 and the JB 4.1.2 version for the DoCoMo version. If you have a link, please post it!

TabZ-lockeddualrecovery[any version online].installer.zip on [NUT]'s XDA Downloads

The latest FlashTool

The Dummie guide

Make sure you have created a backup of EVERYTHING on your device, which includes internal storage. The Backup & Restore app on your device does a decent job...

WARNING: I won't be responsible for your neglect to make a backup of your sister's wedding photo's you might have lost by following this guide!!

Put the FTF for your device in the flashtool 'firmwares' folder;

Unzip the TabZ-lockeddualrecovery[any version online].installer.zip and remember where you've put it :p

Power down your device;

Grab your USB cable and connect it to your

PC/MAC ONLY

;

Start thinking of what you might have forgotten to backup, because the next step will DESTROY ALL CONTENTS ON YOUR DEVICE;

Are you absolutely sure anything important has been moved off the device?

Did I mention the next step will wipe your device clean? The contents of your external SDCard (the one in the external slot, duh) will not be touched.

Are you sure you want to continue?

Okay... here we go:

Start FlashTool, click the lightning bolt button, choose flashmode and click the firmware you have put in the firmwares directory.

We will be flashing EVERYTHING and will wipe EVERYTHING on your device, this way you will be sure the result will be as clean and stable as possible. You can continue up until FlashTool instructs you to connect the device in flashmode.

HOLD the

VOLUME DOWN

button on your device and while doing that connect the USB cable to it. You should see the LED light up green and FlashTool should start flashing the FTF. Once FlashTool is done, disconnect the USB cable.

Power up your device, go through the initial setup until you can use it.

Go to settings -> about device -> tap the Build number about 7 times until you unlock the developer menu.

Go back one screen and open the developer options, enable it and search for 'USB Debugging'. Tic the box, confirm the choice.

Connect the USB cable

Open the XZDualRecovery 'lockedbootloader' folder and start the install.sh (linux and mac) or install.bat (windows)

Run option 3 (Installation on an unrooted ROM)

Your device will reboot itself when it's done and will go to PhilZ Touch Recovery for the first time to show you it worked OK.

When you tap reboot PhilZ will ask if you wish to root your device, you can confirm you want to if you like ;) Otherwise flash the latest SuperSU yourself.

Congratulations, this part is DONE! You now have a rooted device

I already hear you cry out: But wait... it's ROM is WAAAAAAY old now!

You are correct of course The next step will allow you to update to a more recent one while keeping root and not unlocking your bootloader in the process! :victory:

The choices....

It really boils down to personal preference but you can use all of the RECOVERY FLASHABLE ROM's you can find in the Xperia Tablet Z Android Development forum section. Just make sure you get the version for your device to avoid hardware malfunction.

If you want to make a backup of your TA partition, now is the best time to do it, as you have root now. Have the tool from [MENTION=5261329]DevShaft[/MENTION] do it for you: [TOOL] Backup TA v9.10 for Windows [20131228]

After creating a backup of your TA partition you can unlock the bootloader to be able to flash any of the ROM's on the Xperia Tablet Z Original Android Development forum section.

All Done!

Well... that's all folks! :victory:

Happy rooting and remember to have fun! :highfive:

Feel free to ask me questions in this thread about rooting and rooted apps, I'll try to answer them to the best of my knowledge. If you see someone asking something you know the answer to, don't hesitate to reply!!