[Sony Xperia E1] barberg:
OK Guys the e1 has been an absolute mare... to root or basically do anything with so heres a guide to finally root this thing and install a custom recovery WHOOO.......

OK FIRST THINGS FIRST... UNLOCK BOOT LOADER ABSOLUTE BEST WAY AND SAFEST WAY TO DO IT.........

Please note! It will only be possible to unlock the boot loader for certain releases. You can check if it is possible to unlock the boot loader of your device in the service menu by following the steps below:

In your device, open the dialler and enter *#*#7378423#*#* to access the service menu.

Tap Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. If Bootloader unlock allowed says Yes, then you can continue with the next step. If it says No, or if the status is missing, your device cannot be unlocked.

Go here and check whether your smartphone is on the “unlock bootloader” list or not. If your phone is not listed there it means that you cannot use this guide for unlocking the system

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Also, on your handset type and dial: *#*#7378423#*#*; then go to “Service info -> Configuration -> Rooting Status” and check if the “Bootloader unlock allowed” says yes. If the “no” answer will be displayed then you will not be able to unlock the bootloader of your device.

Now, extract the file named “downloadinf.zip” (which has been downloaded before) on your computer.

Then, copy the obtained file (“android_winusb.inf”) to path c:\android-sdk\extras\google\usb_driver.

Click yes if asked to overwrite something.

Type *#06# on your phone and get the IMEI number; write it down as you will need it a little bit later.

Now, go here.

On the first page click on “Yes, I’m sure”.

Agree to Sony’s legal terms and then hit “I accept”.

On the next page enter your name, email and your device’s IMEI number and click on “Submit”.

An unlock code will now be offered; note it down.

Turn off your device and connect the same with the computer by pressing on the POWER BUTTON +vol down

Install the drivers on the path mentioned above (c:\android-sdk\extras\google\usb_driver).

Now, on your computer open command prompt: “start -> run -> type cmd”.

On the cmd window enter the following commands (one at a time): cd C:\android-sdk\platform-tools; fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version; fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY (replace key with the code obtained before).

That’s all, now the bootloader will be unlocked.

In the end, remove the USB cable and reboot your smartphone.

NOW OK WITH BOOT LOADER UNLOCKED ............

Firmware...............

it is best to roll back via flashtool to 20.1.A.0.47 firmware its more compatible with the custom recovery ...

download firmware..https://docs.google.com/uc?id=0B1oU0...xport=download

download flashtool...https://github.com/Androxyde/Flashto...ive/master.zip

place firmware in in firmware folder in flashtool directory connect phone holding powerand vol down and flash

NOW THE HEAD ACHE ROOTING BUT STICK WITH IT AND WE'LL DO IT

download http://www.mgyun.com/en/getvroot ( ok i understand people are sceptical of this but trust me it works it wins half the battle)

it will root xperia e1 alas! you will only have limited root privleges ((and it will install 2 apps easily uninstalled))) and it will install its own su app which does work but a bit annoying soo...

you can remove this via a delete system apps app, you do have enough privelages to do this....

install root checker it will say you dont have full root priveleges but su installed ? ok dont panic

CUSTOM RECOVERY

THIS WILL GET THEM FULL ROOT PRIVELEGES WE HAVE BEEN LONGING FOR ...

OK DOWN LOAD THIS RECOVERY IMAGE ...http://xdaforums.com/atta...3&d=1417104506

NOW

1. extract zip to somewhere on your computer & place img in the directory of fastboot.exe

2. Connect your phone in fastboot mode press vol + button while connecting to USB

3. Flash via fastboot ON FASHTOOL note to enter fast boot mode HOLD POWER AND VOL UP BLUE LIGHT SHOULD BE SOLID...

4.REBOOT..

OK NOW FINALLY

REBOOT INTO RECOVERY ....HOLD POWER AND VOL DOWN

NOW NAVIGATE TO ...ADVANCED MENU

OK NOW GO TO RE-ROOT SYSTEM (superSU) PRESS THIS REBOOT PHONE GO TO PLAY STORE RE-INSTALL SUPER USER APP

ROOTED...........................WHOOOOOOOO ps Check this with root checker

ALL COMMENTS WELCOME ...................................