[Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini, Mini Pro, Xperia Pro, A] 3kgtang:
Hi,

I'm new to this forum and want to say that I have searched my issue/tried a bunch of things that don't seem to work, and I can't find a thread where someone had the exact same issue.

I finally got around to rooting my phone (it is unlocked as well), because I decided it's worth giving this phone a refresh before buying something else. Really I might have but I just don't find that any of the newer "compact" phones are really even small anymore so might as well stick with my trusty Xperia if I can free up some internal memory/try a new ROM etc etc.

I'll give my device/info here first, then explain my issue. Really hoping it's just something stupid/simple that I am missing and that someone may be able to help:)

My Device:

Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray ST18a

Details as per Flashtool64 when I connect it now:

06/056/2016 16:56:21 - INFO - Starting phone detection

06/056/2016 16:56:26 - INFO - Device connected with USB debugging on

06/056/2016 16:56:27 - INFO - Connected device : SonyEricson Xperia Ray

06/056/2016 16:56:27 - INFO - Installed version of busybox : BusyBox v1.18.4 (2011-04-04 18:40:20 CDT) multi-call binary.

06/056/2016 16:56:27 - INFO - Android version : 4.0.4 / kernel version : 2.6.32.9-perf / Build number : 4.1.B.0.431

06/056/2016 16:56:27 - INFO - Checking root access

06/056/2016 16:56:29 - INFO - Root Access Allowed

Details from Service Menu (launched using Flashtool64):

Phone Software Version:

1248-9545_4.1.B.0.587

File System Version:

TELUS_4.1.B.0.431

S1 Boot Version:

1241-3566 r9A021

ETS Software Version:

1247-1301_7

Customization Version:

1252-5788_R1l

Active Customization:

1252-5788_R1l

Memory Card:

No file found

Content Version :

PA5

Type Number:

AAD-3880118-BV

Touch Firmware Version:

7

Fuel Guage Firmware Version:

0x0507 0x0507 0x01121

(I rooted my phone the other day using the following tools:

Android-Root_v1_Xperia-2012-ICS-ROOT-emu-busybox-su, which gave me the runme.bat etc, and Flashtool64 to flash the kernels ST18i_4.0.4_4.1.A.0.562_kernel.ftf and ST18i_4.0.4_4.1.B.0.587_T.ftf

Took awhile to sort that all out, but got it done and installed root checker which verified it was installed properly on my device.

I have since installed and used the App "Uninstall" which worked fine showing I now have Root Access as I could remove some unwanted bloatware to free up a little space)

Anyway.. here is the problem:

I can't seem to run recovery mode (which, from what I gather, I need to run before loading customs ROMs). I Have downloaded both TWRP and CWM from the Play store, but found they don't list support for Xperia Ray... Then I found through searching here that X-Parts should do the trick for my phone.. So I've downloaded that fine, it says that it installed CWM, but when I try to use the tool "Reboot to Recovery" my phone just reboots normally... I've also tried rebooting while combinations of tapping and/or holding the volume down key as I've read to do. Still nothing.

Any help at this point would be greatly appreciated!!!

This site seems great, and love the idea of being able to customize everything and have community support! (ie not a fan of iAnything..lol)

Thanks!:)

Ryan