[Tutorial] Fix FOTA bricked (unlocked bootloader) Phones

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kainv

Member
Oct 15, 2011
29
4
So, I also managed to brick my phone with the latest OTA :(

I have Xperia Arc with unlocked bootloader, unlocked by the official instructions on SE site. Phone is also rooted.

After downloading and installing the OTA, it just went black and cannot be turned on anymore.

I have green light, when I connect it to a computer, but when I try to flash it with flashtool, I get this:
Code:
26/028/2011 16:28:11 - INFO  - <- This level is successfully initialized
26/028/2011 16:28:18 - INFO  - Preparing files for flashing
26/028/2011 16:28:19 - INFO  - Searching Xperia....
26/028/2011 16:28:20 - INFO  - Found at USB\VID_0FCE&PID_ADDE\6&D63648E&0&1
26/028/2011 16:28:20 - INFO  - Start Flashing
26/028/2011 16:28:20 - INFO  - 
26/028/2011 16:28:20 - ERROR - Error flashing. Aborted
26/028/2011 16:28:20 - INFO  - Now unplug the device and power it on
26/028/2011 16:28:20 - INFO  - Then go to application settings
26/028/2011 16:28:20 - INFO  - turn on Unknown Sources and Debugging

Unknown sources and USB debugging were turned on before I bricked it.

Any ideas, what to do next?

Maybe I have wrong drivers? I installed "Android Bootloader Interface" from under the "Xperia_2011_devices_fastboot_drivers" directory from the Flashtool0.5.0b package.
I'm running Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit

Thanks for any help!


EDIT:
Got it working.
I had incorrect drivers, so anyone with the similar error in Flashtool, check, if you have the correct drivers installed.

First I uninstalled the device from device manager, then I installed the Sony Ericsson Update Service:
(http://dl-www.sonyericsson.com/cws/download/1/110/61/1317636927/Update_Service_Setup-2.11.10.7.exe), and reconnected my phone- it was immediately recognized and then the Flashtool succeeded and unbricked my phone!
 
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wOrHeR SvK

Senior Member
May 14, 2011
134
10
Bratislava
I don't know if this was asked, but I'll ask:
When I have unlocked bootloader and than I relock it, can I accept FOTA updates and phone(Mini ST15) won't brick? Thanks
 

kalopc

Member
Jan 14, 2009
16
1
I don't know if this was asked, but I'll ask:
When I have unlocked bootloader and than I relock it, can I accept FOTA updates and phone(Mini ST15) won't brick? Thanks

If you have unlocked Bootloader with fastboot from sony developer site instructsions, DONT UPDATE phone with FOTA !!!! , use only PC Companion for updates. If you relock bootloader phone and accept fota, your device bricked again.
 

r1c4rd0

Senior Member
Jan 20, 2007
250
40
35
If you have unlocked Bootloader with fastboot from sony developer site instructsions, DONT UPDATE phone with FOTA !!!! , use only PC Companion for updates. If you relock bootloader phone and accept fota, your device bricked again.

So that means that i can unlocked Bootloader and root phone and instal custom room and still use PC Companion or update service setup for new sony ericsson official updates?

thanks
 

ramezzidane

Senior Member
Nov 26, 2011
412
321
Damascus

sminki

Senior Member
Feb 18, 2012
485
261
hard shoulders of reality
Fantastic! Thanks so much, this saved me tonight.

Weird problem I could only enter recovery using FXP's kernel, no others would play - got the death triangle. Full stock flash didn't solve it either. This is a life saver!

Now my play phone is back in business :D
 

sminki

Senior Member
Feb 18, 2012
485
261
hard shoulders of reality
(I think) It was for the play, I used it to fix a mini-pro (above), and it's here in the arc forum, so I'm going with yes for 2011 devices :)

Sent from my LT18i using XDA
 
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  • 148
    Hi,

    This will fix your unlocked Phones which got bricked through OTA update and are dead now!
    Please download this package:
    MOD EDIT Link Removed at OPs request
    Let it extract to a destination of your choice.
    After that run Flashtool.exe.

    Now hit the button FLASH and select the package which is included.
    Follow the steps and connect your phone in flashmode. This is the same mode Pc Companion and SEUS uses to flash your phone to newer firmare (Indicated by green LED), if you got BLUE LED you are in the wrong mode!
    Flashtool will now detect your phone and start the repair.
    After all is done your phone should be up and running again.

    ADVICE:
    PLEASE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY OTA'S ! If you receive a OTA message just decline, if you accept it you will end with a brick AGAIN! So please do NOT accept them until SonyEricsson provides a OTA solution for unlocked Bootloaders!

    Best Regards
    Team FreeXperia
    9
    No it is repairing TrimArea which got corrupted through the OTA update.

    Regards
    Bin4ry
    5
    great work FreeXperia Team!!!!
    4
    No it is repairing TrimArea which got corrupted through the OTA update.

    Regards
    Bin4ry

    oh so thats wht those .ta files are...

    thanks for the info Bin4ry!!!
    4
    ohhh.. that link is not working btw! :O

    Its the package in the first post i downloaded...

    I attached the file I used for my ARC. I wish it works for you!
    [Small file, Big job] ;)