Step by Step - For Z Ultra - Update to .757 and Root - Everything Needed

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zxc1251

New member
Nov 3, 2007
4
11
Updated - 6/2/14 - To reflect suggestions by - @blueether - @maxld - @polargirl - Thank you all.

This might help someone Noob like me.

This is primarily written for my C6806 however steps are similar for other z ultra devices.

Everything here is copied from other threads on this forums and Google search. I have tried to provide links to threads as much as I can.

For anyone following these steps
  1. Please do more research on each steps.
  2. This steps should give you clear idea as to what is involved in this procedure
  3. You must follow steps from top to bottom for this to work.

Check Bootloader Status
  1. Dial *#*#7378423#*#* or download this app from playstore to directly go to Service Info
  2. Go To Service Info > Configuration > Rooting Status
  3. If you see Bootloader Unlocked: Yes, that means your phone is bootloader unlocked
  4. if you see Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes continue with steps.
  5. if you see No above do not continue any further, STOP
Disable Signed Driver Enforcement on Windows 7, 8, 8.1 (This is a must step)
  1. Reboot your computer while pressing F8
  2. Select "Disable Driver Signature Enforcement" and press Enter
Install FlashTools and FlashTools Drivers

  1. Download FlashTools from following link (You must use latest version)
    1. http://www.flashtool.net/download.php
  2. Install FlashTools
  3. Go to Flashtool\drivers install Directory
  4. Double Click Flashtool-drivers.exe
  5. Select Flashmode, Flashboot, z ultra (all), xperia A and click Install
Flash 14.1.B.1.532 ftf file to phone (For locked or unlocked phones - Thanks @blueether)
  1. Start Phone Normally
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Click ten times on Build Number to enable developer options
  4. Go to Settings -> Developer options and enable USB Debugging
  5. Go to Settings -> Security and enable install from unknown sources
  6. Turn off phone
  7. Download C6833_14.1.B.1.532_NUT.ftf File from this thread http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2593918
    or Download Directly from here http://xdaforums.com/devdb/project/dl/?id=3442
  8. Extract zip file downloaded above
  9. Copy ftf to Flashtool\firmwares directory
  10. Open FlashTool
  11. Click Flash (lightning bolt icon)
  12. Select FlashMode and click ok
  13. Select the above file from left side and click flash
  14. When Asked by FlashTool, keep holding vol down key connect phone to computer with usb cable
  15. Disconnect phone (After FlashTool finish installing firmware file)
  16. Restart phone
Root with Bin4ry method
  1. Download Root_with_Restore_by_Bin4ry_v33 file from this thread http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1886460 or direct link http://uploaded.net/file/d2w6dl7r
  2. Follow this video for more detailed instructions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EpkrCq1gfM#t=149 or continue with next step
  3. Start Phone and enable usb debugging and install from unknown sources options.
  4. Extract above Root_with_Restore_by_Bin4ry_v33.zip file to c:\ drive
  5. Double Click the RunMe.bat and follow instructions
  6. Select - Xperia phones with “older” firmware option when asked
Backup TA Partition
  1. User this video for more help https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kva9-rAPG5s
  2. Download Latest Backup TA for Sony Xperia tool from this thread http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2292598 or direct link https://github.com/DevShaft/Backup-TA/releases
  3. Extract downloaded file to c:\
  4. Start phone
  5. Run Backup-TA.bat
  6. Follow instructions on screen
  7. After backup store entire Backup-TA directory at safe location for some future use
Flash 14.3.A.0.757
  1. Download 14.3.A.0.757 file
    1. For C6806
      • Download US Retail/Generic C6806 14.3.A.0.757 file from this link http://d-h.st/4vv
    2. For other version of z Ultra
  2. Extract this zip file
  3. Copy C6806_14.3.A.0.757_1276-1569_R3C.ftf (for C6806) to Flashtool\firmwares directory
  4. follow steps similar to “Flash 14.1.B.1.532 ftf file to phone”
Unlock Bootloader (Please read more before doing thess steps, I might have missed many things here)
  1. Reference Post you would like to read, http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2447319
  2. Write down IMEI code for your device
    1. dial *#06#
    2. Write displayed IMEI and save it at safe place
  3. FlashTool method to unlock bootloader
    1. Start FlashTool
    2. Click on BLU button
    3. Connect phone in flashmode as per the instructions on screen
    4. Once Connected click unlock
    5. When prompted disconnect the device
ROOT 14.3.A.0.757
  1. Instructions from Thread http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2714511
  2. This works for all c68xx devices with 14.3.A.0.757 firmware
  3. Download kernal from this link
  4. https://mega.co.nz/#!Vh8xEZYR!HwGosIRT1wFVCwm80KjL6vbo0NSduVlhUObM0NdNrPg
  5. Download SuperSu from this link
  6. https://mega.co.nz/#!t18y2SRb!WwXemirwFBTqpxeNYrJJLC1jwH7R13NQE-uU7yEBk2Y
  7. Help video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFSeSe8gQOY
  8. Start Phone Normally
  9. Copy Above SuperSu.zip to internal or external SD Card
  10. Go to Settings
  11. Click ten times on Build Number to enable developer options
  12. Go to Settings -> Developer options and enable USB Debugging
  13. Go to Settings -> Security and enable install from unknown sources
  14. Turn off phone
  15. Disconnect USB cable
  16. Press and hold vol up button and connect USB cable to phone and PC, wait until led light turns blue
  17. Start FlashTool
  18. Click Flash (Lightning bolt)
  19. Select Fastboot mode and click ok
  20. Click Select kernel to Flash
  21. On File chooser window change *.sin to *.img
  22. Select above 757.img file and click ok
  23. on FlashTool window if it says sending boot ok do not worry about any other errors
  24. Disconnect USB cable
  25. Go to Recovery
  26. Press power button to start phone
  27. As soon as you see sony logo press and hold vol down button
  28. This will boot you into recovery
  29. Click Install on Recovery screen
  30. Select SuperSu.zip file uploaded earlier (from internal or external sd card)
  31. Swipe to confirm
  32. Click Reboot System
  33. That is it finally you have your xperia z upgraded and rooted.
 
Last edited:

blueether

Senior Member
Jan 21, 2011
3,391
1,639
Te Awamutu, New Zealand
Corrections:

  • Move the unlock section to after the flash 757 section
  • .532 is the onlt firmware that has a root exploit, use the one that is linked in my downgrade thread, will work on all versions of the ZU locked and unlocked
  • Root with binaries tool - use option 0 or use [NUT]'s tool (see
my downgrade thread again)

That's it for now, will have a close read soon...
 
Last edited:
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polargirl

Member
May 30, 2014
29
5
I am glad to at least see you guys trying to put everything into one thread. :)

This is still a huge amount of instructions for a newbie and any reduction would be great but at least having what you currently have put into one thread is still a major improvement. :)

Good going guys and thank you very much!
 

polargirl

Member
May 30, 2014
29
5
Disable Signed Driver Enforcement on Windows 7, 8, 8.1 (This is a must step)
  1. Hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and press the letter C
  2. Click the gear icon (Settings)
  3. Click More PC Settings
  4. For Win 7 and 8
    1. Click General
    2. Under Advanced Startup, click Restart Now
  5. For Win 8.1
    1. Click Update & Revocery
    2. Click Recovery
    3. Under Advanced Startup, click Restart Now
  6. After restart, click Troubleshoot
  7. Click Advanced Options
  8. Click Windows Startup Settings
  9. Click Restart.
  10. After restart, click F7 (to disable driver signature enforcement)

Would just shortening this to "Reboot while pressing F8 and selecting Disable Driver Signature Enforcement" work?
 
Last edited:

polargirl

Member
May 30, 2014
29
5
Yep, it should do the trick ;)

Great! We got one process shortened.

I am neither a programmer nor a hacker but I will try to contribute what I can for a "Rooting Xperia For Dummies" guide.

The next suggestion is actually lengthier but may make a scared newbie feel more safe since it comes from the Google Play Store.

Instead of dialing code into the phone,

zxc1251 said:
Check Bootloader Status
Dial *#*#7378423#*#*

why not change that to download an app from the "safety" of the Google Play Store?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.neoscreenager.xperiaservicemenu

It appears to be a good app that works better than always dialing code for someone who plans to access the service menu regularly anyway.
 
Last edited:

polargirl

Member
May 30, 2014
29
5
Or how about you stop criticizing everything and everyone around here, and start contributing yourself? You're not gaining in popularity around here right now.

I wasn't criticizing anyone in the post that you quoted. I was just explaining what I believe needs to be done.

I have posted in more than one thread that I don't have any tech skills to make contributions in that regard. The goal of simplifying and streamlining the root process for the public is going to take someone with developer skills that I simply do not have. I don't know the first thing about Linux and know nothing about writing Windows batch files. How much more humility regarding my tech skills do you want?

I get it. You guys are content with just doing rooting for yourselves and could care less about how OEMs mistreat their own customers let alone give empowerment back to the public or even stymie development to a degree that rivals Microsoft for that matter. If anything, I have seen more sympathy towards OEMs and patronization towards the public posted on this site.

I won't bother you guys any longer nor will I attempt rooting my phone with instructions on how to root and unroot all over the place in many threads with the lack of support being what it is on this site.

Have fun continuing to live in your own world indifferent to the rest of it. No wonder the rest of the world doesn't like nerds. At least I figured that one out after all these years so it wasn't a complete waste of time coming here.
 
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blueether

Senior Member
Jan 21, 2011
3,391
1,639
Te Awamutu, New Zealand
I wasn't criticizing anyone in the post that you quoted. I was just explaining what I believe needs to be done.

I have posted in more than one thread that I don't have any tech skills to make contributions in that regard. The goal of simplifying and streamlining the root process for the public is going to take someone with developer skills that I simply do not have. I don't know the first thing about Linux and know nothing about writing Windows batch files. How much more humility regarding my tech skills do you want?

I get it. You guys are content with just doing rooting for yourselves and could care less about how OEMs mistreat their own customers let alone give empowerment back to the public or even stymie development to a degree that rivals Microsoft for that matter. If anything, I have seen more sympathy towards OEMs and patronization towards the public posted on this site.

I won't bother you guys any longer nor will I attempt rooting my phone with instructions on how to root and unroot all over the place in many threads with the lack of support being what it is on this site.

Have fun continuing to live in your own world indifferent to the rest of it. No wonder the rest of the world doesn't like nerds. At least I figured that one out after all these years so it wasn't a complete waste of time coming here.

meh

Lordmanhattan and I, and a couple of others that dont post so much now have put hundreds of hours in to help others, bring all the info into a couple of threads.

If someone has a problem with the process and has not just "how do I root my ZU" we (the general users of this section) will go out of our way to help.

I feel that having all the info in one post if counter productive, it becomes too much to read, too easy to lose you way - foss mantra: small tools to do small jobs => small guides to do small steps

The process is not that difficult, but there are many permutations of what the user is starting with and what they want to end up with.

Again: If they ask an intelligent question in the guide threads they will get a concise answer, if they open a new thread with the same question that has been answered 100 times before they will get a shot answer that they may not like.

The process is not overly broken, people just need to be less self entitled, not everything in life is as simple as they are
 

tennispirit

New member
Jun 8, 2014
2
0
Could not enter Recovery after flashing 757 kernel

Thanks for your helpful post.

I just have a problem at step 25 (Go to Recovery) under ROOT 14.3.A.0.757. Everything was fine until I attempted to enter Recovery mode to install SuperSU. After flashing the 757.img kernel, I disconnected the cable, pressed power button, and hold volume down (I also tried volume up) button when the Sony logo appeared on the screen. But my phone just kept booting to Home Screen.

I was wondering if anyone had had the same problem? If so, please help me to fix this.

Thank you in advance.


Update: I managed to enter Recovery mode by pressing both volume up and volume down after pressing the power button. Everything is fine now. Thanks again for a very clear and complete step-by-step guide for a Noob like me.
 
Last edited:

LordManhattan

Senior Member
Oct 20, 2007
15,039
5,495
Kepler-34b
Thanks for your helpful post.

I just have a problem at step 25 (Go to Recovery) under ROOT 14.3.A.0.757. Everything was fine until I attempted to enter Recovery mode to install SuperSU. After flashing the 757.img kernel, I disconnected the cable, pressed power button, and hold volume down (I also tried volume up) button when the Sony logo appeared on the screen. But my phone just kept booting to Home Screen.

I was wondering if anyone had had the same problem? If so, please help me to fix this.

Thank you in advance.


Update: I managed to enter Recovery mode by pressing both volume up and volume down after pressing the power button. Everything is fine now. Thanks again for a very clear and complete step-by-step guide for a Noob like me.

You're not supposed to hold the volume button up/down, but you should simply press it once or twice when the LED lights up above the screen :)
 

LazyJr

Senior Member
Nov 25, 2010
57
1
Hi, I am trying to flash my phone following the steps for Flash 14.1.B.1.532 ftf file to phone. Once I get to step 13 I have a problem. I am using Flashtool to flash the ftf file in flash mode but there are no files to select from. I have already placed the ftf file in the firmware folder.

PS:the flashtool is version v0.9.16.1. Has anyone experienced this problem?
 

blueether

Senior Member
Jan 21, 2011
3,391
1,639
Te Awamutu, New Zealand
Hi, I am trying to flash my phone following the steps for Flash 14.1.B.1.532 ftf file to phone. Once I get to step 13 I have a problem. I am using Flashtool to flash the ftf file in flash mode but there are no files to select from. I have already placed the ftf file in the firmware folder.

PS:the flashtool is version v0.9.16.1. Has anyone experienced this problem?

You nolonger have to flash to 532 to root the ZU have a read of the Towelroot thread
 

LazyJr

Senior Member
Nov 25, 2010
57
1
You nolonger have to flash to 532 to root the ZU have a read of the Towelroot thread

Hi blueether. Thank you for your link. I would like to ask you a question. My ZU firmware version is .290. Should I update to 757 then downgrade to 532, root and back-up the TA partition. Or should I just upgrade from .290 to 532, root and back-up the TA partition. Which do you think is the best way? Thank you.
 

blueether

Senior Member
Jan 21, 2011
3,391
1,639
Te Awamutu, New Zealand
Hi blueether. Thank you for your link. I would like to ask you a question. My ZU firmware version is .290. Should I update to 757 then downgrade to 532, root and back-up the TA partition. Or should I just upgrade from .290 to 532, root and back-up the TA partition. Which do you think is the best way? Thank you.

for a start 532 (4.2) is older than 290 (4.3)

@ OP This is the porblem with yet another guide thread about rooting the ZU...

As of 4 or 5 days ago you dont have to down grade at all. With the thread I linked to you can root any of the current Sony firmware I think (untested, but 767 will root).

I would:
  1. upgrade to the latest 4.4.2, Sony's x.x.x.767 FTF
  2. root with the tools linked to in that thread
  3. back up TA
  4. unlock BL if wanted/needed
 
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  • 11
    Updated - 6/2/14 - To reflect suggestions by - @blueether - @maxld - @polargirl - Thank you all.

    This might help someone Noob like me.

    This is primarily written for my C6806 however steps are similar for other z ultra devices.

    Everything here is copied from other threads on this forums and Google search. I have tried to provide links to threads as much as I can.

    For anyone following these steps
    1. Please do more research on each steps.
    2. This steps should give you clear idea as to what is involved in this procedure
    3. You must follow steps from top to bottom for this to work.

    Check Bootloader Status
    1. Dial *#*#7378423#*#* or download this app from playstore to directly go to Service Info
    2. Go To Service Info > Configuration > Rooting Status
    3. If you see Bootloader Unlocked: Yes, that means your phone is bootloader unlocked
    4. if you see Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes continue with steps.
    5. if you see No above do not continue any further, STOP
    Disable Signed Driver Enforcement on Windows 7, 8, 8.1 (This is a must step)
    1. Reboot your computer while pressing F8
    2. Select "Disable Driver Signature Enforcement" and press Enter
    Install FlashTools and FlashTools Drivers

    1. Download FlashTools from following link (You must use latest version)
      1. http://www.flashtool.net/download.php
    2. Install FlashTools
    3. Go to Flashtool\drivers install Directory
    4. Double Click Flashtool-drivers.exe
    5. Select Flashmode, Flashboot, z ultra (all), xperia A and click Install
    Flash 14.1.B.1.532 ftf file to phone (For locked or unlocked phones - Thanks @blueether)
    1. Start Phone Normally
    2. Go to Settings
    3. Click ten times on Build Number to enable developer options
    4. Go to Settings -> Developer options and enable USB Debugging
    5. Go to Settings -> Security and enable install from unknown sources
    6. Turn off phone
    7. Download C6833_14.1.B.1.532_NUT.ftf File from this thread http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2593918
      or Download Directly from here http://xdaforums.com/devdb/project/dl/?id=3442
    8. Extract zip file downloaded above
    9. Copy ftf to Flashtool\firmwares directory
    10. Open FlashTool
    11. Click Flash (lightning bolt icon)
    12. Select FlashMode and click ok
    13. Select the above file from left side and click flash
    14. When Asked by FlashTool, keep holding vol down key connect phone to computer with usb cable
    15. Disconnect phone (After FlashTool finish installing firmware file)
    16. Restart phone
    Root with Bin4ry method
    1. Download Root_with_Restore_by_Bin4ry_v33 file from this thread http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1886460 or direct link http://uploaded.net/file/d2w6dl7r
    2. Follow this video for more detailed instructions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EpkrCq1gfM#t=149 or continue with next step
    3. Start Phone and enable usb debugging and install from unknown sources options.
    4. Extract above Root_with_Restore_by_Bin4ry_v33.zip file to c:\ drive
    5. Double Click the RunMe.bat and follow instructions
    6. Select - Xperia phones with “older” firmware option when asked
    Backup TA Partition
    1. User this video for more help https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kva9-rAPG5s
    2. Download Latest Backup TA for Sony Xperia tool from this thread http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2292598 or direct link https://github.com/DevShaft/Backup-TA/releases
    3. Extract downloaded file to c:\
    4. Start phone
    5. Run Backup-TA.bat
    6. Follow instructions on screen
    7. After backup store entire Backup-TA directory at safe location for some future use
    Flash 14.3.A.0.757
    1. Download 14.3.A.0.757 file
      1. For C6806
        • Download US Retail/Generic C6806 14.3.A.0.757 file from this link http://d-h.st/4vv
      2. For other version of z Ultra
    2. Extract this zip file
    3. Copy C6806_14.3.A.0.757_1276-1569_R3C.ftf (for C6806) to Flashtool\firmwares directory
    4. follow steps similar to “Flash 14.1.B.1.532 ftf file to phone”
    Unlock Bootloader (Please read more before doing thess steps, I might have missed many things here)
    1. Reference Post you would like to read, http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2447319
    2. Write down IMEI code for your device
      1. dial *#06#
      2. Write displayed IMEI and save it at safe place
    3. FlashTool method to unlock bootloader
      1. Start FlashTool
      2. Click on BLU button
      3. Connect phone in flashmode as per the instructions on screen
      4. Once Connected click unlock
      5. When prompted disconnect the device
    ROOT 14.3.A.0.757
    1. Instructions from Thread http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2714511
    2. This works for all c68xx devices with 14.3.A.0.757 firmware
    3. Download kernal from this link
    4. https://mega.co.nz/#!Vh8xEZYR!HwGosIRT1wFVCwm80KjL6vbo0NSduVlhUObM0NdNrPg
    5. Download SuperSu from this link
    6. https://mega.co.nz/#!t18y2SRb!WwXemirwFBTqpxeNYrJJLC1jwH7R13NQE-uU7yEBk2Y
    7. Help video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFSeSe8gQOY
    8. Start Phone Normally
    9. Copy Above SuperSu.zip to internal or external SD Card
    10. Go to Settings
    11. Click ten times on Build Number to enable developer options
    12. Go to Settings -> Developer options and enable USB Debugging
    13. Go to Settings -> Security and enable install from unknown sources
    14. Turn off phone
    15. Disconnect USB cable
    16. Press and hold vol up button and connect USB cable to phone and PC, wait until led light turns blue
    17. Start FlashTool
    18. Click Flash (Lightning bolt)
    19. Select Fastboot mode and click ok
    20. Click Select kernel to Flash
    21. On File chooser window change *.sin to *.img
    22. Select above 757.img file and click ok
    23. on FlashTool window if it says sending boot ok do not worry about any other errors
    24. Disconnect USB cable
    25. Go to Recovery
    26. Press power button to start phone
    27. As soon as you see sony logo press and hold vol down button
    28. This will boot you into recovery
    29. Click Install on Recovery screen
    30. Select SuperSu.zip file uploaded earlier (from internal or external sd card)
    31. Swipe to confirm
    32. Click Reboot System
    33. That is it finally you have your xperia z upgraded and rooted.
    3
    Disable Signed Driver Enforcement on Windows 7, 8, 8.1 (This is a must step)
    1. Hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and press the letter C
    2. Click the gear icon (Settings)
    3. Click More PC Settings
    4. For Win 7 and 8
      1. Click General
      2. Under Advanced Startup, click Restart Now
    5. For Win 8.1
      1. Click Update & Revocery
      2. Click Recovery
      3. Under Advanced Startup, click Restart Now
    6. After restart, click Troubleshoot
    7. Click Advanced Options
    8. Click Windows Startup Settings
    9. Click Restart.
    10. After restart, click F7 (to disable driver signature enforcement)

    Would just shortening this to "Reboot while pressing F8 and selecting Disable Driver Signature Enforcement" work?
    3
    I wasn't criticizing anyone in the post that you quoted. I was just explaining what I believe needs to be done.

    I have posted in more than one thread that I don't have any tech skills to make contributions in that regard. The goal of simplifying and streamlining the root process for the public is going to take someone with developer skills that I simply do not have. I don't know the first thing about Linux and know nothing about writing Windows batch files. How much more humility regarding my tech skills do you want?

    I get it. You guys are content with just doing rooting for yourselves and could care less about how OEMs mistreat their own customers let alone give empowerment back to the public or even stymie development to a degree that rivals Microsoft for that matter. If anything, I have seen more sympathy towards OEMs and patronization towards the public posted on this site.

    I won't bother you guys any longer nor will I attempt rooting my phone with instructions on how to root and unroot all over the place in many threads with the lack of support being what it is on this site.

    Have fun continuing to live in your own world indifferent to the rest of it. No wonder the rest of the world doesn't like nerds. At least I figured that one out after all these years so it wasn't a complete waste of time coming here.

    meh

    Lordmanhattan and I, and a couple of others that dont post so much now have put hundreds of hours in to help others, bring all the info into a couple of threads.

    If someone has a problem with the process and has not just "how do I root my ZU" we (the general users of this section) will go out of our way to help.

    I feel that having all the info in one post if counter productive, it becomes too much to read, too easy to lose you way - foss mantra: small tools to do small jobs => small guides to do small steps

    The process is not that difficult, but there are many permutations of what the user is starting with and what they want to end up with.

    Again: If they ask an intelligent question in the guide threads they will get a concise answer, if they open a new thread with the same question that has been answered 100 times before they will get a shot answer that they may not like.

    The process is not overly broken, people just need to be less self entitled, not everything in life is as simple as they are
    2
    Would just shortening this to reboot while pressing F8 and selecting 'Disable Driver Signature Enforcement" work?

    Yep, it should do the trick ;)
    1
    sony experia z ultra flashtool

    Download successful. Thank you