Rooting,BL unlocking,Recovery,Kernel installation[Noob's Guide]

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Thread overview

Post 1 : process overview

post 2 : Rooting , Bootloader unlocking/relocking , cmw

Post 3 : Kernel installation

Post 4 : custom rom installation


if you are xda member means you are here to install custom rom and modify you mobile..so if you want to install custom rom you need root cmw and you have to know how to install custom kernel...
there are many new members(noobs) who dont even know how to root..so i decide to make a new(this) thread in which i will cover all thing regarding to root bootloader roms and kernel..
to do that i grab information from here and there to explain in brief...

Post 1 : process overview


as you can see in above image that if you have unlocked bootloader you can install custom roms like cyanogenmod and miui rom..and there are no limitations..on other hand if you have locked bootloader you can install only custom rom..

post 2 : Rooting , Bootloader unlocking/relocking

{1}.Rooting

it was easy to root 4.0.2.A.0.42 firmware but 4.0.2.A.0.62 firmware removes root..
and easiest way to root on .62 fw is to flash custom kernel...
i will explain how to install custom kernel in post 3..

{2}.Bootloader unlocking/relocking

Bootloaders are used to boot operating system on our device . Usually our phone's bootloader will be locked by Sony Ericsson during its production itself . Almost every custom rom we install has its own KERNEL which is responsible for overclocking the cpu & other stuff.To install custom roms which contains custom kernels we need UNLOCKED BOOTLOADERS .

Unlocking via Sony's Official website

Sony has provided a website where we get an unlock code for each IMEI no. type in that code and your bootloader will get unlocked officially . This is the easiest unlocking method possible . Wait there's more , official unlocking method does more bad than good , like
1. will void warranty
2. Will loose DRM & track Id related stuff
3. No official phone updates via SEUS/PCC or OTA

If you don't care about them please go ahead and click this LINK: http://unlockbootloader.sonyericsson...tructions..and follow on-screen instructions on that site

RELOCK : TO relock use this LINK:http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1134335

There is an alternative way to avoid the above mentioned limitations , it is called SEtool

Unofficial Unlocking (S1tool)

This method overcomes all the three limitations , but you will need to do a little work manually , this method introduces us to a new word called TESTPOINT
website is given here:http://androidflip.com/unlock-xperia...ck-id-working/
there you will find all information...read carefully and follow on-screen instructions on that site..
i found a video which will help you its for xperia mini pro...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V02nl...feature=colike
and another video explains regarding to Xperia Bootloader Unlocking using SETool & Test Point(paid):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn-Vubgka1M
the below image shows the point of xperia mini..

the red point indicate that you have to connect that point to ground..

but make sure its diameter is not more than that of the testpoint else it will touch other points and might brick your phone

Ground : ground is refereed as the negative battery pin of the phone

{3}.ClockWorkMod Recovery

ClockWorkMod Recovery also known as CWM ,is a Custom recovery for android devices which is very useful for
1. Installing custom roms ,kernels,patches , flashable zips.
2. Backup & restoring your rom
3. Wiping system , cache & other partitions
4. Mounting sd-card & other partitions
5. & more

{4}.Nandroid Backup

Nandroid backup is a backup/restore option available in your CWM . Backup you current SE rom for saftey , select backup option and let it do its work . The backuped files will be in ClockWorkMOD folder of your SD card , keep a backup of this backup in your PC in case when anything goes wrong this backup will save you

Post 3 : Kernel installation

Kernels(boot.img) are the main base for any custom rom you install , kernels are installed using FASTBOOT feature of android ADB , there is a simple logic you need to remember before you flash any kernel

Stock Rom = Stock kernel
cyanogenmod Rom = cyanogenmod Kernel

before you flash any custom rom make sure you've installed its related kernel (boot.img)

there are two methods to flash custom kernel..i will list both of them..
for that you will need fastboot:http://www.mediafire.com/?4qoenin9cjn7s7i

{1}.first method

Flashing Kernel (boot.img):

1. this WILL NOT WIPE ur data
2. the custom kernel will be provided as boot.img file
3. just copy this file to fastboot folder(folder where fastboot package is extracted)
4. power down device and get into FASTBOOT MODE (LED notification turns BLUE)(switch off device hold volume up key & plugin usb) with usb-cable connected to PC
5. once u are in fastboot mode open command prompt and navigate to the folder containing fastboot files then just use the following command to flash custom kernel:

fastboot flash boot boot.img

6. once flashing is complete you will get a prompt on pc saying that everything is ok
7. now just unplug ur device and u are on the custom kernel

{2}.second method(flastool method)

1.use Flashtool version 0.6.7:http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...t=1351309.open flashtool
2.connect your mobile via usb.you have to be in MSC mode instead of MTP mode to get into fastboot mode or flash mod
3.check unknown source and usb debugging are on..
4.now to get into fastboot mod click on flash on flashtool 6.7
5.Then there will two mode flashmod and fastboot mod..in flashboot you can flash tft files..and fastboot mode is to flash custom kernel..
6.click on fastboot mod
7.in fastboot mod just click on reboot into fastboot mode(via adb)..then your device will boot ino fastboot mode.wait for some time to boot in to fastboot mode
if you are doing everything fine the it should look like this

16/025/2012 15:25:56 - INFO - <- This level is successfully initialized
16/025/2012 15:25:56 - INFO - Flashtool Version 0.6.7.0 built on 2012-01-15 22:00:21
16/026/2012 15:26:01 - INFO - Device disconnected
16/026/2012 15:26:59 - INFO - Device connected with USB debugging off
16/026/2012 15:26:59 - INFO - For 2011 devices line, be sure you are not in MTP mode
16/027/2012 15:27:02 - INFO - Device connected with USB debugging on
16/027/2012 15:27:03 - INFO - Launching Fastboot Toolbox 1.0 by DooMLoRD
16/027/2012 15:27:08 - INFO - Device Status: ADB mode
16/027/2012 15:27:27 - INFO - Please wait device is rebooting into fastboot mode (via ADB)
16/027/2012 15:27:37 - INFO - Device disconnected
16/027/2012 15:27:40 - INFO - Device connected in fastboot mode
16/027/2012 15:27:42 - INFO - Device will soon enter fastboot mode
16/027/2012 15:27:43 - INFO - Connected device : ST15
16/027/2012 15:27:54 - INFO - Installed version of busybox :
16/027/2012 15:27:54 - INFO - Android version : 2.3.7 / kernel version : 2.6.32.9-FXP
16/027/2012 15:27:54 - INFO - Phone in recovery mode
16/027/2012 15:27:54 - INFO - Root Access Allowed

8.then click on select kernel to flash
9.navigate to where your flash file is located(boot.img)..double click on that boot.img file..the log will look like this..

16/032/2012 15:32:12 - INFO - Selected kernel (boot.img or kernel.sin): D:\xperia mini important\update-cm-7.2.0-RC0-XperiaMini-ST15i-KANG-signed\boot.img
16/032/2012 15:32:12 - INFO - Flashing selected kernel
16/032/2012 15:32:14 - INFO - FASTBOOT Output:
sending 'boot' (4512 KB)...
(bootloader) USB download speed was 9333kB/s
OKAY [ 0.501s]
writing 'boot'...
(bootloader) Download buffer format: boot IMG
(bootloader) Flash of partition 'boot' requested
(bootloader) S1 partID 0x00000003, block 0x00000148-0x00000179
(bootloader) Erase operation complete, 0 bad blocks encountered
(bootloader) Flashing...
(bootloader) Flash operation complete
OKAY [ 0.873s]
finished. total time: 1.374s

16/032/2012 15:32:14 - INFO - Please check the log before rebooting into system

10.click on reboot device into system..and u are on the custom kernel

Overclocking

1. DOWNLOAD SetCPU from market
2. Select automatic detection of speeds ,and allow root access to Setcpu
3. default speed is 1024Mhz & maximum overclocking is based on the kernel you flash
4.maximum overclocking may harm your device

post 4:custom rom installation

if you know how to install custom kernel then it is very easy to know how to install custom rom..
for reference lets take example of cyanogenmod 7..

How to Install CyanogenMod 7 after unlock your Bootloader

First note This process only works if you have your Bootloader UNLOCKED
1.download cyanogenmod 7 zip file..then extract it..there will be three files when you extract it..there are 2 main files first is boot.img which is kernel..second is update.zip..also download gapps addon..
NOTE: Remember to use the BASEBAND that CyanogenMod or MIUI needs, otherwise you will not get GSM signal.
2.now put update.zip file and gapps file into sd card..Both are .zip files
3.Install CM7 Kernel(boot.img)..i already mention how to install kernel..
4.After install the kernel turn on the phone and as soon as you see the FreeXperia logo press several times volume down button and you will get into ClockworkMod.
5.now go into install zip from sd card..and Install update.zip and gapps zip..
6.To move use Volume buttons, to select use Home button.
Select and confirm "Wipe data/factory reset"
Select and confirm "Wipe cache partition"
Go to "advanced" menu
Select and confirm "Wipe Dalvik Cache"
7.Reboot your phone and enjoy CyanogenMod 7..
you can use this method for all roms..

ok thats it...if i have post something wrong then xda members please inform me

Visit this thread for list of available kernels and roms:http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1489971

this total information has been taken from several threads thanks to them..

If I helped you in anyway, please say thanks!

Just wanted to ask how to install ClockWorkMod Recovery

Originally Posted by singh_dd93

Just wanted to ask how to install ClockWorkMod Recovery

all custom kernel are pre rooted and has cmw inbuilt..so if you flash any custom kernel then you will get cmw...

May I ask how to flash ftf file using flashtool?Is it similar to flash kernel?
And do we have to update baseband like .64 and that needs flashtool,too?
Sorry for my noob qeustion,I'd like to update to .64,which FXP recommended.

Originally Posted by noradoor

May I ask how to flash ftf file using flashtool?Is it similar to flash kernel?
And do we have to update baseband like .64 and that needs flashtool,too?
Sorry for my noob qeustion,I'd like to update to .64,which FXP recommended.

to flash ftf file you have to go in to flashmod..when you download and extract flashtool(version 6.+) there will a firmware folder..put ftf file into that folder then open flashtool... click on flash and then click on flashmod then just select your ftf file and press ok..switch off your mobile..then press volume down button and coonect your mobile to pc using usb cable..flashtool will flash that firmware...

new post 4:custom rom installation added in thread...

Originally Posted by singh_dd93

Just wanted to ask how to install ClockWorkMod Recovery

No need to wonder about that anymore. There is an application at Android Market. All you need is a rooted phone.

kernel

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on this part;

Flashing Kernel (boot.img):

do i need to have my bootloader unlocked or not?

Reason is i have the stock .62 and i want to root it.

Originally Posted by fbloise

on this part;

Flashing Kernel (boot.img):

do i need to have my bootloader unlocked or not?

Reason is i have the stock .62 and i want to root it.

yes you need to have unlock bootloader..without it you cant flash any custom kernel...

But if you just want to root it and stay on .62,you don't have to unlock your bootloader.
What you need to do is flash older version(eg .42) and root it via this thread,then upgrade to .62 by OTA.(don't change any system files before the completion of upgrade)