[UNMAINTAINED][TOOL][LB][ROOT] Backup TA v9.11 for Windows [20140615]

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DevShaft

Senior Member
May 12, 2013
603
1,456
UNMAINTAINED! See this post

Backup TA for Sony Xperia

Backup TA can backup and restore the TA partition of the device. When you create a backup before unlocking for the first time, then you will be able to restore to full factory state (including a locked bootloader). This means all DRM keys intact, Bravia Engine working in Album and last but not least your warranty when needed :highfive:.

NOTE: When you did create a backup of your device's TA with another tool or Backup TA v4 or earlier, you are able to convert it to a valid Backup TA package by choosing 'Convert TA.img' from the menu. When you've done this you are able to restore it safely.

READ FIRST: At the bottom of this post is the FAQ. Here you will find answers on the most asked questions. Read them before posting any question in this thread. When you want my support, tell me which device and version of Backup TA you're using and attach the complete output. I can not help you without this and besides it's really not so much to ask in return, now is it? No effort without effort.

This tool currently only works under Windows. Mac, Linux, and native Android will be supported in the future. Using this tool is at your own risk.

Downloads
Changelog
Source (released under MIT license)

Stable releases do have a version tag like this: v1.0 (example)
Beta releases do have a version tag like this: v1.0b2 (example).

COMPATIBLE DEVICES
Sony Xperia Z2
Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
Sony Xperia Z1
Sony Xperia Z
Sony Xperia Z Tablet
[...]
All Compatible Devices

GUIDE
1. Download the latest version of Backup TA.
2. Extract the ZIP file to a folder location of your choosing.
3. Navigate to the folder location of Backup TA.
4. Make sure no other script or application which is using ADB is running.
5. Make sure the device is booted in normal mode (the way you normally use it).
6. Run Backup-TA.bat
7. Read the last paragraph of the license before continuing.
8. Read the information and follow the instructions given by the tool.

Backup Video Tutorial. Kindly provided by @shem2409:
FAQ
Q: Is my device supported?
A: Look at the supported devices list above this FAQ. When it is not listed, try to make a backup it will tell you if your device is supported.

Q: Do I need root for this?
A: Yes, you do need root for both backup and restore to work. I would advice to use @DooMLoRD's excellent Easy Rooting Toolkit for this, when not already rooted.

Q: Can I use someone else's backup?
A: No, this will hard-brick your device.

Q: Can I restore my TA.img file from Backup TA v4 and earlier or another tool?
A: Yes, choose "Convert TA.img" in the menu.

Q: Does it bring back my DRM keys when I already unlocked my device before making a backup?
A: Not without a backup of the TA before it was ever unlocked.

Q: Can I restore my TA while running a ROM with a non-stock kernel?
A: Yes, but it will soft-brick your device and you need Sony PC Companion or Flashtool to fix it by flashing stock firmware. Best is to first return to a complete stock ROM or at least flash a stock kernel (do not confuse with stock based kernel!) before restoring the TA, this prevents the soft-brick.

Q: Will a restore relock the bootloader?
A: Yes, it will relock the bootloader like it was never unlocked.

Q: What is 'restore dry-run'?
A: When you do a dry-run restore it will perform a regular restore with the exception that it will not write anything to your device. This is helpful to test a backup without actually restoring it.

Q: What is the correct file size for a backup?
A: The TA partition size can differ per model, so there is no one answer to this question. You can rest assured that your backup is fine, also in file size, when the tool says the backup was successful.

Q: Why do multiple backups often differ in size?
A: The TA partition also contains a logging area which changes every time the device boots, which then leads to different compression size per backup file. Nothing to worry about.
 
Last edited:

Osyx

Senior Member
Dec 10, 2011
1,026
425
Backup-TA for Sony Xperia Z / ZL

Backup-TA can backup and restore the TA partition of the device. When you create a backup before unlocking for the first time, then you will be able to restore to full factory state. This means all DRM keys intact, Bravia Engine working in Album and last but not least your warranty when needed :highfive:.

READ: At the bottom of this post is the FAQ. Here you will find answers on the most asked questions. Read them before posting any question in this thread. When you post a question which is already answered in the FAQ, I will ignore you and smile :D.

This tool only works under Windows. Mac and Linux will not be supported.

Downloads: https://github.com/DevShaft/Backup-TA/tags
Source: https://github.com/DevShaft/Backup-TA (release under MIT license)

FAQ
Q: Do I need root for this?
A: Yes, you do need root for this to work.

Q: Does it really work?
A: Really?

Q: Can I use someone else's backup?
A: No, this will hard-brick your device.

Q: Does it bring back my DRM keys etc. when I already unlocked my device?
A: Not without a backup of the TA before the initial unlock.

Great that you made a new one, may keep others from uneccesary bricking their devices :thumbup:

A thing for the FAQ would be the softbrick when restoring on other than stock and and that it only works on totally stock, not bringing DRM keys to other ROMs when unlocked.

Skickat från min C6603 via Tapatalk 2
 
Last edited:

caqo71

Senior Member
Apr 11, 2011
1,438
427
52
Santiago
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
So, can we finally speak about that at this stage we all can unlock the bootloader, mess with the phone, install any room, do whatever, and in a couple of months, flash a stock rom, root, and then restore the TA backup having the phone intact, as if I never unlocked my bootloader. RIGHT? :p
 

DevShaft

Senior Member
May 12, 2013
603
1,456
caqo71 said:
DevShaft said:
Just uploaded Backup-TA v8.4 with the following changes:

Backup-TA v8.4 (2013-05-23)
==============================
Fixed Bugs
----------
- Fixed bug in IMEI input.
- Added choice.com as part of the tool instead of relying on Windows.
This means that I have to do a new backup?
.
No IMEI input is only for restoring. The bug was when you provided your IMEI before in the same session, you could just leave the input blank the next time you restore and the tool would just continue. It would use the previous input for check, which in most cases would be the same anyway, but is not how it should be.
 

tomanlam

Senior Member
Oct 18, 2008
952
142
Hong Kong
if i had made backup of my TA for 3 times before i unlock my BL (just to make sure i got plenty of backups) and they all have the same md5 sum, can i be sure that they're not corrupt copies?:p
 

tomanlam

Senior Member
Oct 18, 2008
952
142
Hong Kong
They surpassed the integrity check, didn't they? ;)
You can perform a restore dry-run to see if it also passes there. When it does you can be pretty confident all is fine.

i made the backup using ur earlier v6 tool, not sure if they passed integrity check but the backup process was "successful" according to the tool so i guess it's safe to restore?:silly:

will try to restore on next full charge=] Thx for the great tool!!
 

caqo71

Senior Member
Apr 11, 2011
1,438
427
52
Santiago
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
I just want to feel safe after unlocking bootloader. I want to know that in any moment I can restore My TA and have a "just bought" phone. :fingers-crossed:

So, is it safer now to think like that, or you think that it could be some more bug to or bad issue to think on?.

Thank for your work dude. :good::good::good:
 

DevShaft

Senior Member
May 12, 2013
603
1,456
There is one thing that has puzzled me these days which is what happens when Sony decides to changes bits here and there related to the TA. In theory this could lead to a hard-brick when your backup was taken with a firmware on the device older than the firmware when you restore the TA. Now I read Sony has never done such a thing in the past, but it is a risk. So its wise to mark your backups with the firmware you were running when you made the backups and first reflash that firmware (when not already on the device) before restoring. For now you have to do this marking and firmware flashing manually, but it may be automated later on. Still so far Sony has not changed anything related to the workings of TA and thus nothing to worry :).
 

shoey63

Recognized Contributor
@Caqou71 The tool does all the necessary checks and will NOT allow flashing of a bad TA image. However.. @ DevShaft, is there a command one can use to check MD5 of TA partition before starting the backup? That way nervous users can manually double check. Perhaps you could put this in a later release. E.g. "Save TA partition Md5 to file"

Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
 
Last edited:

caqo71

Senior Member
Apr 11, 2011
1,438
427
52
Santiago
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
There is one thing that has puzzled me these days which is what happens when Sony decides to changes bits here and there related to the TA. In theory this could lead to a hard-brick when your backup was taken with a firmware on the device older than the firmware when you restore the TA. Now I read Sony has never done such a thing in the past, but it is a risk. So its wise to mark your backups with the firmware you were running when you made the backups and first reflash that firmware (when not already on the device) before restoring. For now you have to do this marking and firmware flashing manually, but it may be automated later on. Still so far Sony has not changed anything related to the workings of TA and thus nothing to worry :).

You are right, but if we can flash back any rom with flashtool, the there is no worries.
 

DevShaft

Senior Member
May 12, 2013
603
1,456
@Caqou71 The tool does all the necessary checks and will NOT allow flashing of a bad TA image. However.. @ DevShaft, is there a command one can use to check MD5 of TA partition before starting the backup? That way nervous users can manually double check. Perhaps you could put this in a later release. E.g. "Save TA partition Md5 to file"

Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
I can add an option in the menu to perform an integrity check on a backup and output the MD5s there for users to see.

Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
 
  • Like
Reactions: shoey63

mandarjoshiin

Senior Member
What is a dry run test? :confused:

---------- Post added at 03:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:49 PM ----------

Hello
I took backup twice on FW .434 Generic NL, rooted. And I can see different CRC32 values of .md5 files.. But again I tried and took 3 backups and I can see same CRC32 value of .md5 files.. Why? Is it fine? Shall I go ahead unlock the BL?
 

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  • 814
    UNMAINTAINED! See this post

    Backup TA for Sony Xperia

    Backup TA can backup and restore the TA partition of the device. When you create a backup before unlocking for the first time, then you will be able to restore to full factory state (including a locked bootloader). This means all DRM keys intact, Bravia Engine working in Album and last but not least your warranty when needed :highfive:.

    NOTE: When you did create a backup of your device's TA with another tool or Backup TA v4 or earlier, you are able to convert it to a valid Backup TA package by choosing 'Convert TA.img' from the menu. When you've done this you are able to restore it safely.

    READ FIRST: At the bottom of this post is the FAQ. Here you will find answers on the most asked questions. Read them before posting any question in this thread. When you want my support, tell me which device and version of Backup TA you're using and attach the complete output. I can not help you without this and besides it's really not so much to ask in return, now is it? No effort without effort.

    This tool currently only works under Windows. Mac, Linux, and native Android will be supported in the future. Using this tool is at your own risk.

    Downloads
    Changelog
    Source (released under MIT license)

    Stable releases do have a version tag like this: v1.0 (example)
    Beta releases do have a version tag like this: v1.0b2 (example).

    COMPATIBLE DEVICES
    Sony Xperia Z2
    Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet
    Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
    Sony Xperia Z1
    Sony Xperia Z
    Sony Xperia Z Tablet
    [...]
    All Compatible Devices

    GUIDE
    1. Download the latest version of Backup TA.
    2. Extract the ZIP file to a folder location of your choosing.
    3. Navigate to the folder location of Backup TA.
    4. Make sure no other script or application which is using ADB is running.
    5. Make sure the device is booted in normal mode (the way you normally use it).
    6. Run Backup-TA.bat
    7. Read the last paragraph of the license before continuing.
    8. Read the information and follow the instructions given by the tool.

    Backup Video Tutorial. Kindly provided by @shem2409:
    FAQ
    Q: Is my device supported?
    A: Look at the supported devices list above this FAQ. When it is not listed, try to make a backup it will tell you if your device is supported.

    Q: Do I need root for this?
    A: Yes, you do need root for both backup and restore to work. I would advice to use @DooMLoRD's excellent Easy Rooting Toolkit for this, when not already rooted.

    Q: Can I use someone else's backup?
    A: No, this will hard-brick your device.

    Q: Can I restore my TA.img file from Backup TA v4 and earlier or another tool?
    A: Yes, choose "Convert TA.img" in the menu.

    Q: Does it bring back my DRM keys when I already unlocked my device before making a backup?
    A: Not without a backup of the TA before it was ever unlocked.

    Q: Can I restore my TA while running a ROM with a non-stock kernel?
    A: Yes, but it will soft-brick your device and you need Sony PC Companion or Flashtool to fix it by flashing stock firmware. Best is to first return to a complete stock ROM or at least flash a stock kernel (do not confuse with stock based kernel!) before restoring the TA, this prevents the soft-brick.

    Q: Will a restore relock the bootloader?
    A: Yes, it will relock the bootloader like it was never unlocked.

    Q: What is 'restore dry-run'?
    A: When you do a dry-run restore it will perform a regular restore with the exception that it will not write anything to your device. This is helpful to test a backup without actually restoring it.

    Q: What is the correct file size for a backup?
    A: The TA partition size can differ per model, so there is no one answer to this question. You can rest assured that your backup is fine, also in file size, when the tool says the backup was successful.

    Q: Why do multiple backups often differ in size?
    A: The TA partition also contains a logging area which changes every time the device boots, which then leads to different compression size per backup file. Nothing to worry about.
    59
    I write this post to inform you that I will not maintain this tool anymore. There are a couple of reasons for this.

    Nexus owner
    Since I bought myself the Nexus 5 I have vowed to never buy a non-nexus device (when Nexus is available that is) anymore. Reason for this is the latest updates of Android, the bootloader which can be unlocked and relocked without having to find locked root first and then make a backup of keys or certificates to still have warranty without questions asked. So another Sony device (or any HTC, Samsung, LG, Motorola, etc for that matter) will be highly unlikely for me.

    Window 8+
    I got this beautiful Apple Macbook Pro from my work and I almost never touch my Windows machine anymore. On this machine (old one) I can not install Windows 8 or later since it is not compatible. Therefor I am unable to give support to the latest Windows versions.

    No time
    I have found some other interesting hobbies I would like to spent my time on. One of them is AI and the other is sports. With that, and my personal life in general, there is no time left to work on projects as these.

    Since this project is licensed under MIT, anyone can pick up the maintenance or start their own tool. This thread and their downloads will not be removed, so you can always download the tool for a restore or backup.
    29
    ok another update....somehow i managed to go past usb debugging screen. removed the sony pc companion....installed sony z ultra ADB drivers, reconnected the device and started backup TA. it took a successful backup. then I tried to test the back using the option restore -dry run. but after running that function i came up with this error. now what is this? should i ignore this error?

    fwr70o.jpg

    For me too.
    I'm Windows 10 user.
    What I can do?

    I have tried this on windows 10 64bit, I am pretty sure it'll work on 32 bit too.
    Download the zipped find.exe in the attachment.
    Replace it with "find.exe" in the following directory
    Code:
    Backup-TA-9.11\tools
    18
    tool for win10:good:
    16
    Backup-TA for Sony Xperia Z / ZL

    Backup-TA can backup and restore the TA partition of the device. When you create a backup before unlocking for the first time, then you will be able to restore to full factory state. This means all DRM keys intact, Bravia Engine working in Album and last but not least your warranty when needed :highfive:.

    READ: At the bottom of this post is the FAQ. Here you will find answers on the most asked questions. Read them before posting any question in this thread. When you post a question which is already answered in the FAQ, I will ignore you and smile :D.

    This tool only works under Windows. Mac and Linux will not be supported.

    Downloads: https://github.com/DevShaft/Backup-TA/tags
    Source: https://github.com/DevShaft/Backup-TA (release under MIT license)

    FAQ
    Q: Do I need root for this?
    A: Yes, you do need root for this to work.

    Q: Does it really work?
    A: Really?

    Q: Can I use someone else's backup?
    A: No, this will hard-brick your device.

    Q: Does it bring back my DRM keys etc. when I already unlocked my device?
    A: Not without a backup of the TA before the initial unlock.

    Great that you made a new one, may keep others from uneccesary bricking their devices :thumbup:

    A thing for the FAQ would be the softbrick when restoring on other than stock and and that it only works on totally stock, not bringing DRM keys to other ROMs when unlocked.

    Skickat från min C6603 via Tapatalk 2