[?] FAQ [?] Please Read Here First

[esonnen]

First of all thanks for the 'thanks'

We current;y have no custom recovery, ergo we can't use a custom rom yet. The closest thing we had was condi's AIO tool to disable the FULL signature check. However this no longer works with R5 (Tablet S) as the recovery has changed. Also condi is taking a vacation it seems to spend time with his new born baby and wife.

Anyway that also required usb debugging.

I once had a problem with that and it would not work at all I had to factory reset, but you have tried that.

Have you tried another PC? It sometimes is a pain to set up, but once you do it is simple

Also try install the full SDK.... this is how I got it to work the first time

Hopefully you can get this going soon

Stifilz

I tried the full SDK with all the newest android packets all checked, none of the older ones were checked though and of course I did check the usb driver. I also installed the full java development kits for a 32 bit then 64 bit system because I read in a post on another site that it was required to get ADB to work properly on a Win7 64 bit platform, then reinstalled the SDK. I will try on another computer but its going to be a couple weeks until I will have a computer at my disposal. I need to work on my patience anyway :cyclops: Thanks for all the help and I will be back in the near future to let you all know how it turned out and what I did to fix it (hopefully).

 

[vdanh]

Hi, i am a newbie here. i just bought a SOny tablet S yeterday SGPT111US/S came with HC 3.1

I followed the instruction form this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=30147002&postcount=1 to upgrade to ICS.

I upgraded to 3.2.1r2 succeeded and rooted.
Android version: 3.2.1 (release 2)
Kernel version: 2.6.36.3 [email protected]#1
Build Number: THMAS0012400

Then i downed this rom to going to upgrade to ICS 4.0.3_R5

4.0.3 R5 FULL
info.update.sony.net/ST002/nbx03_001/contents/0017/signed-nbx03_001-ota-120914044.zip

But when i want to upgrade from 3.2.1_R2 to ICS 4.0.3_R5 by follwing steps

Moved SD card from tablet to computer.
Deleted signed-nbx03_001-ota-0042.001.zip file from SD card.
Copied 4.0.3r1a(US) file signed-nbx03_001-ota-120803002.zip to SD card.
Moved SD card from computer to tablet.

Powered on tablet.
Started ALLinONE tool.
From main menu, selected 3 * Custom ROM and Flashing [SUBMENU].
From next menu, selected 1 Create decrypted update.zip [+optional make custom].
Followed ALLinONE prompts.

It appeared the error and i cannot go further.

Below is the error

Anyone can help and advice how can i upgrade my tablet to ICS 4.03 with rooted....

Many thanks and appreciate for your help...

 

[stifilz]

Hi, i am a newbie here. i just bought a SOny tablet S yeterday SGPT111US/S came with HC 3.1

I followed the instruction form this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=30147002&postcount=1 to upgrade to ICS.

I upgraded to 3.2.1r2 succeeded and rooted.
Android version: 3.2.1 (release 2)
Kernel version: 2.6.36.3 [email protected]#1
Build Number: THMAS0012400

Then i downed this rom to going to upgrade to ICS 4.0.3_R5



But when i want to upgrade from 3.2.1_R2 to ICS 4.0.3_R5 by follwing steps



It appeared the error and i cannot go further.

Below is the error

Anyone can help and advice how can i upgrade my tablet to ICS 4.03 with rooted....

Many thanks and appreciate for your help...

Dw about using the update in AIO. R5 is rootable using bin4ry's script.

But if you want to do it that way. Use v4.0 and you need to install rescue backdoor. From main menu, tweaks and mods, install rescue backdoor.



Stifilz

 

[vdanh]

Dw about using the update in AIO. R5 is rootable using bin4ry's script.

But if you want to do it that way. Use v4.0 and you need to install rescue backdoor. From main menu, tweaks and mods, install rescue backdoor.



Stifilz

Hi Stifilz, i am very new for this. Could you please help guide me more clearly?

1. How can i using update in AIO? Is it can update 3.2.1 to ICS 4.0.3?

2. If i use Bĩnry's script in this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1886460. Does it mean, i can update Sony ICS Stock Rom through OTA then use Bĩnry's script to root it?

Please help advice..

THank you so much...

 

[stifilz]

Hi Stifilz, i am very new for this. Could you please help guide me more clearly?

1. How can i using update in AIO? Is it can update 3.2.1 to ICS 4.0.3?

2. If i use Bĩnry's script in this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1886460. Does it mean, i can update Sony ICS Stock Rom through OTA then use Bĩnry's script to root it?

Please help advice..

THank you so much...

To use AIO try to follow the guide on the first post of the AIO thread.

But option two may be easier. You just accept the ota update on tablet. Then use bin4ry's script.

Stifilz

 

[vdanh]

To use AIO try to follow the guide on the first post of the AIO thread.

But option two may be easier. You just accept the ota update on tablet. Then use bin4ry's script.

Stifilz

Now my tablet is on 3.2.1 r2 with rooted. That mean i cannot update via OTA. So the first thing i need to do is unroot my tablet then update 4.0.3 via OTA. Am i right?

Which option is safer AIO or Bĩnry's script?.

Please help advice..


thanks you

 

[stifilz]

Now my tablet is on 3.2.1 r2 with rooted. That mean i cannot update via OTA. So the first thing i need to do is unroot my tablet then update 4.0.3 via OTA. Am i right?

Which option is safer AIO or Bĩnry's script?.

Please help advice..


thanks you

AIO is safer as it install the root with the update.

However bin4rys is probably easier and r5 is rootable. So it is safe also.

Stifilz

 

[vdanh]

AIO is safer as it install the root with the update.

However bin4rys is probably easier and r5 is rootable. So it is safe also.

Stifilz

Thank you so much stifilz,

I used AIO to update and root my tablet.

However, i followed below steps

First problem occurred!
Booted tablet into recovery mode as prompted, but ALLinONE tool stalled at NOW ENTER RECOVERY MODE screen lastly showing 3 dots.
KCCO.
From recovery screen, selected Update system from SD card.
From next screen, selected install.zip file.
Allowed update to complete.
From recovery screen, selected Update system from SD card.
From next screen, selected signed-nbx03_001-ota-120803002.zip file.
Allow update to complete. (Update took several minutes to complete.)
ALLinONE tool continued as expected.
Continued following ALLinONE prompts.

Second problem occurred!
Booted tablet into recovery mode as prompted, but ALLinONE tool stalled at NOW ENTER RECOVERY MODE screen lastly showing 3 dots.
KCCO.
From recovery screen, selected Update system from SD card.
From next screen, selected install.zip file.
Allowed update to complete.
From recovery screen, selected Update system from SD card.
From next screen, selected custom_update_signed.zip file.
Allowed update to complete. (Update took several minutes to complete.)
ALLinONE tool continued as expected.
Tablet rebooted to normal boot.

when i went into this step (highlighted with Bold) i did not see custom_update_signed.zip file in my sdcard, just saw hack_recovery.zip file inside it. Therefore, i selected install.zip file then selected install hack_recovery.zip after that selected install.zip file again.

After tablet rebooted to normal boot, i checked and here the info:

Android Version: 4.0.3 (release 5)
Kernel version: 2.6.39.4 [email protected]#1
Build number: TISU0014210

I am not so sure whether i did correct or not. Could you please give me some advice?

Thanks a lots.

 

[stifilz]

Thank you so much stifilz,

I used AIO to update and root my tablet.

However, i followed below steps



when i went into this step (highlighted with Bold) i did not see custom_update_signed.zip file in my sdcard, just saw hack_recovery.zip file inside it. Therefore, i selected install.zip file then selected install hack_recovery.zip after that selected install.zip file again.

After tablet rebooted to normal boot, i checked and here the info:

Android Version: 4.0.3 (release 5)
Kernel version: 2.6.39.4 [email protected]#1
Build number: TISU0014210

I am not so sure whether i did correct or not. Could you please give me some advice?

Thanks a lots.

Well you have release 5 so it did work. I believe that it is correct, just the naming in v4.1 was not changed. I allways used v4.0 so never had the problem.

You may have also noticed that your recovery has changed?

So you can no longer get shell access in the recovery, therefore you can no longer use AIO for future updates

But root method is still current

Stifilz

 

[bjanice44]

The Sony Tablet FAQ Thread

Why this thread, I am sick of repeating myself LOL

First thing. HoneyComb 3.2 with kernel 10 maybe rootable by flashing updates. 3.2.1 (big difference) kernel 10 IS NOT ROOTABLE.
However ICS is now rootable, thanks to the 'adb restore' loophole in ICS.

Next thing some HOUSEKEEPING

Install drivers here @ Sony or search XDA. THEN:

Options:
a. install Android SDK
b. download zip attached to this post

Best thing to do is create a folder on main drive such as C:/ADB
Next we want to 'link' the adb.exe file so it can be opened without having to be in that folder.
Goto My Computer > Properties > Enviroment Variables > Select Path then edit > Scroll to the end of textbox and add ;C:\ADB
Note the entries are seperated by ;
Now you can open cmd: Windows Key + R, type cmd then enter. Or windows key, type cmd, then enter.
Lots of ways to do that.
Then type 'adb devices' without ' ' it should come up with a device listed
When you have that working shut down tablet. Hold vol+ and turn on tab (still holding vol+) this should boot into recovery.
Once again 'adb devices' and now it should say blahblahblah recovery

If that went well then adb is set up and you won't any problems rooting

FAQ

Q. How can I root HC?
A. See post #2 or update to ICS and see below.

Q. Can I root ICS, R1a, R5?
A. YES see below.

Q. How do I root ICS? Manual Method
A. To do it manually follow this post here for step by step instructions.

Q. How do I root ICS? Above is not working... Semi-Auto Method
A. To do it semi-auto gohere and download the latest zip. ( I used 13)
Some guidelines to follow (that worked for me).

1. Unzip the Root_with_Restore_by_Bin4ry(version).zip ( I used 13)
2. Use a zip manager to etract the contents of rootkittablet.tar.gz under "stuff" folder. (7-Zip is really good)
3. Move the VpnFaker.apk to the root DIR i.e. Root_with_Restore_by_Bin4ry(version) (by default) delete the other extracted items.
4. Follow this post here ignore the rollback at the end, this can be done with the script if needed.
5. Use a zip manager that you can use to Replace VpnFaker in the tar.gz archive. (Once again 7-Zip was good for me )
6. You should now be ready to run RunMe.bat. Follow on screen prompts.
7. Optinal: Once set up zip up the NEW contents and keep in a safe. I can now root first time, everytime

For more detail see bottom of this post.

Q. I have a non US Tab S can I flash down to HC?
A. Kind of. Use region changer to change to US region. Download this. And then either
flash normally and then root tablet using HC method (see post #2) or preroot and install using AIO tool.

Q. I have a new Xperia US Tab S can I flash down to HC?
A. At this stage NO, HC was not released with this Tablet (that I know of) and ther is no way to 'fake' as old Tablet atm (to go down to HC).

Q. I have a new Xperia US Tab S can I change region?
A. At this stage NO, although it would not be hard to implement this into condi's AIO tool.

Q. I now have 3.2.1R2 and want to upgrade to ICS?
A. Don't not accept any Over The Air (OTA) updates as this WILL UNROOT your Tab. Instead go here and download the 4.0.3 or 4.0.3R1A / R2A
Then use AIO tool to pre-root and install; follow here.
OR You can use root method above to root ICS.

Q. I have 4.0.3 rooted and want to upgrade to 4.0.3R1A / R2A?
A. Same as above.

Q. I have 4.0.3R1A /R2A rooted and want to upgrade to 4.0.3R5?
A. Same as above

Q. I have 4.0.3R5 rooted and want to downgrade to something else
A. When you install R5 the recovery is 'upgraded' you will not be able to use AIO to pre-root future updates nor flash them. You can still root using the ICS method (if it is still current for the update. You can however flash either ICS or ICS R1A by lowering your incremental and manually flashing through recovery.

Q. AIO v4.1 isn't working?
A. AIO v4.1 is a little buggy please use v4.0 here.
You will need to disable updates so, create a file called "_offupdates" in "files" directory (without quotes).

Q. AIO still isn't working?
A. Please dowload the attached file ADB v1.0.29, extract and replace the files in the "files" directory.
This has help a user at post #4 with AIO.

More details for root ICS






Well that was a short FAQ but will add more questions as I think of them, or they pop up.
Please feel free to ask any questions here and I will try answer and post to OP.


Thanks

Stifilz

I am so sorry if this question has been asked previously.? I did search. Does the AIO tool work with the xperia tablet? if not, can it be altered to make it work?

 

[stifilz]

I am so sorry if this question has been asked previously.? I did search. Does the AIO tool work with the xperia tablet? if not, can it be altered to make it work?

First time it has come up.

Parts of it work i.e install rescue backdoor.

But most of it i.e custom roms does not.

It could easily be altered to work

 

[bjanice44]

Thanks. I tried the rescue backdoor and it bootlooped me. I was forced to flash r5. should the rescue backdoor work? wonder why it did that to mine. I was running r5

By the way I had already tried the rescue backdoor before I made my original post.

Sent from my SGPT12 using XDA Premium HD app

 

[vdanh]

Well you have release 5 so it did work. I believe that it is correct, just the naming in v4.1 was not changed. I allways used v4.0 so never had the problem.

You may have also noticed that your recovery has changed?

So you can no longer get shell access in the recovery, therefore you can no longer use AIO for future updates

But root method is still current

Stifilz

I am not sure whether the recovery has changed or not. Because when i selected install hack_recovery, it run a minute and message fail appear.

Is there anyway to check the recovery has changed or not? How to compare the original recovery and the changed recovery?

So you can no longer get shell access in the recovery, therefore you can no longer use AIO for future updates

Do mean that i will never can go to recovery mode in my tablet .

I allways used v4.0 so never had the problem.

I used AIO v4.0, too and i have this problem

Another thing, after update to ICS 4.0.5 R5 full, i feel the touch response time is slower than then 3.2

And it also lag when i am in Google Play store, ang some app not responding

Although i updated my tablet to ICS 4.0.3 R5 but i still receive the notice for system update to 4.0.3 R5???
Is it normal?

[ICS-OK] Enable write permissions to SD. - reenable SD write permissions for all applications! No more FileTransfer-monopoly!".

I applied this option, but i cannot find the way to move my app / game from tablet into sdCard. Could you please show me how can me app/game to SDcard?

thank you so much?

 

[stifilz]

Updated.... See post 1.

 

[stifilz]

Updated, covers new questions about R5a R6a/b root

 

[harryupf]

Unbrick R5a custom

I got my Sony Tablet S bricked after trying to install the "Bravia Engine 2" through the "Pimp my Rom beta" app. Now my tablet can't boot up normally, after the Sony logo the boot animation doesn't show, now it shows graphic glitches and after a few seconds the tablet restarts. That's what I get from tinkering too much. I remember that last time I also bricked my tablet but for another reason, it had 4.0.3R5 and was simple to downgrade and then I upgraded it back to 4.0.3R5a
I have read the faq but it doesn't mention recovering from 4.0.3R5a

Q. I have 4.0.3R5 rooted and want to downgrade to something else
A. When you install R5 OTA or flash normal file the recovery is 'upgraded' you will not be able to use AIO to pre-root future updates nor flash them. You can still root using the ICS method (if it is still current for the update. You can however flash either ICS or ICS R1A by lowering your incremental and manually flashing through recovery. Or see below for condi's amazing solution.

My tablet has 4.0.3R5a custom.

Q. I want 4.0.3R5 rooted and don't want the stupid new recovery
A. See this post here.
-- Now with double flash (flashes both system0 & system1)
UPDATE: Now you can also use FLASHER

Yes, I used the FLASHER to flash "R5A wifi only", and I'm almost sure that it doesn't have the stupid new recovery.

Q. But I am a noob, how do I flash these?
A. Good question, firstly copy file(s) to sd card, turn off tab, insert SD card, hold VOL UP and turn tablet on by pressing POWER button
but keep holding VOL UP until recovery menu, then use UP and DOWN keys to navigate and POWER button to select.
Recovery Menu > Update System From SD Card > signed-nbx03...............

I supposed that trying to flash the same custom rom it already has would work. It doesn't, this is what I get on screen:
*
Android system recovery <3e>
System utility(Rev.36, BL: 0x00000008, EC: 0.73, master)

Use the VOL+ and VOL- buttons to make a selection, and press POWER to confirm.

1. Cancel and restart device.
2. Update system from SD card.
3. Reset to factory settings. (System and application data will be erased.)
*

Then I choose number 2. and select the “custom_prerooted_doubleFLASH_R5A_nbx03_001-ota-121116036.zip” in the SD card.

*
– Install /sdcard …
Finding update package …
Desklunvr update package …
E:Can't desklunvr /sdcard/custom_prerooted_doubleFLASH_R5A_nbx03_001-ota-121116036.zip
Installation aborted.
*

Finally I came up with this: (I would appreciate your support so I know I'll do the correct procedure)
1. lower the incremental (I don't know how to it from recovery menu)
2. flash something like ICS R1A (this must be from the recovery menu)
3. use the FLASHER to flash latest R5a custom rom.

I won't touch my tablet anymore until further instructions. Thanks for reading.

 

[xARCHONx]

Stifilz I need your help

Stifilz,
Maybe you can help me here.

I'm having immense trouble flashing any of the newer ICS releases.
I made sure to retain my r1a recovery, but that doesn't help things along much.
I tried the double flash, but noticed that the datapp cannot flash as the folder does not receive proper permissions unlike all the other folders.
I tried flashing HC R2, it didn't want to start up. So I proceeded to flash ICS the 1st, that worked, sorta. It didn't finish but it booted up fresh.
Unfortunately the datapp folder was still write-proof even after rooting.
I'm stuck, and I dunno what to do. Also, Condi never replies to any PM's. So I'm even more stuck. Plz help

So I tried flashing HC R2 again, hoping it might succeed this time, instead it froze, so i had to reset and attempt it again, froze once more, so I tried ICS r1a.
Also froze, tried booting, still bootloop, now when I access recovery I get this:
--
E:Fail to read boot logo flag
E:Can't open /dev/block/mmcblk0p5
(No such file or directory)
E:failed to mount /cache (No such file or directory)
E:Can't mount /cache/recovery/command
E:failed to mount /cache (No such file or directory)
E:failed to mount /cache (No such file or directory)
E:failed to mount /sdcard (No such file or directory)
--
So essentially I'm screwed as I cannot access my sdcard to try and flash something anymore.
Yay to me, officially perma-bricked my first device. Now I simply wished I had the funds to feed my new habit -_-
Oh, and adb does not recognize the device anywhere. So I'm even more screwed. I hope you can learn something from my mishaps though

 

[stifilz]

I got my Sony Tablet S bricked after trying to install the "Bravia Engine 2" through the "Pimp my Rom beta" app. Now my tablet can't boot up normally, after the Sony logo the boot animation doesn't show, now it shows graphic glitches and after a few seconds the tablet restarts. That's what I get from tinkering too much. I remember that last time I also bricked my tablet but for another reason, it had 4.0.3R5 and was simple to downgrade and then I upgraded it back to 4.0.3R5a
I have read the faq but it doesn't mention recovering from 4.0.3R5a


My tablet has 4.0.3R5a custom.


Yes, I used the FLASHER to flash "R5A wifi only", and I'm almost sure that it doesn't have the stupid new recovery.


I supposed that trying to flash the same custom rom it already has would work. It doesn't, this is what I get on screen:
*
Android system recovery <3e>
System utility(Rev.36, BL: 0x00000008, EC: 0.73, master)

Use the VOL+ and VOL- buttons to make a selection, and press POWER to confirm.

1. Cancel and restart device.
2. Update system from SD card.
3. Reset to factory settings. (System and application data will be erased.)
*

Then I choose number 2. and select the “custom_prerooted_doubleFLASH_R5A_nbx03_001-ota-121116036.zip” in the SD card.

*
– Install /sdcard …
Finding update package …
Desklunvr update package …
E:Can't desklunvr /sdcard/custom_prerooted_doubleFLASH_R5A_nbx03_001-ota-121116036.zip
Installation aborted.
*

Finally I came up with this: (I would appreciate your support so I know I'll do the correct procedure)
1. lower the incremental (I don't know how to it from recovery menu)
2. flash something like ICS R1A (this must be from the recovery menu)
3. use the FLASHER to flash latest R5a custom rom.

I won't touch my tablet anymore until further instructions. Thanks for reading.

Sorry had not bothered to update the FAQ as I thought no one used it anymore... LOL. Anyway you should be able to recover the same use the R5 NOT R5A zip you have (as flasher lowers the incremental so you should be able to flash R5, R1a etc)

Let me know how you get on.

NB: FAQ was also meaning how to downgrade when tablet is running i.e not soft bricked. But should work the same

 

[stifilz]

Stifilz,
Maybe you can help me here.

I'm having immense trouble flashing any of the newer ICS releases.
I made sure to retain my r1a recovery, but that doesn't help things along much.
I tried the double flash, but noticed that the datapp cannot flash as the folder does not receive proper permissions unlike all the other folders.
I tried flashing HC R2, it didn't want to start up. So I proceeded to flash ICS the 1st, that worked, sorta. It didn't finish but it booted up fresh.
Unfortunately the datapp folder was still write-proof even after rooting.
I'm stuck, and I dunno what to do. Also, Condi never replies to any PM's. So I'm even more stuck. Plz help

So I tried flashing HC R2 again, hoping it might succeed this time, instead it froze, so i had to reset and attempt it again, froze once more, so I tried ICS r1a.
Also froze, tried booting, still bootloop, now when I access recovery I get this:
--
E:Fail to read boot logo flag
E:Can't open /dev/block/mmcblk0p5
(No such file or directory)
E:failed to mount /cache (No such file or directory)
E:Can't mount /cache/recovery/command
E:failed to mount /cache (No such file or directory)
E:failed to mount /cache (No such file or directory)
E:failed to mount /sdcard (No such file or directory)
--
So essentially I'm screwed as I cannot access my sdcard to try and flash something anymore.
Yay to me, officially perma-bricked my first device. Now I simply wished I had the funds to feed my new habit -_-
Oh, and adb does not recognize the device anywhere. So I'm even more screwed. I hope you can learn something from my mishaps though

Does it boot at the moment?? If it doesn't you should be able to get a warranty claim. Even though you have been messing with it, they either don't know, don't look or don't care. I had custom_nbx03_003 blah blah blah on my internal SD and they still fixed mine under WARRANTY. lol crack me up.

Other than that you are Screwed, there is no backdoor fixes such as flash mode or fastboot (as seen on Sony Mobile and apparently XTZ)

 

[harryupf]

Trying to flash the official R5 OTA shows me this message:
*
– Install /sdcard …
Finding update package …
Desklunvr update package …
Opening update package ...
Verifying Update package ...
E:signature verification failed
Installation aborted.
*
Trying to flash the official R1a OTA shows me this message:
*
– Install /sdcard …
Finding update package …
Desklunvr update package …
Opening update package ...
Verifying Update package ...
Erohibit update as a result of checking version or base sku
Installation aborted.
*

Anyway you should be able to recover the same use the R5 NOT R5A zip you have (as flasher lowers the incremental so you should be able to flash R5, R1a etc)

Are you saying that I can use "flasher" from the recovery menu? I remember seing the option to flash from menu in the AiO. It needed a _recovery_hack.zip
Thanks for your time.