[Q] Debranding the Arc

[The World of Dan]

First of all, please accept my apology for this post - I've tried my best to read up on this, and read all the threads available, but I'm still totally confused... which is why I'm asking.

I've got the Arc from Orange in the UK, so it's full of all sorts of software that I'm never going to use - in addition to blocking the ability to use WiFi tethering (which is very annoying).

So I've come here looking for help, and from what I can tell, I need to debrand the phone, back to the stock SE rom, to get rid of it all... the problem is, as I said above, I'm just really confused as to how to do it.

I'm not too interested in rooting the phone, or gaining access to the bootloader - as I don't know what they do - I just want to get rid of the orange software (and get WiFi tethering working).

Can someone point me in the right direction please?

Thank you

 

[d4rkwind]

Here is a little guide:

1. Download FlashTool (I used the latest Beta) from http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=920746

2. Download Arc ROM from: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9IRV888N

3. Open the folder you extracted FlashTool to and place the ROM (Arc_1.0_SE_StockROM_Decrypted.ftf) in the "firmware" folder.

4. Open "X10FlashTool.exe" and click the FLASH button.

5. The Arc firmware you put in the "firmware" folder should show up and be selected. Click OK.

6. Now just follow the onscreen instructions and it will do the rest for you.

Notes: Because I had never done this before I took out my SDcard in case it did something to that (I doubt it does). My battery was fully charged. It also took ages to turn on after flashing it but I think it's because I was watching it thinking I had messed something up haha. Also I actually created the firmware file from the .sin files in this thread: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=993900 but thought uploading the .ftf would make things easier.

Hope this helps.

 

[The World of Dan]

Hi, thank you for your reply, I'll be giving that a go at lunchtime. Who was your phone branded with? And have you had any problems with it since?

I really hope I don't end up bricking my phone, because that would make me very sad

 

[The World of Dan]

Hi, I've just finished flashing the phone (you're right, it does take a very long time for it to load up), and so far as I can tell, it's working just fine.

The best part of this whole thing is that now I'm able to share my data connection with my iPad via WiFi - so very happy about that.

Thank you for the instructions, it made it very easy to follow and understand

 

[HyperionX10]

Sorry if someone else already asked this, but after flashing the phone will we still be able to update via SEUS?

 

[d4rkwind]

I had the Three firmware so there wasn't really much difference apart from a load of crap games and the bootup screen.

Don't see why we would't be able to update using the SE software anymore.

 

[tomtit25]

Here is a little guide:

1. Download FlashTool (I used the latest Beta) from http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=920746

2. Download Arc ROM from: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9IRV888N

3. Open the folder you extracted FlashTool to and place the ROM (Arc_1.0_SE_StockROM_Decrypted.ftf) in the "firmware" folder.

4. Open "X10FlashTool.exe" and click the FLASH button.

5. The Arc firmware you put in the "firmware" folder should show up and be selected. Click OK.

6. Now just follow the onscreen instructions and it will do the rest for you.

Notes: Because I had never done this before I took out my SDcard in case it did something to that (I doubt it does). My battery was fully charged. It also took ages to turn on after flashing it but I think it's because I was watching it thinking I had messed something up haha. Also I actually created the firmware file from the .sin files in this thread: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=993900 but thought uploading the .ftf would make things easier.

Hope this helps.

you know where the bit it gets to plug your usb in while holding the back button... nothing seems to happen what am ia doing wrong???

 

[diggedy]

will debranding your phone void the warranty?

 

[dawncobra]

Can i flash the firmware if my phone is simlocked?(i can't unlock the bootloader)

 

[punkmonkey1984]

will debranding your phone void the warranty?

Very much doubt it, as your not touching the the bootloader,
also you are installing SE firmware not custom so it should be ok,
i dont want orange bloatware, so iv done it, and its faster.

 

[diggedy]

is it the .184 version that youve got now?

im considering it but im not sure t-mobile actually have any bloatware and I cant find any details of any differences between the two version :/

 

[originlabs]

@diggedy

I originally had a t-mobile version, and the only difference is the Top Apps program, and the default browser homepage.

I noticed a lot of battery use by the TMOSync application (>20%!!). Returned it and upgraded via Carphone Warehouse to get an unlocked model.

 

[diggedy]

Ive not seent his TMOSync application in my usage. Is it not something youve signed up for on the t-mobile website?

 

[originlabs]

Ive not seent his TMOSync application in my usage. Is it not something youve signed up for on the t-mobile website?

No, not signed up for anything. I didn't spend too long investigating, as I returned the phone to get an unlocked one.

Looks like there are other people with the same issue though T-Mobile Forum: Xperia Arc - poor battery life

 

[10123]

Although while your Arc is un-branded your warranty is void.

However.

When you use Sony Ericsson update service you reinstall the software, in affect your phone is flashed to the original branded software. So no, as long as you re-flash your phone using SEUS if you send for repair you will be fine.

 

[jakhan86]

Here is a little guide:

1. Download FlashTool (I used the latest Beta) from http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=920746

2. Download Arc ROM from: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9IRV888N

3. Open the folder you extracted FlashTool to and place the ROM (Arc_1.0_SE_StockROM_Decrypted.ftf) in the "firmware" folder.

4. Open "X10FlashTool.exe" and click the FLASH button.

5. The Arc firmware you put in the "firmware" folder should show up and be selected. Click OK.

6. Now just follow the onscreen instructions and it will do the rest for you.

Notes: Because I had never done this before I took out my SDcard in case it did something to that (I doubt it does). My battery was fully charged. It also took ages to turn on after flashing it but I think it's because I was watching it thinking I had messed something up haha. Also I actually created the firmware file from the .sin files in this thread: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=993900 but thought uploading the .ftf would make things easier.

Hope this helps.

Anybody who tried debranding their phones, how much free space do you have after debranding? is the UI any faster than previous? Also is there any disadvantage of debranding? Thanks.

 

[diggedy]

I had 280mb after unbranding. It seems about the same speed. Too early to comment on anything long term.

disadvantages are it may void warranty... but this isnt confirmed.

 

[foxvengeor]

I have some questions.

- Is the rom is multilanguage?

- Is it possible to return to a branded rom, for a sav? One person said it was possible with SEUS, can anyone confirm?

- Is it still possible to get the updates after debranding?

 

[sonicdarack]

Hey there, trying to flash but it doesnt recognize my phone any suggestions?
What drivers do i use?
Never mind, got it... installed the SEUS witch had the drivers includet...

 

[King_36]

Can someone help me?
I need to brand my arc because of changeing with another arc.
I must send it back to my shop.
I need a Firmware with TMobile branding (germany)
I had debranded my arc with the tutorial in the forum. (i flashed global customized .181)

greetings