Root Help - Locked Bootloader

[ArmadaTattoo]

I have spent days reading through posts on XDA, trying to work out the easiest way to flash a JB Rom to my Xperia S.

I have rooted and have CWM installed for starters.

However, I just found out that my Bootloader is locked and cant be unlocked (I think anyway - I checked using the info ;
"First, you should confirm that it is possible to unlock the boot loader of your phone by checking the service menu. In your phone, open the dialler and enter *#*#7378423#*#* to access the service menu.

In your phone, tap Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. If Bootloader unlock allowed says Yes, then you can continue with the next step. If it says No, or if the status is missing, your device cannot be unlocked."

My phone said No and so cannot be unlocked


So two questions:
1. Is there anything I can do to unlock the Bootloader?

2. Is it possible to flash new roms or kernals even with a locked Bootloader?


Any help of advice would be hugely appreciated.

 

[Fishyweb]

From what I've heard, Unlock | Xperia Unlock Service is able to do this. In fact, I've been trying to reach the guy who runs the site today to use this service. Hopefully, I'll get an answer soon.

 

[ArmadaTattoo]

From what I've heard, Unlock | Xperia Unlock Service is able to do this. In fact, I've been trying to reach the guy who runs the site today to use this service. Hopefully, I'll get an answer soon.

Thanks!

Let me know what he says


I might have to muster the patience to wait for the official JB update

 

[ArmadaTattoo]

So apparently there are certain Stock ROMs and MIUI ROMs which can work with locked Bootloaders.

I will update here once I am happy I have found one that works

 

[Fishyweb]

Thanks!

Let me know what he says


I might have to muster the patience to wait for the official JB update

Turns out I was wrong. The exploit he uses doesn't work on NXT phones. Sorry for the misinformation.

 

[ArmadaTattoo]

Turns out I was wrong. The exploit he uses doesn't work on NXT phones. Sorry for the misinformation.

No worries, I managed to update the system to 6.2.55 anyway and flashed a custom JB Rom.


Working great so far

 

[Fishyweb]

No worries, I managed to update the system to 6.2.55 anyway and flashed a custom JB Rom.


Working great so far

Interesting. How did you do this?

 

[ArmadaTattoo]

Interesting. How did you do this?

I am away from home for the next few days so I dont have the time to do a full walkthrough just yet - essentially I did the following:
(All info found on XDA)

Best walkthrough I found was here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1725078

First I rooted my phone using the Bin4ary method, very easy
Then backed up everything using Titianium Backup -BEST APP EVER!

I was on Stock firmware version 6.1.a.2.45 - had to get to 6.1.a.2.50
Flashed new stock firmware version 6.1.A.2.50 - took me a while to figure out how but once I realised what to do it was easy.

Then I had to re-root the phone - Bin4ary method doesnt work with this version so I eventually found a way to do it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2204321

 

[ArmadaTattoo]

Then I flashed a customized version of the Stock Rom with most of the JellyBean festures and none of the Bloatware. It took me a while to figure out which ROM to choose - I went with this one as it appeared stable and Locked Bootloader friendly - TuRdZzROM v1.3.0 - 6.1.A.2.55
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=40460791#post40460791

It is much faster now, prettier too. Very stable too, no force closures or anything
Obviously - everything is at your own risk!!!!

Here is a great Noob friendly thread for asking any Xperia S related questions.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=40466387#post40466387