Root a Locked Bootloader

[#1]

I got my phone, and it's got a lot of apps that I utter, truly, 100% despise. I don't want them. Never wanted them. Will always hate them.

It's annoying that I get a phone that's got all this nonsense on it pre-installed, despite it being a good phone (I understand that it's not Sony Ericsson's fault), but when I tried to root it, I don't seem to be able due to a locked bootloader.

I know there's a hack to revert the OS and then flash it, but is that the only way? Is there another way to do this that doesn't involve downgrading the phone's OS?

[#2]

I read somewhere that you may need to first download and transfer this Gingerbreak app apk file on the phone's SD card then install the app and let the app do the work.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=688SB9BS

File name: GingerBreak-v1.10.apk

File description: GingerBreak v1.10

File size: 294.63 KB

You can use the Astro file manager to install the app

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.metago.astro&feature=search_result

Once you have installed Astro, Launch it

Navigate to the GB apk file that is on the SD card.

Tap on it once and a pop up menu will appear.

Select Open App Manager ----> Select Install

Not sure if you will need to downgrade the firmware to do it. I have not tried to root the phone as I have no need for it at present.

[#3]

Thanks apc_user, but the solution you've recommended will only work on a phone running Gingerbread (meaning that I'd have to downgrade from 2.3.3 to 2.3.2, which is something I want to avoid doing). My question was whether or not this was possible without having to do that as by doing so I'd have to format my phone.

I will do it if I have to, but there has to be another way that does not involve having to downgrade to an older OS. Then I read a note by SE that says that there was an issue with upgrading over the air causing unlocked phones to be locked.

Why? For what purpose would anyone lock a bootloader?

Not hating on you, apc_user, but seriously would a SE rep really answer that one question? Whoever decided that they know best over a customer should be dragged into the street and shot.

[#4]

Ok you are welcome. Yes I am aware that you mentioned that you wanted to avoid downgrading.

I though with that apk file you need not downgrade. Anyway, you could be right.

According to SE if the bootloader is unlocked, you will void your warranty.

Of course we also know that the boot loader can be relocked again if needed. eg if we need to bring the phone in to a SE service centre.

I agree, an option should be available if we want the bootloader locked or not. Best of all, sell them in an unlocked state.