Xperia PLAY Not Booting After Update

[#1]

Just a short time ago while watching TV, my Xperia PLAY notifies me that there was a new update available. From memory I think some of the new features included were louder speakers, landscape on home screen etc.  I didn't want to update, but seeing as I was most likely going to get this update notification often, I decided to update the phone and get it out of the way. BIG MISTAKE!

After the download of the update finished, the Xperia PLAY's screen went to a screen which had four circles which in my opinion think was a progress bar for the update installation?

Anyway, while one of the four cirlces were filled, the phone then turned off. At first I thought it may have just been part of the update process... But it had completely turned off! Since then I have now been unable to turn my Xperia PLAY back on.

I have:

- Pulled out the battery and put it back in. No luck there.

- Tried to charge the battery via power supply. No luck there.

- I've tried connecting the phone to the PC via USB. No luck there.

- Pulled out SIM and Mini SD. No luck there.

When attempting to turn on the Xperia PLAY, the phone briefly vibrates like it would normally when trying to turn on the Xperia PLAY, but it doesn't actually ever turn on.

I'm extremely frustrated at the moment as this phone is used not only for gaming, but also work. I spent good money on it and for my phone to stop working on me during an official update by Sony Ericsson is pretty poor form. Please, I really need help with this. As mentioned I wasn't even using my Xperia PLAY when it notified me of an update.

Kind Regards,

Raymond.

[#2]

Check out this link to relock the bootloader

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1215618

Apparently once the bootloader is relocked, you can update using the SE Update service.

So you still need to download flash tools, relock bootloader.ftf file, etc and perform the manual relock of the bootloader using the flash tool

Not sure if it works but I hope this works for your sake.

[#3]

Everytime I try to connect my phone to my laptop using that "Hold Return" while connecting via USB method, my laptop tries to install driver/s but every single time it fails. It seems everything is against me at the moment.

[#4]

Now we need to solve the driver issue.

Can you try to download and install the latest PC Companion on your laptop if you have not done so.

It contains driver files for the PLAY

http://dl-www.sonyericsson.com/cws/download/1/937/620/1313998014/Sony_Ericsson_PC_Companion_2.01.217...

If you still face issues with the driver files here is a link to driver files for the Arc, Neo and Play

http://dl-www.sonyericsson.com/cws/download/1/984/255/1309423227/Xperia_PLAY_neo_arc_acroIS11s_acroS...

So install PC Companion and then try flashing the phone with the Xperia_Relock bootloader.ftf file using the flash tool

You can use the following flash tool to do it

Flash Tool v0.2.9.1 Beta
http://www.multiupload.com/7H4JT35B6G
File name : FlashTool_0.2.9.1.exe
File size : 59.7MB

Put the relock ftf file in the firmwares directory created by the flash tool and then proceed with the flashing process

[#5]

Thanks for all the help mate. EVERYTHING NOW WORKS!!!

I did that Bootloader Re-Lock thing with FlashTool and the phone started right away after it was complete. Everything went back to normal! Without even needing to re-install new firmware or anything!

I want to thank you SO SO MUCH for helping me out. You replied back extremely quickly every single time I ask for help. I seriously can't thank you enough.

You've saved a man a lot of money, stress and hassle.

Thankyou again,

Raymond.

[#6]

You are welcome.

Glad it worked out for you. I learnt something too.

Only thing though, the DRM function is lost as a consequence of unlocking and relocking the bootloader.

[#7]

Bit of a noob answer here, but what is DRM? And will it affect anything I used to use my phone for previously?

[#8]

DRM stands for Digital Rights Management.

This feature is used to prevent people from copying, distributing media files like music files, video files, etc,etc.

Therefore if the video file or music file is DRM encoded, you will not be able to play it on your device if you do not have the DRM feature available on it.

Hence unless you are downloading songs or video/movies to watch on your Xperia PLAY, won't affect what you do.

Actually, games could also be DRM encoded. So there could be a situation where you will not be able to play certain games if they are DRM encoded/protected.

[#9]

Dear Raysie,

I have got the trouble, it is same your previous situation.

I downloaded the FlashTool but have not known how to solve this problem.

I realy angry with Sony Erisson recomended to update with stupid thing like that.

Can you help me?

Thanks!

[#10]

I just repaired a R800i with same problem with SETool via Testpoint.

SETool was the only thing,that worked for me.

[nadel9]

i had that exact same problem while updating via wifi... now that you mention bootloader being unlocked thats when i remember what was the problem... i relocked my bootloader using flash tool and my sony xperia play r800i came bach to life..relock.tft file can be found here  http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134334

short guide

Unlock xperiaplay boot loader 

ADB and Fastboot Package - http://db.tt/B5vG1ynM

Firstly we should confirm your phone can be unlocked.

To check if your phone can be rooted go to the phone dialer and tap *#*#7378423#*#*.

A service menu should pop up.

Tap Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status.

If it says boot loader unlock allowed then you are good to go.

if it says not allowed or no then you will need to pay to have the boot loader unlocked via unlock-bootloader.com.

Now we need to get your IMEI to do this type in the dialer *#06# another window will appear with your IMEI number write this down somewhere as you will need it later, alternatively you can get the IMEI from under the battery.

Now we can begin. Turn of your phone. Hold the search button while plugging in the usb lead (LED lights up blue).

Your computer should prompt you to install drivers for the new device if it does then select 'install manually' and browse to the location of the drivers, depending on your system architecture (X86 or X64) select the appropriate folder it should then install the drivers if you get any prompts about unsinged driver just install any way. if something doesn't happen like it is suppose to try going to device manager.

Next we need to go to sony ericsson's bootloader unlock site read through to confirm you understand what your doing then click continue.

OK now check both boxes and press "i accept".



Now we need to fill in these fields (IMEI is the number you wrote down earlier if it doesn't work remove the last number and try again)



Press submit and you will see your unlock key copy it for later.

Finally after installing the drivers we need to run the software called fastboot now to make it easier for you guys i have included a simple bat file which will load CMD at the correct location.

So load run_me.bat and make sure the BLUE LED on your phone is still on. if it is then type this in to the new cmd window. if it isn't then repeat the usb and search button procedure.

Code:

fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY

replacing KEY with your key. for example.

Code:

fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0x726802F75671552D

Your phone should now be unlocked. check my other tutorials.