Sony xperia series

{GUIDE} Install ICS ( Ice Cream Sandwich) on Xperia™ Smartphones, Root and Downgrade to Gingerbread

 All has not been tested so don't ask if it would work or not.
This post is for 2011 Xperias. For 2012 Xperia
How To Root 4.0.3
 Just follow the instructions here. Rooting

If you face problem in downloading the toolkit then here it is Rooting Toolkit
How to root 4.0.4 (4.1.B.0.587 & 4.1.B.0.431)

Follow all the steps please
Go to settings > Security > Mark "Unknown sources"
Settings > Developer options > Mark USB debugging
Settings > Xperia > connectivity > USB connection mode > select MSC mode


You should have Flashtool

1 ) Download the respective 4.1.A.0.562 kernel to flash
Arc and Arc S - Kernel
 Ray - Kernel
 Neo/Neo V - Kernel

 LwW, Mini - Kernel
 Active - Kernel
 All other users - Kernel or even try the kernels for Arc S and Ray

2) Go to C:/ Drive > flashtool > firmwares > delete everything present and Put the kernel

3) Run Flashtool click on the flashing icon ( left side below "file" option)
Select flashmode > ok
Setup should be like this > select OK



Flashtool Setup Screenshot

Follow the steps connect your mobile and flash.
Flashtool may show error after flashing kernel, no worries. Even your build number, android version won't change. Everything would remain same. So please don't go to phone settings to check anything

4) After flashing restart your device, It may not start completely, may remain at Sony logo or blank/black.
Whatever the status is, just restart your device and proceed with the rooting--->

( Make sure you close flashtool before running the rooting toolkit )
Now connect your mobile to PC and Root Your Phone
If you face problem in downloading the toolkit then here it is Rooting Toolkit


5) Download Kerenls, If you are on 4.1.b.0.431 rom then download the respective kernel, same goes for 4.1.B.0.587

Xperia
4.1.B.0.431
4.1.B.0.587
Arc SKernelKernel
Arc KernelKernel
Ray KernelKerne
lNeoKernelKernel
Neo VKernelKernel
Mini KernelKerne
lProKernelKernel
Live with walkmanKernelKernel
ActiveKernelKernel
Mini ProKernelKernel
Now flash the kernel ( same procedure as step 2 and 3 above )

Your mobile is now rooted (See if any Superuser app has been installed on your phone ) and back to life
If it's successfull, please let me know by posting below



To flash 4.0.2.A.0.42 or any firmware, follow this guide

After rooting upgrade to 4.0.2.A.0.62 using the mobile's "Update Center" app
Note: Uing PC Companion and "Update Service" to update your phone would result in loss of root