So, you bought Ark !! Congratulations, this is a great phone if you know how to use it to the maximum.
Heck! That's the problem. You do not know what to do. You read the whole topic and got lost in the pile of information.
Do not worry. Read this guide and you will find answers to most of your questions!

How to flash the device?
You can install the official firmware:
Via"FlashTool"or"Wotan"- the bootloader of the device at the same time, can be both blocked and unlocked!
Or flash the device with"RS Companion"or"Sony Update Service" -
while the bootloader of your device must be locked (or unlocked in an unofficial way)!
* Manuals about the firmware of the device, can be found under the spoiler "INSTRUCTIONS" ...

What is root-rights?
In the world of technology, you can access any file in two modes:
1) As a primary user who can only read the file, but does not have the right to change it in any way.
2) As an administrator / Root, which can read, write and execute any file in OS / firmware.
By default, the operating system treats you as primary users. Ruth is a procedure that provides you
admin / superuser rights / su - which makes it possible to change any files inside your Android operating system.
Ruth is a big deal! You can remove the "shit". “Sran” are those crappy apps that are preloaded in your Arch -
(for example LetsGolf, WhatsApp, Timescape, Cards, PlayNow, etc.) and which are usually uselessly in memory, eating battery and braking the phone.
Also, if you have root-rights, by installing mods and themes, you can change the interface of the phone!
You can get root-rights in several ways (see Instructions)
or (with an unlocked bootloader), you can install a custom kernel with the presence of a built-in root.
Ruth and Warranty!

What is a bootloader?
According to Wikipedia - "When a computer (your smartphone - Arc) turns on, it usually does not have an operating system in memory (ROM or RAM).
The computer (phone) needs to run a relatively small program stored in memory, which loads the operating system. "

What is meant by unlocking the bootloader and why is it necessary?
Every Android phone has a bootloader that instructs the operating system kernel to boot in normal mode. But you have to understand one thing, though open-source Android
operating system and is available on a variety of hardware, all manufacturers (Sony Ericsson including) has its own version of the bootloader, specific to its equipment.
The bootloader is usually locked on Android devices, since manufacturers want you to stick with Android versions specifically designed for their devices.
If you want to install a custom version of the OS (Custom ROM), you need to have your bootloader unlocked. In simple terms: unlocking the bootloader allows you to install
custom (custom) firmware of Android phone, as well as the ability to install custom kernels, which usually have root, rekoveri, which allow you to overclock the phone processor,
provide the ability to record from the line, the ability to use "USB-OTG" and much more ...
There are two ways to unlock the bootloader: official and unofficial via "testpoint".
Check bootloader status:
In the "dialer" dial: * # * # 7378423 # * # *
Next item "Service info" - "Configuration"
At the bottom of the menu that opens, the bootloader "Rooting status:
Bootloader unlocked: Yes - This means the bootloader is UNLOCKED!
Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes - This means that the bootloader is ALLOWED / READY to unlock, but UNLOCKED!
Bootloader unlocked: NO - This means the bootloader has been UNLOCKED and re-LOCKED!
Bootloader unlock allowed: NO - This means unlocking the bootloader is IMPOSSIBLE!

How to unlock a bootloader?
When an unlocked bootloader, you need to know some nuances:
1) If you have a bootloader officially unlocked, you can lose the warranty from Sony Ericsson. And of course you won't be able to upgrade or
flash your phone using official SE programs (Sony Ericsson Update Service or SE PC Companion).
With unofficial unlocking, you can upgrade or reflash your phone using official SE programs (Sony Ericsson Update Service or SE PC Companion).
2) When the bootloader is officially unlocked, the "DRM" "SE" keys recorded in the device are erased. And all the programs that require these keys to work -
will no longer work, for example the official "Track ID". But you can download the "Track ID" in the drivers and utilities - which works with the unlocked bootloader !!
When unofficially unlocking "DRM", the keys "SE" are not erased.
The unlocked bootloader can be locked - but the "DRM" keys (in the case of off-unlock) are still not restored!
3) With the official and unofficial unlocking bootloader"IN NO EVENT, DO NOT DO AN UPDATE BY AIR (OTA Update)" -
because in this case your phone will fail. If this happens, you can usethis guideon reanimation phone!
* The procedure for unlocking and locking the bootloader can be found under the "INSTRUCTIONS" spoiler ...

What if the flash drive does not see the .ftf firmware files?
This problem is solved by installing an older version of the flash drive, for exampleFlashTool 0.9.8.0 Windows Edition(106.57Mb)
You must first completely remove the current version, including its folder on drive C.

What to do if the device went to the eternal reboot (bootlup)?
It is necessary to reflash the device with a flash drive, with a complete reset of the data (by checking all the checkboxes on"WIPE")

What to do if the device went to the eternal reboot (bootlup) - but the flashlight does not "catch" the phone, does the reboot constantly repeat?


What to do if there is a battery problem, all the time shows 100% charge?
You can also trycalibrate the battery
It is also written that the problem is solved byflashing another kernel
May fitthis manual
Was in the subject and such a message about this problem:

Another post aboutsolving the problem of 100% charge
Alternatively, use the search onthis issuePerhaps you will find another solution for yourself!

What to do if the flash error "Failed to verify sin header"
May fitthis decision

How to remove (unnecessary programs)?
Very simple - install the program"Titanium Backup"and remove all unnecessary programs through it.
For this:
1) After starting the program, press the "backup" button in the middle in the middle.
2) Click on the program you don't need.
3) In the menu that appears, press the "delete" button.
The list of programs that can be painlessly (or relatively painlessly) removed:
Actual for firmware "4.0.x - ICS"HERE!
For previous versions of firmware "2.3.x"HEREstillHEREandHEREand soHERE!
Applications that are unsafe to remove or are related to the functionality of the phone:HERE!
You can also usethis scriptwhich will remove all unnecessary applications.
You may be more comfortable.such a wayuninstall applications.

How to change the phone interface?
Install one of the mods or theme posted by kind peoplehereor atforum "XDA".
As a rule, when installing mods, system files are replaced.
A good instruction with pictures for installing mods postedhere!
ATTENTION!!! When installing a mod, ALWAYS make a backup copy and carefully monitor the correctly set permissions of the files.
You can transfer system files only with the "MOVE" command. Otherwise, the phone may go into perpetual reboot, which is treated by flashing software with the loss of all data.

Can I back up my system in case of a breakdown?
Yes, there is such an opportunity! To do this, you need to install "CWM Recovery". This can be done in several ways:
1) The easiest way to install * ClockWorkMod Recovery 5.0.2.7-nAa-r2 Auto-Installer * -
for the stock (native) kernel, does not require unlocking the bootloader (download drivers and utilities)!
2) Or install * ClockWorkMod Recovery 5.0.2.7-nAa-r2 * for the stock (native) kernel, does not require unlocking the bootloader (download in "drivers and utilities")!
3) You can install * SE Extreme Tweak Installer v1.8 * for the stock (native) kernel -
does not require unlocking the bootloader and has several useful pluses (download drivers and utilities)!
4) You can unlock the bootloader and install the custom kernel "DooMKerneL", this kernel is already sewn with "CWM Recovery" (or another kernel with the presence of "CWM").

How to use "CWM Recovery"?
To enter "CWM Recovery" - you need when you boot the phone, when the logo appears: often and quickly press the volume key down!
There we select the item "Backup and Restore" and make a backup by selecting "Backup", or restore the system (from our backup copy) by selecting "Restore".

When unlocked, the bootloader is updated by air (to do an OTA-update). Otherwise, get"dead brick".
If, nevertheless, you did it and your phone was worn out, then you can correct the situationfollowing this manual.

Roll back from 283,42,58, 62 and 69 to 181 because There is a glitch with a battery - it shows the level"0%"and does not charge!
Alternatively, roll back first to 184, and then to 181.The solution is but partialeitherexperience in "SC".