1- Get a working cable and configure it in service mode. This is done by shorting pin 3 to pin 8. Original Sony serial cables, PC-Mobile cables and handmade cables are guaranteed to work. For more information about cables, click here.

2- Download the flash loader from 'Programs' page and extract all files in a new directory.

3- Download the suitable firmware file for your phone from 'Firmwares' page and extract the SRE file to any directory.

4- Make sure that the battery has a high level of charge. Power down your phone and connect it.

5- Run the flash loader and define the correct settings from File > Settings. It's recommended to select 57600bps or lower if you have a slow computer.

6- Click 'Load', then select the SRE firmware file.

7- You should see 'Power on mobile' now, so press the power button on your phone shortly and keep an eye on the computer screen.

8- All LEDs in the phone will light up for less than second but nothing appears on the phone screen. Flashing starts within seconds. You'll see an indicator on the flash loader that shows how much of the file has been processed or transferred already.

9- When flashing is done, disconnect your phone and power it on. It will not power on before disconnecting it, so don't worry. Check your new firmware by typing *#release#.

10- If your phone doesn't power on, then the firmware file you transferred is likely to be corrupted. You'll need to reflash the phone with another file, but remove the battery and disconnect the cable first.