[Q]Need help flashing CM12 on XM SS topic

After countless hours of searching over all related posts I am still confused and pretty much intimidated on the flashing aspect. From all my searching expeditions till now I managed to outline some of the points but I don't know how to move forward with them. Also I am concerned with the possibilities of getting the device unresponsive just because of my stupidity, want to gain full knowledge before going forward with the process.

So as per my findings, for installing a CFW like CM12, I require the following things,
1. Unlocked Bootloader.
The Bootloader on my XM SS can be unlocked, I did a check on that but the thing that's bugging me is the occurrence of bootloop.
Question for this point: What is the proper method to unlock the bootloader?

2. Rooted phone.
This is the step that has confused me from the beginning. Some posts mention that rooting is essential requirement to get a fully functional CFW and in some posts there is a not a single mention for the requirement of a rooted phone.
Question for this point: Is rooting essential? What is the best step by step method that you use to root your device?

3. Back up data.
I read somewhere that unlocking the bootloader erases some of the important information like the IMEI number, DRM keys and other important stuff? Also the importance of backing up data like contacts and other stuff externally.
Question for this point: How to do a proper backup? How to go on backing up contacts, whatsapp databases etc?

4. Installing a custom recovery?
Honestly I am totally confused with this topic. What does custom recovery actually do? Best custom recover for CM12?
Question for this point: How to select and install a custom recovery?

5. Adb, Fastboot drivers.
Is it essential to actually download the full adb package that google provides to develop android apps? And are fastboot drivers available for windows 8.1? Will the phone management software provided by Sony work as a driver?
Question for this point: ADB, Fastboot driver installation?

6. Flashing the CM12.
The most important step in the whole process? How to go on with this step so as to successfully flash the firmware? Restoring the backed up data?
Question for this point: Steps to properly flash the CM12?

7. Link2SD, App2SD?
Which one will you suggest and how to go on installing it?

I know that most of you will find it bothersome to answer so many questions in a single go but I intend this topic to be a guiding thread for noobs like me who are beginners that want to flash some CFW on their devices.
So all the posts that you make are really appreciated! Please link in the posts that you think will answer the questions in layman terms for everyone to understand.

Thanks for taking your time to read this thread :):o
Have a good day! :cowboy::fingers-crossed:

[Q]Need help with Nexus 4 CyanogenMod 12 topic

I already install the CyanogemMod 12 on my nexus 4, it already installed for a past few weeks. And then some problems occur. The problem is when i connect my nexus 4 to PC via USB, it doesn't detected by my pc. It just detected as Other Devices -> 'Unknown Device'. I already try to change the port usb but it still give me same error. And then i try to go to Setting -> Storage -> USB computer connection, but it doesn't do anything. It just going back to storage. Usually after we click USB computer connection, it will go to some option like camera and mtp, but mine doesn't do anything. and i try to use ADB connect with developers debug mode and IP/TCP. it works, i can do 'adb reboot bootloader' but after that when i try to use 'fastboot oem unlock' it just 'waiting for device'. and when i use PdaNet, it can't detect my nexus 4. I hope some of you guys know about this problem and know the solution too.

Note : my nexus 4 just have some problem with soft keys (which i believe is hardware problem). I don't know if this is has some impact with my problem up there. and sorry for my bad english.

[q][need help] sgh-m919 bootlooping after upgrading to cm12 nightly topic

Hello,

I was rooting my girlfriend's phone, which is a Galaxy S4, TMobile. I rooted it from stock (4.3 or 4.4) using the chainfire method, then installed TWRP through their android app. First, it went through the [android is upgrading] and then it went back to the CM boot screen. Now I've spent a good 15 minutes watching it and it is still looping.

Can anyone guide me to a troubleshoot, or can anyone help walk me through trying to solve this problem?

Thank you in advance,

fabulousnotion