CID53 W850i phone lock code forgotten

[denis]

hi
this is a Hong Kong version CID53 W850i
XS++ v3.1 cannot reset the code
i saw this thread similar z610i phone lock code - Top Sony Forums
so i would like to ask if flashing the firmware is the only way to reset the code?
i would take this as the last resort cause i dont want to lose all the things inside the phone
the above link includes a tutorial that looks extremely complicated to me
all i know is i can download a software from SE to online update the firmware when the software is installed
can this simple method also reset the code?
thanks in advance

a side question to ask:
what is the difference btw a patch and flashing firmware