Database Users

[STICKY][ROM] nvflash FULL restore, using bekit's original image (Instructions)

MANY THANKS TO REV FOR RE-WRITING THIS FOR ME!
(Post was updated on 3/23/2011)
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This post is to provide a template for using NVFlash to restore/recover your G-Tablet after suffering some kind of malfunction. Specifically, this document tries to provide ALL the information you need to use the NVFlash tool to recover the bekit 1105 software version, which has been found to be safe as a starting point for rebuilding your tablet after having a problem. This post does not include other methods of setting up NVFlash (such as installing the SDK, etc.) because this method is proven and can be easily supported.
I use Ubuntu Linux and know that the Linux instructions below are correct. Others have written Windows instructions and those too have been checked carefully and have been used before successfully.
A WARNING IN ADVANCE: NVFlash makes changes to the partition structure of your device. You should tread carefully and understand the risks. (MOD EDIT Note: It also has been noted a bunch of times that even NVFlashing your G-Tablet will not completely overwrite everything on it.)
The NVFlash setup process begins with a visit to:
http://db.tt/Wm25t7U
(Note: Sometime this DropBox is cranky. If you have trouble with it, check back later.)
Linux users: You want to get "nvflash_linux_2010110500.tar.gz" and "nvflash_gtablet_2010110500.zip "
Windows users: You want to get "nvflash_windows_20100500.zip" and ""nvflash_gtablet_2010110500.zip"
Note: The above "nvflash_gtablet_2010110500" is commonly referred to as bekit version 1105 in many posts relating to nvflashing (especially my posts).
-------------------------------------------
Installation
First, create a folder named "NVFlash" on your PC to put the needed files into and to work from. (Note: You can call it something else if you want to; we're just using "NVFlash" to keep all of us on the same page.)
Next, extract the files you downloaded from the DropBox above into the "NVFlash" directory. The files with linux and windows in the middle of then are the files for setting up NVFlash. (The are taken from the SDK and do not install the whole SDK -- just a simple, operable NVFlash for us to use here.) The files with gTablet in the middle contains the .img files with the software to go on your G-Tablet.
Third, for Windows users, you'll need to have an APX-specific USB driver for the next steps. (The Windows package bekit supplied has an .inf file in it, but the actual drivers are not there). For Linux users, you don't need an extra driver.
One source for the Windows drivers is at
http://www.myadventvega.co.uk/
Find the "Downloads" tab in the middle of the page and click on "USB System Driver" to get the files. Extract them and go down two levels to the "USB" folder -- and move that into your "NVFlash" directory. The USB folder has the .inf file for installation in it along with two other directories with drivers for the various operating systems. (Note: These drivers, which are the same as the drivers in the SDK, are proven to work with Win 7 64-bit and have the setup include to load into other versions of Windows.) Follow this narrative for actual installation of the drivers.
CHECKPOINT: At this point, you should have the nvflash files, .img files, and USB directory (and files) in you "NVFlash" directory and are ready to begin the recovery process.
Now, you will need to boot into G-Tablet APX mode: hold down the power and volume - button simultaneousl until your G-Tab comes up and the goes back to a black screen. The black screen means it is in APX mode and it is waiting to display the flashing process. In Linux, type "lsusb" in a terminal and you should see this "0955:7820 NVidia Corp.". 7820 means the device is in APX mode.
Connect your G-Tablet to your PC using your miniUSB to USB cable that came with your tablet.
Linux users: At this point, open up a command window to the folder you created, and run this script:
./nvflash_gtablet.sh
This will wipe the device back to bekit's original TnT stock image, except for user data which is retained. Should take about a minute to run and the device will reboot itself automatically. If the script does not work, make sure that the shell script and nvflash binary are set as executables.
Windows users: When you connect to the PC, the PC immediately tries to load a driver -- but since it doesn't know where the USB driver files are it will fail. Click through Start/Control Panel/Device Manager and find "APX" listed in the devices with a yellow "!" (exclamation point) on the icon. Select the APX item and find the "Update Driver" button and click it. When it asks where to search, choose the local computer manual selection choice and tell it to Browse.
Point the Browse (and the USB install) at the "USB" directory under the "NVFlash" folder. When pointed at the "USB" directory, the driver installed and I was ready to nvflash. If you go back to Device Manager after the Windows install has completed, it will show the nVidia USB drivers near the top of the USB device list.
Again, for Windows: Run this script which is in the "NVFlash" folder:
nvflash_gtablet.bat
This will wipe the device back to bekit's original TnT stock image except for user data, which is retained. Should take about a minute to run and the device will reboot itself automatically all the way to the main screen.
POST NVFlash:
When your G-Tablet has booted back to the main screen, you will have to check and make sure everything is set up. Particularly, get the wifi on and connected to the Internet. Almost immediately, you should get a notice about an OTA (over the air) update. This is the OTA Update to software version 3588. If it does, go ahead and have it do the update. From there, you can begin using your "stock 3588" G-Tablet.
If you don't get an automatic OTA notification, you can go the to manual "Update" icon on your tablet and have it check for updates -- and hopefully it will find OTA 3588.
Or, if neither of the above happen, you can download 3588 at the following link and install it manually:
http://tapntap.http.internapcdn.net/tapntap/viewsonic/update-smb_a1002-3588-user.zip
Note: Following is a STICKY from General Forum on the stock recovery process:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=892090
NOTICE: There are many threads out there with tell how to do this process. Others tell individuals' problem solving experiences. A few of them may not be right! The above process is not the only way to do this -- but it is fairly straightforward and it is proven. It is recommended for anyone who does not have experience with nvflashing.
***************************************************
Further references (since I'm not a Windows user): http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...0&postcount=28
and http://forum.tegratab.com/viewtopic....bbde76184e550a and http://wiki.tegratab.com/index.php/Nvflash_FAQ
An additional suggestion if you also want to tack on bekit's clockworkmod recovery versus standard recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...3&postcount=17
Hope this helps!
03/2011 update -- I've been told that this tool has been useful to erase ALL partitions, including user data. I believe you need to re-flash with the bekit 1105 above, AFTER you use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974422
04/22/2011 update -- I've built out both 1.1-3588-based and 1.2-4349-based versions that have effectively replaced bekit's 1105 image ("nvflash_gtablet_2010110500.zip"), at least on my own device - I'm also addding a clockworkmod recovery option. It is being hosted in the same location as my 1.2-based mods - I will be making updates there, from this point on (as I might update them from time to time).
(you'd still need bekit's Windows or Linux tools, keep in mind) I've been able to bring back my device back from a soft-brick several times, so I feel they are usable.
05/09/2011 update -- A reminder that these images are not being updated, here. I have a newer nvflash post over in the same site where I have my 1.2-based mods. The 1105 bekit image mentioned here is still relevant for 1.1-based ROM users, or you can use my 3588 ot 4349 solution at the other site.
05/10/2011 update -- I have PM'd the moderator to either unsticky this post and / or assign it to someone else, as I do not plan on updating it, here. I believe that there is a 3588 image in the TegraTab IRC that someone created, for example.

Looks good Roebeet. I wrote a little how to a while back on tegratab. I know you are aware but for the benefit of others I wanted to add the following.
One little thing is sometimes when you are done you will get a boot loop. I think it only may happen once as I never saw it again. The fix is to go into Clockwork and partition the internal sd card again. The old settings said 512 for memory, and 256 swap. Bekit updated Clockwork and now you can format all the way to 4gb if you like, and swap should be 0 as it is not used.
Edit: New wisdom says not to partition the internal sdcard to anything but 2048. Folks have had issues with memory errors in the market with anything bigger. 0 for a swap is also the recommendation as Android apparently does not make use of the swap.

roebeet said:
Wanted to expand on what was already here, since there seems to be a lot of questions that pop up. I use Ubuntu so I know that the Linux instructions are correct.
A warning in advance: nvflash makes changes to the partition structure of your device. You should tread carefully and understand the risks.
Pre-req: http://db.tt/Wm25t7U
Linux users: You want to get "nvflash_linux_2010110500.tar.gz" and "nvflash_gtablet_2010110500.zip "
Windows users: You want to get "nvflash_windows_20100500.zip" and ""nvflash_gtablet_2010110500.zip"
Other references (since I'm not a Windows user): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9564270&postcount=28
and http://forum.tegratab.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8&sid=4e6bd75cda9e24e04fbbde76184e550a
http://wiki.tegratab.com/index.php/Nvflash_FAQ
-------------------------------------------
Installation
Create a folder on your PC which you use as your restore base, and then extract the platform-specific ZIP into that location.
Then, download the "nvflash_gtablet_2010110500.zip" package and unzip the /nvflash_gtablet/ folder inside into the same folder as where you dropped nvflash.
For Windows users, you'll need to have an APX-specific USB driver for the next steps (I believe that the Windows package bekit supplied has that .inf file, but again I don't know for sure). For Linux users, you don't need an extra driver.
Once ready, boot the device into APX mode (power up and volume down, at the same time - you'll see the boot screen pop up, and then go blank.). In Linux, type "lsusb" in a terminal and you should see this "0955:7820 NVidia Corp.". 7820 means the device is in APX mode.
Linux users: At this point, open up a command window to the folder you created, and run this script:
nvflash_gtablet.sh
This will wipe the device back to bekit's original TnT stock image, except for user data which is retained. Should take about a minute to run and the device will reboot itself automatically.
Windows users: (again, I did not test this myself). Run this script, in the folder you created:
nvflash_gtablet.bat
Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need help. I finally got Windows 7 to recognize the device in APX mode but how do I flash from this point. It only shows up in my Device list with all the subfolders in it.

What is this for? Restoring to factory Rom?
Thanks,
Scott

cscotty said:
What is this for? Restoring to factory Rom?
Thanks,
Scott
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can use it for exactly that. I believe bekit added Launcher Pro and superuser, but other than that it's a way to completely wipe the device. Moreso than a standard recovery would do.

The pre-req link doesnt work. Can you update the link?
Thanks
roebeet said:
Wanted to expand on what was already here, since there seems to be a lot of questions that pop up. I use Ubuntu so I know that the Linux instructions are correct.
A warning in advance: nvflash makes changes to the partition structure of your device. You should tread carefully and understand the risks.
Pre-req: http://db.tt/Wm25t7U
Linux users: You want to get "nvflash_linux_2010110500.tar.gz" and "nvflash_gtablet_2010110500.zip "
Windows users: You want to get "nvflash_windows_20100500.zip" and ""nvflash_gtablet_2010110500.zip"
Other references (since I'm not a Windows user): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9564270&postcount=28
and http://forum.tegratab.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8&sid=4e6bd75cda9e24e04fbbde76184e550a
http://wiki.tegratab.com/index.php/Nvflash_FAQ
-------------------------------------------
Installation
Create a folder on your PC which you use as your restore base, and then extract the platform-specific ZIP into that location.
Then, download the "nvflash_gtablet_2010110500.zip" package and unzip the /nvflash_gtablet/ folder inside into the same folder as where you dropped nvflash.
For Windows users, you'll need to have an APX-specific USB driver for the next steps (I believe that the Windows package bekit supplied has that .inf file, but again I don't know for sure). For Linux users, you don't need an extra driver.
Once ready, boot the device into APX mode (power up and volume down, at the same time - you'll see the boot screen pop up, and then go blank.). In Linux, type "lsusb" in a terminal and you should see this "0955:7820 NVidia Corp.". 7820 means the device is in APX mode.
Linux users: At this point, open up a command window to the folder you created, and run this script:
nvflash_gtablet.sh
This will wipe the device back to bekit's original TnT stock image, except for user data which is retained. Should take about a minute to run and the device will reboot itself automatically.
Windows users: (again, I did not test this myself). Run this script, in the folder you created:
nvflash_gtablet.bat
Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

stanglx said:
The pre-req link doesnt work. Can you update the link?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems to go up and down (it's bekit's dropbox). Try this:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wrcd87u1iy31u4e

roebeet said:
Wanted to expand on what was already here, since there seems to be a lot of questions that pop up. I use Ubuntu so I know that the Linux instructions are correct.
A warning in advance: nvflash makes changes to the partition structure of your device. You should tread carefully and understand the risks.
Pre-req: http://db.tt/Wm25t7U
Linux users: You want to get "nvflash_linux_2010110500.tar.gz" and "nvflash_gtablet_2010110500.zip "
Windows users: You want to get "nvflash_windows_20100500.zip" and ""nvflash_gtablet_2010110500.zip"
Other references (since I'm not a Windows user): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9564270&postcount=28
and http://forum.tegratab.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8&sid=4e6bd75cda9e24e04fbbde76184e550a
http://wiki.tegratab.com/index.php/Nvflash_FAQ
-------------------------------------------
Installation
Create a folder on your PC which you use as your restore base, and then extract the platform-specific ZIP into that location.
Then, download the "nvflash_gtablet_2010110500.zip" package and unzip the /nvflash_gtablet/ folder inside into the same folder as where you dropped nvflash.
For Windows users, you'll need to have an APX-specific USB driver for the next steps (I believe that the Windows package bekit supplied has that .inf file, but again I don't know for sure). For Linux users, you don't need an extra driver.
Once ready, boot the device into APX mode (power up and volume down, at the same time - you'll see the boot screen pop up, and then go blank.). In Linux, type "lsusb" in a terminal and you should see this "0955:7820 NVidia Corp.". 7820 means the device is in APX mode.
Linux users: At this point, open up a command window to the folder you created, and run this script:
nvflash_gtablet.sh
This will wipe the device back to bekit's original TnT stock image, except for user data which is retained. Should take about a minute to run and the device will reboot itself automatically.
Windows users: (again, I did not test this myself). Run this script, in the folder you created:
nvflash_gtablet.bat
Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Roebeet sorry but I just noticed for noobs that the linux command needs to be
. nvflash_gtablet.sh
Also if you unzip those files into a premade directory such as "gtablet" when you unzip them each have their own directories and if you ls you can see that the bash script isn't executable from there. So you need to copy either the gtablet files into the platform folders or copy all the files inside both into your "gtablet" folder. Then you can run the ". nvflash_gtablet.sh" command and voila. Sorry I am on Ubuntu and don't know if it is different, but that is the way I run them.

No worries - all replies are welcome! the more info we have, the better.

This should be stickied. Nvflash has saved my gtab many times and I think its the reason why my gtab doesn't really encounter too many Force closes. Its the perfect method to ensure your gtab is clean.

I tried this tonight to try to get my gTablet back to stock so that I could show people how to install CWM on a video but I could get neither of my Windows 7 64-bit computers to recognize the APX .inf that was included in the pack.
I have a linux machine around here somewhere I may have to use...

ehunyadi said:
I tried this tonight to try to get my gTablet back to stock so that I could show people how to install CWM on a video but I could get neither of my Windows 7 64-bit computers to recognize the APX .inf that was included in the pack.
I have a linux machine around here somewhere I may have to use...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My limited experience with 64-bit Win7 -- the drivers have to be signed, or else they won't work. There's a way to disable that on boot, but you can't permanently disable it. I'm wondering if the APX USB driver is signed?

Open a command prompt as an admin and type
bcdedit -set loadoptions DISABLE_INTEGRITY_CHECKS
bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING ON
This is the only way.. dont worry if the test watermark shows up.. it wont affect anything.
Also... They have a x64 driver - read this
http://tegradeveloper.nvidia.com/tegra/forum/adb-usb-driver

Hi there,
I exchanged for a new Gtab yesterday from sears (as it had some power issues).
Today, I tried TnT 2.2 on my rooted tab (Z4 for rooting). Also have ClockworkMod .8.
I partitioned my internal SDCard. But after vanilla restore, I could find my tab space reduced to 4 gigs. What should I do to restore to full 16 gigs(14+ gigs actually).
============================================================================================================================
2. I followed your instrction and partitioned again in clockworkMod and did 4 gigs and 0 in the second one. Now it shows 11 gigs for data and 4 gigs for system.
Now I inserted an external micro SD card (16 gigs) but my storage is not seeing it. What should i do? Ignore my first part please.

Your gonna have problems later if you don't repartition to 2048 and 0

satishraman said:
Hi there,
I exchanged for a new Gtab yesterday from sears (as it had some power issues).
Today, I tried TnT 2.2 on my rooted tab (Z4 for rooting). Also have ClockworkMod .8.
I partitioned my internal SDCard. But after vanilla restore, I could find my tab space reduced to 4 gigs. What should I do to restore to full 16 gigs(14+ gigs actually).
============================================================================================================================
2. I followed your instrction and partitioned again in clockworkMod and did 4 gigs and 0 in the second one. Now it shows 11 gigs for data and 4 gigs for system.
Now I inserted an external micro SD card (16 gigs) but my storage is not seeing it. What should i do? Ignore my first part please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You only have 16gb to start. Partitioning you internal to 4gb uses part of that. I would go back and only use 2gb, and 0 for swap. There are things, like the new market that break with anything but 2gb.
If you mean the settings menu is not showing your external sd card that's normal. Look in a file explorer program in the / directory. Look for SDcard2. That is your external. Same deal, look for usbdisk if you plug in a usb drive.

Roebeet
also this could be helpful to Ubuntu/linux users.
in the same directory where your flash script is there is a file that is called "gtablet.cfg" if you download the clockwork.img recovery and put it in this directory you can open up the "gtablet.cfg" with a text editor
scroll down to where you see "filename=part9.img" and replace "part9" with "clockwork" and it should now read "filename=clockwork.img" this will flash clockwork and save you a step. To change it back so you flash complete stock just edit the file again and reverse it.

romanrish said:
Roebeet
also this could be helpful to Ubuntu/linux users.
in the same directory where your flash script is there is a file that is called "gtablet.cfg" if you download the clockwork.img recovery and put it in this directory you can open up the "gtablet.cfg" with a text editor
scroll down to where you see "filename=part9.img" and replace "part9" with "clockwork" and it should now read "filename=clockwork.img" this will flash clockwork and save you a step. To change it back so you flash complete stock just edit the file again and reverse it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't even have to do that - you can just rename part9.img to something else, and clockworkmod.img to "part9.img". That's actually what I do.

roebeet said:
You don't even have to do that - you can just rename part9.img to something else, and clockworkmod.img to "part9.img". That's actually what I do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I thought about that, but figured some people might get confused and forget which one was which. Either way works as well just as long as you keep both files. You should edit your original post and add that in as an option to do at the end. It will keep some from having to look through and creating a new post cause they can't find it, and keep our forums clean.

This should definitely be stickied. Mods please?
P.S. I cannot believe how awesome this forum is(Viewsonic G Tablet). I have gone to other forums and the other devs and users are not as friendly and awesome as the ones we have here. Almost brings a tear to my eye. Great job Roebeet, this should help us noobs out a lot. LOL!

OUTDATED[Guide] Setting up/using adb/fastboot-unlock, flash custom recovery & root

OUTDATED[Guide] Setting up/using adb/fastboot-unlock, flash custom recovery & root
Below is a great guide to rooting, from several sources, (mostly taken from pingvinen's "An Idiot's Guide to Flashing the Xoom" and a guide by publicanimal. and I hope it helps. You can find the links to all of the files referenced below in the Xoom Heaven thread (thanks StrifeSoldierVII!)[/I]
(New thread in General Section by Jack207407 will have all the updated links for flashing
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1443110
One Stop For ROM's, MOD's, and Root Wifi-Only and 3G/4G Models)
"What you need to do can be encompassed in these following short steps (will be detailed later on) in the following order. Each step is required before you can proceed to the next one. However, make sure that you are very very careful and don't try to take any shortcuts. That may soft-brick your device, and you may have a difficult time to explain that to your wife ... You have been warned.
HERE'S THE USUAL DISCLAIMER--I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY HARM THAT MAY COME TO YOUR DEVICE IF YOU FOLLOW ANY PART OF THIS GUIDE--ANY RISK IS ON THE USER!
I strongly recommend you to read the entire guide before trying. In fact, read it twice to ensure that you have understood everything. If there is weird stuff that you don't understand, don't hesitate to ask. The reason for me writing this down is that I like to document what I have learned. This is to me an excellent way to ensure that I will remember what I just did. Another reason was that I could not find a single thread that encompassed all steps required. There are many different threads, but no one (that I could find) that really guides you from start to goal. So enjoy and good luck!
I would like to thank LandMaster and cam30era for helping out with advice during my initial trail-and-error session. I soft-bricked my device once and had big problems to get by point 4.3 (avoid overwriting of CWM), but with their encouragement I finally succeeded.
Just a note before we begin: the different Xoom. Models that are able to use this guide are the following:
MZ600 - stingray_cdma - Motorola US 3g Xoom (technically this device is stingray as well, but I will be using stingray_cdma as the two devices have incompatible software)
MZ601 - utms_everest - Motorola EU 3g Xoom
MZ602 - stingray - Motorola US 4g Xoom
MZ604 - wingray - Motorola Wifi Xoom
(thanks solarnz!)
___________
Overview of the 6 required steps
1. Install Motorola USB drivers for your computers (for USB connectivity) 2. Install Java SDK and Android SDK tools (for adb and fastboot commands) 3. Unlock the device for flashing (allowing replacement of recovery and boot images) 4. Install a modified recovery image (ClockWorkMod recovery for Android) 5. Root the device (Allow r/w access to the device filesystem) 6. Flash a kernel that supports overclocking etc.
Steps 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 require that you download install, image and zip files needed for the flashing.
All this was performed on a Windows PC. Windows 7, Mac and Linux users will probably have to do some steps differently.
1.0 Install the latest Motorola USB drivers
The installation file can be found at: http://developer.motorola.com/docstools/USB_Drivers/
1.1 Install the drivers and ensure that your Xoom is recognized by the computer
2.0 Installation of development software
Android SDK and Java SDK need to be installed. You can find the installation kits here.
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html In case you can't find fastboot.exe, look for it here (thanks to jerrycycle): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=19546334&postcount=5
Update: you could also just install the adb fastboot pack here:http://www.android.net/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=67
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
2.1 Install them as any other software, making an Android SDK folder on C/.
2.2 Make sure that all the files you need are in the Platform Tools folder (fastboot, recovery image file and so on). Copy any files in the Tools folder to the Platform Tools folder if necessary. Note: If the Android SDK complains that the Java Dev Kit can't be found, just press Back and then Next again. Wierd, but that seems to do the trick ... go figure.
(Warning: Never put any zip files in your Platform Tools folder. Flashing zip files through fastboot will cause very serious problems. Zip files must be flashed from the external micro SD card through CWM recovery on the Xoom...we'll get to that later.)
2.3 Test that ADB and FASTBOOT works. You should open a command window by right clicking in your Platform Tools folder where all of your files are, plug in your Xoom to your computer with your Motorola cable (it may not work with a generic cable) and write 'adb devices'. Your Xoom should now be listed. Did your device not show up? Make sure that you have USB debugging enabled in Settings/Applications/Development on your Xoom.
Optional: Those that want to be able to access adb from any where on their computer, here's a tip from scsa20: "For windows, if you go into System Properties and choose Advanced, then Environment Variables..., you'll be able to edit the Path variable under System variables, just add the path to where adb and fastboot is located (separated with a semi-colon ().
Here's what my Path variable looks like:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live;C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live;C:\Program Files (x86)\NVIDIA Corporation\PhysX\Common;%SystemRoot%\system32;%Sy stemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem;%SYSTEMROOT%\ System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\;C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Shared;c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\;c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\;c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\DTS\Binn\;C:\android-sdk-windows\tools;C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools;C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Acronis\SnapAPI\
It's long but do you see the android stuff there at the end?"
Update: xda poster Mandelbrot Benoit suggests an alternate adb setup, here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18072572&postcount=50
If your windows computer doesn't see your Xoom, consider this (Originally Posted by AngryBulleteyeTruth):
When the xoom does not show up on PC it may be the problem of.... windows media player!
Xoom uses drivers of WMP to communicate with PC. If someone does not have the newest WMP drivers it will not show up and you can see xoom device in the devices tab on PC having an exclamation mark.
So the solution is to download and install Windows Media Player 11. It has worked for me.
--------
OK. Now that you are set up, it's Showtime! Take a deep breath...
3. Unlocking the device for flashing
This step will effectively erase the internal storage, including all your apps and settings. Use whatever backup you want to secure important data before you start. (It will also void your warranty, so you still have time to go back.)
3.1 Power up and start the Xoom.
3.2 Ensure that your device is fully recognized by the computer. A good sign is that the 'Portable device' dialog is activated on Windows when your Xoom has booted. The Xoom should also be seen in 'Computer'. If not, go back to step 2 and double check your USB drivers.
3.3 Use the command 'adb reboot bootloader' to go into Flash mode.
3.4 Use the command 'fastboot oem unlock'. This will trigger a dialog on your Xoom. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the unlocking. I repeat, this *will* do a factory reset and all data will be lost!
3.5 Once unlocked, the Xoom will restart and work as normal. Don't bother to do any setup at this time, just make sure that USB debbuging is checked in settings, and now go on to step 4
4. Install recovery image (CWM) UPDATED 4/19/12
If you haven't done it already, download the recovery image file and save it to your computer in the Platform Tools folder.
(Download the recovery image from this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1604014 only the img file flashed through fastboot Remember, never try to flash a zip file through fastboot!)
Important: At this time, make sure you have a good (known to be working) microsd card in your sdcard slot in your Xoom. Reboot the Xoom with the sdcard in the slot to make sure it's mounted.
4.1 Boot into flash mode with 'adb reboot bootloader.'
4.2 Install your downloaded recovery image: 'fastboot flash recovery eos-recovery-r6.img' or whatever is the exact name of the recovery img file you are flashing.
4.3 Enter CWM recovery with the procedure below.
4.4 Restart the device with 'fastboot reboot'. Timing is essential here, so be alert when the device restarts, or you will have to redo section 4.
4.5 Once the Motorola logotype is shown, start counting to 3. At 3, press the Volume Down button. This should result in the text 'Android Recovery' in the top left corner. If it does not work (if you see Starting Fastboot Protocol), experiment with the timing (see below).
4.6 When 'Android Recovery' is shown press the Volume Up button. This should invoke the CWM recovery menu. If that works, then congratulations for getting this far!
Here is a potential pitfall. If you are unable to enter CWM *before* the device boots into Honeycomb, then the newly installed recovery image will be overwritten by the system default recovery. Just repeat steps 4.1 through 4.6 if that happens.
UPDATE(12/28/11) Since putting this guide together, Motorola has issued a number of Over-the-Air (OTA) updates that have complicated the process of flashing the Clockawork Mod recovery, so if you have accepted any OTA updates, please read the following, which describes each step (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26009191#post26008083) (Thanks to Landorin.)
(If you have root and want to remove these files, remove or rename /system/etc/install-recovery.sh with something like root explorer. You can then flash your custom recovery through fastboot again.)
For those of you that get stuck with some error like 'device not recognized' poster Madjinj gives the following advice:
1) Be sure that you have your adb folder in the root of C drive directly and be sure that you are in adb folder in command prompt program (CMD in Windows machines) i.e by typing "cd c:\XXX" where XXX is the name of adb folder in your machine.
2) Be sure that you type "adb reboot bootloader" in comand prompt to activate adb program. if the problem persists, try typing "fastboot reboot" then after reboot type "adb reboot bootloader" in command prompt program.
3) Use the USB cable that came with your Xoom (some cables are not good in flashing for unknown reason..!!
4) make sure that you activate USB debugging mode.
5.0. Rooting the Xoom
The Universal Xoom Root zip file from solarnz is located here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1242241
5.1 You need to transfer the Universal Xoom Root zip file to a working external micro SD card. You can do this on a computer or cell phone, but the Universal Xoom Root zip file must be located in the root directory of the micro SD card.
5.2 Insert the now prepared SD card in the Xoom.
5.3 Boot into recovery (as described in 4.3). Navigate using the volume buttons and press the power button to select the active option.
5.4 Select 'Install ZIP from sd card.'
5.5 Select 'Choose ZIP.'
5.6 Navigate to the ROOT zip file with the Volume buttons and select it with the Power button. Confirm that you want to install it.
5.7 Everything should indicate success, so back out to the main CWM menu and reboot the device.
5.8 From Android Market, install any app requiring root and start it. If the rooting was successful, then the app should request superuser permission and you should be able to grant it without any problems.
6. Flashing a new rom or kernel...(e.g. Tiamat Moray Rom and/or Odachi Kernel). Look in the Xoom Heaven thread or in the Development section of this form for all of these files.
6.1 This step is identical to 5, but swap out the ROOT zip for the ROM or KERNEL zip. For simplicity, you may want to prepare the micro SD card with both zip files at the same time in step 5.1..."
------------------------
This is still one of the best explanations of how to use adb and fastboot to unlock and root the Xoom and install a custom recovery, etc, and doesn't deserve to buries on back pages of this forum. Hopefully, the step-by-step nature of this guide will help those of you that have limited experience with this kind of tinkering.
Oh, and please feel free to correct any errors or omissions. As I said, it came from several sources and needed to somewhat updated.

Thank you, just bought my xoom yesterday and was confused on the steps to take!
This has made it as clear as possible for me and will follow your instructions to the letter tonight.
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium

fastyan said:
Thank you, just bought my xoom yesterday and was confused on the steps to take!
This has made it as clear as possible for me and will follow your instructions to the letter tonight.
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck! Let us know how you make out and if anything needs to be clarified.

think im doing something wrong as unlocked fine but when i go to install the recovery file it keeps coming up cannot load? any ideas where im going wrong?
been at it 3 hours now lol and losing the will to live im sure its gona be something simples

fastyan said:
think im doing something wrong as unlocked fine but when i go to install the recovery file it keeps coming up cannot load? any ideas where im going wrong?
been at it 3 hours now lol and losing the will to live im sure its gona be something simples
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check to make sure that your file download is good, and that you are typing it's name correctly. Better yet, you could rename the file "recovery.img" and that will make it very easy to get it right.

On the sd card?I thought we had to put it into sdk platform tools? I have put it and renamed it onto my sd card but what is the command to flash recovery from sd card?
Also noticed once I have done "adb reboot bootloader" my computer doesn't see the XOOM properly, is in can't see it in my computer but does make a noise when I connect and disconnect is this correct? Debugging is on.
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium

fastyan said:
On the sd card?I thought we had to put it into sdk platform tools? I have put it and renamed it onto my sd card but what is the command to flash recovery from sd card?
Also noticed once I have done "adb reboot bootloader" my computer doesn't see the XOOM properly, is in can't see it in my computer but does make a noise when I connect and disconnect is this correct? Debugging is on.
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you're in the bootloader, you won't be able to access the SD Card or anything of that sort and adb won't work, in stead, when you're in the bootloader, you're switching over to fastboot. I'm sure if you type in fastboot devices you'll see your xoom listed.

Thank you for the reply and that's one thing sorted but any idea why its telling me "cannot load recovery"? I have tried renaming it and downloaded the recovery file 4 times incase that was wrong but still no joy :-(
I have done this all before on my phone and never had a problem so I must be missing something but f$*@ed if I know what?
Thanks again for your help though.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium

Just had a thought. Could it be that the XOOM hasn't actually unlocked, would that cause it to not load? Is there any way to check if its unlocked successfully? Although I did try it twice before?
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium

Once you got it in the bootloader, you gotta make sure you do fastboot oem unlock, press volume down then up, press volume down again then up again, and let it format and reboot.
If it's already unlocked, you'd get a message telling you so (generally).
Then when you go to flash the recovery, make sure that the recovery image is in the folder where fastboot is and type in fastboot flash recovery recovery.img (if I remember the syntax that is, I'm at work and don't feel like scrolling up or going into the root guide to confirm xD ).

fastyan said:
On the sd card?I thought we had to put it into sdk platform tools? I have put it and renamed it onto my sd card but what is the command to flash recovery from sd card?
Also noticed once I have done "adb reboot bootloader" my computer doesn't see the XOOM properly, is in can't see it in my computer but does make a noise when I connect and disconnect is this correct? Debugging is on.
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium[/QUOTE
No, sorry, I was trying to respond. when I was tired and distracted.I totally miswrote. Of course the cwm recovery img goes in the platform tools...thank goodness you guys are out there to catch mistakes!
So, I don't know if you had any progress, but not successfully unlocking would surely stop you in your tracks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

okantomi said:
No, sorry, I was trying to respond. when I was tired and distracted.I totally miswrote.Oof course the cwm recovery img.. goes in the platform tools...thank goodness you guys are out there to catch mistakes!
So, I don't know if you had any progress, but not successfully unlocking would surely stop you in your tracks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the way I have my system setup, I can run adb and fastboot wherever I am

No, sorry, I was trying to respond. when I was tired and distracted.I totally miswrote. Of course the cwm recovery img goes in the platform tools...thank goodness you guys are out there to catch mistakes!
So, I don't know if you had any progress, but not successfully unlocking would surely stop you in your tracks.
No progress yet as im at work but when I get home I will start the process from scratch again and see how I get on and will keep you posted.

scsa20 said:
With the way I have my system setup, I can run adb and fastboot wherever I am
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Care to share???
That would be helpful to many, I'm sure. We could add it to the guide, along with anything else you can think of.

fastyan said:
No, sorry, I was trying to respond. when I was tired and distracted.I totally miswrote. Of course the cwm recovery img goes in the platform tools...thank goodness you guys are out there to catch mistakes!
So, I don't know if you had any progress, but not successfully unlocking would surely stop you in your tracks.
No progress yet as im at work but when I get home I will start the process from scratch again and see how I get on and will keep you posted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If, as you follow this guide, you find any explanations that are not clear or if you think of a step to take or something else that might improve the guide, please post it and we can add it in. It's been almost 6 months since I've unlocked and at least a couple of months since I've had to use adb, so I'm sure I've forgotten some things. Those of you whose experience is fresh can give really good advice. That's how this guide was originally written, by pingvinen, right after he had gone through a grueling rooting process.

okantomi said:
Care to share???
That would be helpful to many, I'm sure. We could add it to the guide, along with anything else you can think of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For windows, if you go into System Properties and choose Advanced, then Environment Variables..., you'll be able to edit the Path variable under System variables, just add the path to where adb and fastboot is located (separated with a semi-colon (;)).
Here's what my Path variable looks like:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live;C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live;C:\Program Files (x86)\NVIDIA Corporation\PhysX\Common;%SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem;%SYSTEMROOT%\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\;C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Shared;c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\;c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\;c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\DTS\Binn\;C:\android-sdk-windows\tools;C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools;C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Acronis\SnapAPI\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's long but hey, see where the android stuff is near the end?

@Okantomi:
We all have learned some things from trial & error (eg.the sk cannot detect java dev kit)
i could only flash recovery after renaming it to recovery(do not forget to add.img in cmd while flashing).also the official motorola name recovery as same.
after downloading sdk and updating to platform tools i have kept a zip in safe location so that i do not need to download again platform tools if i install sdk fresh
initially knowledge was scattered now it is at one place.
right now testing steady hawkin's kernel and new recovery
btw good signature pic.

Ok so another night has gone and still can't get recovery on!! Tried re unlocking the XOOM and every time it comes up with "cannot load recovery.img" I tried installing everything on my laptop and went right from the start and getting exactly the same thing!
Starting to think im never gonna get this sorted now :-( just feels like the XOOM isn't unlocking? Every time I go through the unlocking process it never states that its already unlocked? Is there any way I can check that it is unlocked?
Please help im losing the will to live now lol
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium

I would say to send it to me and I can take a wack at it but I don't think you want to wait that long to simply root it.
Let me ask you, are you getting any sort of error messages when you do fastboot flash recovery recovery.img? If so, what's that error message?

scsa20 said:
I would say to send it to me and I can take a wack at it but I don't think you want to wait that long to simply root it.
Let me ask you, are you getting any sort of error messages when you do fastboot flash recovery recovery.img? If so, what's that error message?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not getting any error message it just says "cannot load recovery.img"
I have tried with and without the .img and always the same?
Tried going through the whole process again on my laptop incase I had missed something but exactly the same.
When I unlock it I follow the onscreen instructions and at the end it says its complete before it reboots. Then I turn on usb debugging again and reboot bootloader all ok but won't let me load the new recovery?
Normally I would just say it wasn't meant to be and leave as it is but I wont be beaten on this so I'm purposely not installing anything on it till its done. Any ideas apart from bringing it round yours lol ;-)
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium

[ANDROID] ClockworkMod Permanent Installation Fix! - Step by Step Instructions

I have figured out a way to permanently install ClockworkMod Recovey on your hybrid WebOS/CyanogenMod Touchpad. Like many of you, my ClockworkMod installation failed when I tried to install using ACMEInstaller while I also installed CyanogenMod.
I realize there is now a workaround to "inject" ClockworkMod into your TP using novacom however this requires you to utilize a computer everytime you want to boot ClockworkMod. Follow the instructions below to install ClockworkMod onto your TP permanently and free yourself from your PC!
1. Boot into WebOS
2. Mount TP to your computer and create a "cminstall" folder if it no longer exists after your CyanogenMod installation
3. Copy the "update-cwm_tenderloin-1012.zip" file into the "cminstall" directory, then unmount TP from computer
4. Download the "Internalz Pro" program using the "Preware" application in WebOS if you haven't already (Google is your friend if you get stuck here)
5. Open "Internalz Pro" and navigate to the "boot" menu (will most likely require you to tap the top-most icon of a folder with two dots next to it to get to the root of the TP - should be second folder down)
6. Tap on the file "uImage.ClockworkMod" and select "move"
7. Navigate to the "media/internal/" directory and click "select" to move file
8. Now tap on the file "update-uimage" and move the file to the same "internal" directory you did in step #7
9. Exit from "Internalz Pro" and reboot device while holding down the up volume key, which will take you in to WebOS Recovery (or select WebOS Recovery when you get to the moboot screen you may have previously installed) - you should now see a large USB icon and should be connected to your computer using a usb cable
10. Go to your command prompt in Windows and navigate to the menu where you have novacom installed - you should also have the ACMEInstaller binary file copied into this directory by now (If you don't know what I'm talking about, remember Google is your friend)
11. Type in "novacom boot mem:// < ACMEInstaller" in the command line and press enter
12. You should now see ClockworkMod recovery installing on your TP - Once it reboots into moboot select "boot ClockworkMod" and watch it boot into ClockworkMod!
13. After celebrating, boot back into WebOS, go into "Internalz Pro" and move the file "update-uimage" back into the "boot" directory - the "uImage.ClockworkMod" file that you put in the "Internal" directory is no longer needed since you reinstalled ClockworkMod properly
Essentially the boot directory was overloaded which caused for insufficient space when installing ClockworkMod. Now you should be able to boot into WebOS, CyanogenMod, WebOS, AND ClockworkMod Recovery without a computer. As always, I do not take responsibility for you bricking your TP or variability you may have... use this information if it is helpful but don't blame me if something goes wrong. I'm just trying to help out the community that has helped me for so long.
Let me know if this is helpful to you. Thanks!
dseelye

What!?
Hi!
firstly, thank you for making this guide, i know that alot of people like myself will appreciate it.
but i've run into a problem, see, now i don't have the option to boot into cyanogenmod anymore !
can i flash it in clockworkmod, or do i have to do it all over again?
a reply would be appreciated

you most likely copied the wrong file from the boot folder, as there was one for clockworkmod and one for cyanogen mod... look and see if you incorrectly copied the cyanogenmod "uImage.CyanogenMod" to your internal sd card to free up space. You will have to move this back to the boot folder and grab the other one.

Thank you VERY much!
and thanks for the INCREDIBLY quick reply!
EDIT: IT WORKED!!! YOU'RE THE MAN!!!!!

No problem... let me know if that solved your concern...thx
EDIT: Oh, just saw the edit of your post...great, glad that was it!

Just wondering... how permanent is permanent?
For instance, if I use "web doctor" to restore my touchpad, will the recovery be overwritten?

Yes, I just mean that you don't have to "inject" clockworkmod into your TP using your computer which was the workaround for the people who couldn't get it installed originally during the CyanogenMod installation. This just installs it properly but can be wiped with WebOS Doctor like anything else...

bigblueshock said:
Just wondering... how permanent is permanent?
For instance, if I use "web doctor" to restore my touchpad, will the recovery be overwritten?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeap... it will not delete a single bit of CM7, just gonna restore the original bootloaders, delete moboot and skip CWM /Android on boot...
Running again ACME with only moboot and CWM in the cminstall folder will restore them.
....After WebOS doctor... it will show CM7 as the last time you shut it down.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

I followed directions exactly but I am not seeing the uImage.clockwork in the boot folder. Any suggestions? I see that file in the cminstall folder, do I just leave in there or should I copy directly to media\internal?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

The "uImage.ClockworkMod" may not be in the boot directory I suppose if the previous install attempts didn't put it there so not sure why it isn't in yours. Essentially you are just trying to move some of the larger files out of that directory so you can install ClockworkMod properly as the space constraint of the partition size seems to be the issue. The other file I mentioned, "update-uimage", is actually the largest one I found and you may be able to do the ClockworkMod install properly by only removing that one temporarily. Let us know if you are able to resolve.

I've installed clockworkmod recovery with no errors on the first try, is it advisable that I need to use this method?

I was installing cwm for the first time. I didn't include it originally with the install of cyanogen mod, I guess that's why it wasn't in the boot folder. I placed both files in the media\internal directory and also inside the cminstall folder and ran the command and it worked fine. When I checked internalz pro to remove the files, the cminstall folder and uimage files were gone already. So it looks like I am good to go. cwm is working, I flashed gapps from it. Thanks for reply.
Now I just need to figure out how to make phone calls.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

If you installed ClockworkMod completely the first time and it works, then you definitely don't need to do this as this thread was intended for those that tried to install it at the same time as when they installed CyanogenMod and ClockworkMod Recovery didn't install properly. These instructions are to outline how to get it installed correctly as just trying again using ACMEInstaller wasn't working for anyone due to the small size left in the boot directory.

hey thanks for the fix but after the fix i cant get into the market

Not sure why you can't access the market...no issues here. I would suggest reinstalling the gapps zip file and possible the market fix file that are out there now that you have clockworkmod working properly.

thanks for the help thats what i had to do

Hi, the "move" option isn't available, only "copy" "info" and "open"
The entire directory is "view-only"

Not sure why "move" isn't available for you... its been a while since I installed Preware and Internalz Pro so I must have gotten root access somehow and that's why it shows up for me and others. I'd suggest searching for how to obtain root access to WebOS to find your answer... possibly development mode if you haven't already done that but I thought that was required to get Preware installed in the first place.

Move command
dseelye said:
Not sure why "move" isn't available for you... its been a while since I installed Preware and Internalz Pro so I must have gotten root access somehow and that's why it shows up for me and others. I'd suggest searching for how to obtain root access to WebOS to find your answer... possibly development mode if you haven't already done that but I thought that was required to get Preware installed in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem. Move/delete commands are available on the media/internals but on boot folder move is not available.

Thanks
Awesome man! Been struggling with this since two days. Thanks a lot for the fix and step by step instructions
---------- Post added at 09:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:00 AM ----------
tmkhan said:
I have the same problem. Move/delete commands are available on the media/internals but on boot folder move is not available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After Opening "Internalz Pro", Open "Preferences", scroll down to the bottom. You will see an option called "Master mode". Turn it on. You will get read/write access to the boot folder.

[Q] CWM update brain fart - need help

Hi All,
I wanted to update my ideos s7-104 (best buy US) to the Joenilan froyo fusion rom and made one mistake along the way. I copied the .zip file to the external sd card not the internal sd card. So zip file is not available to CWM (2.5.1.8). I tried manually pushing the file to the tablet with ADB (from computer) but the tablet is not visible to the system (windows 7 64bit with drivers installed, I could not get HiSuite to install with upgrade.cmd). This is strange becasue the Upgrade utility which uses adb flashes the rom just fine. Of course I wiped the system and reformatted the device per the instructions. Now when the unit boots it goes the fastboot and then stops with option to reboot with back/home which works. I don't think the unit is bricked just yet since I can still get into the CWM recovery.
Does anyone have any bright ideas to move the Ideos S7 Froyo v1.3-EXT4 Stable.zip to the internal sdcard?
Thanks for all the useful information previously posted!
Bruce
St. Louis MO

Hi, let see if i can help you, if you have a backup restore, if you dont that implies some work, i dont use windows i prefer linux, you can try to create a virtual machine, with windows xp or linux ubuntu and then with fastboot commands push the file to sd card.
Another way, get the oficial rom for your tablet copy the file to ext-sdcard and follow the install instrutions of the rom, you must create the dload directory in ext-sdcard.
it look like you lost the system files and the kernel of the device, so it boot in to fastboot, fastboot does not acept adb, but fastboot has some commands to copy kernel and system file to the device, it cant copy a zip file, must be a img file.
Version 6.0.1 of cwm reads update files from ext-sdcard so you can also try to install that recovery version with fastboot.
Remember: it always a good idea to have a backup before doing anything.
Hope that helps.

Fixed
hal_2000 said:
Hi, let see if i can help you, if you have a backup restore, if you dont that implies some work, i dont use windows i prefer linux, you can try to create a virtual machine, with windows xp or linux ubuntu and then with fastboot commands push the file to sd card.
Another way, get the oficial rom for your tablet copy the file to ext-sdcard and follow the install instrutions of the rom, you must create the dload directory in ext-sdcard.
it look like you lost the system files and the kernel of the device, so it boot in to fastboot, fastboot does not acept adb, but fastboot has some commands to copy kernel and system file to the device, it cant copy a zip file, must be a img file.
Version 6.0.1 of cwm reads update files from ext-sdcard so you can also try to install that recovery version with fastboot.
Remember: it always a good idea to have a backup before doing anything.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for the tips. I was able to flash the trzmod-v3 image and now I have a working tablet again. Pretty slick I must say.

Hi, well done, i'm working with cm9 for s7 maybe in some few days you can try cm9
hal_2000

does anyone know the combination to get into recovery and cwm.
thank's
sorry my bad english

BANOUNDROID said:
does anyone know the combination to get into recovery and cwm.
thank's
sorry my bad english
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, with s7 power off press, menu + call(green key) + power, wait a few seconds and you get cwm screen if it is install
Hal_2000

trying to bring my brothers A500 to life in 2019

Hey together,
I really hope someone out there is still using a A500 Tablet and may be able to help me fix a weird issue i encounter on every ROM i tried so far.
I installed the ROMs mentioned in this Thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/iconia-a500/general/2018-a500-upgrade-threaddownloads-to-t3832293
And all of them come with the Same Problem for me.
If i try to open the Google PlayStore or something else that wants me to login into a Google Account it just says: "There was a problem communicating with Google Servers" "Try again later"
anyone knows of this issue ? All the fixes several Google searches gave me did not help to fix that issue for me on any of the ROMs.
help would be highly appreciated
kind regards
Finn

Hi,
have you read the tips? It says:
"- Google play will not work right if you do not format your data partition to f2fs. (You can do this in recovery)"
Have you tried it?

Matra-PB said:
Hi,
have you read the tips? It says:
"- Google play will not work right if you do not format your data partition to f2fs. (You can do this in recovery)"
Have you tried it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That may not be the problem I've hear a lot of people are having this problem. But it's a good place to start if he hasn't tried it yet.

Success story upgrading A500 in 2019 July
finneus_ said:
Hey together,
I really hope someone out there is still using a A500 Tablet and may be able to help me fix a weird issue i encounter on every ROM i tried so far.
I installed the ROMs mentioned in this Thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/iconia-a500/general/2018-a500-upgrade-threaddownloads-to-t3832293
And all of them come with the Same Problem for me.
If i try to open the Google PlayStore or something else that wants me to login into a Google Account it just says: "There was a problem communicating with Google Servers" "Try again later"
anyone knows of this issue ? All the fixes several Google searches gave me did not help to fix that issue for me on any of the ROMs.
help would be highly appreciated
kind regards
Finn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First my thanks to the forum key members for providing answers to queries and to all the key contributors of SW/ROMS in this forum. I followed the procedures from this forum to Flash / upgrade my Acer Iconia A500 on 4.0.3 ICS that was sitting in a trunk for the last few years. Summary of steps I tried out.
STEP 1: Install the Acer device drivers listed in the links in this forum on your Laptop/Computer even if by default your Windows 10 OS (assuming you are on Win10 like me) is able to recognize the A500 connected to the USB port.
USB_Acer_1.00.0524_A30HA31HA32H_A.ZIP
STEP 2: ROOTING the Acer A500.
1. The tablet should be already upgraded to stock ICS for A50x (or stock ICS A10x/A510 for other tablets).
2. On a tablet: "Settings" -> "Applications" -> "Development" -> "USB debugging" switch ON. If you do not see this menu, then click 7 times of the Android Build No. listed under settings and come back to the menu above to enable USB Debugging.
3. Connect the tablet to the computer (Before connection it is recommended to update the driver for a tablet from here: A10x, A50x, A510).
4. Since most of the discussions regarding flashing A500 were from 2011, the earlier Gingerbreak method for rooting did not work.
I downloaded the following file from this forum to root my tablet.
ICS_rooting_A10x_A5xx.zip
5. Open the directory with the unpacked archive. Execute file: for windows - runit-win.bat; for Linux - runit-linux.sh.
The root is received!
Note: The McAfee Antivirus software started tagging a file 'mempodroid' within this ZIP file Tools folder as a virus or malicious file. This rooting method uses the 'mempodroid' exploit which is detected as a VIRUS by McAfee and Qurantined. So restore from Qurantine and check list of files are still present in the folder. If not verify 8+8 files in folders again.
As per inputs in this forum, I restored the files quarantined and then suppressed McAfee SW for the duration of my upgrade activities on my laptop and was able to successfully extract all the files in the ZIP file to a local folder on the laptop. This ZIP file has adb and fastboot - two key programs useful for rooting your A500 apart from SU or superuser base file used in step 2. The file to run is the BAT file runit-win.bat if you are on windows. At the end of this step your tablet should be rooted. You may check by installing the RootCheck app from Google Playstore.
Step1a: Install a File Manager app from the Google playstore. This will help you extract the CPU ID and convert it with the SBK tool to get the SBK number/string. important steps SBK tool was available in file - SBCalc_v1.1.ZIP available in this forum.
STEP 2b: SUPERUSER and SUPERSU installation
1. Install SuperUser.apk first.. (IMP - Its available in this forum. Its like a base version for superSU to install over. If you do not install SuperUser.apk, then each time you try installing SuperSU, you would get an error message about a SU file being incompatible.)
2. Then install an older version of SuperSU downloaded from the website - filename -> eu.chainfire.supersu_v2.65-265.ZIP . Newer versions will not work. U got to install an older version as new version seems to be a paid SW.
3. Next Open SuperSU app on your tablet and let it update itself a couple of times each time opening and closing the app after the upgrade.
4. Remove SuperUser.apk file as now its no longer needed.
5. Now that you have ROOT access and SuperUSer access
6. Install Titanium Backup. File name in this forum- update-recovery-TWRP-rev2.0-beta4.ZIP . This will help you to flash/upgrade ROM software on your tablet.
Twrp 2.8:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/e7wpny5f39vw3pc/update-recovery-TWRP-rev2.0-beta4.zip/file
Compressed Archive (.ZIP)
File size: 4.91MB
Uploaded: 2018-08-14 21:40:26
https://www.mediafire.com/download/e7wpny5f39vw3pc
STEP 3: Install an Unlocked Bootloader i.e. unlocked bootloader Skrillax v9 - file name in this forum BabSector.rar or A500-Bootloader-Nvflash.ZIP
Once you have reached this step, you now have the basic tools needed for the final ROM upgrade of the tablet.
I did get error message after the reboots that happened after Unlocking the Bootloader. Someting about a LNX partition not being okay or some such msg. Each time I just WIPED the Cache and selected similar options to wipe System, Data, User, Dhelvic cache (spelling incorrect) etc. Since you have not installed the final OS or ROM for your tablet yet, no harm in deleting these partition data. Actually its recommended to wipe, format in f2f formats etc. all of which is possible using the TWRP Recovery software you installed in step 2. Choose Recovery menu option each time the tablet boots or gives errors.... using the volume rocket and power buttons. More info -> Go through this thread and install unlocked bootloader.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
Flashing Bootloader Steps
-------------------------
1. generate your SBK from cpuid
2. put tab in APX by holding reset (small pinhole bottom right side)
and pushing power for 3-4 sec. - then release reset approx 1 sec. later
the screen should be blank and power button should be lit - plug in USB to PC.
2. Run A501 A.bat - when finished reboot tab to recovery (win 7 and under
right click on A501 A.bat and select Run as Administrator)
3. run Recovery(power and volume-) ->WIPE -> "Advanced wipe ->System (only)and swipe to wipe.
4. unplug USB and reboot tab to APX
5. plug in USB afer it is in APX mode -> Run A501 B.bat (win 7 and under
right click on A501 B.bat and select Run as Administrator)
Bootloader unlock tutorial
--------------------------
Step 1: Get your cpuid - https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624645
Step 2: Convert it into an SBK - https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1810618
Step 3: Download the A500 drivers
- http://www.mediafire.com/file/pde8rojv1t8gnif/USB_Acer_1.00.0524_A30H_A31H_A32H_A500_A501.zip/file
Step 4: Download the files to install the bootloader
- http://www.mediafire.com/file/o7m2ouwo6zuod4d/A500-Bootloader-Nvflash.zip/file
Step 5: Follow the instructions in "how to.txt"
Step 6: Download a rom and flash in twrp
This tutorial is based of
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2450119 thread so big thanks to KaijiKun .
Bootloader unlock files:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/o7m2ouwo6zuod4d/A500-Bootloader-Nvflash.zip/file
STEP 4. Downloaded file omni-4.4.4-20150210-a500-IconiaHD.ZIP as I was not sure version omni 5.1.1 was as stable as Omni4.4.4 reading all the threads in this forum.
First rename the downloaded OMNIROM file as update.zip .
OmniRom 4.4.4
http://www.mediafire.com/file/ghd72j3g618kk9g/OMNIROM-5.1.1-Tegraowners_ROM_v13t2.zip/file
File size: 244.66MB
Uploaded: 2015-04-05 17:40:14
STEP 5: Install another tool adb_fast.ZIP. This tool is also available in this forum.
Note:You need to copy the update.zip file to your computers folder where this tool adb_fast is installed. In mine it was C:\Program files (x86)\Minimal ADB and Fastboot folder. This adb_fast file creates an application shortcut on your computer desktop. Clicking on the short cut launches adb and fast boot programs I mentioned at the beginning.
STEP 6: Copy the file to the SD card (16GB) of your tablet.
Run the adb_fast tool from your desktop shortcut. This will open a Command Prompt type black screen window where you can enter the code as given below. Note you may need to see how your SD card is listed in a file manager in your computer
Code:
adb push update.zip /mnt/sdcard/update.zip --- NOTE: this creates mnt folder on internal storage and I had to then move the file using TWRP recovery tool installed in step 2, to the SD card.
adb push < ------- is the push command.
rom.zip < ------- is the name of the Rom zip file.
/sdcard < ------- is the location your pushing the Rom to.
E.) Reboot tablet with Power+Down Arrow i.e. This will start the Upgrade process for the tablet to OMNIROM 4.4.4
-- Power Button + UP VOLUME pressed... then release Power button after LED lights.
-- System will boot to commmand prompt
STEP 7: Install GAPPS using pico gapps short version and Wipe Data/Factory reset ----------------?>and wipe cache partition?
Reboot after 1st reboot
G.) https://opengapps.org/ to install a minimal version of Google Apps on the tablet.
File name -> pa_gapps-modular-mini-4.4.4-20150410-signed.ZIP
Root tablet again and install SuperSU if you need it
other info.
You can use TWRP to flash the OmniROM on the tablet or you can use the following in worst case senario to do the same.
Code:
fastboot devices
fastboot flash update.zip -- check if syntax is ok from threads in this forum
fastboot reboot-bootloader
copied below from other threads ---->
I find that a large amount of complaints in developer threads are due to people not properly wiping before a flash.
Of course there is times when a 'dirty' flash is fine, but if you're ever not sure, wipe as cleanly as possible.
fastboot allows for about the cleanest of wipes by the way. And each partition can be done separately too.
Code:
fastboot erase system
fastboot erase data
fastboot erase cache
can all be done individually, but to do these all in one command
Code:
fastboot erase system -w
If possible I recommend to do these steps before flashing a ROM, and now that you know you can do this all within fastboot mode i suggest to try it out, its quick and painless!
Don't forget to wipe your kernel too! (fastboot erase boot)
~Important~ If your device uses an emulated SD card (as in no removable micro SD but an SD partition on phone)
Then be careful wiping data/userdata as this will erase all contents of internal SD - you are forewarned!
ADB= Android Debugging Bridge (ADB)
[TOOL]Minimal ADB and Fastboot [2-9-18]
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2317790&page=12
First a short explanation:
Fastboot, like ADB, is a tool to communicate from PC to Android phone. There are times when it is a must to use, and times when it is just helpful.
ADB is used within your recovery or within your OS, but when you are in bootloader mode and need to communicate with your phone then you need fastboot.
And you may ask why would i ever need this?
Well many reasons. Main one is knowledge, learning the ins and outs of fastboot, like learning ADB, can get you out of many jams.
And if you want to unlock your bootloader this is done through fastboot. Granted HTC's unlock is... well crap, but for a Nexus this is how its done.
One other reason I have to stress is learning for safety reasons, This is about the safest way possible to flash firmware to your phone (ie Radio, Hboot, Recovery)
Lastly you may want to know the limitations,
There are many of course, this isnt JTAG, it will not resurrect a hard brick, but it often save peoples phones from 'soft bricks' and lots of time when know how and when to use it.
Think of fastboot as the program that takes over when ADB cant be used, it works with firmware more than software.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624645&page=3
GUIDES
---------------
Civs Guide to flashing the bootloader http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
Walkthrough using APXFLASH tool at Step 6 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624645&page=2
From Civato's OP of The Guide: nvFlashToolPackages
Skrilax_CZ bootloader thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1619913 and should be "required reading" for anyone mucking about in their tabs internals!!!!
Rollback to HC
jazzyjames guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1516012
Iconia Root http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1138228 /gingerbreak: For returning to Honeycomb
----------------
To get my CPUID, I have followed the steps below:
Open yr file explorer, esfile explorer is a great one....navigate to:
/sys/firmware/fuse/acer_cpuid - add a zero to the front!
To get CPUID get a Root browser of some sort and go to sys/firmware/fuse/acer_cpu_id
convert my CPUID into SBK?
--------------------------
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1055354&page=6
What Does Root Give Me?
1. Full control over your system
2. Ability to alter system files. You can replace many parts of the "Android Core" with this including:
o Themes
o Core apps (maps, calendar, clock etc)
o Recovery image
o Bootloader
o Toolbox (linux binary that lets you execute simple linux commands like "ls") can be replaced with Busybox (slightly better option)
o Boot images
o Add linux binaries
3. Run special apps that need more control over the system
o SuperUser (lets you approve or deny the use of root access to any program)
o Task Manager For Root (Lets you kill apps that you otherwise could not kill)
Tether apps (like the one found at [android-wifi-tether.googlecode.com])
4. Backup your system
o You can make a folder on your SDCARD and backup all of your .APK files to your SDCARD (helps if an author decides to "upgrade" you to a version that requires you to pay to use the version you just had)
5. Relocate your (browser/maps/market) cache to your /sdcard
6. Relocate your installed applications to your /sdcard
7. Reboot your phone from the terminal app easily (su <enter> reboot <enter>)
Turn the rotation lock off.
-------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY - Regardless of version, rooting is the same... next
** Unlock the bootloader.
** Fastboot flash a Custom Recovery (TWRP).
** Download to the Tablet, Chainfire's SuperSU root updater .zip
** Boot into the previously fastboot flashed Custom Recovery, and flash the SuperSU updater .zip.
** Reboot - you're rooted.
-------------------------------------------------------
PS. I tried to maintain a log in Notepad during my upgrade. Unfortunately did not write detailed instructions and link to required files. Above is a summary of what worked for me.

Can not root
sukasis said:
First my thanks to the forum key members for providing answers to queries and to all the key contributors of SW/ROMS in this forum. I followed the procedures from this forum to Flash / upgrade my Acer Iconia A500 on 4.0.3 ICS that was sitting in a trunk for the last few years. Summary of steps I tried out.
STEP 1: Install the Acer device drivers listed in the links in this forum on your Laptop/Computer even if by default your Windows 10 OS (assuming you are on Win10 like me) is able to recognize the A500 connected to the USB port.
USB_Acer_1.00.0524_A30HA31HA32H_A.ZIP
STEP 2: ROOTING the Acer A500.
1. The tablet should be already upgraded to stock ICS for A50x (or stock ICS A10x/A510 for other tablets).
2. On a tablet: "Settings" -> "Applications" -> "Development" -> "USB debugging" switch ON. If you do not see this menu, then click 7 times of the Android Build No. listed under settings and come back to the menu above to enable USB Debugging.
3. Connect the tablet to the computer (Before connection it is recommended to update the driver for a tablet from here: A10x, A50x, A510).
4. Since most of the discussions regarding flashing A500 were from 2011, the earlier Gingerbreak method for rooting did not work.
I downloaded the following file from this forum to root my tablet.
ICS_rooting_A10x_A5xx.zip
5. Open the directory with the unpacked archive. Execute file: for windows - runit-win.bat; for Linux - runit-linux.sh.
The root is received!
Note: The McAfee Antivirus software started tagging a file 'mempodroid' within this ZIP file Tools folder as a virus or malicious file. This rooting method uses the 'mempodroid' exploit which is detected as a VIRUS by McAfee and Qurantined. So restore from Qurantine and check list of files are still present in the folder. If not verify 8+8 files in folders again.
As per inputs in this forum, I restored the files quarantined and then suppressed McAfee SW for the duration of my upgrade activities on my laptop and was able to successfully extract all the files in the ZIP file to a local folder on the laptop. This ZIP file has adb and fastboot - two key programs useful for rooting your A500 apart from SU or superuser base file used in step 2. The file to run is the BAT file runit-win.bat if you are on windows. At the end of this step your tablet should be rooted. You may check by installing the RootCheck app from Google Playstore.
......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi sukasis, i was unable to root the tablet. I download all and run the runit.win.bat (trying normal, as admin, and open a cmd as admin and then navigate to the bat to execute).
- It say device connected
- Then push 7 files correctly
- Executing of the main script. (it freeze here a lot of time)
Then error: protocol fault (no status)
The file "su" isn't created
Not getting root!
I try in USB 3.0 and 2.0 same error.
I have windows 10.
I uncheck the Debugging mode and it's bring another error, so i believe the connection is good because in debug mode can push files.
I don't know whate else i can do.