Going to sell my Acer Iconia a500 so now i need to get everything back as it comes from factory. Right now i'm rooted with the custom rom Lightspeed 1.0.7. I found this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1155664 and thought i could follow those easy instructions. I'm probably stupid but i can't get it to work.
First i tried with the cwm method, but i can't find a way to unroot (using Iconia root 1.3 did not work, not sure what other ways there are?) therefore flashing the Acer_A500_0.000.00_1.016.01_COM_GEN1 does not work.
Tried instead with Restoring to factory defaults via Terminal #2. installed the things needed but it wouldn't let me run itsmagic (/data/data/com.interphaze.AcerRecoveryInstaller/files/itsmagic)
Could anyone guide me as to how i get everything back to stock?
All help is much appreciated!
edit: i installed one of the full packages from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113878 (Acer_A500_7.006.03_COM_GEN1) everything should be stock now right? and it should be possible for otas?
Even with rooted stock you can receive updates, its just the custom ROMs that won't receive it (like Lightspeed). If you go into settings, about tablet it should tell you what you are running. If it is one of the versions listed in that thread you should be good to go. Also make sure you aren't rooted and that CWM is no longer there.
sydeu said:
Going to sell my Acer Iconia a500 so now i need to get everything back as it comes from factory. Right now i'm rooted with the custom rom Lightspeed 1.0.7. I found this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1155664 and thought i could follow those easy instructions. I'm probably stupid but i can't get it to work.
First i tried with the cwm method, but i can't find a way to unroot (using Iconia root 1.3 did not work, not sure what other ways there are?) therefore flashing the Acer_A500_0.000.00_1.016.01_COM_GEN1 does not work.
Tried instead with Restoring to factory defaults via Terminal #2. installed the things needed but it wouldn't let me run itsmagic (/data/data/com.interphaze.AcerRecoveryInstaller/files/itsmagic)
Could anyone guide me as to how i get everything back to stock?
All help is much appreciated!
edit: i installed one of the full packages from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113878 (Acer_A500_7.006.03_COM_GEN1) everything should be stock now right? and it should be possible for otas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually, you can do this by installing Acer recovery, and run one of the full roms from;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113878
Really doesn't matter which package, but I would run a 3.2, Com Gen 1
So first of all my tablet is brand new and not rooted and I don't want to root it.
When I got it I could update it instantly from 3.0.whateverwastheversionatthetime to android 3.2 (build 7.006.01_COM_GEN1) but it won't go from there to 3.2.1 which I hear is available for my location (France) The update tool tells me that my firmware is up to date.
I've tried a factory reset as advised by Acer customer care services but it wouldn't change. Also no matter what I do (empty cache etc.) the market won't update to Google Play Store and I think the two issues are related.
So I have two (or rather 3) questions:
1) Does anyone know a way around to force the update? (I doubt it's possible but hey "l'espoir fait vivre")
2) If not can I install a stock ROM without root and NOT compromise the warranty?
3) Where can I get such a ROM? I have searched here and here but 3.2.1 is not on the first thread and the links on the second thread are broken, plus I want to make sure that the ROM is the proper one for my region and that comes the ICS OTA update I will have no troubles doing the update.
Thanks in advance to those who will answer.
lunaticwraith said:
So I have two (or rather 3) questions:
1) Does anyone know a way around to force the update? (I doubt it's possible but hey "l'espoir fait vivre")
2) If not can I install a stock ROM without root and NOT compromise the warranty?
3) Where can I get such a ROM? I have searched here and here but 3.2.1 is not on the first thread and the links on the second thread are broken, plus I want to make sure that the ROM is the proper one for my region and that comes the ICS OTA update I will have no troubles doing the update.
Thanks in advance to those who will answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) No you cannot force an OTA
2) It depends - others have reported returning there acer with no probs -, i think someone has even returned it rooted and been ok. These things are fairly bulletproof, and really hard to 'brick'. As long as you can read, follow a few steps you shouldnt have any probs. The worse thing you can do is try 2 or 3 different methods all at once because something isnt working right. You're best to pick one and stick with it, if you have probs ask for help in the thread you got the rom from or start your own like you have here
3) The update.zip method from the first link you posted "should" work. Did you "decrypt" the file you downloaded before extracting the update.zip??
You could try timmyDeans v4 method- it will install a stock 3.2.1, it is rooted but you can remove root using the tools he provides. Beware though this will wipe all data so backup anything essential.
The update.zip method will leave your data and settings intact
As always the choice is yours, there are some really excellent custom roms out there - I enjoy the best of both worlds with a backup of my trusty stock 3.2.1, I flash to my hearts content knowing I can always go back to it when the OTA update is out!!! Oh the joys of root priveleges
Thanks for your input, I'll make sure to try all this when I get back from work. I've a few additional questions:
1) If I install a custom rom, will the OTA work from this ROM or, comes the OTA, will I have to restore my actual Stock rom and then proceed with the OTA?
2) I haven't tried the rom on the first link I gave because it is modified and I was searching for the original, pristine, untouched stock ROM for 3.2.1
I've seen such roms around here on xda for 3.2 but none for 3.2.1, if anyone stumbles upon one please let me know.
3) Since I'm still looking for a pristine ROM before trying anything else, I have a friend whose tablet (same brand and model) safely updated to 3.2.1, is there a way to make a rom from is gear? If yes, how to?
4) (related to 3) how can I backup my actual ROM, do I have to be a root user to do so?
THX again!
lunaticwraith said:
Thanks for your input, I'll make sure to try all this when I get back from work. I've a few additional questions:
1) If I install a custom rom, will the OTA work from this ROM or, comes the OTA, will I have to restore my actual Stock rom and then proceed with the OTA?
2) I haven't tried the rom on the first link I gave because it is modified and I was searching for the original, pristine, untouched stock ROM for 3.2.1
I've seen such roms around here on xda for 3.2 but none for 3.2.1, if anyone stumbles upon one please let me know.
3) Since I'm still looking for a pristine ROM before trying anything else, I have a friend whose tablet (same brand and model) safely updated to 3.2.1, is there a way to make a rom from is gear? If yes, how to?
4) (related to 3) how can I backup my actual ROM, do I have to be a root user to do so?
THX again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Typically, most people do not take OTA's when running a custom rom, as basically the OTA installs a totally fresh factory Rom. This is true with the 3.2.1 update, which contains a new bootloader. Usually, this means you lose root, and Recovery, then stuck with downgrading to get these things back.
Timmy Deans root tool supposedly maintains a back door method, which s supposed to protect root, in case of an OTA. No, I haven't used this method, as I run my own 501 roms.
2. Vache has a thread "full package and updates" in the 500 Dev forum. There are several factory Roms and Updates. You'll have to look. Chances are, he may not have the specific Com Gen version you want, but probably one close enough.
3. If your friend can get adb running, you can pull a "system dump", which will dump all files/folders in the system folder. The boot.img would be nice to get, but you can probably use the current one you have. Unfortunately, he already rebooted, so you probably can't get the original full update file. If he's rooted, you can use an app called Rom Factory, to get most of what you need. It's always a good time to become familiar with ADB.
4. Well, you can back it up internally, but it's sort of useless if you can't get into your OS You will need to Root, and install a custom recovery to keep your backup externally.
Moscow Desire said:
2. Vache has a thread "full package and updates" in the 500 Dev forum. There are several factory Roms and Updates. You'll have to look. Chances are, he may not have the specific Com Gen version you want, but probably one close enough.
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Click to collapse
ok, as Moscow has pointed out, in vaches thread not all roms are listed. My stock roms (1.016.01 and 1.139.04) for instance weren't - so I spent the last hour or two trying the "EUU gen1" listed at the bottom of the page. Well, it actually worked!! It gave me an OTA to 1.139.04 straight away. After that installed i got the 4.010.40 to 3.2 and then the next 2 for 3.2.1 - 7.006.03 and 7.014.15. So its given me the correct updates for my country AND kept my data and settings too.
SO, since you're on a Gen1 Rom this should work for you too, but still no gaurantee you will get the OTA to 3.2.1, no harm in trying though
btw timmydeans method is a gen2 rom so you can rule that out...
---------- Post added at 11:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 PM ----------
just came across this link for an update to stock 3.2.1 build 7.014.14 here - orignal thread here but you need cwm to install it....
unless you can make it into an update.zip???
but thats way outta my league,
moscow may be able to suggest something though
Thank you very much, your answers help a lot! Just a few precisions and I'll stop being a pain in the ass!
1. Typically, most people do not take OTA's when running a custom rom, as basically the OTA installs a totally fresh factory Rom. This is true with the 3.2.1 update, which contains a new bootloader. Usually, this means you lose root, and Recovery, then stuck with downgrading to get these things back.
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Click to collapse
==> @ Moscow, when you say "lose recovery" does it mean I lose the green thingy with gears when I start with volume down and power pressed/ and when I reset to factory settings?
==> @dibb_nz your method is the closest to what I'm looking for, I also hope it will give me the correct updates for my country and since Vache is a fellow countryman it might just be ok.
Anyways thanks again, I'll give a thorough look to all of your solutions and try and do a few things tomorrow afternoon. I'll keep you posted in case this thread interests anyone else.
lunaticwraith said:
==> @ Moscow, when you say "lose recovery" does it mean I lose the green thingy with gears when I start with volume down and power pressed/ and when I reset to factory settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, what I meant to say, is when you run a rooted "custom" Rom, and use a "custom" recovery such as RA Recovery or CWM, getting an OTA update, usually wipes that out, and installs the factory bootloader. Your factory recovery....cough cough.... will still be there.
If you are only concerned about stock factory, then don't worry about it. You;re ok. Your factory/stock recovery will be just fine
The reason we root and install custom recoveries, is so we can do 3 primary things.
1. Flash a custom rom
2. Create a complete system backup to our external SD card.
3. Get rid of pre-installed useless apps.
There are other things we can do with it, but these are the primary reasons.
When you have a default factory stock system, the only protection you have, is a factory reset (hope it works), and a couple other methods which require a touch more knowledge.
Anyhow, don't worry about your factory recovery. It's just fine.
1) Just for the sake of knowledge what's the difference between GEN_1 and GEN_2? (and GEN3 and CUS7 and EMEA_TMLP)?
2) @Dibb_nz when you tried with the stock rom from Vache, was it because you encountered the same no FOTA update problem as I did? Or just to try...?
3) Something's still unclear to me after browsing through the forums: If I get an unmodified stock ROM can I flash it with the stock recovery? (so without rooting) Or do I need CWM (so root is needed)
4) What's EUU? (on Vache's thread some roms are listed as EUU)
lunaticwraith said:
1) Just for the sake of knowledge what's the difference between GEN_1 and GEN_2? (and GEN3 and CUS7 and EMEA_TMLP)?
2) @Dibb_nz when you tried with the stock rom from Vache, was it because you encountered the same no FOTA update problem as I did? Or just to try...?
3) Something's still unclear to me after browsing through the forums: If I get an unmodified stock ROM can I flash it with the stock recovery? (so without rooting) Or do I need CWM (so root is needed)
4) What's EUU? (on Vache's thread some roms are listed as EUU)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. The Gen's usually signify regional based roms. More specifically language support, sometimes a wifi tweak, and maybe a couple other things. Mostly though, ComGen1's are for the US and probably canada, and offer about 12 different languages. TMPL is for East Europe mostly, with polish as the default language. All roms contain the english language as far as I know.
3. You basically can't install a full rom on an unrooted tablet without CWM or RA Recovery. You will have to run the update (decrypt the file, remove the update.zip)
4. EUU is a pc based install. Plug in the USB, set your tab to APX mode and run the EUU.
If you did the root, and install a custom recovery, then you could run just about all the full roms. Your custom recovery would be overwritten, and you would lose root access. You would have a stock tablet with the version rom you selected.
You can always wait a week or so. Am sure if the update has been pushed to your country, it's just a matter of time till you get it. It's common for the update process for specific roms, to get fully done in 2-3 weeks. It took well over a week just for users in california to mostly start getting updates.
Well the official release date for the ICS FOTA in France is May 3rd, so I'll wait until then but having other options and the know-how to take actions is always a good basis. (plus I'm really not the patient type ^^)
Stupid question but I'm guessing EUU needs root too?
and also APX means rebooting while holding power and volume - right?
lunaticwraith said:
Well the official release date for the ICS FOTA in France is May 3rd, so I'll wait until then but having other options and the know-how to take actions is always a good basis. (plus I'm really not the patient type ^^)
Stupid question but I'm guessing EUU needs root too?
and also APX means rebooting while holding power and volume - right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the EUU just to see if it would keep me on my regions OTA upgrade path.
Sometimes you can have probs OTA'ing if you aren't using the rom from your region.
But in this case it gave me the correct OTA's.
APX is Acer Download mode, where the OTA upgrades are flashed - this EUU will do it via your PC. Button push method (power/reset button) not required.
No, the EUU does not need root which is why I tried it out for you
You will need to be on 3.2.1 before you will receive the ICS update
I used this EUU from vaches thread -
EUUs_SBK_Acer_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1
late for work will check back later
That's really helpful thanks I'm downloading the same EUU you used and will try it today or tomorrow depending on how much time I have, will keep you posted!
Ok so I did the EUU install and it worked fine, the tablet then allowed me to upgrade to 3.01 and then 3.1 then 3.2 via FOTA without any problem. But once I reached 3.2, the update tool informs me that there's no update available and my gear is up to date
So my guess is Acer France are not pushing the 3.2.1 FOTA update anymore...
Any other explanation?
lunaticwraith said:
Ok so I did the EUU install and it worked fine, the tablet then allowed me to upgrade to 3.01 and then 3.1 then 3.2 via FOTA without any problem. But once I reached 3.2, the update tool informs me that there's no update available and my gear is up to date
So my guess is Acer France are not pushing the 3.2.1 FOTA update anymore...
Any other explanation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear u got thru the EUU process OK, not so great u still can't ota to 3.2.1
Others have reported similar issues not sure if/how they were ever resolved. As moscow posted earlier,ota,s are not made available to all users in all regions, all at once, so it may be just a matter of waiting for the next "push cycle" to roll round.
At least you know you can always get back to stock if you ever decide to root and go custom There no direct root method for 3.2, just use that same euu to get back to 3.1 and use iconia root and Acer recovery installer from the market and you're ready to flash your rom of choice
Pls post back if u do get the ota - best of luck
rgds Donna
Yeah I was just browsing the XDA forums, contemplating the idea to rollback and root and then installing this
I wonder if it's worth waiting for the OTA... as for what you said about waiting for the next "push cycle" I've been waiting since I got the tablet and the update hasn't come yet, which is strange because the ICS update is due on May 3rd in France and I'd guess they'd have everyone up to date and ready for the update by now!
Rooting seems pretty straightforward and much easier than what it was on my Samsung Galaxy Spica: I found this
, a file called iconiaroot.apk on the sdcard aswell, rebooting your tablet while pushing the volume down button so its starts flashing the buggy honeycomb version.
Then start up the tablet again, rush to the market, download some file manager, with that filemanager explore your sdcard, and install the iconiaroot.apk file, once thats done, rush back to the market and download and install acer recovery installer. At that point you will have CWM (clockworkmod) installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is that all there is to it?
In any case I'll keep you posted just so it can help anyone with the same issue!
alsoe FYI and just for the anecdote: the reason I'm so cautious about everything and scared ****less of rooting is that the tablet is a present from my girlfriend for my 30th birthday, and she'll hang me with my guts if I brick it.
Ok I rooted and flashed the above-mentioned rom and it works! I'm now under 3.2.1!
Thanks to everyone who helped me! When the ICS update comes I will post here to signal how the FOTA went.
Thanks again!
Lol, good onya for taking the plunge! Yeh acer recovery installer is brilliant, along with iconia root, makes the whole process stress free.
Will be interesting to see if you get a notification for ICS OTA with that rom.
Can always flash one of the leaks if u get impatient??
Glad everything's worked out and yr g/f still talking 2 u
rgds Donna
thx! I will post here when/if I get the OTA. and my love life is safe thanksnto iconia root
okay so the ota has been rolling for over a week and a half now and still nothing for me
Hello...
I've spent about a good week and a half trying to root and install ICS on the A500 at where I work. My goal is to get ICS or higher on this device so that it can be used for testing purposes. I was able to root and install CWM but have not been able to flash ICS or JB. Am hoping you guys can point me in the right direction.
I have tried to flash cm-10-20121027-UNOFFICIAL-a500.zip and cm-9-20121221-NIGHTLY-a500.zip but what I get in both cases is my device hanging on the Acer logo. My last attempt I left the device like that over the weekend and this morning it was still displaying the logo.
The CM9 nightly wouldn't install at first until I came across a post that said to remove the first line of the install script, which I did, and the install seemed to happen but as I mentioned the device hung up at the Acer logo.
No idea how to move forward here... there are hundreds of posts and updates on the topic but quite frankly there are terms that I've never heard of, all sorts of caveats, specific recoveries that need to be used, dead links, etc... am making no progress.
I do have a backup up of HC, so am able to revert easily via CWM.
Current Android is 3.2.1, build is Acer_A500_7.014.02_COM_GEN2
@eyepoker..... I honestly don't see where your problem is provided you are prepared to load a custom ICS rom from any of the Developers in thread #3. Without picking out a favorite I would suggest any of "Civatos" FLEXxxxx ..... SHELLshock..... roms will give you a highly customized ICS Rom.
Be aware that you will have to load first an ICS Bootloader..... you cannot run these custom roms on a HC Bootloader, but in "Civatos" posts there are links to tutorials on how to do this.
The issue is that i can't flash a rom, it doesn't work. The device hangs with the Acer logo displayed and advances no farther after a flash and reboot.
Should my take away be that the latest CM nightly and the unofficial don't work? Should i not bother with CM? Is ClockworkMod old now - is there something else I should be looking for?
I'll look at the bootloader stuff you mentioned.
@eyepoker..... With respect you know your tab better than I, however unless you have bricked it (you don't say it is nor does anything you say about it suggest that is the case) then there is no earthly reason why you cannot load a ICS rom onto it. Now I am not going to say that there is a problem with the NIGHTLY updates of CM roms but is it possible that an app that you have previously installed is causing a problem with CM?
To prove to yourself that your tab can run ICS why don't you try the following.....
1) Follow the instructions in Civato's thread to load an unlocked ICS Bootloader..... I would recommend "v.8"
2) Download one of his ShellShock or Flex roms and put the zip file onto your External SD card - DON'T unzip the file leave it in it's zipped state.
3) Boot into CWM Recovery - do the necessary "wipes"
4) From within CWM install the zip from your SD Card
I am quite certain that the rom will install.
If the above doesn't work then I think there is far more wrong with your tab than it being unable to flash a rom.