Database Users

Cannot root A501 with factory shipped Android 3.2

Hi all! My A501 16 GB had already installed Android 3.2 when I bought it. Initially I was thinking that maybe somebody updated it before I got it but now I think the tablet was factory shipped with 3.2. I followed different guides on how to downgrade to 3.0.1 or 3.1. People are reporting that they are able to downgrade after a too quick update to 3.2 without root. But on my A501 nothing seams working. I can install rooms from A500 with Android 3.0.1 and 3.1 but after the update the tablet restarts and right after starting only a red error message "Boot verified failed …" with the ACER logo in front, I consider this a bricked. Some other rooms I can't even install, the process stops before installing on the message "Booting recovery kernel image".
I am always able to repair my A501 with the available room of Android 3.2, but without downgrade I am unable to root. I am very disappointed because one week before I bought an A501 32 GB for a friend and that one was shipped with 3.0.1 and there was no problem to root it.
Currently I am convinced that my new A501 has a different boot loader which is not allowing me to downgrade or rather start another version.
Any help would be much appreciated! Within these circumstances I could buy an I-Pad also!

hapid said:
Hi all! My A501 16 GB had already installed Android 3.2 when I bought it. Initially I was thinking that maybe somebody updated it before I got it but now I think the tablet was factory shipped with 3.2. I followed different guides on how to downgrade to 3.0.1 or 3.1. People are reporting that they are able to downgrade after a too quick update to 3.2 without root. But on my A501 nothing seams working. I can install rooms from A500 with Android 3.0.1 and 3.1 but after the update the tablet restarts and right after starting only a red error message "Boot verified failed …" with the ACER logo in front, I consider this a bricked. Some other rooms I can't even install, the process stops before installing on the message "Booting recovery kernel image".
I am always able to repair my A501 with the available room of Android 3.2, but without downgrade I am unable to root. I am very disappointed because one week before I bought an A501 32 GB for a friend and that one was shipped with 3.0.1 and there was no problem to root it.
Currently I am convinced that my new A501 has a different boot loader which is not allowing me to downgrade or rather start another version.
Far as I know their is know root help would be much appreciated! Within these circumstances I could buy an I-Pad also!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No root is available for stock 3.2 far as I know.

There is more A500 than A501 Users so I think there will a root for the 3.2 version after the official upgrade of the A500.

I have the same problem with my A500.
I tried to get back from the Official 3.2 back to 3.1 as I need root also but now have "boot verified failed" and can't load any other roms on there, including the Chinese one that everybody was using to un-brick their A500s.

a501 3.2
Hi,
There is no android 3.1 for the a501, only the stock 3.0.1 and then the latest 3.2
You need to downgrade to 3.0.1, root the a501 using iconiaroot and then install any of the various 3.2 roms out there.
You need to download Acer_A501_1.309.02_COM_GEN1_SD_update.zip
Just google it and you can get it from the filesonic link.
Rename it to update.zip, stick it on a microsd card and then restart the a501 holding volume up + the power button.
This should install the stock 3.0.1 and from there, as stated above, you should be able to use iconiaroot to get root access and then reflash with any of the various 3.2 roms.
Have fun.

firestorm2yk said:
...You need to download Acer_A501_1.309.02_COM_GEN1_SD_update.zip...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, your help is very apreciated. I downloaded the rom and was able to install it but I ended up as many times before with other romes. After start instantly the message appears "Boot verified failed ...". Since this is a GEN1 version I fear I need a CUS7. Any Idea where I could get 3.0.1 for CUS7? Thanks!

Ok,
Try updating to 3.2 again using Acer_A501_0.000.00_4.017.03_EMEA_CUS7 (you need to google it, i cant post links as im new).
Once you are successfully booted into HC3.2, factory reset the a501 by either going to privacy - personal data - factory reset.
Alternatively, you can try the other factory reset method where you:
1. Switch off
2. Press Vol-up + Power
3. If display goes on: Release power but hold vol-up
3. Toggle Lock switch (On>Off>On>Off)
Screen will display:
Erasing Userdata..
Erasing Cache..
Then get the Acer_A501_1.309.02_COM_GEN1_SD_update.zip file and rename it to update.zip, out it on the root of a clean microsd card and start up your a501 holding the power button + volume up to install the stock rom.
This is the process i used to downgrade when i upgraded to 3.2 and realised there was no root access and it works fine on my a501.
Let us know how it goes.

firestorm2yk said:
Let us know how it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed your advice but with the same outcome "Boot validated failed ...".

3.2 is using a new bootloader that itsmagic doesn't work with. For now, you'll have to stick with stock 3.2 (if it's still working for you). You cannot root these devices yet and you cannot downgrade them either.

FloatingFatMan said:
(if it's still working for you)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3.2 is working. I'm always able to reanimate with 3.2. Thanks anyway!

Solution
Finally the solution is here: [TUT] Revert OTA 3.2 back to 3.0.1

Going back to the Original Acer rom ?? is it possible ???

Hey guys ... just bought used Acer iconia A500 with rooted 3.1 honeycomb , and it's not getting any official update 3.2 ,,,, is it possible to go back to it's original (official 3.0) ... idon't want any rooting on my tab and i don't know alot about these things .... so can someone please tell me the steps what to do ????
my kernel 2.6.36.3-00005-g5dff38c
build # Acer_A500_3.019.04_com_EGN1
basedband version unknown
i really appreciate your help guys .

Run Acer recovery service - APK is here somewhere and on market. Tick Acer recovery. Run Iconia root (have to get from here somewhere) and select unroot.
Install the unstable 3.0.1 on your tablet, then go to settings>about>update tablet. This should unroot tablet and then install HC3.2 on your tablet if theres an update available....
This question should also be in the QA section of the forum and NOT developement. You may get flamed....
Don't need to unroot, just run acer recovery, put the update.zip on memory card for hc3.0.1 and boot to recovery, hold tab landscape, push volume down - volume button pressed towards the power button and press power button. Hold in until words appear on top right corner when "Acer" appears on screen. This should then load the hc3.0.1 update file... DON'T INTERRUPT OR POWER DOWN UNTIL THIS FINISHES...

ultramag69 said:
Run Acer recovery service - APK is here somewhere and on market. Tick Acer recovery. Run Iconia root (have to get from here somewhere) and select unroot.
Install the unstable 3.0.1 on your tablet, then go to settings>about>update tablet. This should unroot tablet and then install HC3.2 on your tablet if theres an update available....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you very much , i will try that , but where do i find the original 3.0.1 ????

zeezad said:
thank you very much , i will try that , but where do i find the original 3.0.1 ????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i also apologize to all for posting this here ....

Try this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1276227
Method 2 has 3 links for the unstable 3.0.1

thafrogggg said:
Try this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1276227
Method 2 has 3 links for the unstable 3.0.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would just think running an official 3.2 rom would suit the purpose, rather than that highly un-stable version. But, if the user want 3.0, who am I to argue

just flash a full stock rom that you find in vache thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113878
It will turn your tablet to full stock and then if you go to update on tablet it will auto update.
You will lose root and clockwork mod recovery.

Why don't you flash one of the already rooted vanilla 3.2.1 ROMs that are floating around the forum? It is easier than restoring the original, they are already upgraded to the latest OTA and you don't lose CWM and the rooting.
Just wondering.
Cheers

Wrong forum section plus double thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1506893
result:
Thread closed.

[q] root my a500

hii to all!
i got new Acer A500 HC3.2 - build: Acer_A500_7.006.01_COM_GEN2
it never been rooted or anything.
actually i want CM9 on it, but first try to root it.
so i copied to sdcard "update.zip" (back from 3.2 to 3.0.1) boot with PWR+VOL- and it seems to think for a while and then restarted.
after the restart i saw that the original 3.2 still there.
am i doing somthing wrong ?
or its something with GEN2 or i donno what.
PS - i just see my a500 is not OTA version - its 3.2 but not have the ability to update from network.
is there any chance to do something ? PLEASE.

problem with the latest version

hi
i got ota update yesterday and when i click on install so after reboot i get these sign(pictures down) for too long so i neeed to reboot it again..and then i get to the situation before the update
what i need to do for the update?
and is it the update for the ICS?
if so..is there option for connecting HDD's on the stock ics or i need to do root?
thanks
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/16/img20120510103229.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/339/img20120510104756.jpg/

I7210I said:
hi
i got ota update yesterday and when i click on install so after reboot i get these sign(pictures down) for too long so i neeed to reboot it again..and then i get to the situation before the update
what i need to do for the update?
and is it the update for the ICS?
if so..is there option for connecting HDD's on the stock ics or i need to do root?
thanks
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/16/img20120510103229.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/339/img20120510104756.jpg/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tab has to be complete stock for ota. Sometimes root will go through.

i don't have root...what can i do to make it so full stock?

i have a cwm recovery maybe these is the problem.
how to change it to stock???

If your running plain stock acer android you should be ok.
I read ppl might need this...ICONIA TAB Update Enhancement
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...lt#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5GRC51cGRhdGVyIl0.
IF your running a custom rom, then your gonna have to jump through a few hoops to get it to update. (as in revert back to stock and what not..)

ok.
i have i think an custom rom (without root)
and i have the ICONIA TAB Update Enhancement
and..i want to make it stock by everything(recovery-i have cwm,rom)everything...
how to do it?

Alright you have several ways to do this. As I am not sure what you want out of this rom. ROOT? CWM? Recovery? Anyway..you can..
1) Flash an ICS rom then just update your bootloader (Civato's Flexreaper roms are awesome!)
2) You can do whats listed here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
Basically you want to read step 4.

i want stock+an option to connect hdd's
and i want stock recovery and stock rom with ota's
is it soppuse to be with root for the hdd's?

So are you on 100% stock acer honeycomb?
How did you get cwm on there?
Were you flashing roms?
How do you not have root but have a custom recovery installed?
Tell me exactly what you have done to your tab up to this point (roms, recoveries, etc)
If all you are trying to do is get the stock recovery back on then just install from market "acer recovery installer" and select the stock one..
edit: nvm you need root for that..

ok!
i did the step 4...
now i have root+4.0.3
and the recovery is cwm..i want it stock also to get ota's and the option for the update's without any problems
these can help you
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/138/img20120510231539.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/151/img20120510231516.jpg/
is these the latest from acer?
and what to do with the hdd's?is it can go with all these?
and also where is the acer ring?is it not comes with the stock?

If that is what you want your going to have to revert all the way back to that very buggy, broken 3.1 rom and just let it update through till you hit ICS.
I didn't know you wanted to keep it completely stock.
As for the hdd's, not sure, I've never actually plugged any in. I know my usb thumb drive works. I know there are apps you can use to mount them when you connect it to your usb port.
-----------------------------------------
Acer ring, as far as I know, it is not on the official release.

ok so how to go to the buggy one from where that i'm now?
you saw the pic's?

Cant help with recovery, but no problem at all with hdd on honecomb stock i am using a couple 320 & 500gb, not yet tried on v4 but assume they work just aswell.

in honycomb you need an root+ntfs mount to connect hdd's
i'm assuming that in ics it's the same
so i want stock recovery+stock rom that will come from acer and will ger ota's from acer and will update from them and i will do root just for the hdd's i think
but first of all is to make it full stock!

NTFS is native to acer since 3.2.1 you don't need to do anything other then plug in you NTFS HDD

ok so how to go to the buggy one from where that i'm now?

You do not need to root on Honecomb to plug in a HDD.

now i'm with stock 4.0.3 and can't mount hdd-ntfs
is it because of the stock or because of the ntfs?

I7210I said:
now i'm with stock 4.0.3 and can't mount hdd-ntfs
is it because of the stock or because of the ntfs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not mount, just plug in and go. Do you know where your drive is going to show up at..?

guess not if so...

[Q] help with upgrading a501 from 3.2 to 4.0.3

hi xda-ders
this is my first post , and i've been re-directed here to ask questions about my acer a501. so i've had my a501 for 20 months, before it suddenly developed the well documented issue of mainboard memory failure which cannot be fixed by software. i returned my a501 to acer nz to be repaired under warranty, and they replaced the mainboard. unfortunately this mainboard was also faulty with no wireless, so i had to return it again for another round of repairs.
i finally got my a501 back on friday, and realised that the mainboard replacement was on android 3.2. previously i had upgraded to android 4.0.3 using the acer iconia tab update app, but this doesn't seem to work anymore.
1. when i do a settings - about tablet - system update check, i get the message "network coverage is currently poor. please move to a location with better coverage to continue." googling this i find that acer no longer does OTA updates and have shut down their servers so i can't do it this way.
2. i called acer nz for support on upgrading to 4.0.3. they directed me to the acer nz support website where apparently i can download the update.zip and install it manually. following the instructions exactly, i can't get this to work and keep ending up with the android robot with a yellow ! icon.
can somebody help me with the steps needing to update android 3.2 to 4.0.3 manually? i've tried searching the web and xda but many of the threads are quite old from 2 years ago when ics was first released. thank you
my tablet info:
model number = A501
android version = 3.2
baseband version = Cust:R3C01 Config:R3S/3 Conf:R3C01 Protocol:R3B01 App:R3C01
kernel version = 2.6.36.3+
build number = Acer_A501_4.031.24_COM_GEN1

Did you try to update with a 2gb micro sd? The standard recovery doesn't recognize "big" micro sd., from what I saw.
One thing: I'm not 100% sure you can update your tablet without updating recovery too. Just in case, retrieve the cpuid of your tablet, it could be helpful if it goes in boot-loop!!

Same request but different scenario
So I have Acer A500 currently running Honeycomb version installed by tool "tdv4_rollback_rom". This tool helps you to get on with valid cwm recovery and rooted honeycomb rom. I assume this brings me to HC bootloader, which is not compatible with any ICS ROM. So if I understand correctly, I will have to upgrade to unlocked V8+ ICS Bootloader and from that point on flash ICS ROM (Lightspeed or Tabooney...). If my understanding is right, I am following correct guides to get unlocked ICS Bootloader on tab using AUTOMATED A500APXFlash tool. Everything goes fine and I do get PASS screen at end. After reboot, I boot in Skrilax V8 bootloader and then boot into recovery to flash ICS ROM. After flashing any ICS ROM, I am expecting my tablet to boot into corresponding ROM but after booting into primary kernel message, I am stuck at boot logo (acer, green droid based on ICS ROM I picked). No matter what I do, I can't pass this splash screen.
So far, I have tried bunch of things,
- tdv4_rollback_rom tool
- Afterota (to flash custom recovery and bootloader)
- APXManager to get unlocked ICS Bootloader V9 on tablet (Automatic and Manual as well). This has ran successfully (PASS message) multiple times, while there were times where it got stuck in second stage of uploading.
- At end, I have tried BabSector, "a501 A.bat" ran successfully, Booted in recovery formatted System (twice), While running "a501 B.bat" (in APX Mode) as following step, I got error message "bootloader status: Bct Write Failed (code: 22) message: nverror:0x42008 (0x6042008) flags: 0"
Anytime, when I am stuck in APX mode (while doing any of the above mentioned steps), I run back to tdv4_roolback_rom tool to get proper recovery and HC rom running on tablet.
So is it partially bricked or I am following some wrong steps?
Any suggestions to fix this issue? Or I should keep HC running on tablet? I am open to run pure ICS stock as well with stock recovery and bootloader, but darn thing won't pass the boot logo.
Thanks

omniastrider said:
Did you try to update with a 2gb micro sd? The standard recovery doesn't recognize "big" micro sd., from what I saw.
One thing: I'm not 100% sure you can update your tablet without updating recovery too. Just in case, retrieve the cpuid of your tablet, it could be helpful if it goes in boot-loop!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually i tried updating with a 1gb microsd but it didn't work. i have 2gb and 16gb cards at hand, but neither of them works so i don't think it's the microsd that is the problem.
how do i update recovery? i'm happy to use other types of recovery if i can get to 4.0.3 but so far all my reading hasn't showed any full factory acer rom that i can flash. :crying:

tildespace said:
actually i tried updating with a 1gb microsd but it didn't work. i have 2gb and 16gb cards at hand, but neither of them works so i don't think it's the microsd that is the problem.
how do i update recovery? i'm happy to use other types of recovery if i can get to 4.0.3 but so far all my reading hasn't showed any full factory acer rom that i can flash. :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the old times (a couple of years ago) I managed to update my Acer A500 from 3.2 to 4.0.3 (the leaked one from Acer) without installing another recovery, but maybe for the A501 the things are a little different.

omniastrider said:
In the old times (a couple of years ago) I managed to update my Acer A500 from 3.2 to 4.0.3 (the leaked one from Acer) without installing another recovery, but maybe for the A501 the things are a little different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in the old times on my previous tablet, i updated my a501 using the OTA check update app from within the tablet. i assume that is directly from acer, however it seems the servers have been shutdown and therefore i can't use that method anymore. hence why i'm asking if anyone here on xda has the full 4.0.3 that i can use to overwrite 3.2 version.

tildespace said:
in the old times on my previous tablet, i updated my a501 using the OTA check update app from within the tablet. i assume that is directly from acer, however it seems the servers have been shutdown and therefore i can't use that method anymore. hence why i'm asking if anyone here on xda has the full 4.0.3 that i can use to overwrite 3.2 version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I know, no more OTA from Acer. Have you taken a look here? There's a leaked ICS rom there...

omniastrider said:
I know, I know, no more OTA from Acer. Have you taken a look here? There's a leaked ICS rom there...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cool thanks for that link. i have downloaded the ICS rom and opened up the zip file, it doesn't look like a normal update.zip? what does leaked rom mean, not original from acer?
i'm worried that i might brick my tablet since i'm new at this flashing thing.

tildespace said:
cool thanks for that link. i have downloaded the ICS rom and opened up the zip file, it doesn't look like a normal update.zip? what does leaked rom mean, not original from acer?
i'm worried that i might brick my tablet since i'm new at this flashing thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Leaked" means that it comes from Acer, but it's not official (maybe it was a beta, maybe not, I don't know). From what I read, you only have to follow this flow chart in order to install it. Remember to save your data before flashing, and if you're not sure, don't flash!!