Well, flashing a custom ROM on our beloved Iconias became quite easy now thanks to developers on xda. Most of you are quite familiar with the procedure but there are still people that ask basic things all over the ROM developement threads. This is just a beginner's guide, an attempt to collect all the procedures and tools in one thread. Nothing of this is my work and I would like to say THANK YOU to sc2k, thor2002ro, Euclid's Brother, Chainfire, monki-magic, drellisdee, ezterry, Skrilax_CZ, gersma and all A500 developers for making this possible.
You will need the following: external SD card, root rights, unlocked bootloader (if you're on stock ICS), custom recovery and a custom ROM of your choice.
Well lets start by placing an SD card in the SD card expansion slot. Its file system should be FAT32!
*This is optional: To be sure it is recognized later in CWM, format it first with SD Formatter - a tool that can be downloaded from here. Use your home computer / notebook with a card reader for this procedure. Alternatively you can do this using an ANDROID phone.
1.ROOT
Root for Honeycomb 3.0.1 by monki-magic
original thread by Slowie911 here
1. Make sure usb debugging is turned on and unknown sources is selected in Applications settings.
2. Have a micro sd card inserted and turn the tablet on portrait mode and lock it with the switch to fix it in portrait.
3. Download and execute the attached apk. (i had to download from my comp and transfer to the tablet for it to work).
4. Once the apk is installed run the root procedure within the app which was installed
5. Wait and you will receive full root access.
Download Gingerbreak 1.20
Root for Honeycomb 3.1 by sc2k thread here
1. Goto Settings->Applications and enable "Unkown sources"
2. Download the attached APK file
3. Copy the file to your Iconia
4. Install the APK & start the tool
5. Click "root"
6. Enjoy
/IconiaRoot should work on both 3.0.x and 3.1/
Download Iconiaroot 1.3
Root for Honeycomb 3.2.x OTA
Unfortunately there's no dedicated rooting app yet developed for HC3.2. It also comes with a new bootloader. In order to get root you need to revert to an older version of Honeycomb first where Iconiaroot works. How to do that is explained in details in this thread
UPDATE: if you're on OTA HC 3.2.x then you can just update to ICS and use the method for rooting ICS - links posted below
Root for ICS 4.x.x OTA
Stock ICS Leak One-Click Root Tool by blackthund3r
or
Full root for A500 ICS 4.0.3 - Simple method, posted by ZeroNull
2. Bootloader
Since there are many new ICS custom ROMs and custom recoveries, please read in their dedicated threads if they require ICS bootloader. Some of the ROMs can recognize the version of your bootloader and load the proper boot.img during boot. In general - if you're on Honeycomb - you have HC bootloader. If you've updated OTA to ICS, then you have stock ICS bootloader, that is unusable for flashing custom ROMs and therefore you need the unlocked bootloader. A guide on how to install it read here - thanks civato. This thread links to a nice little piece of software (option 1) by gersma that can automatically do all the job for you - install ICS unlocked bootloader and custom recovery. Read and download here - AfterOTA by gersma
3.Custom recovery
original thread with clockworkmod recovery by thor2002ro here
1. Open Market app with your tablet and search for Acer Recovery Installer.
Acer recovery installer
2. Install it and then open it. It has ClockworkMod Recovery by thor2002ro rev1.3.4 built-in.
3. Select "ClockworkMod Recovery rev.1.3.4 by thor2002ro". Tap on install Recovery Image. A popup offering to backup current recovery image will appear. Surely, buckup! Thus you can restore your original recovery image in case of need. Then CWM will be installed. Once it is installed you can remove Acer Recovery Installer tool from your system if you want.
thor2002ro updated CWM to 1.7.3. You can download the zip from tegraowners.com. Later versions of his recovery does not meet GPL because of the "mini" kernel of his - sources not being released. It supports flashing both from internal memory and the external SD card. In order to update your CWM to this latest version, place the downloaded ZIP on your external sd card and update from your CWM by choosing install zip from sd card. Alternatively you can extract the recovery.img from the zip, place it on your external sd card and install it through Acer Recovery Installer by choosing Custom or Stock recovery.img from micro sdcard.
GPL compliant recoveries
RA Revamped for Iconia
TeamWin Recovery Project (twrp) - needs ICS bootloader
A500 Public Recovery
Since the creation of AfterOTA by gersma, you can use his software to install both the bootloader and CWM before flashing the ROM. Get it HERE
4. Flashing custom ROM
Download the ROM of your choice which should be a zip file. Place the zip on your EXTERNAL SD card. Power off your device. Now hold volume down and power buttons together until you see text appearing on the top left corner of the screen - you can release both buttons now. Wait until CWM loads. Volume keys (Up and Down) are used to navigate the CWM menu. Power button is uded as "Enter" i.e. to proceed with your selection. Before going on to install your ROM do a full backup of your system first. Navigate to "backup and restore" and then select Full Backup. Wait untill the operation completes.
Now do the following:
Wipe menu:
- wipe data/factory reset -> navigate to "Yes - delete all user data"
this should format you data partition and cache partition (dalvik cache is gone as well)
Mounts and storage menu
- Format System
this should format your system partition
The above commands are presented in thor's CWM. There are slightly different menus and sub-menus in the other custom recoveries but if you dig a little you'll find that they do the same things and you'll get the idea of what you're doing.
Now you're ready to install your ROM. Get back to the main CWM menu and select
- Install zip from sdcard -> choose zip from sdcard.
Navigate to your zip on the SD card and install it - choose "Yes" again to install. Wait untill installation is complete, return to the main CWM menu and choose "reboot system now".
You're done, enjoy your first custom ROM. Take time for its initial configuration.
5. Flashing custom KERNEL
Flashing custom kernel is as same as custom ROM. You place the zip (Kernels come in zip files as well) on your external SD card and:
- Install zip from sdcard -> choose zip from sdcard.
It is recommended before flashing a new kernel to wipe cache partition and dalvik cache. And of course first you flash the ROM and then the desired Kernel
6. UNBRICKING by flashing a stock ROM
thanks to vache we have full packages shared in his topic
vache said:
Once the desired file downloaded, you have to use Acer Update Decryter by thor2002ro to decrypt them.
After decrypting the file, you have to extract the update.zip from it, put it on an external SDCard (does not work on internal memory) and boot your tablet with Vol- & Power. The update will launch automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
p.s. Feel free to add stuff to this tutorial - video, pistures or anything you find useful or to correct me if I've made a mistake.
This is fantastic. Thank you. I have had my iconia for a month now and been looking at flashing a custom rom but kept backing out. Just a couple of questions for clarification:
(1). Does wiping data erase the internal sd?
(2). If by some stroke of bad luck a flash is unsuccessful and a boot loop or similar occurs, am I right in my understanding that you can just go straight back into recovery and re-flash?
(3). What are the chances of bricking the tablet?
Sorry for noon questions, please just wanna certain because my gf bought me this tablet under the condition I don't do anything risky like on my x10 that I flash almost daily haha
Thanks for replies
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
kylec said:
This is fantastic. Thank you. I have had my iconia for a month now and been looking at flashing a custom rom but kept backing out. Just a couple of questions for clarification:
(1). Does wiping data erase the internal sd?
(2). If by some stroke of bad luck a flash is unsuccessful and a boot loop or similar occurs, am I right in my understanding that you can just go straight back into recovery and re-flash?
(3). What are the chances of bricking the tablet?
Sorry for noon questions, please just wanna certain because my gf bought me this tablet under the condition I don't do anything risky like on my x10 that I flash almost daily haha
Thanks for replies
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No, it doesn't.
2. Yes. You can do that. There's another option in mounts and storage -> format system - that will format even your system partition and leave your device bare with no ROM files on it. That would be a really clean install I guess
EDIT: I just saw that system is formatted during ROM installation. So no need to do that
3. Always read first what option you've selected and be sure you understand what it does. If you have CWM successfully installed, you have a powerfull tool to restore reflash, wipe, format etc. I've flashed my HD2 hundreds of times and now my Iconia is on the run Never ever had a boot failiure.
drkalo said:
1. No, it doesn't.
2. Yes. You can do that. There's another option in mounts and storage -> format system - that will format even your system partition and leave your device bare with no ROM files on it. That would be a really clean install I guess
3. Always read first what option you've selected and be sure you understand what it does. If you have CWM successfully installed, you have a powerfull tool to restore reflash, wipe, format etc. I've flashed my HD2 hundreds of times and now my Iconia is on the run Never ever had a boot failiure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much. I will click thanks when I'm on my computer :-D
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
VERY good information here. Thank you very much for taking the time.
I've flashed ROMS on my last two "chinatabs" but haven't gotten into it with my A500 yet. (To be frank, I'm still thrilled with the prospect of OTA updates from a manufacturer after my last experiences.)
It looks like the process is very similar to my Rena3 tablet.
strider_mt2k said:
VERY good information here. Thank you very much for taking the time.
I've flashed ROMS on my last two "chinatabs" but haven't gotten into it with my A500 yet. (To be frank, I'm still thrilled with the prospect of OTA updates from a manufacturer after my last experiences.)
It looks like the process is very similar to my Rena3 tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, that lays it out all nice and precise for us all. Like strider_mt2k, I have been holdng off on the custom ROMs, because my first tablet was a Gtab, and while it became a pretty awesome tablet, it had to be flashed with a custom ROM to be really usable. The OTA thing was holding me back. But I think that I may try to flash the thing this weekend if I get the chance.
Thanks. Glad it could be of use.
nice tutorial dude! thanks!!
could you please make another tutorial to return back to stock?
specially to return back to stock te kernel.
thanks!!!
As mentioned, best case is if you've backed up your device before flashing any ROM or Kernel. Thus you can restore to your country specific version.
Otherwise its pretty simple - its just like flashing any other ROM following the steps described.
Download the stock one that dr1337 shared from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1154492
or choose the right full package - shared by vache:
decript it with Acer update decripter by thor2002ro
Of course they come with stock kernel
I am new in this with flashing and that kind of stuff.
Now is my question, how is it with updates from acer?
Greetz
distructor said:
How is it with updates from acer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure I understand your question. Could you be more specific?
if i put a custom rom on the device could i still use the build in update program of acer?
distructor said:
if i put a custom rom on the device could i still use the build in update program of acer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I can not tell you for sure. I haven't tried all of the custom ROMs but in most cases - no you won't be able. I've tried Tabooney, Honeyvillain, Virtuous Picasso, Virtuous Galaxy. ROM developers usually update their ROMs to the latest base available. I think it depends on many things - base, kernel, stock apps removed etc.
Maybe someone who have succeeded with custom ROM updating would share his experience.
Can anyone tell me if there is a version of ROM manager that supports the version of CWM that there is for the Iconia. I would love to be able to simplify my ability to backup my ROM's before flashing.
synapses11 said:
Can anyone tell me if there is a version of ROM manager that supports the version of CWM that there is for the Iconia. I would love to be able to simplify my ability to backup my ROM's before flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install a clockworkmod for Iconia no matter of the version of ROM manager. But it is much much easier to use Acer Recovery Installer. I recommend you using it instead of playing with recovery img files. It is a one time procedure after all
Anyway - here's what you need to do if you don't want to use Acer recovery installer, or you don't want to use ADB:
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-install-clockworkmod-recovery-3-using-rom-manager/
instead of CWM 3.x you will need to get CWM from thor2002ro In this guide you substitute the recovery that ROM Manager is about to flash with thor's CWM. I haven't tried this method myself but it should work.
With Acer Recovery Installer you can flash custom recovery as well. As long as you have it in IMG format you can be flashed from within the app - "install custom or stock recovery image from sd card".
great thread.
thanks!!!
Great Tutorial!!!
Just a couple of doubts:
First question: Backup files.
3. Flashing custom ROM
"...Before going on to install your ROM do a full backup of your system first. Navigate to "backup and restore" and then select Full Backup. Wait untill the operation completes. "
Where do the backup files go in the system? On internal or external SD card? Is it an *.img file extension?
Should i move it to my computer to keep it save, or just leave it where ever they are?
Second question: Kernel.
4. Flashing custom KERNEL
"Flashing custom kernel is as same as custom ROM. You place the zip (Kernels come in zip files as well) on your external SD card and:
- Install zip from sdcard -> choose zip from sdcard.
It is recommended before flashing a new kernel to wipe cache partition and dalvik cache. And of course first you flash the ROM and then the desired Kernel"
I am on Stock 3.1 ROM with original Kernel, if i want to try Virtuos Picasso, do i have to flash a new Kernel? And if yes, shouldn't i do it before flashing the ROM? Or just flash the ROM and then the Kernel? What happens if i just flash the Rom and use the stock kernel?
Thank you..
Your backup goes to your external SD card in a folder named clockworkmod\backup\2011-XX-XX.HH.MM.SS
As you can guess the name of the backup corresponds to the time it is created. This backup can be used to restore your system through CWM in case of need.
CWM does not backup /data/media folder. Additionally: you should also delete .android_secure.img from your backup set or a full restore will fail before it restores flexrom.
The last is an issue described by Euclid's brother:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=16467191&postcount=3
I am on Stock 3.1 ROM with original Kernel, if i want to try Virtuos Picasso, do i have to flash a new Kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, of course! Your custom ROM (Virtuous Picasso in your example) and any ROM comes with its Kernel. Its up to you to decide wheather to change it or not after that by flashing another Kernel. Follow every Kernel developer's notes for ROM compatibility. So, that answers the last part of your question - you cannot flash Virtuous Picasso and still think you're on stock kernel
drkalo said:
No, of course! Your custom ROM (Virtuous Picasso in your example) and any ROM comes with its Kernel. Its up to you to decide wheather to change it or not after that by flashing another Kernel. Follow every Kernel developer's notes for ROM compatibility. So, that answers the last part of your question - you cannot flash Virtuous Picasso and still think you're on stock kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, i see...i thought that the flashing ROM procedure of a custom ROM, would just flash the ROM and not the Kernel...so in this case i just have to choose the ROM that i want to flash and do not have to pay attention about the Kernel compatibility...unless i flash a Kernel only. Right?
Thank you very much!!
That is correct
I've had my a500 for a while now and thought i would have a go at rooting it (currently own a rooted HP TP and a SGS). . .
But obviously im wanting to do all my homework before plunging in (im sure like others, there have been some close calls and tense moments).
Unfortunately the external sd card slot of my A500 doesnt work. . im not sure why, but every time i insert an sd card in it wont "click" in.. it just keeps springing back out. .
anyways, so i've had a look at this post:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1276227
and worked out that i can use Method 1 which doesnt require an external sd card. . .this will enable me to get back down to 3.0.1 after which i can run Iconiaroot and then Acer Recovery Installer from the market.
My question is, will not having an external sd card prevent me from anything further? Other than the obvious storage. . .
I'm presuming that after rooting i can transfer a new ROM to the internal sd storage via usb or straight download and flash via CWM?
Yes, latest recovery (1.7.1) from thor supports flashing from internal memory. But in order to update the one that is installed with ACER Recovery Installer from Market (1. 3.4) you still need a sd card or a USB drive. Try if CWM from the market can update itself with the use of a USB drive. If that doesn't work the only other way to install the latest recovery on a rooted tab without sd card would be with ADB and terminal with is not such a big headache after all. Read instructions on tegraowners in the recovery section.
As for the reverting, you can do exactly as you have planned or you can use timmyDean 's method which will flash directly a rooted stock 3.2.1 ROM - haven't tried it myself but seems more elegant He still uses the euu tool but replaced the 3.0.1 image with a rooted stock 3.2.1 which will save you some time and efforts.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1307539
cool. .thanks for that. . that's very helpful.
one another question. . .if i did install via the ACER recovery installer, would i not be able to update CWM via ROM Manager? (i.e. without the need for sd card or USB altogether?)
Hey guys, I'm new to XDA and I have a few questions needed to be answered if you don't mind .
So an "official" ICS leak came out not too long ago, and tonight I tried installing it on my a500. By "it" I mean the stock leak for unrooted devices. Problem is, it's not working.
Long story short, I Googled like crazy looking for answers to these questions, and I found no specific answers anywhere from Iconia users, only by people with Droid phones.
I need to know the answers for
1) Can I install the stock version ICS from my internal SD card? If so, how?
2) How do I do this without rooting my device?
3) After renaming the download to "update.zip", as some have said, do I first extract the contents then place them in a folder called update.zip, or leave it as is and rename the large file?
In the end, I renamed the file to "Update.zip" without extraction, then reboot my device in recovery mode. The green Droid came on, then a warning sign, and nothing happened. How do I boot the ICS?
Sorry if this seems like a lot, I barely know any of the technical aspects of this stuff!
must be on externel SD with stock recovery.
same thing happend to me. I found out that my pc named the zip update.zip.zip, i used file explore on my 500 and took of the extra .zip and flashed it. And it worked perfectly.
0) You shouldn't have messed with this without first understand exactly what and how you do it. There's a really BIG STOP sign in the thread. Read the thread first to avoid bricking your device. Everything is here, so you don't have to "google like crazy".
To your questions:
1) No. You need an external SD for your stock recovery to flash the update.zip
2) Copy update.zip to the ROOT of your external SD card, power off, then power on, while holding Volume DOWN key
3) You should not extract the archive.
About root - it's a nice thingy - you are able to install a custom recovery in order to BACKUP your current firmware. Then you can flash one of the 4 custom ICS ROMs that will keep your recovery safe and not overwrite it. Actually you can flash very easily any custom a500 ROM with a custom recovery.
Now, try to flash again by using an external SD, if it still doesn't boot, try to hard reset the device (tutorial on how to hard reset - in my signature - in the revert to 3.0.1 thread)
If it still doesn't boot, read this thread on how to recover your tab:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1516012
Good luck.
drkalo said:
0) You shouldn't have messed with this without first understand exactly what and how you do it. There's a really BIG STOP sign in the thread. Read the thread first to avoid bricking your device. Everything is here, so you don't have to "google like crazy".
To your questions:
1) No. You need an external SD for your stock recovery to flash the update.zip
2) Copy update.zip to the ROOT of your external SD card, power off, then power on, while holding Volume DOWN key
3) You should not extract the archive.
About root - it's a nice thingy - you are able to install a custom recovery in order to BACKUP your current firmware. Then you can flash one of the 4 custom ICS ROMs that will keep your recovery safe and not overwrite it. Actually you can flash very easily any custom a500 ROM with a custom recovery.
Now, try to flash again by using an external SD, if it still doesn't boot, try to hard reset the device (tutorial on how to hard reset - in my signature - in the revert to 3.0.1 thread)
If it still doesn't boot, read this thread on how to recover your tab:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1516012
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The above could not have been said any better by anyone. EXACT TRUTH.
i just want to add this is a leak for the a500 . I do not think i would call it official.Also Remember Its yet to be known of the procedure you will have to fallow to accept the RELEASE IF I C S from acer in April (when they say anyway)
Thou from the past i can nearly guarantee you there will be a way. But could require you to downgrade root and flash one of the many ics cwm roms..as in the post above mine signature
drkalo said:
0) You shouldn't have messed with this without first understand exactly what and how you do it. There's a really BIG STOP sign in the thread. Read the thread first to avoid bricking your device. Everything is here, so you don't have to "google like crazy".
To your questions:
1) No. You need an external SD for your stock recovery to flash the update.zip
2) Copy update.zip to the ROOT of your external SD card, power off, then power on, while holding Volume DOWN key
3) You should not extract the archive.
About root - it's a nice thingy - you are able to install a custom recovery in order to BACKUP your current firmware. Then you can flash one of the 4 custom ICS ROMs that will keep your recovery safe and not overwrite it. Actually you can flash very easily any custom a500 ROM with a custom recovery.
Now, try to flash again by using an external SD, if it still doesn't boot, try to hard reset the device (tutorial on how to hard reset - in my signature - in the revert to 3.0.1 thread)
If it still doesn't boot, read this thread on how to recover your tab:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1516012
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! This all makes sense. However, there remains something unclear to me. If I have to use an external SD to boot a leaked ROM, how/where does the OTA update install from on my internal sd card? Can't I just place this ROM where the OTA usually loads from and run recovery after that? Thanks in advance
austin148 said:
Thanks! This all makes sense. However, there remains something unclear to me. If I have to use an external SD to boot a leaked ROM, how/where does the OTA update install from on my internal sd card? Can't I just place this ROM where the OTA usually loads from and run recovery after that? Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way you can flash it yourself (stock recovery: Vol down + power) requires an external SD. You don't have access to your internal storage by using stock recovery and there's no "key combo" you can use to do that. Once you install custom recovery, you'll be able to flash from Internal memory as well (thor's does, still haven't used RA recovery and don't know about it).
...But in order to install custom recovery, you need root. Custom recovery allows you to make full backups of your currently running FW + app data. If you're still on Honeycomb I recommend you get an external SD and go for the method 2 downgrade procedure and root it or go for timmyDean's procedure that installs rooted stock 3.2.1 ROM on your device (says it does need an external SD so it might be your choice), then install CWM and voila - you're in control and you can wipe your tab and install whatever cusom ROM you like....and you backup first of course
If you don't feel like messing with your tab's system, then wait a little more for ACER to release ICS OTA update.
edit: found the answer. It appears that once CWR is installed the emmc way, you can install updates through CWR. No SD needed anymore. That's must have been the SD card way.
It's been a while since I've worked on my daughter's NC. When she got it first, I rooted and used CM7 using the SD card method. This way she could go back to the stock setup taking the SD card out.
We then decided that we really did not use the original setup much and were always on the CM7 setup, so I did the emmc rooting. My questions:
1-I remember putting the nightly build update file on an sd card and booting through it to get the update. I can't remember if that was the SD card method or the emmc method?
2- Now that I'm rooted through emmc, to install a new nightly build or even the ICS, can I just boot into CWR and install a zip file?
I have been running CM9 on NC SD card for a ,couple of days now. I have CM7.1 in emmc. I find CM9 to be more phone-ey but I haven't had time to truly get used to it. I attempted to backup via Rom Manager today, it dumped me into recovery, tried to install gapps, failed & shut down. Anyone have issues like this. Not stopping production, but I love my backups. Just can't get enough.
beaujack said:
I have been running CM9 on NC SD card for a ,couple of days now. I have CM7.1 in emmc. I find CM9 to be more phone-ey but I haven't had time to truly get used to it. I attempted to backup via Rom Manager today, it dumped me into recovery, tried to install gapps, failed & shut down. Anyone have issues like this. Not stopping production, but I love my backups. Just can't get enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROM Manager does not work with SD installs. If you try to use it, it tries to boot to CWM recovery to accomplish its tasks. You have no CWM recovery on an SD install. It is a special recovery script written by verygreen. That is what you see scrolling by after ROM Manager tells it to reboot.
But there is a way to put a custom CWM recovery as an alternate recovery on the SD. It has been specially modified to work with the SD installed partitions. It can back up your SD system for you. See my post here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=22719241
Thanks, I appreciate the information. You are a pal.