Best Buy Root - Acer Iconia A500

Anyone root their new 8gb best buy model? Just wanted to make sure it works before I go ahead (well I do have to get it still). It seems like there are a lot of threads about bricked units. Is that just people screwing up?

nstong said:
Anyone root their new 8gb best buy model? Just wanted to make sure it works before I go ahead (well I do have to get it still). It seems like there are a lot of threads about bricked units. Is that just people screwing up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all depends on which version of HC the unit comes with. If it has HC 3.2, it's more of a PITA to root, as you have to downgrade before rooting.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what exactly is the "Best Buy" model?

fermunky said:
Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what exactly is the "Best Buy" model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/XE.H8RPN.005
There is another 8gb model, but as I understand it, this specific model (08S08u) has only been sold by best buy. Not sure what they did but they also had an eee transformer that was its own model number they sold on black Friday. This is only 110v, and I think that's the only difference. However there may be other hardware differences, wondering if others have rooted. Is downgrading that hard? Figure that's the easiest way to get/keep root.

I got a 16gb version today and it has honeycomb 3.1, do I need to downgrade? I am looking for the easiest root possible. Tia

fgcchevy said:
I got a 16gb version today and it has honeycomb 3.1, do I need to downgrade? I am looking for the easiest root possible. Tia
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For 3.1 download iconiaroot and you are good to go.

Costco has 8gb. ver of acer is that consider as best buy ver or it can be costco ver or they will merge. I was just kidding 8gb ver of acer is what it is sold in various stores. if is 3.1 it can be root but I think comes with 3.2
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Rooted my 32gb version a day and a half ago using the 3.2 downgrade instructions.
IMPORTANT : Make sure you download the acer recovery installer off the android market BEFORE you start downgrading as I couldn't after going to 3.01... Put 3.2 upgrade in and reran through acer recovery, after doing this I had to get acer recovery installer then downgrade again.
Also make sure you have a stock upgrade to go back to. Pain if you can't find one...
Make sure you read and then reread the instructions, found it pretty hard to brick totally, though I definately wasn't trying...

dito33 said:
Costco has 8gb. ver of acer is that consider as best buy ver or it can be costco ver or they will merge. I was just kidding 8gb ver of acer is what it is sold in various stores. if is 3.1 it can be root but I think comes with 3.2
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The model I bought from best buy is A500-08S08u (http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/XE.H8RPN.005). There is also a A500-10S08u (http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/XE.H8RPN.001) which also has 8gb memory, but for example has the 220v power. A500-10S08u is what they have at amazon, and I assume costco (but can't confirm)
More likely than not everything should work the same and I'll be fine, but it would be nice to hear from someone with the A500-08S08u model that rooted.

nstong said:
Anyone root their new 8gb best buy model? Just wanted to make sure it works before I go ahead (well I do have to get it still). It seems like there are a lot of threads about bricked units. Is that just people screwing up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already rooted. Mine came with 3.2. I had the files for the downgrade/upgrade method already and it was right before going to bed so I used that method. It went fast and worked well.
Copy the files to your microSD card before you start (including the rooted 3.2 rom you'll upgrade to later). I'd forgotten to do this and was kicking myself when the USB connection wasn't usable in 3.01 (it would connect but couldn't see anything). WiFi Explorer was my friend
The basics for 3.2 rooting for me were....
1. Downgrade to 3.0.1.
2. Root with Iconiaroot.
3. Install Acer Recovery.
4. Flash CWM from Acer Recovery.
5. Install stock rooted 3.2 ROM.

I picked up my order from Bestbuy two days ago. It was A500-10S08u, instead of supposed A500-08S08u . I don't know the difference between them. They look the same according to Acer website. Maybe Acer just rename the 8gb model for marketing purposes, just as what they do on A500-10SXXw for Walmart at lower prices.

Picked mine up two days ago as well. Already have it stock rooted with Thors 1.6 custom recovery and 3.9R3 kernel.
This thing is amazing considering what I paid for it. The above changes and OC'ing it has made a HUGE difference in performance. Keyboard is no longer laggy and everything just runs smooth.
This is for my 10 year old daughters xmas gift (am I crazy for this?). Now I regret not purchasing one for myself as well.

h8isgr8 said:
This is for my 10 year old daughters xmas gift (am I crazy for this?). Now I regret not purchasing one for myself as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You rooted a 10 year old's tab? Really? I didn't know Shoots & Ladders was such a coy hog.

OffcerClancy said:
You rooted a 10 year old's tab? Really? I didn't know Shoots & Ladders was such a coy hog.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might need to root if your cell phone uses an ad-hoc network for tethering. That, Titanium Backup, and Nandroid backups are reason enough to root.

kjy2010 said:
It all depends on which version of HC the unit comes with. If it has HC 3.2, it's more of a PITA to root, as you have to downgrade before rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a simpler way to root under 3.2 that doesn't require downgrading.
See here.

jpinsl said:
There's a simpler way to root under 3.2 that doesn't require downgrading.
See here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the method that I used to root my 8gb iconia as it came with 3.2 installed. Here is a link to the complete instructions. http://www.chdcomputers.gr/en/mnu-kb-en/mnu-kb-android-en/mnu-kb-android-devices-en/mnu-kb-android-a500-en/254-art-kb000005-en After following those steps to the letter install https://market.android.com/details?id=com.interphaze.AcerRecoveryInstaller and flash Thors CWM. Hope this helps someone lessen the time to search for all the info.
I flashed the Thor A500 rom v14.2 and it flies now.

OffcerClancy said:
You rooted a 10 year old's tab? Really? I didn't know Shoots & Ladders was such a coy hog.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Meh... couldn't resist. It's still technically mine for the next 10 days anyway.
I rooted for OC, adblock, TI backup (to freeze apps), custom recovery, etc.
I know everyone likes to say their kid is smart even if they're half retarded, but she listens well and once I give her some instructions I know she won't do anything to mess it up (intentionally at least). I gave her an iPod touch last year and she still asks me before she installs any apps because that's what I asked her to do. My only real concern is her dropping it; it's kinda heavy for a 10 year old I think.

The downgrade method was actually quite easy. You flashed the upgrade.zip file, rooted 3.0.1 with Iconia root, installed CWM, then flashed your desired rooted rom and were done. Fewer steps than the 3.2 root process, it seems.
The only real caveat was to make sure you copied all the necessary files to your sd card before starting as USB connectivity for file transfers in 3.0.1 wasn't working for me.

That sure doesn't look simpler than downgrading, a lot more steps involved for sure.

Related

to root or not to root? Euro 3g Xoom

Hi guys!
I dont know if its better to root my xoom (so I can use sd, better kernel, etc...) or to wait the official 3.1 euro update (when it will be available????) before doing the root
any suggestion will be appreciated...
thx!
Well I guess sd card support/speed enhancements isn't worth it or you would have rooted already.
Hi,
I rooted mine and put the 3.1 US update on following the 3g in five steps method. I can tell you that along with the Tiamat kernel is like a new device, so much quicker and smoother.
the only thing i see against doing the us 3.1 update is you get the us market place in which u lose the eu apps since its all regional. but apart from that its the best thing ive done to my xoom
True but you can get everything through the web market.
3.1 ? when ?
hi,
i have rooted my 3g uk xoom and im glad i did so as i always require root and always will require root !
however - i have not yet upgraded to 3.1 because i feel the ",,in 5 steps " method seems to be a little inconsistent, some folk reporting 3g issues etc.
i so badly want 3.1 but im just hoping motorola do the right thing and release it or at least give us a release date, i can even wait a month or 2 if i know its on the way.
so if your reading this and you are in the uk and you have used the ",,,in 5 steps" method please share your findings, is 3g working well, do you get 'E' or 'H' or '3G' or whatever?>?
thanks.
ps- come on Moto' where the heck is the euro 3.1 update ?? news please ??
root, next question haha
Linnyuk said:
Hi,
I rooted mine and put the 3.1 US update on following the 3g in five steps method. I can tell you that along with the Tiamat kernel is like a new device, so much quicker and smoother.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi, i have a xoom 3g UK as well.. i am desperate for 3.1, which is the five steps method you are referring to?
i would like to try that on mine as well.
thanks.
Thx for all of your answers!
Im downloading now files to root my xoom! ;-) I really need it
...but I think Ill update to 3.1 later...
qwerp_ said:
hi, i have a xoom 3g UK as well.. i am desperate for 3.1, which is the five steps method you are referring to?
i would like to try that on mine as well.
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in development section : here
i think these problem such as sd and so on will be settled down soon or later.
davidebeatrice said:
Thx for all of your answers!
Im downloading now files to root my xoom! ;-) I really need it
...but I think Ill update to 3.1 later...
in development section : here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks...
I am now updated on 3.1, and I can only say, hell yeah. If you don,t root it, no point using it.
A different view. Is like you go into a library computer where all things are locked down. You can only do what they tell you. What you want is administrator access where you use full potential out of it...
qwerp_ said:
Thanks...
I am now updated on 3.1, and I can only say, hell yeah. If you don,t root it, no point using it.
A different view. Is like you go into a library computer where all things are locked down. You can only do what they tell you. What you want is administrator access where you use full potential out of it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes!
done And Im very happy! ;-)
UK 3g 3.0.1 xoom
Guys; I've posted elsewhere, but you look like you've probably done what I've asked about. Can I ask for a link to the 5 steps method? (I've searched everywhere and I'm now more confused than when I started.) Have any of you tried tiamat with 3.0.1 in order to get cifs or sd card support? Success? Or did you use another method altogether?
Cheers for any answers!!
EDIT: seen the link to the 5 step method - however - anyone used tiamat with it?
mmsson said:
Guys; I've posted elsewhere, but you look like you've probably done what I've asked about. Can I ask for a link to the 5 steps method? (I've searched everywhere and I'm now more confused than when I started.) Have any of you tried tiamat with 3.0.1 in order to get cifs or sd card support? Success? Or did you use another method altogether?
Cheers for any answers!!
EDIT: seen the link to the 5 step method - however - anyone used tiamat with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes tiamat is working fine on 3.1, I got it running 1,7 ghz on my xoom euro 3g and so far i have had no issues with the 3g connection.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Whoops - I meant to ask if anyone had tiamat working on 3g uk xoom with 3.0.1.... Thanks!

[Q] Root for Stock 3.2 A500

First off thanks for all the the great roms and how to's to all the devs ... I have flashed to stock 3.2 now i can't gain root ..... any ideas???
Currently there is no way to root the stock 3.2 FOTA. Nor can you go back to the older ROMs as a new bootloader was written when you flashed.
itsmagic and CWM no longer work.
Thanks for the the quick reply... was afraid of that answer ,guess I am gonna have to wait. I sure someone will figure it out real soon ...
plemme61 said:
Thanks for the the quick reply... was afraid of that answer ,guess I am gonna have to wait. I sure someone will figure it out real soon ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Always a good idea to search XDA before flashing a new ROM for your device.
or like me, I was in 3.1 stock, waiting for the 3.2 update and custom ROM.
But my girlfriend find the time to update it without me
Now i've to wait for the root of 3.2 from scratch
Niarf
TiboTheGentleman said:
or like me, I was in 3.1 stock, waiting for the 3.2 update and custom ROM.
But my girlfriend find the time to update it without me
Now i've to wait for the root of 3.2 from scratch
Niarf
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I Sees how you are blame the woman.
Booohoooo.
Moved to Q&A
I'm having the same problem. Just after buying my A500, I updated it to 3.2 but I didn't know that root wasn't available in that version. Nor that I couldn't downgrade to 3.1 because of the new bootloader.
Does anyone know if it's possible to downgrade this bootloader in order to downgrade to stock 3.1 rom too? I feel that the answer is that it's not possible...
camino62 said:
I'm having the same problem. Just after buying my A500, I updated it to 3.2 but I didn't know that root wasn't available in that version. Nor that I couldn't downgrade to 3.1 because of the new bootloader.
Does anyone know if it's possible to downgrade this bootloader in order to downgrade to stock 3.1 rom too? I feel that the answer is that it's not possible...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. It's not currently possible.
I'll probably get people barking at me for suggesting this, but given that you've only recently purchased your tablet, you could always take it back and exchange it. Depending on where you got it from, they may have a satisfaction return window (usually 14-30 days for big box retail). This would allow you to return to an older version, or upgrade to a custom 3.2 ROM instead.
Normally this type of behavior is frowned upon, mainly because it is speculated to result in raised prices of consumer products in general. In truth, really it is up to the retailer. If they are willing to observe a satisfaction return policy, and you are unsatisfied with the product, you are operating within the business perimeters that they've established. It wouldn't be illegal, so its merely a question of your own morality and your willingness to take advantage.
I guess it depends on how badly you need root. For me, it is a show-stopper. My tablet sits at home now that I've lost root, mainly because it is useless for my needs without ad-hoc support.
Or you could just wait for the 3.2 root, but my gut tells me it might be a while. I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling about this particular upgrade. That's not really based on anything factual though.
Cheers,
-PW
pacificwing said:
.....
Or you could just wait for the 3.2 root, but my gut tells me it might be a while. I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling about this particular upgrade. That's not really based on anything factual though.
Cheers,
-PW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That could be because most of the "real A500 DEVS" ( not just ROM chefs) have left this forum for a less hostile environment.
Now i've to wait for the root of 3.2
I was going to wait for the 3.2 root but now that you say it might take (lot of) time, I think I'll try to give it back to the store.
I need this root for many things, ie : mounting my nas shared folders.
camino62 said:
I was going to wait for the 3.2 root but now that you say it might take (lot of) time, I think I'll try to give it back to the store.
I need this root for many things, ie : mounting my nas shared folders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use ES file explorer, and it opens my NAS shared folders just fine without root.
(of course I also want root for many things, that's just not one of them anymore)
can't wait untill the root for 3.2 it's coming! please crack that off!
I'm waiting for 3.2 root.
I'm also waiting for 3.2 root, because i want stock 3.2 with root. Right now i'm on Honeyvillain 1.2 with no issues so far, only SU. But that's a common problem right now for 3.2 ROMS.
What do you think about change wpa_supplicant in update.zip before flash with a version that support ad-hoc network?
Mircoron said:
What do you think about change wpa_supplicant in update.zip before flash with a version that support ad-hoc network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you are on stock 3.2 you can not root, and you can not downgrade, and you can not flash any modified or non-stock image. There is simply no way to do this until someone finds a way to root 3.2
ve6rah said:
Once you are on stock 3.2 you can not root, and you can not downgrade, and you can not flash any modified or non-stock image. There is simply no way to do this until someone finds a way to root 3.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too like i-pad
ve6rah said:
Once you are on stock 3.2 you can not root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that's not correct, at least for A501 but I think for A500, too.
I followed those steps to get a rooted HC 3.2 for my A501:
- Download HC 3.1: Acer_A500_4.017.07_EMEA_CUS7 http://cdn.acer.futuredial.com/Acer_A500_0.000.00_4.017.07_EMEA_CUS7_1311771237783_253e5e46.zip
- Download Decrypter [DEV][APP] http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1099673
- Decrypt downloaded file with Decrypter (put Decrypter and Acer_A500_0.000.00_4.017.03_EMEA_CUS7.zip into same folder)
- Unzip Acer_A500_0.000.00_4.017.03_EMEA_CUS7_decrypt.zip
- Copy update.zip from the above package to MicroSD card of A501
- shutdown (NOT restart!) A501
- Power up the tablet using Volume - & Power buttons (hold buttons until text shows up)
- A501 finds update.zip and Update will commence
After that you will have HC 3.1 on your tablet. Now root your tablet with iconiaroot 1.3 (use google to find the apk). Once it is rooted you are able to install ClockWorkMod via Acer Recovery Installer from Market, there's a thread somewhere around here, too.
Then look at thread:
[ROM][24.08]Acer A500 HC 3.2 4.015.01[HC 3.2][CWM & root] - xda-developers
So far I have no problems, everything's seem to work okay, WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G...
Hope this helps! However, I am not responsible if you brick your device! Do it on your own risk!
Werner
Omaticayan said:
I guess that's not correct, at least for A501 but I think for A500, too.
After that you will have HC 3.1 on your tablet. Now root your tablet with iconiaroot 1.3 (use google to find the apk). Once it is rooted you are able to install ClockWorkMod via Acer Recovery Installer from Market, there's a thread somewhere around here, too.
Werner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh man, this really make me happy just for a second, sound with confident, downloaded the iconia 1.3, run it but failed. i guest A500 not the same with A501 after all.

[Q] Can 3.2 Stock Out of the box be rooted and how?

I just rec'd the new A500 8Gb version that already has 3.2 installed. So this is not the normal 3.2 OTA, which maybe the same. Don't know how to confirm.
I have read so many posts that appears to be rooting instructions for 3.0 and not for 3.2. I see one Thread that had instructions on how to root a OTA 3.2 but the instructions even says will take 1.5hrs. I have rooted tablets/phones before and i know it doesn't take that long and don't want to lose data.
I don't want to install a custom rom just so i can be rooted. I just want to root this tablet and i don't want to downgrade the bootloader.
Can anyone please point me to the correct thread or simply let me know if rooting is currently out of the question for this scenerio.
im on the same page, just picked up the 3.2 from costco.. A little common sense points me and you in the direction of downgrading to the 3.0.1.. Then bumping up to the rooted 3.2.. its not a one click solution but it makes complete sense..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1276227
im doing it as i write this let you know my success..
Yeah I have read that an option is to downgrade to 3.0, root then go to 3.2. Guess i'm waiting on a short version that will root stock 3.2 and it doesn't make sense to me to go back only to go up versions of rom for this alternative route.
lol its data, not like your trading in your new car for a 87 nova.. Downgrade is for exploit access only as soon as root --> update recovery ---> flash rom you will be right back to 3.2..
:-/
anyways method 2 works.. did it in 15 minutes cause i got distracted..
good luck waiting for ur 1 click
cool, so i guess this is the best solution for now....i'll do the same.
IMPORTANT : Make sure you download the acer recovery installer while still on 3.2 as you WILL have problems accessing android market once you install the UNSTABLE 3.01...
Its pretty hard to hard brick but please , don't take that as a challenge...
The vanishing keyboard ...
ultramag69 said:
IMPORTANT : Make sure you download the acer recovery installer while still on 3.2 as you WILL have problems accessing android market once you install the UNSTABLE 3.01...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree; first hand experience ...
ultramag69 said:
IMPORTANT : Make sure you download the acer recovery installer while still on 3.2 as you WILL have problems accessing android market once you install the UNSTABLE 3.01...
Its pretty hard to hard brick but please , don't take that as a challenge...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol wish I had known that when I rooted mine, I was freaking out scouring the interwebs for an apk of it when I downgraded cuz I couldn't use the damn keyboard
sent from my Acer Iconia A500 beast of a tablet via XDA app
I found out the hard way too, got the OTA update of 3.2 installed, then got the acer recovery installer downloaded. Was a colossal waste of time...
Thought I'd let others know, easier than having to stuff around yourself and hoping you can recover...
Thx for the heads up guys, i did install the acer recovery. Now i know why you need it since that 3.0 downgrade is very unstable. I did manage to root, install CWM and flashed a 3.2 rom.
I used this... straight root no downgrade required.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1307539
Sent from my A500 using xda premium

[Q] Easiest way to root?

Hi all,
I'm getting my A500 in the next few days, and I was wondering what the best process for rooting is.
I understand there is either the method of reverting back to 3.0.1, or rooting from 3.2 with adb and some serials?(haven't looked into the last method much).
Which is the safer way? Is one easier than the other?
I believe the tab will arrive with 3.1 according to the spec sheet, if that makes any difference.
mswirski said:
Hi all,
I'm getting my A500 in the next few days, and I was wondering what the best process for rooting is.
I understand there is either the method of reverting back to 3.0.1, or rooting from 3.2 with adb and some serials?(haven't looked into the last method much).
Which is the safer way? Is one easier than the other?
I believe the tab will arrive with 3.1 according to the spec sheet, if that makes any difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it comes with 3.1, you're golden. Just use "Iconia Root".
Oh, i thought that only worked on 3.0
If, by chance, the spec sheets are wrong, and it comes with 3.2.x , which is easiest?
mswirski said:
Oh, i thought that only worked on 3.0
If, by chance, the spec sheets are wrong, and it comes with 3.2.x , which is easiest?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to flash it which is the only way known currently.
You have to revert to 3.01 then use iconia root. You MUST download Acer Recovery installer 1st from android market as the 3.01 rom is REALLY buggy and you can do just about nothing but root your tab... After rooting and running the acer recovery installer then you can upgrade to any rom you please but remember, if you flash an Acer stock rom you have just wasted your time as you will no longer have root access(best case) or brick you tab (worst case)...
Best to look in developement and get one of the stock roms from there or a cfw....
I like Harkon, but thats because I have an A501.... If you have an A500 you have more choice....
Look in the developement section for downgrading 3.2 to 3.01.... All instructions and apps, bar the acer recovery installer....
Cheers...

[Q] Re-rooting after 3.2 upgrade

I finally decided I would take the plunge and move from 3.1 to 3.2 after I saw the "voodoo OTA RootKeeper". I had been rooted previously. Sadly, after the update, the software DID NOT work and now I'm stuck with an unrooted device. Will this get me back to rooted? Or should I just downgrade back to 3.1? I would rather NOT lose my data. My current build is Acer_A500_7.006.01_COM_GEN2.
funnyfarm299 said:
I finally decided I would take the plunge and move from 3.1 to 3.2 after I saw the "voodoo OTA RootKeeper". I had been rooted previously. Sadly, after the update, the software DID NOT work and now I'm stuck with an unrooted device. Will this get me back to rooted? Or should I just downgrade back to 3.1? I would rather NOT lose my data. My current build is Acer_A500_7.006.01_COM_GEN2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes either will work.
Don't that piss you off? Thanks Acer.
I did the downgrade, since rooting with iconiaroot is so easy, and I was on 3.2.1. The downgrade should work just fine, just make sure you have iconiaroot and acer recovery installer installed before downgrading, it makes life a lot easier since your keyboard wont work after downgrading. The downgrade method rom isnt for normal use, so root with it and install rooted 3.2.
that is sad.. I had just read an article about this app and was going to ask about it around here... Have you contacted the app developer and let them know??
abalsor said:
that is sad.. I had just read an article about this app and was going to ask about it around here... Have you contacted the app developer and let them know??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TimmyDeans method, will avoid the crappy keyboard, although you can turn off functions to make it behave.
One of the important things, is the CPUID (I believe it's called) number it generates.
For anybody considering messing with things, this is a number you should always write down, and keep in a safe place.
As if you ever get a true "brick", you will need this number. And if you have a true brick, you won't be able to get it.
Just some friendly advice from a learned person.
VERY good advice from Moscow Desire, another hint is if you have connected your a500/501 to a pc then you can use an app (can't remember what its called) to find the cpuid off the pc. Its available here on xda but I seem to have misplaced it on my pc or I'd give you the name....

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