Database Users

[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 the A500's bootloader be unlocked?

I have looked everywhere and can't find out. Some say it isn't locked, some say it is. Is it unlocked so you can not rom? If so, I will get the Xoom.

Its not locked its encrypted. There are ways around it to install custom roms
Read threads in the developers threads.

Thanks for the reply. So whats the big deal about it being locked?

Its a so called way to protect the rights of digital media and software developers.by having the device locked it suposed to limit hacking ability.but there is always a way around it.
They should leave our devices to us.

Thanks for the answer. I will get the Xoom. It is better (performance). It can also unlocked and relocked.

tweaker101 said:
Thanks for the answer. I will get the Xoom. It is better (performance). It can also unlocked and relocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol same hardware, same performance. Mine is unlocked, and unless you accept the latest update to 3.2, you're good to go, and even then you can downgrade, root, then manually update to a pre-rooted 3.2 ROM.
ER, you just lost one to a Xoom lol

So does this mean if I were to create a custom kernel I couldn't?
I really like the Iconia. It has a USB port and good screen. I also like the Xoom. If the Acer can't be hacked I will get the Xoom as it is also a very good tablet imo .

tweaker101 said:
So does this mean if I were to create a custom kernel I couldn't?
I really like the Iconia. It has a USB port and good screen. I also like the Xoom. If the Acer can't be hacked I will get the Xoom as it is also a very good tablet imo .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Acer is already "hacked". Go to the DEV section of the A500 forums. You'll find plenty to read

kjy2010 said:
The Acer is already "hacked". Go to the DEV section of the A500 forums. You'll find plenty to read
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the speedy reply! There are custom roms but I don't think they have custom android kernels as the bootloader is still encrypt.
I will go for the Acer. I am sure in 12 months for now they will unlock it because something new will come out (tegra 3). I won't be unlocking it until my warranty expires in 2012.
Acer seems to have better screen etc.
Cheers again for all the help so far.

tweaker101 said:
Thanks for the speedy reply! There are custom roms but I don't think they have custom android kernels as the bootloader is still encrypt.
I will go for the Acer. I am sure in 12 months for now they will unlock it because something new will come out (tegra 3). I won't be unlocking it until my warranty expires in 2012.
Acer seems to have better screen etc.
Cheers again for all the help so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You evidentally didn't read far enough. There are more custom kernels than I could shake my D#$& at. Lol

kjy2010 said:
You evidentally didn't read far enough. There are more custom kernels than I could shake my D#$& at. Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. That was the deciding factor. Off to buy an Iconia . I thought an encrypted bootloader couldn't allow custom kernels. Sorry, i'm good at I.T but kind of new to this stuff. First tablet.

tweaker101 said:
Lol. That was the deciding factor. Off to buy an Iconia . I thought an encrypted bootloader couldn't allow custom kernels. Sorry, i'm good at I.T but kind of new to this stuff. First tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NP. We aren't allowed to link to this site, but Google tegraowners dot com.
More custom kernels than you could shake your d#$% at there as well, and he keeps his updates coming fairly regularly.

V. Good site. So Why are people moaning about the bootloader if you can install a custom kernel/os.

tweaker101 said:
V. Good site. So Why are people moaning about the bootloader if you can install a custom kernel/os.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3.2 bootloader is locked, so ppl are cooking pre-rooted 3.2 roms and custom kernels.
If you OTA from 3.1 to 3.2 you'll lose root, and have to downgrade which is a pita!
There are a few stock pre-rooted 3.2 ROMS in the DEV section, along with at least a couple custom kernels that will work with stock 3.2 ROM.
The people that are moaning are the id10ts that took the OTA, and haven't a clue how to downgrade to get their root back, and start over the correct way.

I prefer the Xoom. Less weight, even more hackable and better performance.
Acer Iconia 0
Motorola 1

Still undecided
I still don't understand. Could I install any kernel onto this tablet?
edit: I guess it has to be based on Acer's?

tweaker101 said:
Still undecided
I still don't understand. Could I install any kernel onto this tablet?
edit: I guess it has to be based on Acer's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you not go to the site I posted? Have you not read the DEV forum here?
Get an IPad, then you won't have to worry about kernels.
Sorry for being like that, but there's soooooo much information about custom kernels on these forums for our A500, that I'm beginning to wonder if you can read (not trying to be a smartazz, just stating the obvious).

kjy2010 said:
Did you not go to the site I posted? Have you not read the DEV forum here?
Get an IPad, then you won't have to worry about kernels.
Sorry for being like that, but there's soooooo much information about custom kernels on these forums for our A500, that I'm beginning to wonder if you can read (not trying to be a smartazz, just stating the obvious).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry. I will read more. Just being lazy

Been reading some roms. They appear to be based on Acer's Kernel.

tweaker101 said:
Been reading some roms. They appear to be based on Acer's Kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want spoon feeding, you can ask at Disney.com forums.
Your questions have been answered in full.
One more time since it appears as though you didn't get it the first few times.
Yes there are custom kernels for the A500, both here in the DEV section of the forums, as well as elsewhere on other sites.
If you still don't get it, then I implore you to take the advice of the other person and buy a Xoom, or better yet an IPad so you can brick one of those and then start a thread "Help....bricked Xoom".
How many times do you need your question answered?!?

[Q] Gateway A60 Questions

I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction...
Is there a recovery image for the A60 out there or is there a way I could build my own? I have used nvflash quite a bit on my gtablet and would not feel comfortable doing anything on the gateway until I had this safety net.
Any help would be appreciated.

Not absolute positive but i belive this might be the same as the acer a 500.. i know there is a packard bell that is .
post all the information.. including kernel / rom firmware reversions and so on maybe someone can tell for sure .

erica_renee said:
Not absolute positive but i belive this might be the same as the acer a 500.. i know there is a packard bell that is .
post all the information.. including kernel / rom firmware reversions and so on maybe someone can tell for sure .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, it's the same as an a500. Just re-skinned. Should be able to run Iconia root. Acer recovery, and A500 roms (but it will call it an a500).
one or 2 others have seemed to already have done it awhile back;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1360666
One more note: If you did the updates, and your OS is now version 3.2, you will have to do the rollback to 3.0 to get root and recovery. Then you can flash the 3.2 roms from the dev forums. there are a couple of guides on how to do this. There is also a newer method, that will install a rooted 3.2. I believe the thread author is jimmydean or timmydean.

Specs are as follows:
Model: TPA60W
Version:3.2.1 ( I hit yes to the update... When will I learn!?!)
Kernel: 2.6.36.3+
Build: GW_TPA60W_4.010.02_PA_GEN1
After reading the other post I am sure that this is the same as the Iconia A500. I am hoping to get this rooted with timmydeans instructions but am not sure if I can return it back to stock if I have to send it in for warranty.
Are there any full backup programs out there or is there a way for me to create my own nvflash image or equivalent?

smishra said:
Specs are as follows:
Model: TPA60W
Version:3.2.1 ( I hit yes to the update... When will I learn!?!)
Kernel: 2.6.36.3+
Build: GW_TPA60W_4.010.02_PA_GEN1
After reading the other post I am sure that this is the same as the Iconia A500. I am hoping to get this rooted with timmydeans instructions but am not sure if I can return it back to stock if I have to send it in for warranty.
Are there any full backup programs out there or is there a way for me to create my own nvflash image or equivalent?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you root, and rom., whatever happens, you can re-install acer recovery, and run a stock rom to return to stock.

This site rules...
I got confirmation from Gateway that rooting and installing a custom ROM does not void the warranty and then followed the downgrading guide and installed a new ROM with no issues!
Thanks to all of the devs out there who keep letting us push the boundaries of our tablets!
As a side note, the stock rom offered by Gateway is awesome. Lightning quick and has everything you would ever need. The only reason I chose to root was because I cant live without my Titanium Backup and needed Root access!
Cheers and a Happy New Year to all!

smishra said:
This site rules...
I got confirmation from Gateway that rooting and installing a custom ROM does not void the warranty and then followed the downgrading guide and installed a new ROM with no issues!
Thanks to all of the devs out there who keep letting us push the boundaries of our tablets!
As a side note, the stock rom offered by Gateway is awesome. Lightning quick and has everything you would ever need. The only reason I chose to root was because I cant live without my Titanium Backup and needed Root access!
Cheers and a Happy New Year to all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that this site is amazing, but the rep that you spoke to is completely incorrect. Any kind of rooting on any device DOES void your warranty (unless you go back to stock). Just a little bit of info for you.
Sent from my A500 using xda premium

It does say in the warranty that they are not responsible for such things as flashed devices.However I think for the most part Acer/PB and gateway from others in this thread have sent there to be repaired with no trouble or charges. Just please people if you brick it own up to it.they will know when they get it anyway.
Lieing about how you bricked it is wrong.
But I still also believe acer should have a way for us to get around this security or a self unbrick tool.

I know you've already figured this out but I'll throw in my piece anyway. I also have the gateway 100% A500 re-skinned. Sister in-law works for acer and confirmed flashing roms is not acceptable for warranty BUT like everything else it depends on the person in the service centre. They could just overlook the fact that it's rooted but up to you if you think it's worth the risk. I have flashed any number of kernel/rom combinations and all work fine.

[Q] Root for US OTA 2.0

So I'm going to go out on a limb and say that there is no solution to root a TP that's already applied the 2.0 update?
I've tried the root methods already obtainable on here and they don't work. I'm guessing (more hoping) that someone is working on finding a solution.
Makes me sad. A co-worker updated it for me because "it said it needed to update it so I did it for you"... *sigh*

OTA2 removed the exploit unless you were already rooted and used Voodoo Rootkeeper to maintain root during the update. I haven't heard the outcome with regards to 2.5. I don't want to risk root so won't be updating unless it's safe.

2.5 is out ? which your version of tablet ?

16gb us. Was delivered last week.
Yeah, I didn't have it rooted before so yeah.

Either people like us find a way to downgrade or wait until a new exploit is found. The former seems easier but my knowledge of these things isn't very high...

Yeah, I'm not sure how to either. I'm good at following directions but when a "friend" upgrades your device for you...
As for downgrading, I don't think that'll be an option until someone finds a Lenovo rom flash utility.

byersbw said:
16gb us. Was delivered last week.
Yeah, I didn't have it rooted before so yeah.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2. 5 was not available to US last week. How did you get it? Supposedly it's still going through certification. 0086_US is 2.0. What version are you?

Oh hell.... I've been reading too many posts on the Lenovo forums. My apologies, I am running OTA 2.0 NOT 2.5. I will correct my first post and title.
I'm running ThinkPadTablet_A310_02_0039_0086_US.

Okay. Thanks. No worries, but was scratching my head, looking puzzled.

Haha! I can understand. I have that look a lot sadly. I appreciate you telling me as I had no clue as to what exactly I was saying.
Now, if anyone knows someone on the inside at Lenovo that could get the flash utility...

LOL If only.

And now we wait. Did NOT expect CM9 to come out so fast and be working so didn't care much for root otherwise. Oh well, that was my fault and I knew I'd lose root for the time being. Now I wait patiently, since the primary work of the developers now is making CM9 to work properly so w/e.

Why isn't there a way to downgrade the rom to 075? The tab has a recovery boot. If it could be downgraded, it could then be rooted , then updated.

No way to downgrade, unless you know something the rest of us are unaware of. There's a bunch of folks that either can't root at all, or took OTA2 before getting root/without preserving root. We've been told that there's nothing to be done for the time being.

I don't know how to do it, but I know that's how other tabs got around the problem. I only say it in case someone does.

AFAIK, the problem is the recovery's signature check.. if it recognizes that the update.zip to flash is older than the build actually installed, it won't install the new ROM.

Thanks. Noob enough that I couldn't explain it, just knew it doesn't work.

YassinTP said:
AFAIK, the problem is the recovery's signature check.. if it recognizes that the update.zip to flash is older than the build actually installed, it won't install the new ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder what it takes to defeat the check? There must be an update script that performs that check. Editing elements of the update script has been the key to other "can't be done" situations.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=22918839[WIP][4.0.3]ICS CM9 ThinkPad Tablet PORT
I'm going to keep putting forth suggestions instead of claiming something can't be done. Afterall, the point of this entire forum is to work togther to overcome obstacles.

While I don't know a lot about these things, if it could be done, it would have been. This forum is overflowing with posts from owners of all kinds devices asking how to downgrade their respective device so they can take root. It's not an uncommon request, and one that I have researched for another device, only to find the same answer. Hey if you find out how to do it, you'll make a fortune.

Two other tablets, the Flyer and the View downgrade to gingerbread, then unlock bootloader, then root, then update to honeycomb, then custom roms are applied. They got the idea from another tab, the Iconia, who got it from the Transformer . . .
I'm just trying to push good and bad ideas to someone with the skills. It's about not taking 'no' as an answer.
Here's the thread for Flyer/View:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=21028879[Procedure]No HTC unlock downgrade HC-GB for official OTA

General hello n advice

Hay chaps/ladies
Got me self a acer iconia on the way not sure if its running honeycomb
Im looking to root and upgrade to ics stable I'm. Regular sensation flasher so used to that
But looking threw a few threads I'm looking a little lost lol seems alit tricker to root and upgrade to ics with custom recovery n Rom
Could I possibly get some advice I now I'm guna get a few people telling me to read before posting etc thanks please b nice we all start some where
Thanks for advice spud

daddyspud said:
Hay chaps/ladies
Got me self a acer iconia on the way not sure if its running honeycomb
Im looking to root and upgrade to ics stable I'm. Regular sensation flasher so used to that
But looking threw a few threads I'm looking a little lost lol seems alit tricker to root and upgrade to ics with custom recovery n Rom
Could I possibly get some advice I now I'm guna get a few people telling me to read before posting etc thanks please b nice we all start some where
Thanks for advice spud
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Over the air to ics, use for a week to see how it runs for you. Then make your mods, that way you can compare and know what messed it up.

If I do ota will I b able to root the device or do I root the. Ota as hmmm

daddyspud said:
Hay chaps/ladies
Got me self a acer iconia on the way not sure if its running honeycomb
Im looking to root and upgrade to ics stable I'm. Regular sensation flasher so used to that
But looking threw a few threads I'm looking a little lost lol seems alit tricker to root and upgrade to ics with custom recovery n Rom
Could I possibly get some advice I now I'm guna get a few people telling me to read before posting etc thanks please b nice we all start some where
Thanks for advice spud
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To find outr what you're currently running - Settings>About Phone
Rooting/custom recovery ICS is the easy bit...icsRoot will do the job, and Acer Recovery Installer from the market to install a recovery....
flashing the bootloader (needed for some custom roms) seems to get a few people confuddled, there are plenty of guides to help you there...and plenty of 'help, I'm bricked threads' too so have all your ducks in row before you go down that road
You need the acer drivers from acer and also the google USB drivers, once you have the drivers set and a custom recovery then do a backup, it will generate a "uid.txt" file in the backup folder...copy this file and guard it with your life!!!!! This is the infamous CPUID...from which you get your tabs "secure boot key" IF anything goes wrong then this cpuid is the only thing that will un-unbrick you!!! Make sure you get this before you say goodbye to HC as ICS reports your serial no. which aint gonna work, its by far the easiest way to get yr cpuid, so do yourself a big favour!!!
Honeycomb cannot be rooted...., but there are pre-rooted HC roms around, ezterry has one and also has a nice stock based ICS with a custom kernel. timmydean also has one - the good thing about his one is that its one of only 2 ways to downgrade back to HC, needed if you bork the bootloader flash or are unlucky enough to get a tab that gets 'stuck formatting/partitioning' in nvFlash
As far as actually getting ICS, as shaun said, wait for yr tab to update itself - you'll need to d/l the acer enhancement something-or-other from the market. OR just flash an ICS stock or custom rom - there are normally 2 different kernels for the custom roms "one for the patched bootloader 3.12+ and one for BL 3.01" acer recovery installer will tell you which one you have but if you havent flashed the patched BL then you'll be on the 3.01.
think thats about it for now!!! happy flashing