Database Users

3.2 to rooted 3.2

Hi Guys, i own an A501 for one week now, running 3.2 (already installed when buying it).
I understand that it is not possible to root or downgrade 3.2.
But, and here comes my question: Why isn't it possible to use the recovery-function to install an already rooted 3.2?
People trying to downgrade to 3.1 or lower get an error message, but when they re-flash 3.2 their tablet is running again.
So why can't we just re-flash an already rooted 3.2?
Regards
Carsten
Sent from my A501 using XDA App

DerTeufel said:
Hi Guys, i own an A501 for one week now, running 3.2 (already installed when buying it).
I understand that it is not possible to root or downgrade 3.2.
But, and here comes my question: Why isn't it possible to use the recovery-function to install an already rooted 3.2?
People trying to downgrade to 3.1 or lower get an error message, but when they re-flash 3.2 their tablet is running again.
So why can't we just re-flash an already rooted 3.2?
Regards
Carsten
Sent from my A501 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SPCIIW, but I believe the "rooted 3.2" ROMS are all using the 3.1 bootloader, not the 3.2 bootloader, and that's why you can't flash to a rooted 3.2

OMG... another completely meaningless post??? PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING!!!!

I understood your question well, so here's the answer.
You can't modify the update.zip file from Acer in any way because when flashing it verifies each file against a file where there is a list with the files to be installed and their CRC, if you modify or add something the flash fails.
Trying to use other already rooted customs rom is no gonna work, because they changed the boot loader to recognize only Acer roms and updates files.
Hope it helps you.

possible to add 3.2 to a501
kekinash said:
I understood your question well, so here's the answer.
You can't modify the update.zip file from Acer in any way because when flashing it verifies each file against a file where there is a list with the files to be installed and their CRC, if you modify or add something the flash fails.
Trying to use other already rooted customs rom is no gonna work, because they changed the boot loader to recognize only Acer roms and updates files.
Hope it helps you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be wrong. I install a rooted 3.2 rom from:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-1232545.html
Long as you have CWM installed. And I installed Thor 3.4 to OC and my tab works like a charm. So its possible to do.
*admit I'm not sure if this Tom has a 3.1 boot loader however it works great. Let me know if you need further help.

I'm talking about somebody who already did the update to STOCK 3.2, not about customs roms. Try to flash a custom rom after you are in stock 3.2 and see how it fails the flash.

kekinash said:
I understood your question well, so here's the answer.
You can't modify the update.zip file from Acer in any way because when flashing it verifies each file against a file where there is a list with the files to be installed and their CRC, if you modify or add something the flash fails.
Trying to use other already rooted customs rom is no gonna work, because they changed the boot loader to recognize only Acer roms and updates files.
Hope it helps you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And locked the bootloader again, which is why we don't have root once again. The Eepad has already been rooted for 3.2, but since most of the DEVs in the a500 forums have left for greener pastures, I'm not certain we'll see root for 3.2 anytime soon. I hope I'm wrong?

kjy2010 said:
And locked the bootloader again, which is why we don't have root once again. The Eepad has already been rooted for 3.2, but since most of the DEVs in the a500 forums have left for greener pastures, I'm not certain we'll see root for 3.2 anytime soon. I hope I'm wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm obvious not a Dev but please explain how fguy rooted this 3.2 rom. Its an Acer 501 stock rom. No mods other then the rooted part and the two full version apps. Granted its a "custom" rom however it the best waynto get root access with 3.2 all the updates. I'm in south Africa and the 3.2 update hasn't even hit here yet. So this is the best option for me. And I'm sure for alot of others.

shambooi said:
I'm obvious not a Dev but please explain how fguy rooted this 3.2 rom. Its an Acer 501 stock rom. No mods other then the rooted part and the two full version apps. Granted its a "custom" rom however it the best waynto get root access with 3.2 all the updates. I'm in south Africa and the 3.2 update hasn't even hit here yet. So this is the best option for me. And I'm sure for alot of others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure he used the bootloader from 3.1 on a stock 3.2 ROM. I'm using and it's flawless so far (relative to stock ROMs).

Thanks for the answers, hope to see a posibility to root 3.2 in the near future
Sent from my A501 using XDA App

kjy2010 said:
And locked the bootloader again, which is why we don't have root once again. The Eepad has already been rooted for 3.2, but since most of the DEVs in the a500 forums have left for greener pastures, I'm not certain we'll see root for 3.2 anytime soon. I hope I'm wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are these 'greener pastures' to where all the Devs have gone?

mac4402 said:
Where are these 'greener pastures' to where all the Devs have gone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the xoom or transformer sections.

mac4402 said:
Where are these 'greener pastures' to where all the Devs have gone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google android tablet forums, as I don't believe we're allowed to post to other forums, especially the ones where certain DEVs went
---------- Post added at 10:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:11 PM ----------
SoHaunted said:
In the xoom or transformer sections.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hardly. You let me know when you see a former A500 xda DEV in the xoom or tranny forum will ya please?

kjy2010 said:
Google android tablet forums, as I don't believe we're allowed to post to other forums, especially the ones where certain DEVs went
---------- Post added at 10:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:11 PM ----------
Hardly. You let me know when you see a former A500 xda DEV in the xoom or tranny forum will ya please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean we could find the way to root the 3.2 A500 on some other forums ? Because if they simply moved away from this one, I guess they certainly did not stop developing ??

Didn't take too long... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1276227
Sent from my [email protected] 1.4GHz

DO I need to update the bootloader?

I have not been around these boards in a minute, and seeing these topics about upgrading bootloaders, one question is it required?
I did a search about it in XDA and just results in the walkthroughs for upgrading
MODS feel free to lock or remove or maybe if someone answers maybe sticky it

BrianDigital said:
I have not been around these boards in a minute, and seeing these topics about upgrading bootloaders, one question is it required?
I did a search about it in XDA and just results in the walkthroughs for upgrading
MODS feel free to lock or remove or maybe if someone answers maybe sticky it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
depends what rom and b/l you're on now -
whether you want to install custom roms
or you're happy on stock
whether you want custom recovery for backups etc
Acer Recovery Installer from the market will tell you your BL version
So will a500 Manager from Blackthund3rs site

Essentially if you have only had HC on your tab you are on the HC bootloader.
If you used Thor's rom then you are on the HC bootloader UNLESS you updated to the leaked ICS roms 1st....
If you updated to the leaked ICS rom then you have an ICS bootloader.
If you want to flash a new ICS rom then it still a good idea to install the patched bootloader and recovery package as this will leave root intact and install CWM...
Hope this helps a little...

I know i have the old bootloader, are devs dropping support for the the old bootloader.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

BrianDigital said:
I know i have the old bootloader, are devs dropping support for the the old bootloader.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's pretty much what's happening with the move to ICS. There are some certain limitations and oddities when running Acer ICS on an HC Bootloader. For starters, the patched kernel. Not exactly pretty when you boot. Also, reports of "screen flicker" as well.
Sooner or later, everybody will be on the ICS bootloaders, stock or patched. Runs better that way.

Moscow Desire said:
That's pretty much what's happening with the move to ICS. There are some certain limitations and oddities when running Acer ICS on an HC Bootloader. For starters, the patched kernel. Not exactly pretty when you boot. Also, reports of "screen flicker" as well.
Sooner or later, everybody will be on the ICS bootloaders, stock or patched. Runs better that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, looks like i got a Sunday project
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Does it Need to be root ?

hi everyone, i'm a501 user and decided to use Alexandra V ROM..
My question, do I need to root my a501 before install the ICS bootloader ? Now i'm using official HC 3.2.1 and never experienced in rooting.
If rooting is necessary, how to root official A501 HC 3.2.1? Maybe gingerbreak 1.2 ?
thanks before

gigacats said:
hi everyone, i'm a501 user and decided to use Alexandra V ROM..
My question, do I need to root my a501 before install the ICS bootloader ? Now i'm using official HC 3.2.1 and never experienced in rooting.
If rooting is necessary, how to root official A501 HC 3.2.1? Maybe gingerbreak 1.2 ?
thanks before
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, rooting is generally the first step. HOWEVER.... you will need to;
a. Flash the ICS patched bootloader
b. Flash a CWM or Public Recovery
c. Have the Alex V.zip already on your external SD Card, that way, it is ready to install after doing the above 2 steps.
Now the current Alex V you can run a simple root after install, so rooting now, is rather not necessary. Also, you might want to wait 3 or 4 days. We just got a new ICS update today, that if works well, I will change out the Rom version. Probably Sunday if all goes well. Will save you the time of re-installing the rom again.
The only reason you would want to root right now, would be to install a CWM and make a backup of your current system., In case you ever wanted to go back to HC. But note; HC roms do not run on ICS bootloaders and vice-versa. Also, The CWM's will be different for ICS. So it's sort of like once you commit to ICS, you go all the way, and never back to HC (you can, but who would want to).
Oh yeah, don't use Gingerbreak. It will probably bork things up. As of 3.2, rooting became a little difficult.
So in the meantime, while you wait, you can read this thread as it contains instructions.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
Note that the above procedures (manual or automatic) usually work about 90% of the time. Seeing you are currently on stock 3.2.1, I don't foresee an issue. Any questions, post them in the instructions thread.
MD

Ok MD, thanks for your explanation, so i don't need root my current ROM to install ICS boot loaded right?
Thanks a lot
Sent from my ST25i using xda app-developers app

gigacats said:
Ok MD, thanks for your explanation, so i don't need root my current ROM to install ICS boot loaded right?
Thanks a lot
Sent from my ST25i using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't. The bootloader program uses NVFlash, which is initialized before the OS starts. The only requirement I believe is USB Debugging must be turned on in the system settings, but that's really more of a precaution than anything. I've not used these programs, as I did it a long time ago the old fashioned way. AKA semi-bricked my tab..... :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh: Heck, I didn't even "have" an OS, and got the bootloader and CWM installed
Read the stuff. Understand what you're getting into.
And.... Get your current UID number and write it down somewhere safe. This is really your only protection if something goes bad. Usually it doesn't but you will also need it during the process.
When you get ready to do this (after I hopefully have a newer version in a few days), you can post in my thread for help. Got some good guys there with 501's that can lend some advice.
MD

Sory MD, I haven't got permission to post in your thread due to lack posting.. I have installed v8-thor. 1.7. 3_recovery.A500apx, now I still able to boot into my HC ROM. but now I couldn't find any cwm mod recovery.A500apx to install in my tab. How then?
Thank you very much
Sent from my A501 using xda app-developers app

Acer stock roms offline

Hi, I'm trying to revert to 100% stock (unrooted), but all the links for stock roms from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113878
seem to be offline (i.e. http://vache-android.com and http://cdn.acer.futuredial.com are both unavailable). Anyone know if there are mirrors for these files? Specifically, I'm looking for a 3.2.1 stock rom for the A501.
Thanks!
EDIT:
I found a link to the latest 3.2.1 stock COM_GEN1 full package for the A501 via the russian forums. Filename: 'SD_Acer_A501_Android 3.2.1_4.066.29_COM_GEN1(www.mobims.ru).zip' can be downloaded here.

novedM Wilson,
No one knows where to get an acer stock rom for A501? Sorry to bump - or have I posted in the wrong forum? I just need to return to stock (unrooted) to test something.

faxedhead said:
No one knows where to get an acer stock rom for A501? Sorry to bump - or have I posted in the wrong forum? I just need to return to stock (unrooted) to test something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, Acer closed off all the files, so we no longer get to them.
Vache, had to get rid of his server for personal reasons, so those links are also no good. Eventually I suspect he'll get things in order and we'll get some of those links back.
Which rom are you looking for? ICS or HC? I have a few, some full HC roms, and some ICS patch updates.
Remember, a lot of people live in different times zones, and also have jobs and family, so sometimes it takes awhile to reply
MD

Thanks MD. I totally understand everyone's got other committments, I have both of those commitments too I'm looking for stock unrooted HC 3.2.1 ideally, but 3.2 is fine (I can then do OTA update to get to 3.2.1). I'm in Australia, so I think the rom I need is Acer_A501_4.066.29_COM_GEN1, but any COM_GEN1 for A501 would be appreciated.
BTW Currently I'm running your fantastic and stable 3.2.1 Alexandra III v1.1, thanks for you hard-work in putting that together.

Well I got my hands on a brand-new A501 from Acer, just unboxed. So I will now try to find out how to extract an image of the ROM before doing anything else. Any tips appreciated!
EDIT: Before anyone posts a http://lmgtfy.com/ link, I found it should be just a matter of using DD from the android sdk.
EDIT #2: Hmm looks like I need root access to use DD, can someone point me in the right direction for dumping a full image without having to root the tablet first? The tablet is currently running Android 3.2.1, kernel 2.6.36.3+ and build Acer_A501_4.066.31_COM_GEN1. Thanks.

faxedhead said:
Thanks MD. I totally understand everyone's got other committments, I have both of those commitments too I'm looking for stock unrooted HC 3.2.1 ideally, but 3.2 is fine (I can then do OTA update to get to 3.2.1). I'm in Australia, so I think the rom I need is Acer_A501_4.066.29_COM_GEN1, but any COM_GEN1 for A501 would be appreciated.
BTW Currently I'm running your fantastic and stable 3.2.1 Alexandra III v1.1, thanks for you hard-work in putting that together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Problem, and thanks.
I'll see if I have that rom for you. Am pretty sure I have some Com_Gen_1's
EDIT: I have a Decrypted Acer_A501_0.000.00_4.510.01_COM_GEN1H which is 3.2.1 full Acer Update. (never used it). Just need to pull the update.zip out of it.
The only other 3.2.1 I have is the TMPL.
Also Acer_A501_4.027.15_COM_GEN1.zip (3.2) Used as base for Alex Rom
Let me know if you need them, and I'll upload them.
MD

faxedhead said:
Well I got my hands on a brand-new A501 from Acer, just unboxed. So I will now try to find out how to extract an image of the ROM before doing anything else. Any tips appreciated!
EDIT: Before anyone posts a http://lmgtfy.com/ link, I found it should be just a matter of using DD from the android sdk.
EDIT #2: Hmm looks like I need root access to use DD, can someone point me in the right direction for dumping a full image without having to root the tablet first? The tablet is currently running Android 3.2.1, kernel 2.6.36.3+ and build Acer_A501_4.066.31_COM_GEN1. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting the 3.2 is going to be a pain, and you will lose the current image. If I remember correctly, you have to "roll back" to an unstable 3.0.1 and use Iconiaroot.apk. Not what you want in this case,
The other option, was to use Timmy Deans 3.2 root kit, but then again, it installs a 3.2 EUU for an a500 on your tab. Again, not what you want.
You could try the newer "gingerbreak", although I myself would not go this way, only because I don't trust methods that aren't approved by us devs. But would use only as a last chance.
EDIT: Important note. Whatever you try, Get the current UID number before you do it. It's the only safeguard if things go bad. You can run USBDview (search the forums) to get it, or they have several other tools to get it.
MD

Moscow Desire said:
Rooting the 3.2 is going to be a pain, and you will lose the current image. If I remember correctly, you have to "roll back" to an unstable 3.0.1 and use Iconiaroot.apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, would you believe I did that process on *13* different A501's last weekend in order to flash your Alexandra III rom, so I know that process well, and yep not an option anyway.
Moscow Desire said:
You could try the newer "gingerbreak", although I myself would not go this way, only because I don't trust methods that aren't approved by us devs. But would use only as a last chance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree this is a last chance since it would mean I'd need to reverse the changes done by that app to remove su and and superuser apk after dumping the image.
Moscow Desire said:
EDIT: Important note. Whatever you try, Get the current UID number before you do it. It's the only safeguard if things go bad. You can run USBDview (search the forums) to get it, or they have several other tools to get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I got the UID number.

Moscow Desire said:
Also Acer_A501_4.027.15_COM_GEN1.zip (3.2) Used as base for Alex Rom
Let me know if you need them, and I'll upload them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Acer_A501_0.000.00_4.510.01_COM_GEN1H confuses me a little since my 3.2.1 is on build Acer_A501_4.066.31_COM_GEN1, so the build number seems a bit weird. And so since it seems you need to root before you can dump :silly: that would be awesome if you could upload your 3.2 Acer_A501_4.027.15_COM_GEN1 ROM, then I'll just update it to 3.2.1 via OTA!

faxedhead said:
Acer_A501_0.000.00_4.510.01_COM_GEN1H confuses me a little since my 3.2.1 is on build Acer_A501_4.066.31_COM_GEN1, so the build number seems a bit weird. And so since it seems you need to root before you can dump :silly: that would be awesome if you could upload your 3.2 Acer_A501_4.027.15_COM_GEN1 ROM, then I'll just update it to 3.2.1 via OTA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. Will try to upload it tonight. If not, tomorrow. Be careful though. Dang thing just might want to OTA to ICS!
Sometimes, they name the update files strange.
It's uploaded;
http://d-h.st/zHb
MD

Thank you
Hi,
I just happened to read this thread and already downloaded your official ROM. I am also using your 3.2.1 Alexandra III v1.1 and planning to revert it back to the official firmware. At first, I try flashing the SD_Acer_A501_1.309.02_COM_GEN1 ROM and succeeded. However, when I try to update, I always get the "your device is up to date" message. But now, I am planning to flash my A501 with your ROM and hopefully will be able to update my A501 normally. I want to say thank you for uploading this ROM.

I flashed the ROM MD uploaded, worked fine, thanks MD. However I also get 'Your device is up to date' when running 'System Update'. Currently the tablet is running Android 3.2, but 3.2.1 is definitely available, as that is what I have running on my other A501 I just recently unboxed. I'm guessing this is because http://cdn.acer.futuredial.com is offline, hence no acer tablet can be updated right now!?! I also tried vache's OTA Check tool but it also says no update available. I guess that's for the same reason.
For me, my problem is solved since I can live with 3.2 for now, however if anyone wants 3.2.1 stock ROM for A501, I happy to have a go at gingerbreak-ing my 3.2.1 stock tablet in order to dump an image.

Well, it seems http://cdn.acer.futuredial.com is back ONLINE :laugh: So many of those links on vache's post are working again. I'm interested if anyone has a way to construct the file name need for a particular package/update, e.g. what would be the file name for the full package for Acer_A501_4.066.31_COM_GEN1. It seems each file name a post-fix with some numbers and hash (e.g. http://cdn.a1.futuredial.com/Acer_A501_0.000.00_4.037.01_EMEA_TMPL_1316069683762_98ed1d97.zip). Has anyone tried to work out how that post-fix is generated? This would allow us to get any package easily...

Moscow Desire said:
The only other 3.2.1 I have is the TMPL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, could you please upload that 3.2.1 tmpl ROM? I've reverted recently to 3.2 TMPL and it does not want to update. I heard that there is already TMPL ics OTA available.

[Q]-Coming up to ICS or JB from HC3.1

Hi folks. new Iconia 500 owner here. Mine is rooted and is currently on HC3.1 I'm going to guess it's the HC bootloader. Is there a way to check? If it is the HC bootloader, is this thread the best one to follow coming up to an ICS bootloader for use with ICS and JB ROMS? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425 I saw the dual bootloader thread from Skril but wondered if that might be a little too much for somebody just wanting to run a normal ICS or JB setup.

I guess your good to go on jellybean if you update your bootloader , remember put the rom and gapps on PRIOR to updating the bootloader , you can check your bootloader by using acer recovery installer on the home screen it'll say bootloader version or something , then after that it'll either say 3.11 or 3.12 , those are honeycomb bootloaders , the ics bootloaders say 3.14 multi or something of that sort, goodluck
Sent from my A501 using xda app-developers app

The thread you linked to just explains how to get the hacked bootloader working on your tab... There's only one. A word of warning though: If you're on Linux, only the manual process works and it can be a bit fiddly... It seems that it doesn't work at all on some newer kernels and the script given in the thread is outdated. On windows, just use Blackthund3r's tool as suggested in civato's howto.

Thanks folks. Waiting on a 16gig SD card to come in before trying it. Looking forward to really using this tab since it's got that great HDMI out.

By the way when i said put gapps and rom prior to bootloader i mean save them to your sd card , don't flash it before the bootloader or else you'll need to reinstall a hc rom
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app

It is not necessery upgrading the boot loader to run an ICS or JB ROM!!!
The HC 3.0.1 boot loader is open, so it allows you to install what ever ROM you want.
And you can return every time you wish to your original HC ROM (backup) without the necessity of downgraiding again
m.