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OUTDATED[Guide] Setting up/using adb/fastboot-unlock, flash custom recovery & root

OUTDATED[Guide] Setting up/using adb/fastboot-unlock, flash custom recovery & root
Below is a great guide to rooting, from several sources, (mostly taken from pingvinen's "An Idiot's Guide to Flashing the Xoom" and a guide by publicanimal. and I hope it helps. You can find the links to all of the files referenced below in the Xoom Heaven thread (thanks StrifeSoldierVII!)[/I]
(New thread in General Section by Jack207407 will have all the updated links for flashing
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1443110
One Stop For ROM's, MOD's, and Root Wifi-Only and 3G/4G Models)
"What you need to do can be encompassed in these following short steps (will be detailed later on) in the following order. Each step is required before you can proceed to the next one. However, make sure that you are very very careful and don't try to take any shortcuts. That may soft-brick your device, and you may have a difficult time to explain that to your wife ... You have been warned.
HERE'S THE USUAL DISCLAIMER--I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY HARM THAT MAY COME TO YOUR DEVICE IF YOU FOLLOW ANY PART OF THIS GUIDE--ANY RISK IS ON THE USER!
I strongly recommend you to read the entire guide before trying. In fact, read it twice to ensure that you have understood everything. If there is weird stuff that you don't understand, don't hesitate to ask. The reason for me writing this down is that I like to document what I have learned. This is to me an excellent way to ensure that I will remember what I just did. Another reason was that I could not find a single thread that encompassed all steps required. There are many different threads, but no one (that I could find) that really guides you from start to goal. So enjoy and good luck!
I would like to thank LandMaster and cam30era for helping out with advice during my initial trail-and-error session. I soft-bricked my device once and had big problems to get by point 4.3 (avoid overwriting of CWM), but with their encouragement I finally succeeded.
Just a note before we begin: the different Xoom. Models that are able to use this guide are the following:
MZ600 - stingray_cdma - Motorola US 3g Xoom (technically this device is stingray as well, but I will be using stingray_cdma as the two devices have incompatible software)
MZ601 - utms_everest - Motorola EU 3g Xoom
MZ602 - stingray - Motorola US 4g Xoom
MZ604 - wingray - Motorola Wifi Xoom
(thanks solarnz!)
___________
Overview of the 6 required steps
1. Install Motorola USB drivers for your computers (for USB connectivity) 2. Install Java SDK and Android SDK tools (for adb and fastboot commands) 3. Unlock the device for flashing (allowing replacement of recovery and boot images) 4. Install a modified recovery image (ClockWorkMod recovery for Android) 5. Root the device (Allow r/w access to the device filesystem) 6. Flash a kernel that supports overclocking etc.
Steps 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 require that you download install, image and zip files needed for the flashing.
All this was performed on a Windows PC. Windows 7, Mac and Linux users will probably have to do some steps differently.
1.0 Install the latest Motorola USB drivers
The installation file can be found at: http://developer.motorola.com/docstools/USB_Drivers/
1.1 Install the drivers and ensure that your Xoom is recognized by the computer
2.0 Installation of development software
Android SDK and Java SDK need to be installed. You can find the installation kits here.
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html In case you can't find fastboot.exe, look for it here (thanks to jerrycycle): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=19546334&postcount=5
Update: you could also just install the adb fastboot pack here:http://www.android.net/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=67
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
2.1 Install them as any other software, making an Android SDK folder on C/.
2.2 Make sure that all the files you need are in the Platform Tools folder (fastboot, recovery image file and so on). Copy any files in the Tools folder to the Platform Tools folder if necessary. Note: If the Android SDK complains that the Java Dev Kit can't be found, just press Back and then Next again. Wierd, but that seems to do the trick ... go figure.
(Warning: Never put any zip files in your Platform Tools folder. Flashing zip files through fastboot will cause very serious problems. Zip files must be flashed from the external micro SD card through CWM recovery on the Xoom...we'll get to that later.)
2.3 Test that ADB and FASTBOOT works. You should open a command window by right clicking in your Platform Tools folder where all of your files are, plug in your Xoom to your computer with your Motorola cable (it may not work with a generic cable) and write 'adb devices'. Your Xoom should now be listed. Did your device not show up? Make sure that you have USB debugging enabled in Settings/Applications/Development on your Xoom.
Optional: Those that want to be able to access adb from any where on their computer, here's a tip from scsa20: "For windows, if you go into System Properties and choose Advanced, then Environment Variables..., you'll be able to edit the Path variable under System variables, just add the path to where adb and fastboot is located (separated with a semi-colon ().
Here's what my Path variable looks like:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live;C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live;C:\Program Files (x86)\NVIDIA Corporation\PhysX\Common;%SystemRoot%\system32;%Sy stemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem;%SYSTEMROOT%\ System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\;C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Shared;c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\;c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\;c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\DTS\Binn\;C:\android-sdk-windows\tools;C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools;C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Acronis\SnapAPI\
It's long but do you see the android stuff there at the end?"
Update: xda poster Mandelbrot Benoit suggests an alternate adb setup, here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18072572&postcount=50
If your windows computer doesn't see your Xoom, consider this (Originally Posted by AngryBulleteyeTruth):
When the xoom does not show up on PC it may be the problem of.... windows media player!
Xoom uses drivers of WMP to communicate with PC. If someone does not have the newest WMP drivers it will not show up and you can see xoom device in the devices tab on PC having an exclamation mark.
So the solution is to download and install Windows Media Player 11. It has worked for me.
--------
OK. Now that you are set up, it's Showtime! Take a deep breath...
3. Unlocking the device for flashing
This step will effectively erase the internal storage, including all your apps and settings. Use whatever backup you want to secure important data before you start. (It will also void your warranty, so you still have time to go back.)
3.1 Power up and start the Xoom.
3.2 Ensure that your device is fully recognized by the computer. A good sign is that the 'Portable device' dialog is activated on Windows when your Xoom has booted. The Xoom should also be seen in 'Computer'. If not, go back to step 2 and double check your USB drivers.
3.3 Use the command 'adb reboot bootloader' to go into Flash mode.
3.4 Use the command 'fastboot oem unlock'. This will trigger a dialog on your Xoom. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the unlocking. I repeat, this *will* do a factory reset and all data will be lost!
3.5 Once unlocked, the Xoom will restart and work as normal. Don't bother to do any setup at this time, just make sure that USB debbuging is checked in settings, and now go on to step 4
4. Install recovery image (CWM) UPDATED 4/19/12
If you haven't done it already, download the recovery image file and save it to your computer in the Platform Tools folder.
(Download the recovery image from this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1604014 only the img file flashed through fastboot Remember, never try to flash a zip file through fastboot!)
Important: At this time, make sure you have a good (known to be working) microsd card in your sdcard slot in your Xoom. Reboot the Xoom with the sdcard in the slot to make sure it's mounted.
4.1 Boot into flash mode with 'adb reboot bootloader.'
4.2 Install your downloaded recovery image: 'fastboot flash recovery eos-recovery-r6.img' or whatever is the exact name of the recovery img file you are flashing.
4.3 Enter CWM recovery with the procedure below.
4.4 Restart the device with 'fastboot reboot'. Timing is essential here, so be alert when the device restarts, or you will have to redo section 4.
4.5 Once the Motorola logotype is shown, start counting to 3. At 3, press the Volume Down button. This should result in the text 'Android Recovery' in the top left corner. If it does not work (if you see Starting Fastboot Protocol), experiment with the timing (see below).
4.6 When 'Android Recovery' is shown press the Volume Up button. This should invoke the CWM recovery menu. If that works, then congratulations for getting this far!
Here is a potential pitfall. If you are unable to enter CWM *before* the device boots into Honeycomb, then the newly installed recovery image will be overwritten by the system default recovery. Just repeat steps 4.1 through 4.6 if that happens.
UPDATE(12/28/11) Since putting this guide together, Motorola has issued a number of Over-the-Air (OTA) updates that have complicated the process of flashing the Clockawork Mod recovery, so if you have accepted any OTA updates, please read the following, which describes each step (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26009191#post26008083) (Thanks to Landorin.)
(If you have root and want to remove these files, remove or rename /system/etc/install-recovery.sh with something like root explorer. You can then flash your custom recovery through fastboot again.)
For those of you that get stuck with some error like 'device not recognized' poster Madjinj gives the following advice:
1) Be sure that you have your adb folder in the root of C drive directly and be sure that you are in adb folder in command prompt program (CMD in Windows machines) i.e by typing "cd c:\XXX" where XXX is the name of adb folder in your machine.
2) Be sure that you type "adb reboot bootloader" in comand prompt to activate adb program. if the problem persists, try typing "fastboot reboot" then after reboot type "adb reboot bootloader" in command prompt program.
3) Use the USB cable that came with your Xoom (some cables are not good in flashing for unknown reason..!!
4) make sure that you activate USB debugging mode.
5.0. Rooting the Xoom
The Universal Xoom Root zip file from solarnz is located here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1242241
5.1 You need to transfer the Universal Xoom Root zip file to a working external micro SD card. You can do this on a computer or cell phone, but the Universal Xoom Root zip file must be located in the root directory of the micro SD card.
5.2 Insert the now prepared SD card in the Xoom.
5.3 Boot into recovery (as described in 4.3). Navigate using the volume buttons and press the power button to select the active option.
5.4 Select 'Install ZIP from sd card.'
5.5 Select 'Choose ZIP.'
5.6 Navigate to the ROOT zip file with the Volume buttons and select it with the Power button. Confirm that you want to install it.
5.7 Everything should indicate success, so back out to the main CWM menu and reboot the device.
5.8 From Android Market, install any app requiring root and start it. If the rooting was successful, then the app should request superuser permission and you should be able to grant it without any problems.
6. Flashing a new rom or kernel...(e.g. Tiamat Moray Rom and/or Odachi Kernel). Look in the Xoom Heaven thread or in the Development section of this form for all of these files.
6.1 This step is identical to 5, but swap out the ROOT zip for the ROM or KERNEL zip. For simplicity, you may want to prepare the micro SD card with both zip files at the same time in step 5.1..."
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This is still one of the best explanations of how to use adb and fastboot to unlock and root the Xoom and install a custom recovery, etc, and doesn't deserve to buries on back pages of this forum. Hopefully, the step-by-step nature of this guide will help those of you that have limited experience with this kind of tinkering.
Oh, and please feel free to correct any errors or omissions. As I said, it came from several sources and needed to somewhat updated.

Thank you, just bought my xoom yesterday and was confused on the steps to take!
This has made it as clear as possible for me and will follow your instructions to the letter tonight.
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium

fastyan said:
Thank you, just bought my xoom yesterday and was confused on the steps to take!
This has made it as clear as possible for me and will follow your instructions to the letter tonight.
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck! Let us know how you make out and if anything needs to be clarified.

think im doing something wrong as unlocked fine but when i go to install the recovery file it keeps coming up cannot load? any ideas where im going wrong?
been at it 3 hours now lol and losing the will to live im sure its gona be something simples

fastyan said:
think im doing something wrong as unlocked fine but when i go to install the recovery file it keeps coming up cannot load? any ideas where im going wrong?
been at it 3 hours now lol and losing the will to live im sure its gona be something simples
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check to make sure that your file download is good, and that you are typing it's name correctly. Better yet, you could rename the file "recovery.img" and that will make it very easy to get it right.

On the sd card?I thought we had to put it into sdk platform tools? I have put it and renamed it onto my sd card but what is the command to flash recovery from sd card?
Also noticed once I have done "adb reboot bootloader" my computer doesn't see the XOOM properly, is in can't see it in my computer but does make a noise when I connect and disconnect is this correct? Debugging is on.
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium

fastyan said:
On the sd card?I thought we had to put it into sdk platform tools? I have put it and renamed it onto my sd card but what is the command to flash recovery from sd card?
Also noticed once I have done "adb reboot bootloader" my computer doesn't see the XOOM properly, is in can't see it in my computer but does make a noise when I connect and disconnect is this correct? Debugging is on.
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you're in the bootloader, you won't be able to access the SD Card or anything of that sort and adb won't work, in stead, when you're in the bootloader, you're switching over to fastboot. I'm sure if you type in fastboot devices you'll see your xoom listed.

Thank you for the reply and that's one thing sorted but any idea why its telling me "cannot load recovery"? I have tried renaming it and downloaded the recovery file 4 times incase that was wrong but still no joy :-(
I have done this all before on my phone and never had a problem so I must be missing something but f$*@ed if I know what?
Thanks again for your help though.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium

Just had a thought. Could it be that the XOOM hasn't actually unlocked, would that cause it to not load? Is there any way to check if its unlocked successfully? Although I did try it twice before?
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium

Once you got it in the bootloader, you gotta make sure you do fastboot oem unlock, press volume down then up, press volume down again then up again, and let it format and reboot.
If it's already unlocked, you'd get a message telling you so (generally).
Then when you go to flash the recovery, make sure that the recovery image is in the folder where fastboot is and type in fastboot flash recovery recovery.img (if I remember the syntax that is, I'm at work and don't feel like scrolling up or going into the root guide to confirm xD ).

fastyan said:
On the sd card?I thought we had to put it into sdk platform tools? I have put it and renamed it onto my sd card but what is the command to flash recovery from sd card?
Also noticed once I have done "adb reboot bootloader" my computer doesn't see the XOOM properly, is in can't see it in my computer but does make a noise when I connect and disconnect is this correct? Debugging is on.
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium[/QUOTE
No, sorry, I was trying to respond. when I was tired and distracted.I totally miswrote. Of course the cwm recovery img goes in the platform tools...thank goodness you guys are out there to catch mistakes!
So, I don't know if you had any progress, but not successfully unlocking would surely stop you in your tracks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

okantomi said:
No, sorry, I was trying to respond. when I was tired and distracted.I totally miswrote.Oof course the cwm recovery img.. goes in the platform tools...thank goodness you guys are out there to catch mistakes!
So, I don't know if you had any progress, but not successfully unlocking would surely stop you in your tracks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the way I have my system setup, I can run adb and fastboot wherever I am

No, sorry, I was trying to respond. when I was tired and distracted.I totally miswrote. Of course the cwm recovery img goes in the platform tools...thank goodness you guys are out there to catch mistakes!
So, I don't know if you had any progress, but not successfully unlocking would surely stop you in your tracks.
No progress yet as im at work but when I get home I will start the process from scratch again and see how I get on and will keep you posted.

scsa20 said:
With the way I have my system setup, I can run adb and fastboot wherever I am
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Care to share???
That would be helpful to many, I'm sure. We could add it to the guide, along with anything else you can think of.

fastyan said:
No, sorry, I was trying to respond. when I was tired and distracted.I totally miswrote. Of course the cwm recovery img goes in the platform tools...thank goodness you guys are out there to catch mistakes!
So, I don't know if you had any progress, but not successfully unlocking would surely stop you in your tracks.
No progress yet as im at work but when I get home I will start the process from scratch again and see how I get on and will keep you posted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If, as you follow this guide, you find any explanations that are not clear or if you think of a step to take or something else that might improve the guide, please post it and we can add it in. It's been almost 6 months since I've unlocked and at least a couple of months since I've had to use adb, so I'm sure I've forgotten some things. Those of you whose experience is fresh can give really good advice. That's how this guide was originally written, by pingvinen, right after he had gone through a grueling rooting process.

okantomi said:
Care to share???
That would be helpful to many, I'm sure. We could add it to the guide, along with anything else you can think of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For windows, if you go into System Properties and choose Advanced, then Environment Variables..., you'll be able to edit the Path variable under System variables, just add the path to where adb and fastboot is located (separated with a semi-colon (;)).
Here's what my Path variable looks like:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live;C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live;C:\Program Files (x86)\NVIDIA Corporation\PhysX\Common;%SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem;%SYSTEMROOT%\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\;C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Shared;c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\;c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\;c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\DTS\Binn\;C:\android-sdk-windows\tools;C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools;C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Acronis\SnapAPI\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's long but hey, see where the android stuff is near the end?

@Okantomi:
We all have learned some things from trial & error (eg.the sk cannot detect java dev kit)
i could only flash recovery after renaming it to recovery(do not forget to add.img in cmd while flashing).also the official motorola name recovery as same.
after downloading sdk and updating to platform tools i have kept a zip in safe location so that i do not need to download again platform tools if i install sdk fresh
initially knowledge was scattered now it is at one place.
right now testing steady hawkin's kernel and new recovery
btw good signature pic.

Ok so another night has gone and still can't get recovery on!! Tried re unlocking the XOOM and every time it comes up with "cannot load recovery.img" I tried installing everything on my laptop and went right from the start and getting exactly the same thing!
Starting to think im never gonna get this sorted now :-( just feels like the XOOM isn't unlocking? Every time I go through the unlocking process it never states that its already unlocked? Is there any way I can check that it is unlocked?
Please help im losing the will to live now lol
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium

I would say to send it to me and I can take a wack at it but I don't think you want to wait that long to simply root it.
Let me ask you, are you getting any sort of error messages when you do fastboot flash recovery recovery.img? If so, what's that error message?

scsa20 said:
I would say to send it to me and I can take a wack at it but I don't think you want to wait that long to simply root it.
Let me ask you, are you getting any sort of error messages when you do fastboot flash recovery recovery.img? If so, what's that error message?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not getting any error message it just says "cannot load recovery.img"
I have tried with and without the .img and always the same?
Tried going through the whole process again on my laptop incase I had missed something but exactly the same.
When I unlock it I follow the onscreen instructions and at the end it says its complete before it reboots. Then I turn on usb debugging again and reboot bootloader all ok but won't let me load the new recovery?
Normally I would just say it wasn't meant to be and leave as it is but I wont be beaten on this so I'm purposely not installing anything on it till its done. Any ideas apart from bringing it round yours lol ;-)
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium

Wolf's ultimate flash and downgrade guide (NO ROOT NEEDED) (root opportunity for .21)

WARNING
This method will not work on any JB rom available, apparently google has patched the exploit.​
Note that downgrading method for unrooted devices is highly experimental and may turn your device into worthless brick. Read this WHOLE thread carefully before you start doing anything with your Transformer.
MOD EDIT: It is reported that this method doesn't work with the new Jelly Bean firmwares on the TF201 and the TF300T,
Sorry, but I will not be able to support you between 3rd and 15th of May because I have to pass my final exams.
However feel free to post your questions in this topic I am sure that somebody will be able to help you.​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Description​Method 1 - Rooted Devices
This method allows you to flash any update released by ASUS without need for custom recovery.
ROOT is required to unlock mmcblk0p4 write access for dd.
Method 2 - UnRooted Devices
This method allows you to flash any update released by ASUS, no mater for SKU etc.
It uses file linking trick to unlock mmcblk0p4 write access even when su is not present.
Method 3 - UnRooted Devices - Recommended
This method allows you to directly flash the recovery even on unrooted device. This may be used next to root your TF by prepared su package.
It uses file linking trick to unlock mmcblk0p4 write access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disclaimer​
Despite both methods have been confirmed (by myself) to work, the whole process of flashing mmcblk0p4 with dd brings high risk of bricking device by for example file system corruption.
I do not take any responsibility for damaged or bricked devices. Before flashing you have to assume the risk and chances of geting bricked.
Under no circumstances should you brake cmd during blob file is flashed by dd. If that happens do not reboot. PM me and go on IRC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Requirements​
BLOB file (look at links box at the bottom for few)
ADB enabled
Root acces (only method 1)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Notes​Sorry for the mistakes, but English is not my native language PM me if you find any so I will be able to correct them.
Before posting a question look into FAQ maybe it have been already answered.
Guide is inspired by Turge who wrote similar article for TFP (link here). However whole 2nd method was invented and described by me.
Thanks go to:
Code:
[CENTER]
AndroidRoot.mobi - for RazorClaw
ViperBoy - for viperMOD rooting tool
jcase - for NachoRoot
sparkym3 - for his ICS rooting methods
Roach2010 - for all his work
sbiriguda - who inspired me to dig around symlinking
[/CENTER]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instructions - Method 1 - Rooted​1. Upload the BLOB file to internal storage of your tab. (mounted as /sdcard)
2. Connect tablet to the computer and start ADB session.
3. When you will be in adb shell execute following comands:
Code:
su
dd if=/sdcard/blob of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p4
4. The command prompt will be empty as wnen nothing happen, do not panic wait until the end of the process. DO NOT INTERRUPT (it will take apx.3-10 min)
5. When you see the following message:
Code:
1066806+1 records in
1066806+1 records out
546204969 bytes transferred in 250.309 secs (2182122 bytes/sec)
(the numbers in resulted message may be diffrent but it has to have the same structure)
You can safety reboot the device by exiting shell and executing :
Code:
adb reboot
6. Once rebooted you will see ASUS EeePAD flashing progress bar. Be patient and wait till the end.
7. Tablet will reboot itself and start loading new system. (as it is first boot it may take few minutes)
8. Be happy from your new firmware.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL STEP
In some cases flashing previous firmware leaves data partition intact.
I suggest to clean it by booting with [vol down] and [power] pressed (you will see the info about the rom). Than wait until the screen with android and wipe data appear. Select wipe by switching with [vol down] and accepting with [vol up] pressed two times. It mostly happen when downgrading to HC from ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instructions - Method 2 - UnRooted​1. Upload the BLOB file to internal storage of your tab. (mounted as /sdcard)
2. Connect tablet to the computer and start ADB shell session.
3. When you will be in adb shell execute following commands:
Code:
mv /data/local/tmp /data/local/tmp.bak
ln -s /dev/block/mmcblk0p4 /data/local/tmp
exit
4. Now reboot your tab through:
Code:
adb reboot
5. Once you see ASUS loading screen you should be able to start ADB shell session again (if not just wait), than (in shell) execute:
Code:
dd if=/sdcard/blob of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p4
6. The command prompt will be empty as wnen nothing happen, do not panic wait until the end of the process. DO NOT INTERRUPT (it will take apx.3-10 min)
7. When you see the following message:
Code:
1066806+1 records in
1066806+1 records out
546204969 bytes transferred in 250.309 secs (2182122 bytes/sec)
(the numbers in resulted message may be diffrent but it has to have the same structure)
You can safety reboot the device by exiting shell and executing :
Code:
adb reboot
8. Once rebooted you will see ASUS EeePAD flashing progress bar. Be patient and wait till the end.
9. Tablet will reboot itself and start loading new system. (as it is first boot it may take few minutes)
10. Be happy from your new firmware.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL STEP
In some cases flashing previous firmware leaves data partition intact.
I suggest to clean it by booting with [vol down] and [power] pressed (you will see the info about the rom). Than wait until the screen with android and wipe data appear. Select wipe by switching with [vol down] and accepting with [vol up] pressed two times. It mostly happen when downgrading to HC from ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instructions - Method 3 - UnRooted
This will definitely not work with Transformer Prime continue only if you are owner of TF101 of TF101G​
1. Upload the RECOVERYBLOB file to internal storage of your tab. (mounted as /sdcard)
2. Connect tablet to the computer and start ADB shell session.
3. When you will be in adb shell execute following commands:
Code:
mv /data/local/tmp /data/local/tmp.bak
ln -s /dev/block/mmcblk0p4 /data/local/tmp
exit
4. Now reboot your tab through:
Code:
adb reboot
5. Once you see ASUS loading screen you should be able to start ADB shell session again (if not just wait), than (in shell) execute (some times it gets longer, but do not panic it is normal):
Code:
dd if=/sdcard/recoveryblob of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p4
6. The command prompt will be empty as when nothing happen, do not panic wait until the end of the process. DO NOT INTERRUPT (it will take apx.3-10 min)
7. When you see the following message:
Code:
8860+1 records in
8860+1 records out
4536396 bytes transferred in 1.718 secs (2640509 bytes/sec)
(the numbers in resulted message may be different but it has to have the same structure)
You can safety reboot the device by exiting shell and executing :
Code:
adb reboot
8. Once rebooted you will see ASUS EeePAD flashing progress bar. Be patient and wait till the end.
9. Tablet will reboot itself and start loading new system. (as it is first boot it may take few minutes)
10. Be happy from your new recovery.
ADDITIONAL - ROOTING
11. Download this SU + Superuser.apk package and place it on internal memory or microsd
12. Boot to recovery. (turn off your TF and than boot with [vol down]+[power] pressed, once you see the letters identifying the system press [vol up]
13. Now you should be in custom recovery. Select 'Install from zip file' and then select the file on desired location internal or external.
14. Once flashing is done go back and select 'Reboot system'
15. Now you got freshly rooted Transformer. ENJOY
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BLOBs​
BLOB file can be extracted from any update file. It is contained inside XX_epad-user-x.x.x.x.zip achive. Where XX (e.g WW or TW) refers to SKU of firmware and x.x.x.x to its version (e.g 9.2.2.3)
Or you can pick up a few here
Now they are ziped to reduce the sizes (MD5 value shows the control sum of each blob not zip) (sorry for hostings but I don't have space on dropbox any more, you may register to increase) (if you know faster mirror PM me)
NEW MIRROR SITE WITH ALMOST ALL FIRMWARES HERE
TF101/G BLOBs (Transformer)
Honeycomb
WW 8.6.6.19 - MD5: D63D60F6C71F5B614B338244D3788735 - or mirrors (1 2)
WW 8.6.6.23 - MD5: 1227F19BC4415661CACB05A483504953 - or mirrors (1 2)
Ice Cream Sandwich
US 9.2.1.11 - MD5: 4F6069430B20C35C8833F50DFA0FE0FD - or mirrors (1 2)
WW 9.2.1.17 - MD5: 5C78C28C31888943AB67CCE4B4448319
US 9.2.1.17 - MD5: 380CA6399374FF5F84154509365A83F7 - or mirrors (1 2)
TW 9.2.1.17 - MD5: CA52E4AD670DFFA29DC1CBA04A0A4164 - or mirrors (1 2)
WW 9.2.2.3 - MD5: 5D5A44069346C4D7D2740E4100520692 - or mirrors (1 2)
TW 9.2.2.3 - MD5: pending
TF201 BLOBs (Transformer Prime)
Honeycomb
WW 8.8.3.33 - MD5: 5136E579FAEDDFE15F6AAE623B6CB67D - (or mirrors 1 2)
Ice Cream Sandwich
WW 9.4.2.11 - MD5: B2668A3387924B19A91F74ABF5DBE4E8 - (mirror)
US 9.4.2.14 - MD5: EF2E635BD6921BFA9D01FC0E4DD0644B - (mirror)
WW 9.4.2.15 - MD5: 55122257B30E9376DF463F3C1A8BA702 - (or mirror 1 )
WW 9.4.2.21 - MD5: 1129DC2643BD0F5DC6C07B9A1B619548 - (or mirror 1 )
RECOVERYBLOBs (only for TF101)
Rburrow's Rogue XM Recovery (mirror) - MD5: 6EE759A84ED02F0D95A029EC245CFDC5 - thread​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope it will help
Results​Confirmed to work on both TF101/G (ASUS Transformer) and TF201 (ASUS Transformer Prime)
However keep in mind that TFP have to be locked in order to use second method otherwise you may brick your device.
It probably can be used with slider as well
I also confirmed that it is possible to root any official OTA (on TF101/G) by flashing recoveryblob containing custom recovery and than update.zip with su and superuser app.
Proven that Method 2 also work with 9.2.1.21 update to downgrade the software and reroot device. - thanks alvin612.
Method 2 may also work on locked Transformer Prime however be careful and read warning and disclaimer in this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click 'Thanks' if I helped you

Let me just say this: you are a freaking genius. I didn't even think of symlinking /dev/block/mmcblk0p4 to /data/local/tmp so it would change ownership and permissions on reboot. This is f*ing brilliant!
Moreover, if you have a blob for CWM you can also use the second method to install it on an unrooted device and then root it using the customary update.zip with su and superuser.apk (yes, even on 9.2.2.3 TF101Gs).
Again, great job!

A big **sigh**, finally a solution for non-root users/ non-NVflash-ables to get back. I am rooted and will always be as long as the expliot is there but this should help many, many non-rooted people that are frustrated with ICS.
Many thanks.

Worth more than just using the thankometer - thanks for this.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA

absolute genius!!!!! Thanks

Just GENIUS
you are genius bro thank u so much for this guide. I'll try it tomorrow bcuz it's late " 1:00 am " and report back later.
Thanks again
Edit: I couldn't wait until tomorrow so i said let's try it but something happened and now my tab is bricked ( Stuck on EEE Pad screen )

hearts king101 said:
you are genius bro thank u so much for this guide. I'll try it tomorrow bcuz it's late " 1:00 am " and report back later.
Thanks again
Edit: I couldn't wait until tomorrow so i said let's try it but something happened and now my tab is bricked ( Stuck on EEE Pad screen )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, easy come on #asus-transformer at webchat.freenode.net will try to manage something.

OMG you saved my transformer!!!
Long story short, my tablet, as of 20mins ago, was in such an awkward status:
- has su and superuser.apk in /system/xbin
- all root checker apps say I'm NOT rooted
- on stock recovery but stock images put on external SD card won't get recognized
- whenever an app requests root, it got automatically denied by SuperUser.
and I saw this post....I'm back on 9.2.17 stock now!!
Thanks a million! ln -s...genius!!

Nice exploit! I knew there was a way!

alvin612 said:
Long story short, my tablet, as of 20mins ago, was in such an awkward status:
- has su and superuser.apk in /system/xbin
- all root checker apps say I'm NOT rooted
- on stock recovery but stock images put on external SD card won't get recognized
- whenever an app requests root, it got automatically denied by SuperUser.
and I saw this post....I'm back on 9.2.17 stock now!!
Thanks a million! ln -s...genius!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you start off with 9.2.1.21? Or just fixing your botched 9.2.1.17?

kevchaps said:
Did you start off with 9.2.1.21? Or just fixing your botched 9.2.1.17?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
9.2.1.21.
I messed up the rooting and recovery after ota from .17 to .21
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium HD app

You are genius wolf
It worked . Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
THANK YOU SO MUCH WOLF​
FYI: I copied 3 files named ( EP101_SDUPDATE, EP101-SDUPDATE, EP101SDUPDATE ) so i don't know which one worked bcuz i tried the 1st name yesterday but didn't work .

alvin612 said:
9.2.1.21.
I messed up the rooting and recovery after ota from .17 to .21
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great that it worked for you.
When I get a new data cable, i think I will be headed back to honeycomb.

Sorry for asking! but Is 'rooted method 1' give any benefit over using CWM to flash stock ROM?

warlord234 said:
Sorry for asking! but Is 'rooted method 1' give any benefit over using CWM to flash stock ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, I described it to show the differences between rooted and unrooted methods

Sorry for asking. If I use this method on my tf101 to roll back to HC will it solve reboot and SoD problems?

Im trying method 2 and it wont let me adb shell after reboot.

Rodriger said:
Sorry for asking. If I use this method on my tf101 to roll back to HC will it solve reboot and SoD problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should, that depends whether you had such issues on HC. If you did not than by downgrading you should get rid of them.
steven178s said:
Im trying method 2 and it wont let me adb shell after reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After 1st reboot? Maybe give it a try after full bootup.

wolf849 said:
It should, that depends whether you had such issues on HC. If you did not than by downgrading you should get rid of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should I try it if flashing stock HC by CWM didn't helped solve reboots and SoDs?

Thank you very much, i'm back on 8.6.6.23 from 9.2.2.23. The only thing i had, after the flashing Android want not boot. I made a wipe and everything is ok.
Thank you again.

[Q] Issue with Acer Iconia A500 Flashing Bootloader and Entering Recovery

Alright I did find a forum where this should be posted but due to restrictions I said I would post it here the forum was http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
I have searched through all that forum and tested every method to try and get my issue resolved.
DEVICE INFO:
Device : Acer Iconia A500
Android version : 4.0.3
Kernal: 2.6..39.4+
Image Version: Acer _AV041_A500_RV03RC01_WW_GEN1
Build Number: Acer_AV041_A500_1.031.00_WW_GEN1
Image P/N: FM.S14A0.00U
Bootloader Version 0.03.12-ICS
Tablet is also Rooted
The issue is that when I attempt to enter recovery it says
" Erasing Cache beofre SD Update...
SD Update cmd: recovery
--update_package=SDCARD: Update.zip
Booting recovery kernal image
Recovery verified failed ... "
I have tried putting an update.zip file on both the internal and external SD card but issue still happens.
The next issue is that when I try flash the bootloader using the information in the above forum It just continously hangs and looking at the cmd output it has an error
Flashing bootloader: ics_boot_unlk_V4.bin ...
Nvflash started
[resume mode]
Formatting partition 4 please wait.. Command Execution failed cmd 13, error 0x12
0002
FAILED!
command failure: format partition failed (bad command)
bootloader status: unknown operation (code: 1) message: flags: 0
Nvflash started
[resume mode]
I have attempted to remove the batch script that formats the partitions but that still doesnt work.
I have attempted the bootloader flash both manually using the CMD and the automatically using the A500APXFlashing tool.
I have tried all issue resolutions in the forums above but still not working
Any help would be great
Thanks in advance
ADDITIONAL INFO:
In the normal operations the tablet works fine it is boots into android ICS without any problems

Issue with Acer Iconia A500 Flashing Bootloader and Entering Recovery
I been having the same problem as you with no soluton.

shenny585 said:
I been having the same problem as you with no soluton.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried all TS in the thread that I linked at the top of my post?

Issue with Acer Iconia A500 Flashing Bootloader and Entering Recovery
Yes I did

Ok well it seems that we need to see can we get a dev to look at this forum to see if there is any resolution.

Sounds like a dodgy SBK
OP: what app did you root woth!?
Sent from my Iconia A500 using Tapatalk 2

Issue with Acer Iconia A500 Flashing Bootloader and Entering Recovery
SBK is right
Used the blackthund3r apx flash utility and the simple method for rooting

shenny585 said:
SBK is right
Used the blackthund3r apx flash utility and the simple method for rooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Skrilax's bundle market repo bundle #4 (see his boot loader thread for the URL, input it into the bundle market then choose bundle 4). Press yes to stage for flash when you download
Sent from my Iconia A500 using Tapatalk 2

Issue with Acer Iconia A500 Flashing Bootloader and Entering Recovery
Tried Skrilax's bundle market repo bundle #4 with no result.
The acer usb boot recovery drives disappears when entering download mode bootloader..

blackthund3r said:
Sounds like a dodgy SBK
OP: what app did you root woth!?
Sent from my Iconia A500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly Id like to thank you for the rooting tool made it a breeze.
I have tested my SBK in CMD using the tool form the forum above and it seems to be right
I have tried uninstall and reinstall of Acer drivers to no aval.
Will try the latest post you put up and get back with an update

What is the output upon the initial command where you enter the SBK (when using nvflash manually)?

Skrilax_CZ said:
What is the output upon the initial command where you enter the SBK (when using nvflash manually)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the response after I enter the SBK. Is this the right response
**********************************************************
* Make your choise: *
*(1) HC bootloader with TWRP cwm (touch cwm) *
*(2) ICS bootloader V4 with TWRP-2.1.3-ICS cwm(touch cwm)*
*(3) ICS bootloader V4 with PubRecovery-ICS (BareBones) *
*(4) ICS bootloader V4 with Thor-1.7cwm (touch cwm) *
*(5) ICS bootloader V4 with Thor-1.7.2 NEW cwm(touch cwm)*
* with its compatible recoveries. *
**********************************************************
(1 2 3 4 5):5
Loading bootloader...
Nvflash started
rcm version 0X20001
System Information:
chip name: t20
chip id: 0x20 major: 1 minor: 3
chip sku: 0x8
chip uid: 0x0380624843c11517
macrovision: disabled
hdcp: enabled
sbk burned: true
dk burned: true
boot device: emmc
operating mode: 4
device config strap: 0
device config fuse: 0
sdram config strap: 3
sending file: bct.bct
- 4080/4080 bytes sent
bct.bct sent successfully
odm data: 0x300d8011
downloading bootloader -- load address: 0x108000 entry point: 0x108000
sending file: bootloader.bin
| 714981/714981 bytes sent
bootloader.bin sent successfully
waiting for bootloader to initialize
bootloader downloaded successfully
failed executing command 25 NvError 0x120002
command failure: sync failed (bad data)
bootloader status: partition table is invalid, missing required information (cod
e: 14) message: nverror:0x4 (0x4) flags: 0
**********************************************************
* Press any key when your A500 is in bootloader mode *
**********************************************************
Press any key to continue . . .

blackthund3r said:
Try Skrilax's bundle market repo bundle #4 (see his boot loader thread for the URL, input it into the bundle market then choose bundle 4). Press yes to stage for flash when you download
Sent from my Iconia A500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried that method and it just hangs and doesnt do anything and the tablet says entering download mode not APX mode
Any other ideas?

steokeogh said:
I have tried that method and it just hangs and doesnt do anything and the tablet says entering download mode not APX mode
Any other ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the thing is that you have to dump your bct from the tablet and decrypt it with SBK and read odmdata from that. No real guide exists for this, BCT is first 4k bytes from mmcblk0 (w/o partition), and used method is aes. It's 2:46 AM now, so just very basic info:
A) dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0 of=/sdcard/bct.enc bs=4096 count=1
B) Pull bct.enc to PC
C) Decrypt with AES using SBK as the key (remove the "0x" and join it)
D) odmdata parameter is on 0xFE4 in bct (little endian)
And if you repartition the tablet, you have do it again.
That's what causes the issues, blackthund3r's app uses the most common bct. Seems like we'll have to automate this.

Skrilax_CZ said:
Well, the thing is that you have to dump your bct from the tablet and decrypt it with SBK and read odmdata from that. No real guide exists for this, BCT is first 4k bytes from mmcblk0 (w/o partition), and used method is aes. It's 2:46 AM now, so just very basic info:
A) dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0 of=/sdcard/bct.enc bs=4096 count=1
B) Pull bct.enc to PC
C) Decrypt with AES using SBK as the key (remove the "0x" and join it)
D) odmdata parameter is on 0xFE4 in bct (little endian)
And if you repartition the tablet, you have do it again.
That's what causes the issues, blackthund3r's app uses the most common bct. Seems like we'll have to automate this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the further TS but I cannot seem to find the files you mention above.
Would you be able to give me more broken down steps to try fix this? Thanks
Also I saw that blackthund3r has released a new version of the tool. It mentions in the post some of the things you mention in yours is the tool now updates to automate the process you were talking about.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using XDA

Skrilax_CZ said:
Well, the thing is that you have to dump your bct from the tablet and decrypt it with SBK and read odmdata from that. No real guide exists for this, BCT is first 4k bytes from mmcblk0 (w/o partition), and used method is aes. It's 2:46 AM now, so just very basic info:
A) dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0 of=/sdcard/bct.enc bs=4096 count=1
B) Pull bct.enc to PC
C) Decrypt with AES using SBK as the key (remove the "0x" and join it)
D) odmdata parameter is on 0xFE4 in bct (little endian)
And if you repartition the tablet, you have do it again.
That's what causes the issues, blackthund3r's app uses the most common bct. Seems like we'll have to automate this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. Well the tool has ADB already integrated. If you have a copy of the bct decryption utility (its download link is currently down AFAIK) then I would happily work with you in producing the updated version of the flash tool to support this. I can easily get dd etc for windows and script the production of the data. Assuming the SBK is correct we should even be able to read raw bytes from the flash and produce the mmcblk0_start from APX Mode.
Would this help us? http://git.chromium.org/gitweb/?p=chromiumos/third_party/cbootimage.git
Sent from my Iconia A500 using Tapatalk 2

steokeogh said:
Thanks for the further TS but I cannot seem to find the files you mention above.
Would you be able to give me more broken down steps to try fix this? Thanks
Also I saw that blackthund3r has released a new version of the tool. It mentions in the post some of the things you mention in yours is the tool now updates to automate the process you were talking about.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't worked on this yet but I would be interested in doing so. The decryption iirc is done with openssl. I'll look around and let you know when I find the steps. What we can do so far:
A) use a terminal emulator or adb shell to run
Code:
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0 of=/sdcard/mmcblk0_start bs=4096 count=1
B) copy /sdcard/mmcblk0_start to your PC
Sent from my Iconia A500 using Tapatalk 2

blackthund3r said:
Hmm. Well the tool has ADB already integrated. If you have a copy of the bct decryption utility (its download link is currently down AFAIK) then I would happily work with you in producing the updated version of the flash tool to support this. I can easily get dd etc for windows and script the production of the data. Assuming the SBK is correct we should even be able to read raw bytes from the flash and produce the mmcblk0_start from APX Mode.
Would this help us? http://git.chromium.org/gitweb/?p=chromiumos/third_party/cbootimage.git
Sent from my Iconia A500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, sp3dev posted a way here (for linux / cygwin):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1514951
The openssl cmd is:
Code:
openssl aes-128-cbc -K $SBK -iv 0 -d -in $FTMP -out $FOUT
About the decryption, in short:
I believe .NET AES decryptor is this: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/system.security.cryptography.aes.aspx
Set initialization vector to all zeroes, and the key:
If your SBK is "0x09A81E00 0xD4531301 0x3B1AF703 0x9A052103" it becomes 09A81E00D45313013B1AF7039A052103.
Haven't tried the .NET way yet. But it works when the ouptut isn't just some random crap, say I dunno: 0xFD0 - 0xFDF should be all zeroes for instance?

Skrilax_CZ said:
Well, sp3dev posted a way here (for linux / cygwin):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1514951
The openssl cmd is:
Code:
openssl aes-128-cbc -K $SBK -iv 0 -d -in $FTMP -out $FOUT
About the decryption, in short:
I believe .NET AES decryptor is this: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/system.security.cryptography.aes.aspx
Set initialization vector to all zeroes, and the key:
If your SBK is "0x09A81E00 0xD4531301 0x3B1AF703 0x9A052103" it becomes 09A81E00D45313013B1AF7039A052103.
Haven't tried the .NET way yet. But it works when the ouptut isn't just some random crap, say I dunno: 0xFD0 - 0xFDF should be all zeroes for instance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aha! That's the openssl command I was thinking of. I'll look into .Net cryptography and see if I can write a function for it but it might be easier to just script the Unix tools as-is. I'll play with it now and get back to you on it
EDIT: I get a bad decryption error with my SBK / openssl / mmcblk0_start
Sent from my Iconia A500 using Tapatalk 2

blackthund3r said:
EDIT: I get a bad decryption error with my SBK / openssl / mmcblk0_start
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your mmcblk0_start is probably not containing an even number of blocks, AES 128 work on blocks of 16 bytes (128 bits).
So if the size of the file is not a multiple of 16 bytes the decryption will fail in the end.
Decrypting like that will technically give an incorrect result as not all data is encrypted.
In the BCT the first block (of 16 bytes) is a hash for the following 4064 bytes, and since we are using cipher block chaining including this in the decryption will mess up the decryption of the second block (which should have been the first block). But in this case we probably do not really care about the 2nd block.

Kobo Arc Development

So I was randomly flying around on Google today, and I noticed that someone had claimed to root the Kobo Arc, and gave written instructions here -- http : // www . mobileread . com / forums / showthread.php?p=2584491 (Remove the spaces, XDA won't let me post an actual link, since I don't have 10 posts yet). After running through this myself, I went on the Google Play store and used root checker. Much to my surprise, it worked, and my device now has root access. I even tested with Root Explorer, and mounted the system partition as R/W, and I can move things in and out of it. I'm currently working on trying to get a custom ROM working, but I'm worried that I will cause a brick, since Cyanogen doesn't support the Arc. (yet...)

ThunderBird2678 said:
So I was randomly flying around on Google today, and I noticed that someone had claimed to root the Kobo Arc, and gave written instructions here -- http : // www . mobileread . com / forums / showthread.php?p=2584491 (Remove the spaces, XDA won't let me post an actual link, since I don't have 10 posts yet). After running through this myself, I went on the Google Play store and used root checker. Much to my surprise, it worked, and my device now has root access. I even tested with Root Explorer, and mounted the system partition as R/W, and I can move things in and out of it. I'm currently working on trying to get a custom ROM working, but I'm worried that I will cause a brick, since Cyanogen doesn't support the Arc. (yet...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
confirmed, was just going to post this but was beaten to it.
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218928
ive attached the file but please go to that website and pay homage to whoever did this work...now to the next stop, a ROM
Device now has a working custom recovery see post 15
Sent from my Arc using xda app-developers app

dazza9075 said:
confirmed, was just going to post this but was beaten to it.
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218928
In terms of a ROM do we not need a compatible boot loader that will allow unsigned ROMs?
ive attached the file but please go to that website and pay homage to whoever did this work...now to find a man about a ROM
Sent from my Arc using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have absolutely no idea what im doing but I think I have dumped 12 partitions using
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p10 of=/sdcard/p10.img
is there anyone around that fancies a challenge? im in a position where bricking this thing isn't really much of a problem so if someones up for a challenge and wants to help im willing to lend myself and the device to this

Warning : Block of Text Ahead.
dazza9075 said:
confirmed, was just going to post this but was beaten to it.
In terms of a ROM do we not need a compatible boot loader that will allow unsigned ROMs?
ive attached the file but please go to that website and pay homage to whoever did this work...now to find a man about a ROM
Sent from my Arc using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha. As soon as I found a thread called "root the Kobo Arc" on Google, I posted it here right away. Sorry if I deprived you of the satisfaction! *troll*
Joking aside, I'm not too sure about the bootloader. I think it's pretty locked down (since I put a nexus 7's cyanogenmod onto the data partition and rebooted. It tried to updated, but said validation failed, or something of that sort). I can't install any custom recoveries either, since I have no idea how to do it in the first place, and there's none made for the Arc.
Also, I analyzed the Arc with the "Droid Examiner" App from the play store (That is a really great app, just so you know), and found that it uses a board called "zeus". The funny thing, though, is that one of Sony's Xperia phones, also has a board called "Zeus", and there's Cyanogenmod for that (albiet not the latest version). However, these two devices have nothing in common. The closest thing to an Arc that has Cyanogenmod is the Nook HD/HD+, which uses the exact same chip (OMAP TI 4470).
If someone is smart enough (not me) to analyze the Cyanogenmod files for the Nook, and see how they work, that may lead into flashing the Arc.
Anyway, I'm resetting the Arc, since I'm having weird cases where the Arc would freeze after booting it from sleep mode, and I'd have to turn it off and on again. I think that was something else I did, since it happened before the root, but neh, I might as well try this all from factory default settings.
Sorry for the block of text, guys!
P.S. Using the stock Jelly Bean boot animation on the Arc looks amazing!:laugh:

Haha, its cool, like yourself I just happened to Google kobo arc root and for once my googe fu was up to the task and the root appeared
I've been looking at starting my own recovery mod branch but its no simple task by the looks of it, if their are similar devices we can use all their data and tweak it to ours which would help a lot!
Oh I think we have fast boot, I held vol down and pushed power on, it just sat at the kobo arc screen, I used the nexus 7 driver from the universal adb/fastboot driver I found on here and it connected up http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2263822
I stumbled on some to good to be true program on Xda dev that apparently can root anything and unlock any bootloader once your in fastboot mode. I have tried that part and it said it was successful but i have no idea how to test this out yet, the program does a bunch of other stuff too, the adb stuff worked as did apk sending, and the rooting options knew i was rooted, it also has flashing functions, I'll be damed if I can find it now I'm at home though , I'll have another look.
I don't mind doing leg work but if someone can read the map it would be very helpful!
Edit, found it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2399385
http://www.mediafire.com/?vwxpq62pa927s9c
Sent from my Arc using xda app-developers app

dazza9075 said:
Haha, its cool, like yourself I just happened to Google kobo arc root and for once my googe fu was up to the task and the root appeared
I've been looking at starting my own recovery mod branch but its no simple task by the looks of it, if their are similar devices we can use all their data and tweak it to ours which would help a lot!
Oh I think we have fast boot, I held vol down and pushed power on, it just sat at the kobo arc screen, I used the nexus 7 driver from the universal adb/fastboot driver I found on here and it connected up http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2263822
I stumbled on some to good to be true program on Xda dev that apparently can root anything and unlock any bootloader once your in fastboot mode. I have tried that part and it said it was successful but i have no idea how to test this out yet, the program does a bunch of other stuff too, the adb stuff worked as did apk sending, and the rooting options knew i was rooted, it also has flashing functions, I'll be damed if I can find it now I'm at home though , I'll have another look.
I don't mind doing leg work but if someone can read the map it would be very helpful!
Edit, found it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2399385
http://www.mediafire.com/?vwxpq62pa927s9c
Sent from my Arc using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um... Okay. I've installed the drivers (I think I installed them correctly), and I booted my device using "volume down + power". I have it connected to my System, but whenever I try to use one of the options in the Android Root Toolkit, it tells me it's waiting for the device. I don't know what I did wrong, but something's clearly not working.
As far as the recovery goes, I think that looking at the Nook Tablet from TWRP would work quite nicely. It runs on a similar processor ( I believe it's a OMAP TI 4430 ), and it seems to be quite similar in specs to the Arc. If only I was a bit better at programming...

ThunderBird2678 said:
Um... Okay. I've installed the drivers (I think I installed them correctly), and I booted my device using "volume down + power". I have it connected to my System, but whenever I try to use one of the options in the Android Root Toolkit, it tells me it's waiting for the device. I don't know what I did wrong, but something's clearly not working.
As far as the recovery goes, I think that looking at the Nook Tablet from TWRP would work quite nicely. It runs on a similar processor ( I believe it's a OMAP TI 4430 ), and it seems to be quite similar in specs to the Arc. If only I was a bit better at programming...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im usig the generic android adb driver and the bootloader driver for fast boot
im dumped all partitions and mapped them all out, see below for file system details
But again I'm blindly stabbing in the dark and most tutorials are a bit lacking in depth or not relevant to the kobo :/
Sent from my Arc using xda app-developers app

127|[email protected]:/ # blkid
/dev/block/dm-2: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/dm-1: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/dm-0: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/mmcblk0p12: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/mmcblk0p11: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/mmcblk0p10: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/mmcblk0p4: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
[email protected]:/ #

Okay, so I can't even push apps to the Arc using ADB. I think you have to boot into recovery (power + volume up). I don't know how to use the terminal at all (I'm lost, I know D: ), so I don't have that installed on the Arc. I remember being able to do ADB even with my Sony Reader (First gen, PRST1), so I'm not sure why the Arc isn't quite working. I have both drivers installed, BTW.
As for the recovery, I can't even find a method to flash it. I'm still trying everything I can, though. :\
Sent from my Arc using xda app-developers app

ive mapped out the following partitions and any info ive found about each of them, im not in a position to help at the moment, got a big day at work tomorrow, as mentioned above ive used several tools,
SuperSU,
ROM toolbox pro
busybox
remount
Below is a list of all the available partition names and numbers
/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 xloader
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/xloader
348KB
/dev/block/mmcblk0p2 bootloader
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/bootloader
1.50MB
/dev/block/mmcblk0p3 cypto
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/crypto
Completely empty
64KB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p4 EFS
Mounted as /FACTORY
/dev/block/mmcblk0p4:UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/efs /factory ext4 ro,relatime,barrier=1,data=ordered 0 0
20MB
/dev/block/mmcblk0p5 misc
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/misc
Completely empty
128KB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p6 Bootlogo
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/bootlogo
Contains kobo arc picture
4MB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p7 Logos
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/logos
contains the battery charge logo
28MB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p8 recovery
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/recovery
data contains a GZ file, when decompressed we get a 8.5MB file of unknown type, exact same as in boot
5MB of data
16MB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p9 boot
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/boot
data contains a GZ file, when decompressed we get a 8.5MB file of unknown type, exact same as n recovery
4.5MB of data
8MB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p10 CACHE
Mounted as /CACHE
/dev/block/mmcblk0p10: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/cache /cache ext4
rw,nosuid,nodev,noatime,errors=panic,barrier=1,nom blk_io_submit,data=ordered 0
0
768MB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p11 SYSTEM
Mounted as /SYSTEM
/dev/block/mmcblk0p11: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/system /system ext4
rw,relatime,barrier=1,data=ordered 0 0
910MB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p12 USERDATA
Mounted as /DATA
/dev/block/mmcblk0p12: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/userdata /data ext4
rw,nosuid,nodev,noatime,errors=panic,barrier=1,nom blk_io_submit,data=ordered 0
0
12GB partition size

Watching with interest. The root works. No frills CPU installed and working. There may be hope for this thing yet:good:

Moved to new thread and more appropriate forum - keep up the good work guys

im not sure that's going to work you know, ive had some permission errors with adb which suggests the root isn't full, terminal on the device works fine, but adb just has some problems, adb shell and the su seems to fix them.
http://www.gadgetsdna.com/android-terminal-adb-shell-command-list/1168/
http://www.addictivetips.com/android/make-nandroid-backups-on-android-without-booting-into-recovery/
im busy today but ive found these useful
i think Clockwork Recovery should be our focus at this point or if you have dumped your partitions(?) attempt to construct a rom for later use
or this should work too
Install any Custom Recovery with flash_image:
Just like the previous method, this method also requires following advanced steps and is not recommended if the first method is working for you. flash_image is a tool for Android devices that lets you rewrite your phone’s system partitions with partition image files and installing it to your device requires ADB. If you don’t already have ADB installed, check out our guide on installing ADB. Once you have ADB installed, flash the custom recovery image as follows:
WARNING: It is very important that the recovery image that you use in this method is compatible with your device. Else it will not work and flashing it could possibly brick your device.​
Download flash_image and extract it from the zip file to a location on your computer. We extracted it to the main C drive (not in any folder) and will use that in the next steps.
Copy the recovery image for your phone to a convenient location on your computer, preferably with a short path. We will be placing it on the C Drive directly (not in any folder) and using that in the next steps.
Note: The recovery image should have .img extension. If it is in a zip file, extract the .img file from it.
Enable USB debugging mode on your device from Menu > Settings > Applications > Development.
Connect your device to your computer via USB.
Open a Command Prompt window on your computer and enter the following commands: adb push c:\flash_image /sdcard/adb push c:\recovery.img /sdcard/adb shellsumount -o remount, rw /systemcp /sdcard/flash_image /system/bincd /system/binchmod 777 flash_imageflash_image recovery /sdcard/recovery.imgThis will first transfer flash_image and recovery.img to your phone. Then it will copy flash_image to the /system/bin folder of your Android device and make it executable. Finally, it will flash the custom recovery image to your device using flash_image.
Note that we used c:\flash_image and c:\recovery.img in the first two lines as we had these files extracted at the root of our C drive. If you extracted the files elsewhere, use the appropriate paths and if your recovery image has a different name, use the appropriate name.
Reboot your device once the process is finished and you’re done. You may exit adb and the Command Prompt window on your computer by entering ‘exit’ thrice.

dazza9075 said:
im not sure that's going to work you know, ive had some permission errors with adb which suggests the root isn't full, terminal on the device works fine, but adb just has some problems, adb shell and the su seems to fix them.
http://www.gadgetsdna.com/android-terminal-adb-shell-command-list/1168/
http://www.addictivetips.com/android/make-nandroid-backups-on-android-without-booting-into-recovery/
im busy today but ive found these useful
i think Clockwork Recovery should be our focus at this point or if you have dumped your partitions(?) attempt to construct a rom for later use
or this should work too
Install any Custom Recovery with flash_image:
Just like the previous method, this method also requires following advanced steps and is not recommended if the first method is working for you. flash_image is a tool for Android devices that lets you rewrite your phone’s system partitions with partition image files and installing it to your device requires ADB. If you don’t already have ADB installed, check out our guide on installing ADB. Once you have ADB installed, flash the custom recovery image as follows:
WARNING: It is very important that the recovery image that you use in this method is compatible with your device. Else it will not work and flashing it could possibly brick your device.​
Download flash_image and extract it from the zip file to a location on your computer. We extracted it to the main C drive (not in any folder) and will use that in the next steps.
Copy the recovery image for your phone to a convenient location on your computer, preferably with a short path. We will be placing it on the C Drive directly (not in any folder) and using that in the next steps.
Note: The recovery image should have .img extension. If it is in a zip file, extract the .img file from it.
Enable USB debugging mode on your device from Menu > Settings > Applications > Development.
Connect your device to your computer via USB.
Open a Command Prompt window on your computer and enter the following commands: adb push c:\flash_image /sdcard/adb push c:\recovery.img /sdcard/adb shellsumount -o remount, rw /systemcp /sdcard/flash_image /system/bincd /system/binchmod 777 flash_imageflash_image recovery /sdcard/recovery.imgThis will first transfer flash_image and recovery.img to your phone. Then it will copy flash_image to the /system/bin folder of your Android device and make it executable. Finally, it will flash the custom recovery image to your device using flash_image.
Note that we used c:\flash_image and c:\recovery.img in the first two lines as we had these files extracted at the root of our C drive. If you extracted the files elsewhere, use the appropriate paths and if your recovery image has a different name, use the appropriate name.
Reboot your device once the process is finished and you’re done. You may exit adb and the Command Prompt window on your computer by entering ‘exit’ thrice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already tried that recovery method (I spent about two hours just googling), and it doesn't work with the Arc. The ADB won't let me push the image over.
As for Cyanogenmod, I tried something yesterday. A person on the Mobileread forums (apparently a Kobo employee) put out an update.zip file for the Kobo Arc. The file was quite old, and it's really just the 4.1.1 update that (I hope) we're all running. He said that as long as you put it on the root of the data partition, the Arc will flash it immediately. When I tried taking a Nexus 7's Cyanogenmod file and sticking it in the same place, the Arc started flashing it, but then just said there was an error with the update. So I personally think that you do require a properly signed ROM.
However, if you open up Kobo's update.zip using Winrar, a sidebar pops up that says "signed by SignApk". I don't know too much about this, but couldn't we use this "signapk" to sign our own ROMS and flash them?
Just a thought.

​
ThunderBird2678 said:
As for Cyanogenmod, I tried something yesterday. A person on the Mobileread forums (apparently a Kobo employee) put out an update.zip file for the Kobo Arc. The file was quite old, and it's really just the 4.1.1 update that (I hope) we're all running. He said that as long as you put it on the root of the data partition, the Arc will flash it immediately. When I tried taking a Nexus 7's Cyanogenmod file and sticking it in the same place, the Arc started flashing it, but then just said there was an error with the update. So I personally think that you do require a properly signed ROM.
However, if you open up Kobo's update.zip using Winrar, a sidebar pops up that says "signed by SignApk". I don't know too much about this, but couldn't we use this "signapk" to sign our own ROMS and flash them?
Just a thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there is a problem with the setup, I just flashed a CW recovery image and it worked, or didn't rather! but the concept did, transferred, flashed using adb, I had to replace it though as it was totally borked and kept restarting, apparently the touch based recovery methods can be like that, ill have some good time tomorrow night (UK time) if your about, and ill keep at it tonight if I get a chance!
copy recovery to adb location
adb push recovery.img /sdcard/
adb shell
su
cat /sdcard/recovery.img > /dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/recovery
exit adb shell and type
adb reboot recovery
fixed it by holding power button and vol down to boot to fastboot recovery
then ran
fastboot flash recovery inputrecovery.img
inputrecovery being my original recovery file taken from partition 8!
ive updated the partition map on the post above with my progress, but it looks like we can flash to them my name so its probably less relevant now
oh ive ditched the drivers I was using and reinstalled the drivers from the official SDK, generic android adb for within android and android bootloader for fastboot
EDIT
Yaaas!! recovery replaced
ok, deleting or renaming /etc/install-recover.sh appears to have stopped custom recovery being changed back to stock after reboot, I used the recovery builder to make a build from partition 8, which it did without error, flashed using the above commands.​
Still don't know what im doing though, but progress is progress ​
ill post a link to the custom recovery ive made soon, we need to make up some fstab file listing all the mounts etc, i tried one but it must be borked as recovery couldnt see anything​
​

ok i have a working recovery http://jenkins.cyanogenmod.com/job/recovery/35325/artifact/
its not quite done, i need to mount the sdcard, its physical location is mounted, ie /data, but its virtual mount isn't /storage/sdcard
I have asked for some help so hopefully someone can help be on this, I think it needs to be symlinked
im going to need some help soon, so if your reading this with a kobo arc, I need you! im needing a hand folks! if your stuck getting this far let me know and we can PM to get it working
oh and recovery is also now persistant by deleting or renaming /etc/install-recover.sh"

Sorted folks!
I have made a stable and thus far, a working custom recovery.
its mounting everything and backing up / restoring works as it should, unless anyone can find any issues I consider this step in building a complete ROM completed,
you must have root, download arctic.apk and install on your tablet, you will need to enable unknown sources In dev options first
you must have android and java sdk also installed, you will need to add the google usb drivers in the android sdk, you will find them in the "extras"
Enable usb debug on the arc and install the generic google adb usb drivers
Delete or rename /etc/install-recover.sh this will make the custom recovery persistent
Copy the recovery.img to the SDCard, either by using drag and drop in windows ( to root of "internal storage") or by adb push, if you use adb push then remember to copy recovery.img to the same folder as adb
adb push recovery.img /sdcard/
The next job is to open up a command window and navigate to adb folder, type the following exactly, even better copy and paste them!
adb shell
su
cat /sdcard/recovery.img > /dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/recovery
exit adb shell (ctrl+C) and type
adb reboot recovery
and bobs your uncle, one happy new recovery

Thanks for your hard work. Everything works quite well.
Sent from my Arc using Tapatalk 4

cancuck said:
Thanks for your hard work. Everything works quite well.
Sent from my Arc using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's the easy bit, I have a feeling I need to make a couple of changes to the recovery.img but noting major, just a couple of other mounts I may have missed
I probably would like some help with the next bit however.
im just trying to build a development platform, I have a loathing for Linux as a desktop so will need to re educate myself without throwing my laptop out of the window, after that "challenge" the ROM should be easy

Well, I've just done it, and it works. Everything seems to be in order for the time being. I'm going to muck around with the new capabilities, and see what I can do.

trying to bring my brothers A500 to life in 2019

Hey together,
I really hope someone out there is still using a A500 Tablet and may be able to help me fix a weird issue i encounter on every ROM i tried so far.
I installed the ROMs mentioned in this Thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/iconia-a500/general/2018-a500-upgrade-threaddownloads-to-t3832293
And all of them come with the Same Problem for me.
If i try to open the Google PlayStore or something else that wants me to login into a Google Account it just says: "There was a problem communicating with Google Servers" "Try again later"
anyone knows of this issue ? All the fixes several Google searches gave me did not help to fix that issue for me on any of the ROMs.
help would be highly appreciated
kind regards
Finn

Hi,
have you read the tips? It says:
"- Google play will not work right if you do not format your data partition to f2fs. (You can do this in recovery)"
Have you tried it?

Matra-PB said:
Hi,
have you read the tips? It says:
"- Google play will not work right if you do not format your data partition to f2fs. (You can do this in recovery)"
Have you tried it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That may not be the problem I've hear a lot of people are having this problem. But it's a good place to start if he hasn't tried it yet.

Success story upgrading A500 in 2019 July
finneus_ said:
Hey together,
I really hope someone out there is still using a A500 Tablet and may be able to help me fix a weird issue i encounter on every ROM i tried so far.
I installed the ROMs mentioned in this Thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/iconia-a500/general/2018-a500-upgrade-threaddownloads-to-t3832293
And all of them come with the Same Problem for me.
If i try to open the Google PlayStore or something else that wants me to login into a Google Account it just says: "There was a problem communicating with Google Servers" "Try again later"
anyone knows of this issue ? All the fixes several Google searches gave me did not help to fix that issue for me on any of the ROMs.
help would be highly appreciated
kind regards
Finn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First my thanks to the forum key members for providing answers to queries and to all the key contributors of SW/ROMS in this forum. I followed the procedures from this forum to Flash / upgrade my Acer Iconia A500 on 4.0.3 ICS that was sitting in a trunk for the last few years. Summary of steps I tried out.
STEP 1: Install the Acer device drivers listed in the links in this forum on your Laptop/Computer even if by default your Windows 10 OS (assuming you are on Win10 like me) is able to recognize the A500 connected to the USB port.
USB_Acer_1.00.0524_A30HA31HA32H_A.ZIP
STEP 2: ROOTING the Acer A500.
1. The tablet should be already upgraded to stock ICS for A50x (or stock ICS A10x/A510 for other tablets).
2. On a tablet: "Settings" -> "Applications" -> "Development" -> "USB debugging" switch ON. If you do not see this menu, then click 7 times of the Android Build No. listed under settings and come back to the menu above to enable USB Debugging.
3. Connect the tablet to the computer (Before connection it is recommended to update the driver for a tablet from here: A10x, A50x, A510).
4. Since most of the discussions regarding flashing A500 were from 2011, the earlier Gingerbreak method for rooting did not work.
I downloaded the following file from this forum to root my tablet.
ICS_rooting_A10x_A5xx.zip
5. Open the directory with the unpacked archive. Execute file: for windows - runit-win.bat; for Linux - runit-linux.sh.
The root is received!
Note: The McAfee Antivirus software started tagging a file 'mempodroid' within this ZIP file Tools folder as a virus or malicious file. This rooting method uses the 'mempodroid' exploit which is detected as a VIRUS by McAfee and Qurantined. So restore from Qurantine and check list of files are still present in the folder. If not verify 8+8 files in folders again.
As per inputs in this forum, I restored the files quarantined and then suppressed McAfee SW for the duration of my upgrade activities on my laptop and was able to successfully extract all the files in the ZIP file to a local folder on the laptop. This ZIP file has adb and fastboot - two key programs useful for rooting your A500 apart from SU or superuser base file used in step 2. The file to run is the BAT file runit-win.bat if you are on windows. At the end of this step your tablet should be rooted. You may check by installing the RootCheck app from Google Playstore.
Step1a: Install a File Manager app from the Google playstore. This will help you extract the CPU ID and convert it with the SBK tool to get the SBK number/string. important steps SBK tool was available in file - SBCalc_v1.1.ZIP available in this forum.
STEP 2b: SUPERUSER and SUPERSU installation
1. Install SuperUser.apk first.. (IMP - Its available in this forum. Its like a base version for superSU to install over. If you do not install SuperUser.apk, then each time you try installing SuperSU, you would get an error message about a SU file being incompatible.)
2. Then install an older version of SuperSU downloaded from the website - filename -> eu.chainfire.supersu_v2.65-265.ZIP . Newer versions will not work. U got to install an older version as new version seems to be a paid SW.
3. Next Open SuperSU app on your tablet and let it update itself a couple of times each time opening and closing the app after the upgrade.
4. Remove SuperUser.apk file as now its no longer needed.
5. Now that you have ROOT access and SuperUSer access
6. Install Titanium Backup. File name in this forum- update-recovery-TWRP-rev2.0-beta4.ZIP . This will help you to flash/upgrade ROM software on your tablet.
Twrp 2.8:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/e7wpny5f39vw3pc/update-recovery-TWRP-rev2.0-beta4.zip/file
Compressed Archive (.ZIP)
File size: 4.91MB
Uploaded: 2018-08-14 21:40:26
https://www.mediafire.com/download/e7wpny5f39vw3pc
STEP 3: Install an Unlocked Bootloader i.e. unlocked bootloader Skrillax v9 - file name in this forum BabSector.rar or A500-Bootloader-Nvflash.ZIP
Once you have reached this step, you now have the basic tools needed for the final ROM upgrade of the tablet.
I did get error message after the reboots that happened after Unlocking the Bootloader. Someting about a LNX partition not being okay or some such msg. Each time I just WIPED the Cache and selected similar options to wipe System, Data, User, Dhelvic cache (spelling incorrect) etc. Since you have not installed the final OS or ROM for your tablet yet, no harm in deleting these partition data. Actually its recommended to wipe, format in f2f formats etc. all of which is possible using the TWRP Recovery software you installed in step 2. Choose Recovery menu option each time the tablet boots or gives errors.... using the volume rocket and power buttons. More info -> Go through this thread and install unlocked bootloader.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
Flashing Bootloader Steps
-------------------------
1. generate your SBK from cpuid
2. put tab in APX by holding reset (small pinhole bottom right side)
and pushing power for 3-4 sec. - then release reset approx 1 sec. later
the screen should be blank and power button should be lit - plug in USB to PC.
2. Run A501 A.bat - when finished reboot tab to recovery (win 7 and under
right click on A501 A.bat and select Run as Administrator)
3. run Recovery(power and volume-) ->WIPE -> "Advanced wipe ->System (only)and swipe to wipe.
4. unplug USB and reboot tab to APX
5. plug in USB afer it is in APX mode -> Run A501 B.bat (win 7 and under
right click on A501 B.bat and select Run as Administrator)
Bootloader unlock tutorial
--------------------------
Step 1: Get your cpuid - https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624645
Step 2: Convert it into an SBK - https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1810618
Step 3: Download the A500 drivers
- http://www.mediafire.com/file/pde8rojv1t8gnif/USB_Acer_1.00.0524_A30H_A31H_A32H_A500_A501.zip/file
Step 4: Download the files to install the bootloader
- http://www.mediafire.com/file/o7m2ouwo6zuod4d/A500-Bootloader-Nvflash.zip/file
Step 5: Follow the instructions in "how to.txt"
Step 6: Download a rom and flash in twrp
This tutorial is based of
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2450119 thread so big thanks to KaijiKun .
Bootloader unlock files:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/o7m2ouwo6zuod4d/A500-Bootloader-Nvflash.zip/file
STEP 4. Downloaded file omni-4.4.4-20150210-a500-IconiaHD.ZIP as I was not sure version omni 5.1.1 was as stable as Omni4.4.4 reading all the threads in this forum.
First rename the downloaded OMNIROM file as update.zip .
OmniRom 4.4.4
http://www.mediafire.com/file/ghd72j3g618kk9g/OMNIROM-5.1.1-Tegraowners_ROM_v13t2.zip/file
File size: 244.66MB
Uploaded: 2015-04-05 17:40:14
STEP 5: Install another tool adb_fast.ZIP. This tool is also available in this forum.
Note:You need to copy the update.zip file to your computers folder where this tool adb_fast is installed. In mine it was C:\Program files (x86)\Minimal ADB and Fastboot folder. This adb_fast file creates an application shortcut on your computer desktop. Clicking on the short cut launches adb and fast boot programs I mentioned at the beginning.
STEP 6: Copy the file to the SD card (16GB) of your tablet.
Run the adb_fast tool from your desktop shortcut. This will open a Command Prompt type black screen window where you can enter the code as given below. Note you may need to see how your SD card is listed in a file manager in your computer
Code:
adb push update.zip /mnt/sdcard/update.zip --- NOTE: this creates mnt folder on internal storage and I had to then move the file using TWRP recovery tool installed in step 2, to the SD card.
adb push < ------- is the push command.
rom.zip < ------- is the name of the Rom zip file.
/sdcard < ------- is the location your pushing the Rom to.
E.) Reboot tablet with Power+Down Arrow i.e. This will start the Upgrade process for the tablet to OMNIROM 4.4.4
-- Power Button + UP VOLUME pressed... then release Power button after LED lights.
-- System will boot to commmand prompt
STEP 7: Install GAPPS using pico gapps short version and Wipe Data/Factory reset ----------------?>and wipe cache partition?
Reboot after 1st reboot
G.) https://opengapps.org/ to install a minimal version of Google Apps on the tablet.
File name -> pa_gapps-modular-mini-4.4.4-20150410-signed.ZIP
Root tablet again and install SuperSU if you need it
other info.
You can use TWRP to flash the OmniROM on the tablet or you can use the following in worst case senario to do the same.
Code:
fastboot devices
fastboot flash update.zip -- check if syntax is ok from threads in this forum
fastboot reboot-bootloader
copied below from other threads ---->
I find that a large amount of complaints in developer threads are due to people not properly wiping before a flash.
Of course there is times when a 'dirty' flash is fine, but if you're ever not sure, wipe as cleanly as possible.
fastboot allows for about the cleanest of wipes by the way. And each partition can be done separately too.
Code:
fastboot erase system
fastboot erase data
fastboot erase cache
can all be done individually, but to do these all in one command
Code:
fastboot erase system -w
If possible I recommend to do these steps before flashing a ROM, and now that you know you can do this all within fastboot mode i suggest to try it out, its quick and painless!
Don't forget to wipe your kernel too! (fastboot erase boot)
~Important~ If your device uses an emulated SD card (as in no removable micro SD but an SD partition on phone)
Then be careful wiping data/userdata as this will erase all contents of internal SD - you are forewarned!
ADB= Android Debugging Bridge (ADB)
[TOOL]Minimal ADB and Fastboot [2-9-18]
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2317790&page=12
First a short explanation:
Fastboot, like ADB, is a tool to communicate from PC to Android phone. There are times when it is a must to use, and times when it is just helpful.
ADB is used within your recovery or within your OS, but when you are in bootloader mode and need to communicate with your phone then you need fastboot.
And you may ask why would i ever need this?
Well many reasons. Main one is knowledge, learning the ins and outs of fastboot, like learning ADB, can get you out of many jams.
And if you want to unlock your bootloader this is done through fastboot. Granted HTC's unlock is... well crap, but for a Nexus this is how its done.
One other reason I have to stress is learning for safety reasons, This is about the safest way possible to flash firmware to your phone (ie Radio, Hboot, Recovery)
Lastly you may want to know the limitations,
There are many of course, this isnt JTAG, it will not resurrect a hard brick, but it often save peoples phones from 'soft bricks' and lots of time when know how and when to use it.
Think of fastboot as the program that takes over when ADB cant be used, it works with firmware more than software.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624645&page=3
GUIDES
---------------
Civs Guide to flashing the bootloader http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
Walkthrough using APXFLASH tool at Step 6 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624645&page=2
From Civato's OP of The Guide: nvFlashToolPackages
Skrilax_CZ bootloader thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1619913 and should be "required reading" for anyone mucking about in their tabs internals!!!!
Rollback to HC
jazzyjames guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1516012
Iconia Root http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1138228 /gingerbreak: For returning to Honeycomb
----------------
To get my CPUID, I have followed the steps below:
Open yr file explorer, esfile explorer is a great one....navigate to:
/sys/firmware/fuse/acer_cpuid - add a zero to the front!
To get CPUID get a Root browser of some sort and go to sys/firmware/fuse/acer_cpu_id
convert my CPUID into SBK?
--------------------------
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1055354&page=6
What Does Root Give Me?
1. Full control over your system
2. Ability to alter system files. You can replace many parts of the "Android Core" with this including:
o Themes
o Core apps (maps, calendar, clock etc)
o Recovery image
o Bootloader
o Toolbox (linux binary that lets you execute simple linux commands like "ls") can be replaced with Busybox (slightly better option)
o Boot images
o Add linux binaries
3. Run special apps that need more control over the system
o SuperUser (lets you approve or deny the use of root access to any program)
o Task Manager For Root (Lets you kill apps that you otherwise could not kill)
Tether apps (like the one found at [android-wifi-tether.googlecode.com])
4. Backup your system
o You can make a folder on your SDCARD and backup all of your .APK files to your SDCARD (helps if an author decides to "upgrade" you to a version that requires you to pay to use the version you just had)
5. Relocate your (browser/maps/market) cache to your /sdcard
6. Relocate your installed applications to your /sdcard
7. Reboot your phone from the terminal app easily (su <enter> reboot <enter>)
Turn the rotation lock off.
-------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY - Regardless of version, rooting is the same... next
** Unlock the bootloader.
** Fastboot flash a Custom Recovery (TWRP).
** Download to the Tablet, Chainfire's SuperSU root updater .zip
** Boot into the previously fastboot flashed Custom Recovery, and flash the SuperSU updater .zip.
** Reboot - you're rooted.
-------------------------------------------------------
PS. I tried to maintain a log in Notepad during my upgrade. Unfortunately did not write detailed instructions and link to required files. Above is a summary of what worked for me.

Can not root
sukasis said:
First my thanks to the forum key members for providing answers to queries and to all the key contributors of SW/ROMS in this forum. I followed the procedures from this forum to Flash / upgrade my Acer Iconia A500 on 4.0.3 ICS that was sitting in a trunk for the last few years. Summary of steps I tried out.
STEP 1: Install the Acer device drivers listed in the links in this forum on your Laptop/Computer even if by default your Windows 10 OS (assuming you are on Win10 like me) is able to recognize the A500 connected to the USB port.
USB_Acer_1.00.0524_A30HA31HA32H_A.ZIP
STEP 2: ROOTING the Acer A500.
1. The tablet should be already upgraded to stock ICS for A50x (or stock ICS A10x/A510 for other tablets).
2. On a tablet: "Settings" -> "Applications" -> "Development" -> "USB debugging" switch ON. If you do not see this menu, then click 7 times of the Android Build No. listed under settings and come back to the menu above to enable USB Debugging.
3. Connect the tablet to the computer (Before connection it is recommended to update the driver for a tablet from here: A10x, A50x, A510).
4. Since most of the discussions regarding flashing A500 were from 2011, the earlier Gingerbreak method for rooting did not work.
I downloaded the following file from this forum to root my tablet.
ICS_rooting_A10x_A5xx.zip
5. Open the directory with the unpacked archive. Execute file: for windows - runit-win.bat; for Linux - runit-linux.sh.
The root is received!
Note: The McAfee Antivirus software started tagging a file 'mempodroid' within this ZIP file Tools folder as a virus or malicious file. This rooting method uses the 'mempodroid' exploit which is detected as a VIRUS by McAfee and Qurantined. So restore from Qurantine and check list of files are still present in the folder. If not verify 8+8 files in folders again.
As per inputs in this forum, I restored the files quarantined and then suppressed McAfee SW for the duration of my upgrade activities on my laptop and was able to successfully extract all the files in the ZIP file to a local folder on the laptop. This ZIP file has adb and fastboot - two key programs useful for rooting your A500 apart from SU or superuser base file used in step 2. The file to run is the BAT file runit-win.bat if you are on windows. At the end of this step your tablet should be rooted. You may check by installing the RootCheck app from Google Playstore.
......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi sukasis, i was unable to root the tablet. I download all and run the runit.win.bat (trying normal, as admin, and open a cmd as admin and then navigate to the bat to execute).
- It say device connected
- Then push 7 files correctly
- Executing of the main script. (it freeze here a lot of time)
Then error: protocol fault (no status)
The file "su" isn't created
Not getting root!
I try in USB 3.0 and 2.0 same error.
I have windows 10.
I uncheck the Debugging mode and it's bring another error, so i believe the connection is good because in debug mode can push files.
I don't know whate else i can do.