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Well, flashing a custom ROM on our beloved Iconias became quite easy now thanks to developers on xda. Most of you are quite familiar with the procedure but there are still people that ask basic things all over the ROM developement threads. This is just a beginner's guide, an attempt to collect all the procedures and tools in one thread. Nothing of this is my work and I would like to say THANK YOU to sc2k, thor2002ro, Euclid's Brother, Chainfire, monki-magic, drellisdee, ezterry, Skrilax_CZ, gersma and all A500 developers for making this possible.
You will need the following: external SD card, root rights, unlocked bootloader (if you're on stock ICS), custom recovery and a custom ROM of your choice.
Well lets start by placing an SD card in the SD card expansion slot. Its file system should be FAT32!
*This is optional: To be sure it is recognized later in CWM, format it first with SD Formatter - a tool that can be downloaded from here. Use your home computer / notebook with a card reader for this procedure. Alternatively you can do this using an ANDROID phone.
1.ROOT
Root for Honeycomb 3.0.1 by monki-magic
original thread by Slowie911 here
1. Make sure usb debugging is turned on and unknown sources is selected in Applications settings.
2. Have a micro sd card inserted and turn the tablet on portrait mode and lock it with the switch to fix it in portrait.
3. Download and execute the attached apk. (i had to download from my comp and transfer to the tablet for it to work).
4. Once the apk is installed run the root procedure within the app which was installed
5. Wait and you will receive full root access.
Download Gingerbreak 1.20
Root for Honeycomb 3.1 by sc2k thread here
1. Goto Settings->Applications and enable "Unkown sources"
2. Download the attached APK file
3. Copy the file to your Iconia
4. Install the APK & start the tool
5. Click "root"
6. Enjoy
/IconiaRoot should work on both 3.0.x and 3.1/
Download Iconiaroot 1.3
Root for Honeycomb 3.2.x OTA
Unfortunately there's no dedicated rooting app yet developed for HC3.2. It also comes with a new bootloader. In order to get root you need to revert to an older version of Honeycomb first where Iconiaroot works. How to do that is explained in details in this thread
UPDATE: if you're on OTA HC 3.2.x then you can just update to ICS and use the method for rooting ICS - links posted below
Root for ICS 4.x.x OTA
Stock ICS Leak One-Click Root Tool by blackthund3r
or
Full root for A500 ICS 4.0.3 - Simple method, posted by ZeroNull
2. Bootloader
Since there are many new ICS custom ROMs and custom recoveries, please read in their dedicated threads if they require ICS bootloader. Some of the ROMs can recognize the version of your bootloader and load the proper boot.img during boot. In general - if you're on Honeycomb - you have HC bootloader. If you've updated OTA to ICS, then you have stock ICS bootloader, that is unusable for flashing custom ROMs and therefore you need the unlocked bootloader. A guide on how to install it read here - thanks civato. This thread links to a nice little piece of software (option 1) by gersma that can automatically do all the job for you - install ICS unlocked bootloader and custom recovery. Read and download here - AfterOTA by gersma
3.Custom recovery
original thread with clockworkmod recovery by thor2002ro here
1. Open Market app with your tablet and search for Acer Recovery Installer.
Acer recovery installer
2. Install it and then open it. It has ClockworkMod Recovery by thor2002ro rev1.3.4 built-in.
3. Select "ClockworkMod Recovery rev.1.3.4 by thor2002ro". Tap on install Recovery Image. A popup offering to backup current recovery image will appear. Surely, buckup! Thus you can restore your original recovery image in case of need. Then CWM will be installed. Once it is installed you can remove Acer Recovery Installer tool from your system if you want.
thor2002ro updated CWM to 1.7.3. You can download the zip from tegraowners.com. Later versions of his recovery does not meet GPL because of the "mini" kernel of his - sources not being released. It supports flashing both from internal memory and the external SD card. In order to update your CWM to this latest version, place the downloaded ZIP on your external sd card and update from your CWM by choosing install zip from sd card. Alternatively you can extract the recovery.img from the zip, place it on your external sd card and install it through Acer Recovery Installer by choosing Custom or Stock recovery.img from micro sdcard.
GPL compliant recoveries
RA Revamped for Iconia
TeamWin Recovery Project (twrp) - needs ICS bootloader
A500 Public Recovery
Since the creation of AfterOTA by gersma, you can use his software to install both the bootloader and CWM before flashing the ROM. Get it HERE
4. Flashing custom ROM
Download the ROM of your choice which should be a zip file. Place the zip on your EXTERNAL SD card. Power off your device. Now hold volume down and power buttons together until you see text appearing on the top left corner of the screen - you can release both buttons now. Wait until CWM loads. Volume keys (Up and Down) are used to navigate the CWM menu. Power button is uded as "Enter" i.e. to proceed with your selection. Before going on to install your ROM do a full backup of your system first. Navigate to "backup and restore" and then select Full Backup. Wait untill the operation completes.
Now do the following:
Wipe menu:
- wipe data/factory reset -> navigate to "Yes - delete all user data"
this should format you data partition and cache partition (dalvik cache is gone as well)
Mounts and storage menu
- Format System
this should format your system partition
The above commands are presented in thor's CWM. There are slightly different menus and sub-menus in the other custom recoveries but if you dig a little you'll find that they do the same things and you'll get the idea of what you're doing.
Now you're ready to install your ROM. Get back to the main CWM menu and select
- Install zip from sdcard -> choose zip from sdcard.
Navigate to your zip on the SD card and install it - choose "Yes" again to install. Wait untill installation is complete, return to the main CWM menu and choose "reboot system now".
You're done, enjoy your first custom ROM. Take time for its initial configuration.
5. Flashing custom KERNEL
Flashing custom kernel is as same as custom ROM. You place the zip (Kernels come in zip files as well) on your external SD card and:
- Install zip from sdcard -> choose zip from sdcard.
It is recommended before flashing a new kernel to wipe cache partition and dalvik cache. And of course first you flash the ROM and then the desired Kernel
6. UNBRICKING by flashing a stock ROM
thanks to vache we have full packages shared in his topic
vache said:
Once the desired file downloaded, you have to use Acer Update Decryter by thor2002ro to decrypt them.
After decrypting the file, you have to extract the update.zip from it, put it on an external SDCard (does not work on internal memory) and boot your tablet with Vol- & Power. The update will launch automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
p.s. Feel free to add stuff to this tutorial - video, pistures or anything you find useful or to correct me if I've made a mistake.
This is fantastic. Thank you. I have had my iconia for a month now and been looking at flashing a custom rom but kept backing out. Just a couple of questions for clarification:
(1). Does wiping data erase the internal sd?
(2). If by some stroke of bad luck a flash is unsuccessful and a boot loop or similar occurs, am I right in my understanding that you can just go straight back into recovery and re-flash?
(3). What are the chances of bricking the tablet?
Sorry for noon questions, please just wanna certain because my gf bought me this tablet under the condition I don't do anything risky like on my x10 that I flash almost daily haha
Thanks for replies
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
kylec said:
This is fantastic. Thank you. I have had my iconia for a month now and been looking at flashing a custom rom but kept backing out. Just a couple of questions for clarification:
(1). Does wiping data erase the internal sd?
(2). If by some stroke of bad luck a flash is unsuccessful and a boot loop or similar occurs, am I right in my understanding that you can just go straight back into recovery and re-flash?
(3). What are the chances of bricking the tablet?
Sorry for noon questions, please just wanna certain because my gf bought me this tablet under the condition I don't do anything risky like on my x10 that I flash almost daily haha
Thanks for replies
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No, it doesn't.
2. Yes. You can do that. There's another option in mounts and storage -> format system - that will format even your system partition and leave your device bare with no ROM files on it. That would be a really clean install I guess
EDIT: I just saw that system is formatted during ROM installation. So no need to do that
3. Always read first what option you've selected and be sure you understand what it does. If you have CWM successfully installed, you have a powerfull tool to restore reflash, wipe, format etc. I've flashed my HD2 hundreds of times and now my Iconia is on the run Never ever had a boot failiure.
drkalo said:
1. No, it doesn't.
2. Yes. You can do that. There's another option in mounts and storage -> format system - that will format even your system partition and leave your device bare with no ROM files on it. That would be a really clean install I guess
3. Always read first what option you've selected and be sure you understand what it does. If you have CWM successfully installed, you have a powerfull tool to restore reflash, wipe, format etc. I've flashed my HD2 hundreds of times and now my Iconia is on the run Never ever had a boot failiure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much. I will click thanks when I'm on my computer :-D
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
VERY good information here. Thank you very much for taking the time.
I've flashed ROMS on my last two "chinatabs" but haven't gotten into it with my A500 yet. (To be frank, I'm still thrilled with the prospect of OTA updates from a manufacturer after my last experiences.)
It looks like the process is very similar to my Rena3 tablet.
strider_mt2k said:
VERY good information here. Thank you very much for taking the time.
I've flashed ROMS on my last two "chinatabs" but haven't gotten into it with my A500 yet. (To be frank, I'm still thrilled with the prospect of OTA updates from a manufacturer after my last experiences.)
It looks like the process is very similar to my Rena3 tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, that lays it out all nice and precise for us all. Like strider_mt2k, I have been holdng off on the custom ROMs, because my first tablet was a Gtab, and while it became a pretty awesome tablet, it had to be flashed with a custom ROM to be really usable. The OTA thing was holding me back. But I think that I may try to flash the thing this weekend if I get the chance.
Thanks. Glad it could be of use.
nice tutorial dude! thanks!!
could you please make another tutorial to return back to stock?
specially to return back to stock te kernel.
thanks!!!
As mentioned, best case is if you've backed up your device before flashing any ROM or Kernel. Thus you can restore to your country specific version.
Otherwise its pretty simple - its just like flashing any other ROM following the steps described.
Download the stock one that dr1337 shared from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1154492
or choose the right full package - shared by vache:
decript it with Acer update decripter by thor2002ro
Of course they come with stock kernel
I am new in this with flashing and that kind of stuff.
Now is my question, how is it with updates from acer?
Greetz
distructor said:
How is it with updates from acer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure I understand your question. Could you be more specific?
if i put a custom rom on the device could i still use the build in update program of acer?
distructor said:
if i put a custom rom on the device could i still use the build in update program of acer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I can not tell you for sure. I haven't tried all of the custom ROMs but in most cases - no you won't be able. I've tried Tabooney, Honeyvillain, Virtuous Picasso, Virtuous Galaxy. ROM developers usually update their ROMs to the latest base available. I think it depends on many things - base, kernel, stock apps removed etc.
Maybe someone who have succeeded with custom ROM updating would share his experience.
Can anyone tell me if there is a version of ROM manager that supports the version of CWM that there is for the Iconia. I would love to be able to simplify my ability to backup my ROM's before flashing.
synapses11 said:
Can anyone tell me if there is a version of ROM manager that supports the version of CWM that there is for the Iconia. I would love to be able to simplify my ability to backup my ROM's before flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install a clockworkmod for Iconia no matter of the version of ROM manager. But it is much much easier to use Acer Recovery Installer. I recommend you using it instead of playing with recovery img files. It is a one time procedure after all
Anyway - here's what you need to do if you don't want to use Acer recovery installer, or you don't want to use ADB:
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-install-clockworkmod-recovery-3-using-rom-manager/
instead of CWM 3.x you will need to get CWM from thor2002ro In this guide you substitute the recovery that ROM Manager is about to flash with thor's CWM. I haven't tried this method myself but it should work.
With Acer Recovery Installer you can flash custom recovery as well. As long as you have it in IMG format you can be flashed from within the app - "install custom or stock recovery image from sd card".
great thread.
thanks!!!
Great Tutorial!!!
Just a couple of doubts:
First question: Backup files.
3. Flashing custom ROM
"...Before going on to install your ROM do a full backup of your system first. Navigate to "backup and restore" and then select Full Backup. Wait untill the operation completes. "
Where do the backup files go in the system? On internal or external SD card? Is it an *.img file extension?
Should i move it to my computer to keep it save, or just leave it where ever they are?
Second question: Kernel.
4. Flashing custom KERNEL
"Flashing custom kernel is as same as custom ROM. You place the zip (Kernels come in zip files as well) on your external SD card and:
- Install zip from sdcard -> choose zip from sdcard.
It is recommended before flashing a new kernel to wipe cache partition and dalvik cache. And of course first you flash the ROM and then the desired Kernel"
I am on Stock 3.1 ROM with original Kernel, if i want to try Virtuos Picasso, do i have to flash a new Kernel? And if yes, shouldn't i do it before flashing the ROM? Or just flash the ROM and then the Kernel? What happens if i just flash the Rom and use the stock kernel?
Thank you..
Your backup goes to your external SD card in a folder named clockworkmod\backup\2011-XX-XX.HH.MM.SS
As you can guess the name of the backup corresponds to the time it is created. This backup can be used to restore your system through CWM in case of need.
CWM does not backup /data/media folder. Additionally: you should also delete .android_secure.img from your backup set or a full restore will fail before it restores flexrom.
The last is an issue described by Euclid's brother:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=16467191&postcount=3
I am on Stock 3.1 ROM with original Kernel, if i want to try Virtuos Picasso, do i have to flash a new Kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, of course! Your custom ROM (Virtuous Picasso in your example) and any ROM comes with its Kernel. Its up to you to decide wheather to change it or not after that by flashing another Kernel. Follow every Kernel developer's notes for ROM compatibility. So, that answers the last part of your question - you cannot flash Virtuous Picasso and still think you're on stock kernel
drkalo said:
No, of course! Your custom ROM (Virtuous Picasso in your example) and any ROM comes with its Kernel. Its up to you to decide wheather to change it or not after that by flashing another Kernel. Follow every Kernel developer's notes for ROM compatibility. So, that answers the last part of your question - you cannot flash Virtuous Picasso and still think you're on stock kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, i see...i thought that the flashing ROM procedure of a custom ROM, would just flash the ROM and not the Kernel...so in this case i just have to choose the ROM that i want to flash and do not have to pay attention about the Kernel compatibility...unless i flash a Kernel only. Right?
Thank you very much!!
That is correct
How would I go about unrooting this device? I bought it today, and shortly after that I got the 3.2.1 OTA update. Then I rooted by downgrading to 3.0.1. then I installed the apkinstaller and tried to download/install the Acer Recovery apk via the market. I keep getting FC's and android.process.acore errors. everytime I try to use the keyboard to search for the recovery installer, it happens. This is becoming really bothersome. I can't side load it via USB stick or anything. I'm not sure what else to do at this point. I successfully unrooted, but now when i try to download the system update, it gets nearly done and then stalls out. any ideas?
chattguy said:
How would I go about unrooting this device? I bought it today, and shortly after that I got the 3.2.1 OTA update. Then I rooted by downgrading to 3.0.1. then I installed the apkinstaller and tried to download/install the Acer Recovery apk via the market. I keep getting FC's and android.process.acore errors. everytime I try to use the keyboard to search for the recovery installer, it happens. This is becoming really bothersome. I can't side load it via USB stick or anything. I'm not sure what else to do at this point. I successfully unrooted, but now when i try to download the system update, it gets nearly done and then stalls out. any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could just downgrade again back to 3.0.1 and NOT root it and then allow the OTA to roll you back to the future to 3.2.1.
TD
-also Make sure you Completly Wipe (4) + Format (3) (Data, cache, dalvik-cache, battery stats, flexrom)
-then install {Rom}.zip file.
* When you do get to a stable ROM you like, Wipe (3) (Cache, dalvik-cache, battery stats). Then Backup your Rom in CWM (save Folder to PC for backup)
Putting any Rom on top of another is too difficult to troubleshoot and is sloppy.
I'm not saying you did this, just advice!
ktmdave7 said:
-also Make sure you Completly Wipe (4) + Format (3) (Data, cache, dalvik-cache, battery stats, flexrom)
-then install {Rom}.zip file.
* When you do get to a stable ROM you like, Wipe (3) (Cache, dalvik-cache, battery stats). Then Backup your Rom in CWM (save Folder to PC for backup)
Putting any Rom on top of another is too difficult to troubleshoot and is sloppy.
I'm not saying you did this, just advice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, I appreciate the advice. I'm trying to figure out how to get CWM on the tablet after it's rooted. It was entirely too unstable with all the "acore" errors and FC's to even use the keyboard at the android market. Moderately annoying. In other news, after I did a factory reset, that seemed to fix the stability issues, and then I was able to roll it back to the future, and onto 3.2.1. So after work this evening, I may take another crack at it.
EDIT: But for the money, this thing is entirely worth it.
check link below (more options)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1420382
if you follow instructions to link, you will have HC v3.2.1
-it will not have "Superuser" in apps. so it's not considered Rooted. (it has TD's backdoor)
-it also will still have CWM Recovery. (so it's not entirely stock -stock recovery would have locked bootload)
it's like being half way rooted. it'll be easy to root or change roms (via CWM recovery)
when u turn it in, if they look in Apps menu for "superuser" they won't find and think it's stock.
but if they boot into recovery, they'l know it doesn't have stock recovery.
Rooting Facts:
Gingerbreak -can only Root up to v3.01
IconiaRoot -can only Root up to v3.1
for v3.2, 3.2.1 - TimmyDeans 3.2.1 v3 (backdoor method) or "Flash Custom Rooted ROM"
The update zips are on these forums, you shpuld be able to download and flash to a stable stock version that way, the same wqy you downgraded. From there, if you want root, i recommend downloading acer recovery and iconiaroot and installimg before flashing the downgrade. Thats what i did and i was on the unstable 3.0.1 rom for about 2 minutes before flashing a stable rom with root.
Do a search on here for acer recovery installer, the apk is on XDA... Loasd from pc, install and now you have a rooted A500 with CWM... Load a firmwar to our taste using CWM to get rid of bug ridden unstable 3.01...
Got ICS, OTA (download) installed that no problem, downloaded the acer usb drivers and used ICS Root (blackthund3r). Now i want to install LightSpeed 4.4 (i know theres a newer version) I renamed it update.zip and did the power button + V- button but it says invalid image.
Now im a bit confused cause all this android stuff is new to me, I have the acer recovery installed but im not sure what to do with it. Tried renaming it to recovery.img it says it is flashing but nothing happens.
Kinda lost at what to do or how to get this rom working.... if someone could point me in the right direction it would be sweet
Fox
foxorroxors said:
I renamed it update.zip and did the power button + V- button but it says invalid image.
Fox
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. That was pretty n00b of ya (that little trick only works on signed official roms, and even then, only ify-ify)
Check this thread. It has the tools you need.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
You can skip the part about installing an ICS rom and rooting. You already did that. You need to do steps 1, 2, (partial 4) 5 or 6 basically.
Note after you rooted. Look at step 4 and delete the required file like it says, before going to steps 5 or 6. You have an option on which package to use. Personally, I like the exe package. But your choice.
This installs patched b-loader and CWM recovery so you can flash ICS only Roms.
Easy
As you've Acer Recovery why the difficult way ? Just choose "Download / Install Roms, tick Lightspeed 4.4 in the left column, hit download and then install.
(i've version 2.74)
Fast, easy and no problems. I flashed Flexreaper 14 (now replaced by Flexreaper ICS RF1) and i can recommend it, the Rom and the way of flashing it.
urbie47 said:
As you've Acer Recovery why the difficult way ? Just choose "Download / Install Roms, tick Lightspeed 4.4 in the left column, hit download and then install.
(i've version 2.74)
Fast, easy and no problems. I flashed Flexreaper 14 (now replaced by Flexreaper ICS RF1) and i can recommend it, the Rom and the way of flashing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Acer recovery is fine if it'll install the patched Bootloader.
However, it doesn't make a user get his UID number, which is essential in case something happens in the future. Without your UID, you're basically toasted Or you're in for the long haul in figuring out how to unbrick a tab.
help
I need help for boot loader.I tried to put ICS boot loader v3, I didn't success and now I can't put another rom(I have ICS for A500 but I use A501 and it doesn't work 3G modem).How I can put other rom?
Erasing cache before SD update...
SD update cmd recovery
--update_package=SDCARD:update.zip
Booting recovery kernel image
Recovery verified failed...
ores992 said:
I need help for boot loader.I tried to put ICS boot loader v3, I didn't success and now I can't put another rom(I have ICS for A500 but I use A501 and it doesn't work 3G modem).How I can put other rom?
Erasing cache before SD update...
SD update cmd recovery
--update_package=SDCARD:update.zip
Booting recovery kernel image
Recovery verified failed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't run that update.zip like you did. You got the error message.
Can you still boot into the 500 Rom? If so, you need to install a CWM Recovery before you can flash custom Roms. Look at the link below for instructions for CWM installation.
If you can't boot into your System, then you will need to do everything again.
You should still have your UID number when you tried to NVFlash the ver3 bootloader (I hope you wrote that number down)
You need to probably re-install the ver3 bootloader again as your attempt to install an update.zip messed things up. You just can't do it that way. So go here;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1622425
Only this time, follow the instructions. You need to install CWM recovery. This is how to flash Roms, not putting update.zips on the SD card. And BTW, you should delete that update.zip from Your EXT SD Card. It will cause problems.
Also note, in those instructions, if you installed the FULL 500 ROM, you must delete a certain boot-p file before you install CWM Recovery. Or else it will delete it when you reboot the tab. Again, read the instructions.
The above steps install a 500 rom. The 500 DOES NOT have 3g like a 501. This is why you had no 3g. You have to install a 501 ICS Rom after, through CWM Recovery, and, currently, I have the only ICS Rom for the 501. And... it's a Beta release from Acer. But it works ok mostly.
Read the instructions, and understand exactly what you are doing. Also remember, with ver3 ICS Bootloader, YOU CANNOT INSTALL HC BASED ROMS without going back to an HC based bootloader. ICS Roms only. (unless you want to go back to stock).
Moscow Desire said:
You can't run that update.zip like you did. You got the error message.
Can you still boot into the 500 Rom? If so, you need to install a CWM Recovery before you can flash custom Roms. Look at the link below for instructions for CWM installation.
If you can't boot into your System, then you will need to do everything again.
You should still have your UID number when you tried to NVFlash the ver3 bootloader (I hope you wrote that number down)
You need to probably re-install the ver3 bootloader again as your attempt to install an update.zip messed things up. You just can't do it that way. So go here;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1622425
Only this time, follow the instructions. You need to install CWM recovery. This is how to flash Roms, not putting update.zips on the SD card. And BTW, you should delete that update.zip from Your EXT SD Card. It will cause problems.
Also note, in those instructions, if you installed the FULL 500 ROM, you must delete a certain boot-p file before you install CWM Recovery. Or else it will delete it when you reboot the tab. Again, read the instructions.
The above steps install a 500 rom. The 500 DOES NOT have 3g like a 501. This is why you had no 3g. You have to install a 501 ICS Rom after, through CWM Recovery, and, currently, I have the only ICS Rom for the 501. And... it's a Beta release from Acer. But it works ok mostly.
Read the instructions, and understand exactly what you are doing. Also remember, with ver3 ICS Bootloader, YOU CANNOT INSTALL HC BASED ROMS without going back to an HC based bootloader. ICS Roms only. (unless you want to go back to stock).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but that link is dead
ores992 said:
Thanks, but that link is dead
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, XDA did some cleaning up overnight. Try it now;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
MD
I read this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1768702
and I was eager to try to have Android 4.1 on Defy. Amazing that this guys put it on the defy.
I read the FAQ where it says;
Your phone has to be roooted.
► If this is the first time that you install custom rom (if you have stock froyo) you'll have to do some other things before this procedure. Please search the forum.
► Download all the files that you need and put them on the sdcard.
► Charge your phone until you have 80-100% battery.
► Make a backup of your apps and a nandroid backup of your rom (everything you have on your phone will be deleted).
It was rooted I have stock froyo, it doesnt say what to do before the procedure. I Imagine that it means that I need a Kernel for 2.3 or above.
I made a backup of apps with Titanium and I installed System recovery apk ( defy-recovery-1218-0326). I think this is Clockworkmod recovery... but not really sure, very nooby.I reboot the phone and back it up.
then I re read the part that says that i have other things before installing 4.1, so I decided to download CM9 kernel and sndinitdefy2.0 apk. I run the apk. After it booted in development mode i change the 2nd init with the recovery menu. then reboot again.
After that the screen only showed the Motorola Logo with a black screen.
I screwed up. So I decided to install RSD lite 5.6 to flash the original Froyo rom again to see if it works.
It did, I flashed it back, then I installed all over again, but when trying to install defy-recovery 1218 it fails.
so I looked for sndinitdefy and found the 2.3 version which i installed.
So now, I have stock froyo working again and sndinitdefy 2.3 installed, but dont know if its ok.
When I boot in developer mode, the screen says:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Android System recovery 3e
Android system recovery utility (which is unreachable with the volume keys.)
reboot system now
apply sdcard:update.zip
wipe data/factory reset
wipe cache partition
and then at the botom
e: cant open /cache/recovery/command
e: cant open/cache/recovery/caller.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So, I cant even recovery my aplication data because its not on the recovery menu.
Also in the FAQ it says go stable recovery. I dont know how to do that or what to install or to do.
1) Go to Stable Recovery.
2) Wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache and go to advanced ► Wipe dalvik.
3) Go to Install zip from sdcard ► Choose zip from sd card.
4) Flash CM9 Kernel (JUST FOR DEFY RED LENS USERS).
5) Flash CM10-2012xxxx-NIGHTLY-mb526.zip.
6) Flash Gapps and Battery fix for red lens.
7) Wipe Cache and Dalvik again (recommended).
8) Restart.
2- it doesnt have advanced to wipe dalvik.
3-I have defy but red lens. it says to flash cm9 kernel, i imagine that i have to do it from install zip from sdcard and have the file on the phones root.
Anyway, my recovery screen is not ok and im not sure what to do. Can anybody help!?
narrowing the stuff.
I have Android 2.2 and a red lens defy with a faulty recovery menu sndinitdefy 2.3 and i want to install Android 4.1. Also I want to be able to go back if there is any trouble. please let me know how to go forward from here.
Also it would be great if I have the backup/restore menu in the recovery so I can restore my apps, but dont know how to do that.
Or maybe I should flash the CM9 kernel with RDS lite as i did with 2.2... but then again, i dont know if that is a fixed SBF or what, i dont want to screw my phone...
Thanks!
Ok, problem solved! I had to wait for the blue led to enter sndinitdefy2.3. I was entering elsewhere, To the Normal recovery I think.
installed from Custom Recovery instead of Stable Recovery. Stable Recovery was not available,but it worked perfectly for me, now running Android 4.1 and its AWESOME.
Hello everyone.
I hope you can help me.
I had an A500 bricked spontaneously (I was checking Twitter, the screen frozen, I turned off the tablet and when I turned it on again, it stucked on Acer logo) so I used the guide to recover recovery (this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1751978, because I rooted my tablet but I didn't install recovery).
Everything was ok, I flashed the V7-Thor v1.7.3 but when I tried to install stock ROM of ICS (wipe data and cache), the tablet got "re-bricked" and only enter in APX mode.
Then I reflashed and installed V8-Thor_1.7.3_recovery and I tried to install Acer_AV041_A500_1.054.00_WW_GEN1-DEODEXED-FULLROOT through update.zip (turned on the tablet in recovery --> Install from zip file --> Install zip file from SD card --> update.zip, then it said "Installed" and I rebooted the tablet, but it stuck on "Booting primary kernel image"...
What I'm missing or doing wrong? :/
What should I do to run ICS in my tablet again?
I'm not familiarized with the ROMs, Recoverys or flash... sorry if my question is stupid or something, but before this I never moved anything to my tablet (except for root it).
And sorry too for my bad English.
Mafvtapatio said:
Hello everyone.
I hope you can help me.
I had an A500 bricked spontaneously (I was checking Twitter, the screen frozen, I turned off the tablet and when I turned it on again, it stucked on Acer logo) so I used the guide to recover recovery (this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1751978, because I rooted my tablet but I didn't install recovery).
Everything was ok, I flashed the V7-Thor v1.7.3 but when I tried to install stock ROM of ICS (wipe data and cache), the tablet got "re-bricked" and only enter in APX mode.
Then I reflashed and installed V8-Thor_1.7.3_recovery and I tried to install through update.zip (turned on the tablet in recovery --> Install from zip file --> Install zip file from SD card --> update.zip, then it said "Installed" and I rebooted the tablet, but it stuck on "Booting primary kernel image"...
What I'm missing or doing wrong? :/
What should I do to run ICS in my tablet again?
I'm not familiarized with the ROMs, Recoverys or flash... sorry if my question is stupid or something, but before this I never moved anything to my tablet (except for root it).
And sorry too for my bad English.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think where you went wrong was choosing "install zip file from sdcard >update.zip"
Go back into recovery again > install from zip file > Choose zip from SD card (
if the file is on your micro sd card)
You should see a list of all your files and choose your rom file:
Acer_AV041_A500_1.054.00_WW_GEN1-DEODEXED-FULLROOT.zip
Once its done, Stay in recovery and go to: Wipe Menu and do all the wipes there
Data -cache and dalvi-cache then reboot
Once you're all set up and before you reboot again, make sure there is not an "update.zip" on your sdcard - if you boot to recovery it may flash automatically and you will end up "stuck" again
good luck
dibb
dibb_nz said:
I think where you went wrong was choosing "install zip file from sdcard >update.zip"
Go back into recovery again > install from zip file > Choose zip from SD card (
if the file is on your micro sd card)
You should see a list of all your files and choose your rom file:
Acer_AV041_A500_1.054.00_WW_GEN1-DEODEXED-FULLROOT.zip
Once its done, Stay in recovery and go to: Wipe Menu and do all the wipes there
Data -cache and dalvi-cache then reboot
Once you're all set up and before you reboot again, make sure there is not an "update.zip" on your sdcard - if you boot to recovery it may flash automatically and you will end up "stuck" again
good luck
dibb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I did it and it worked, but after the reboot the tablet only shows the animated android logo... what's the problem? The ROM?
When I did the "Wipe data" it said "Formatting data" and after "Skipping erase of /data/media". I checked with the "Mount and Storage" menu in recovery and seems like my data before the brick's still in the internal storage of the tablet... is that normal?
EDIT: what version of cwm to have now? If its not 1.7.3 then go ahead and reflash the v8
Mafvtapatio said:
Thanks! I did it and it worked, but after the reboot the tablet only shows the animated android logo... what's the problem? The ROM?
When I did the "Wipe data" it said "Formatting data" and after "Skipping erase of /data/media". I checked with the "Mount and Storage" menu in recovery and seems like my data before the brick's still in the internal storage of the tablet... is that normal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is - keeps your data intact but 'resets' the rom to like it is when you first flash, there is an option to wipe data/media if you wish to - theres a toggle to enable it but on every boot to recovery it will be disabled again...
You can try another flash of the rom itself otherwise reflash the v8 bootloader.
Do you have access to "fastboot mode" power vol down - just wondering
dibb
dibb_nz said:
EDIT: what version of cwm to have now? If its not 1.7.3 then go ahead and reflash the v8
Yes it is - keeps your data intact but 'resets' the rom to like it is when you first flash, there is an option to wipe data/media if you wish to - theres a toggle to enable it but on every boot to recovery it will be disabled again...
You can try another flash of the rom itself otherwise reflash the v8 bootloader.
Do you have access to "fastboot mode" power vol down - just wondering
dibb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to reflash the same ROM, but this time nothing happened, again only says "Booting primary kernel image"... a question, if I try to flash a stock ROM (like Acer_A500_1.031.00_WW_GEN1.zip from the post of stock roms)... it will let my tablet again only in APX mode when I turn on it, right?
And I see the option "Fastboot mode" when I turn on the tablet holding Vol +.
About your question I don't know how to answer, I flashed V8-Thor_1.7.3_recovery... is that a CWM?
In the top it says CWM Recovery v5.5.0.x(thor2002ro/digetx rev 1.7.3) Iconia A50x...
Mafvtapatio said:
a question, if I try to flash a stock ROM (like Acer_A500_1.031.00_WW_GEN1.zip from the post of stock roms)... it will let my tablet again only in APX mode when I turn on it, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, not sure I understand your question...are you saying you're now stuck in apx mode - black screen power light on?
There are 2 types of stock rom on here....
1) Official Acer EUU or OTA roms
2) Official Stock roms which are Custom - pre-rooted and able to flash CWM etc -
If you flash one of the Acer EUU or OTA roms you will lose CWM and Root
To be honest - with your tab "spontaneously" booting and being stuck on the acer logo and the issues that have followed - its sounding more and more like a faulty chip - this is something that only acer can fix...I could be wrong about this and I hope I am...but something is just not feeling right...
- you still have cwm and access to fastboot - thats a bonus - maybe do a complete format thru CWM of data/media, system (and flexrom if its there) then try to flash a rom again - if it still won't flash AND if you're not stuck in apx mode then I think you'd be best to download an official update.zip - from Blackthund3rs thread here this one -
Acer_AV041_1.054.00_WW_GEN1:
Once you've d/l'ed it...try opening it if you can't then it will need decrypting the instructions for this are in the OP..
Once you have extracted the "update.zip" and have it on your sdcard - flash via CWM
good luck
dibb
dibb_nz said:
EDIT: what version of cwm to have now? If its not 1.7.3 then go ahead and reflash the v8
Yes it is - keeps your data intact but 'resets' the rom to like it is when you first flash, there is an option to wipe data/media if you wish to - theres a toggle to enable it but on every boot to recovery it will be disabled again...
You can try another flash of the rom itself otherwise reflash the v8 bootloader.
Do you have access to "fastboot mode" power vol down - just wondering
dibb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean "If if its not 1.7.3"? Are there problems with flashing the bootloader with 1.7.3?
no, no, not at all, i meant if he didnt have that version to reflash v8 to get it
oops clicked wrong button
he said he flashed stock rom and ended up with dead android = stock recovery
A500 V8 booting primary kernel image
dibb_nz said:
no, no, not at all, i meant if he didnt have that version to reflash v8 to get it
oops clicked wrong button
he said he flashed stock rom and ended up with dead android = stock recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello everyone!
I have a similar issue whith my a500. but i can restore the backup i did of my honeycomb sistem in cwm (i have acess)
aftter making the backup i have flashed V8-Thor_1.7.3_recovery.a500apx in apxflashtool in order to get ics boot loader and install ICS roms.
so far so good after the flash i had already a ICS rom in my sd card redy to flash so imediatly after V8 flash entered cwm and did clean format and wipe all. Next installed the rom (aroma instalation) no problems what so ever. After instalation is finished reboted and now im stuck on skilax v8 bootloader boting primary kernel image
i tried the folowing
- chage kernel multiboot fix partitions redo clean format etc etc etc (ALL THE STEPS)
-many other ics jellybean rooms (all of the install but dont boot)
- honey comb rooms install and BOOT normaly.
at this point thought maybe it was a bad V8 flash and decided to reflash the V8-Thor_1.7.3_recovery.a500apx
Now the flash tool can get pass uploading image phase.
i have correct sbk and cpuuid since i had to recover last week from boot verified failed error and use the flash tool whith correct sbk to recover the tablet with sucess.
So basicly im stuck wit
h my honeycomb rom backup or other HC roms
any news on this subject?
cybersaicho said:
Hello everyone!
I have a similar issue whith my a500. but i can restore the backup i did of my honeycomb sistem in cwm (i have acess)
aftter making the backup i have flashed V8-Thor_1.7.3_recovery.a500apx in apxflashtool in order to get ics boot loader and install ICS roms.
so far so good after the flash i had already a ICS rom in my sd card redy to flash so imediatly after V8 flash entered cwm and did clean format and wipe all. Next installed the rom (aroma instalation) no problems what so ever. After instalation is finished reboted and now im stuck on skilax v8 bootloader boting primary kernel image
i tried the folowing
- chage kernel multiboot fix partitions redo clean format etc etc etc (ALL THE STEPS)
-many other ics jellybean rooms (all of the install but dont boot)
- honey comb rooms install and BOOT normaly.
at this point thought maybe it was a bad V8 flash and decided to reflash the V8-Thor_1.7.3_recovery.a500apx
Now the flash tool can get pass uploading image phase.
i have correct sbk and cpuuid since i had to recover last week from boot verified failed error and use the flash tool whith correct sbk to recover the tablet with sucess.
So basicly im stuck wit
h my honeycomb rom backup or other HC roms
any news on this subject?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes just one question what is - " chage kernel multiboot "???? Sounds dodgy
You can boot to fastboot mode then do an erase of data and cache, see if that helps for a start....
Do you stil have recovery and can you still restore your HC backup?
I have seen a post or two where tabs can only boot HC Roms and no ICS
It "maybe" the dreaded hardware fault - you might be best to d/l the babsector.rar and run that - it will give you a proper error if theres something wrong - can get it from the root guide in my sig. Give me a minute or two and I'll post some steps in using it
---------- Post added at 09:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:53 AM ----------
How to use babsector.rar
Download and extract the babsector.rar to a folder on your PC
Turn your tab off and put it in apx mode manually. Press and hold reset button, hold power for 3 secs after the light comes on and release it, after another second release the reset button. Your screen is black and the power light is on.
Connect your tab to your PC
Navigate to the babsector folder and click on 501 A.bat, when its done
Reboot into recovery
Go to Mounts and Storage and Format System twice and Power Off
Go back into apx mode and run 501 B.bat
Reboot into recovery and do the wipes and flash your rom
Reboot