[Q] How-To Downgrade Official ICS to HC - Acer Iconia A500

After the OTA update to ICS on my 3.2.1 Gen 2, U.S. a500 (unrooted and unaltered at the time), my accelerometer seemed to stop working. (The curious thing about this is that the accelerometer will work only if i reset with a paperclip).
Factory Resets don't seem to do anything.
I want to go back to 3.2.1 HC, and then reinstall the ICS update, how do I do this? I am currently rooted on ICS via blackthunder.

Sazavar said:
After the OTA update to ICS on my 3.2.1 Gen 2, U.S. a500 (unrooted and unaltered at the time), my accelerometer seemed to stop working. (The curious thing about this is that the accelerometer will work only if i reset with a paperclip).
Factory Resets don't seem to do anything.
I want to go back to 3.2.1 HC, and then reinstall the ICS update, how do I do this? I am currently rooted on ICS via blackthunder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couple options;
1. check out some of the custom Roms which may have stable working accelerometer.
2. Use blackthund3rs apxflash tool in my sig 2 go back, I not done it but I'm sure if u asked on the thread sum 1 will help out.
Our builds hc 7.014.15 have not recd an ota yet, which may bode well for thinking that Acer may be working on a patch to fix the issues in the first release. All conjecture of course
_________________________________________________
Jazzyjames method here on how to roll back ICShttp://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1516012
he uses timmydeans v4 zip to roll back...it was for the ICS Leak version but dont see any reason why it wont work on stock -
please someone correct me if i'm wrong about this.......
things you need for this to work:
timmydeans v4 zip its about 400mb (the mirrors can be slow and erratic, if you want it i can pm you a better link)
Acer Drivers from Acer Support Download Page
a pc running win7/vista ideally, xp is a bit flaky
dot net framework 4 installed on yr pc
terminal emulator from the market
Your cpuid which you can try getting now - the downgrade wont work without it
open terminal emulator app
and type in dmesg > /mnt/sdcard/dmesg.txt
open the text file and look for androidboot.serialno=
this is your cpuid - write it down and keep it safe!!!!
you also need to enter download or apx mode manually via button combo, this can be tricky and can become
extremely frustrating!!! It involves pressing and holding in the reset and power buttons in just the right way
....but full instructions are given.
thats pretty much it, most of the process is done via your pc -
the cpuid and getting it into download mode are the most difficult part
there are on screen instructions all the way through to help you
i've attached an image of a "cannot detect your iconia screen" which you
need to get to first before you can enter download mode....some people have had real trouble getting this to come up -
but only because they're weren't following the instructions to the letter....
oh and it will WIPE YOUR DATA so backup what you don't want to lose......
You will end up with a Stock Rooted 3.2.1 gen2 with CWM
whatever way you decide Good Luck

Related

[Q]Won't update to Android 3.2.1 over FOTA / need original stock ROM

So first of all my tablet is brand new and not rooted and I don't want to root it.
When I got it I could update it instantly from 3.0.whateverwastheversionatthetime to android 3.2 (build 7.006.01_COM_GEN1) but it won't go from there to 3.2.1 which I hear is available for my location (France) The update tool tells me that my firmware is up to date.
I've tried a factory reset as advised by Acer customer care services but it wouldn't change. Also no matter what I do (empty cache etc.) the market won't update to Google Play Store and I think the two issues are related.
So I have two (or rather 3) questions:
1) Does anyone know a way around to force the update? (I doubt it's possible but hey "l'espoir fait vivre")
2) If not can I install a stock ROM without root and NOT compromise the warranty?
3) Where can I get such a ROM? I have searched here and here but 3.2.1 is not on the first thread and the links on the second thread are broken, plus I want to make sure that the ROM is the proper one for my region and that comes the ICS OTA update I will have no troubles doing the update.
Thanks in advance to those who will answer.
lunaticwraith said:
So I have two (or rather 3) questions:
1) Does anyone know a way around to force the update? (I doubt it's possible but hey "l'espoir fait vivre")
2) If not can I install a stock ROM without root and NOT compromise the warranty?
3) Where can I get such a ROM? I have searched here and here but 3.2.1 is not on the first thread and the links on the second thread are broken, plus I want to make sure that the ROM is the proper one for my region and that comes the ICS OTA update I will have no troubles doing the update.
Thanks in advance to those who will answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) No you cannot force an OTA
2) It depends - others have reported returning there acer with no probs -, i think someone has even returned it rooted and been ok. These things are fairly bulletproof, and really hard to 'brick'. As long as you can read, follow a few steps you shouldnt have any probs. The worse thing you can do is try 2 or 3 different methods all at once because something isnt working right. You're best to pick one and stick with it, if you have probs ask for help in the thread you got the rom from or start your own like you have here
3) The update.zip method from the first link you posted "should" work. Did you "decrypt" the file you downloaded before extracting the update.zip??
You could try timmyDeans v4 method- it will install a stock 3.2.1, it is rooted but you can remove root using the tools he provides. Beware though this will wipe all data so backup anything essential.
The update.zip method will leave your data and settings intact
As always the choice is yours, there are some really excellent custom roms out there - I enjoy the best of both worlds with a backup of my trusty stock 3.2.1, I flash to my hearts content knowing I can always go back to it when the OTA update is out!!! Oh the joys of root priveleges
Thanks for your input, I'll make sure to try all this when I get back from work. I've a few additional questions:
1) If I install a custom rom, will the OTA work from this ROM or, comes the OTA, will I have to restore my actual Stock rom and then proceed with the OTA?
2) I haven't tried the rom on the first link I gave because it is modified and I was searching for the original, pristine, untouched stock ROM for 3.2.1
I've seen such roms around here on xda for 3.2 but none for 3.2.1, if anyone stumbles upon one please let me know.
3) Since I'm still looking for a pristine ROM before trying anything else, I have a friend whose tablet (same brand and model) safely updated to 3.2.1, is there a way to make a rom from is gear? If yes, how to?
4) (related to 3) how can I backup my actual ROM, do I have to be a root user to do so?
THX again!
lunaticwraith said:
Thanks for your input, I'll make sure to try all this when I get back from work. I've a few additional questions:
1) If I install a custom rom, will the OTA work from this ROM or, comes the OTA, will I have to restore my actual Stock rom and then proceed with the OTA?
2) I haven't tried the rom on the first link I gave because it is modified and I was searching for the original, pristine, untouched stock ROM for 3.2.1
I've seen such roms around here on xda for 3.2 but none for 3.2.1, if anyone stumbles upon one please let me know.
3) Since I'm still looking for a pristine ROM before trying anything else, I have a friend whose tablet (same brand and model) safely updated to 3.2.1, is there a way to make a rom from is gear? If yes, how to?
4) (related to 3) how can I backup my actual ROM, do I have to be a root user to do so?
THX again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Typically, most people do not take OTA's when running a custom rom, as basically the OTA installs a totally fresh factory Rom. This is true with the 3.2.1 update, which contains a new bootloader. Usually, this means you lose root, and Recovery, then stuck with downgrading to get these things back.
Timmy Deans root tool supposedly maintains a back door method, which s supposed to protect root, in case of an OTA. No, I haven't used this method, as I run my own 501 roms.
2. Vache has a thread "full package and updates" in the 500 Dev forum. There are several factory Roms and Updates. You'll have to look. Chances are, he may not have the specific Com Gen version you want, but probably one close enough.
3. If your friend can get adb running, you can pull a "system dump", which will dump all files/folders in the system folder. The boot.img would be nice to get, but you can probably use the current one you have. Unfortunately, he already rebooted, so you probably can't get the original full update file. If he's rooted, you can use an app called Rom Factory, to get most of what you need. It's always a good time to become familiar with ADB.
4. Well, you can back it up internally, but it's sort of useless if you can't get into your OS You will need to Root, and install a custom recovery to keep your backup externally.
Moscow Desire said:
2. Vache has a thread "full package and updates" in the 500 Dev forum. There are several factory Roms and Updates. You'll have to look. Chances are, he may not have the specific Com Gen version you want, but probably one close enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, as Moscow has pointed out, in vaches thread not all roms are listed. My stock roms (1.016.01 and 1.139.04) for instance weren't - so I spent the last hour or two trying the "EUU gen1" listed at the bottom of the page. Well, it actually worked!! It gave me an OTA to 1.139.04 straight away. After that installed i got the 4.010.40 to 3.2 and then the next 2 for 3.2.1 - 7.006.03 and 7.014.15. So its given me the correct updates for my country AND kept my data and settings too.
SO, since you're on a Gen1 Rom this should work for you too, but still no gaurantee you will get the OTA to 3.2.1, no harm in trying though
btw timmydeans method is a gen2 rom so you can rule that out...
---------- Post added at 11:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 PM ----------
just came across this link for an update to stock 3.2.1 build 7.014.14 here - orignal thread here but you need cwm to install it....
unless you can make it into an update.zip???
but thats way outta my league,
moscow may be able to suggest something though
Thank you very much, your answers help a lot! Just a few precisions and I'll stop being a pain in the ass!
1. Typically, most people do not take OTA's when running a custom rom, as basically the OTA installs a totally fresh factory Rom. This is true with the 3.2.1 update, which contains a new bootloader. Usually, this means you lose root, and Recovery, then stuck with downgrading to get these things back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
==> @ Moscow, when you say "lose recovery" does it mean I lose the green thingy with gears when I start with volume down and power pressed/ and when I reset to factory settings?
==> @dibb_nz your method is the closest to what I'm looking for, I also hope it will give me the correct updates for my country and since Vache is a fellow countryman it might just be ok.
Anyways thanks again, I'll give a thorough look to all of your solutions and try and do a few things tomorrow afternoon. I'll keep you posted in case this thread interests anyone else.
lunaticwraith said:
==> @ Moscow, when you say "lose recovery" does it mean I lose the green thingy with gears when I start with volume down and power pressed/ and when I reset to factory settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, what I meant to say, is when you run a rooted "custom" Rom, and use a "custom" recovery such as RA Recovery or CWM, getting an OTA update, usually wipes that out, and installs the factory bootloader. Your factory recovery....cough cough.... will still be there.
If you are only concerned about stock factory, then don't worry about it. You;re ok. Your factory/stock recovery will be just fine
The reason we root and install custom recoveries, is so we can do 3 primary things.
1. Flash a custom rom
2. Create a complete system backup to our external SD card.
3. Get rid of pre-installed useless apps.
There are other things we can do with it, but these are the primary reasons.
When you have a default factory stock system, the only protection you have, is a factory reset (hope it works), and a couple other methods which require a touch more knowledge.
Anyhow, don't worry about your factory recovery. It's just fine.
1) Just for the sake of knowledge what's the difference between GEN_1 and GEN_2? (and GEN3 and CUS7 and EMEA_TMLP)?
2) @Dibb_nz when you tried with the stock rom from Vache, was it because you encountered the same no FOTA update problem as I did? Or just to try...?
3) Something's still unclear to me after browsing through the forums: If I get an unmodified stock ROM can I flash it with the stock recovery? (so without rooting) Or do I need CWM (so root is needed)
4) What's EUU? (on Vache's thread some roms are listed as EUU)
lunaticwraith said:
1) Just for the sake of knowledge what's the difference between GEN_1 and GEN_2? (and GEN3 and CUS7 and EMEA_TMLP)?
2) @Dibb_nz when you tried with the stock rom from Vache, was it because you encountered the same no FOTA update problem as I did? Or just to try...?
3) Something's still unclear to me after browsing through the forums: If I get an unmodified stock ROM can I flash it with the stock recovery? (so without rooting) Or do I need CWM (so root is needed)
4) What's EUU? (on Vache's thread some roms are listed as EUU)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. The Gen's usually signify regional based roms. More specifically language support, sometimes a wifi tweak, and maybe a couple other things. Mostly though, ComGen1's are for the US and probably canada, and offer about 12 different languages. TMPL is for East Europe mostly, with polish as the default language. All roms contain the english language as far as I know.
3. You basically can't install a full rom on an unrooted tablet without CWM or RA Recovery. You will have to run the update (decrypt the file, remove the update.zip)
4. EUU is a pc based install. Plug in the USB, set your tab to APX mode and run the EUU.
If you did the root, and install a custom recovery, then you could run just about all the full roms. Your custom recovery would be overwritten, and you would lose root access. You would have a stock tablet with the version rom you selected.
You can always wait a week or so. Am sure if the update has been pushed to your country, it's just a matter of time till you get it. It's common for the update process for specific roms, to get fully done in 2-3 weeks. It took well over a week just for users in california to mostly start getting updates.
Well the official release date for the ICS FOTA in France is May 3rd, so I'll wait until then but having other options and the know-how to take actions is always a good basis. (plus I'm really not the patient type ^^)
Stupid question but I'm guessing EUU needs root too?
and also APX means rebooting while holding power and volume - right?
lunaticwraith said:
Well the official release date for the ICS FOTA in France is May 3rd, so I'll wait until then but having other options and the know-how to take actions is always a good basis. (plus I'm really not the patient type ^^)
Stupid question but I'm guessing EUU needs root too?
and also APX means rebooting while holding power and volume - right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the EUU just to see if it would keep me on my regions OTA upgrade path.
Sometimes you can have probs OTA'ing if you aren't using the rom from your region.
But in this case it gave me the correct OTA's.
APX is Acer Download mode, where the OTA upgrades are flashed - this EUU will do it via your PC. Button push method (power/reset button) not required.
No, the EUU does not need root which is why I tried it out for you
You will need to be on 3.2.1 before you will receive the ICS update
I used this EUU from vaches thread -
EUUs_SBK_Acer_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1
late for work will check back later
That's really helpful thanks I'm downloading the same EUU you used and will try it today or tomorrow depending on how much time I have, will keep you posted!
Ok so I did the EUU install and it worked fine, the tablet then allowed me to upgrade to 3.01 and then 3.1 then 3.2 via FOTA without any problem. But once I reached 3.2, the update tool informs me that there's no update available and my gear is up to date
So my guess is Acer France are not pushing the 3.2.1 FOTA update anymore...
Any other explanation?
lunaticwraith said:
Ok so I did the EUU install and it worked fine, the tablet then allowed me to upgrade to 3.01 and then 3.1 then 3.2 via FOTA without any problem. But once I reached 3.2, the update tool informs me that there's no update available and my gear is up to date
So my guess is Acer France are not pushing the 3.2.1 FOTA update anymore...
Any other explanation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear u got thru the EUU process OK, not so great u still can't ota to 3.2.1
Others have reported similar issues not sure if/how they were ever resolved. As moscow posted earlier,ota,s are not made available to all users in all regions, all at once, so it may be just a matter of waiting for the next "push cycle" to roll round.
At least you know you can always get back to stock if you ever decide to root and go custom There no direct root method for 3.2, just use that same euu to get back to 3.1 and use iconia root and Acer recovery installer from the market and you're ready to flash your rom of choice
Pls post back if u do get the ota - best of luck
rgds Donna
Yeah I was just browsing the XDA forums, contemplating the idea to rollback and root and then installing this
I wonder if it's worth waiting for the OTA... as for what you said about waiting for the next "push cycle" I've been waiting since I got the tablet and the update hasn't come yet, which is strange because the ICS update is due on May 3rd in France and I'd guess they'd have everyone up to date and ready for the update by now!
Rooting seems pretty straightforward and much easier than what it was on my Samsung Galaxy Spica: I found this
, a file called iconiaroot.apk on the sdcard aswell, rebooting your tablet while pushing the volume down button so its starts flashing the buggy honeycomb version.
Then start up the tablet again, rush to the market, download some file manager, with that filemanager explore your sdcard, and install the iconiaroot.apk file, once thats done, rush back to the market and download and install acer recovery installer. At that point you will have CWM (clockworkmod) installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is that all there is to it?
In any case I'll keep you posted just so it can help anyone with the same issue!
alsoe FYI and just for the anecdote: the reason I'm so cautious about everything and scared ****less of rooting is that the tablet is a present from my girlfriend for my 30th birthday, and she'll hang me with my guts if I brick it.
Ok I rooted and flashed the above-mentioned rom and it works! I'm now under 3.2.1!
Thanks to everyone who helped me! When the ICS update comes I will post here to signal how the FOTA went.
Thanks again!
Lol, good onya for taking the plunge! Yeh acer recovery installer is brilliant, along with iconia root, makes the whole process stress free.
Will be interesting to see if you get a notification for ICS OTA with that rom.
Can always flash one of the leaks if u get impatient??
Glad everything's worked out and yr g/f still talking 2 u
rgds Donna
thx! I will post here when/if I get the OTA. and my love life is safe thanksnto iconia root
okay so the ota has been rolling for over a week and a half now and still nothing for me

Iconia A500 freezing

Since my Iconia updated to ICS it "freezes" when left unattended and powered on for a little while. The only way to bring it back is to hold the power button down for about 8 seconds, release it and then hold it down again for about 4 seconds. It then starts back up.
I have searched many forums and have tried the following;
1. Factory reset (many times)
2. Not loading apps
3. Turning blue tooth on
4. Setting WiFi policy to never sleep
5. Setting WiFi policy to sleep when screen is off
6. Disabling Google+
7. Setting display sleep to 30 minutes
8. Setting display sleep to never
9. Turn off sync for all accounts
10. Removing SD card
This has gotten beyond frustrating and has led to a tablet that, in many ways, is useless to me now. Does anyone have any other thoughts?
I am not very technological so I have never considered rooting but, if there is a rock solid way to do so and solid ROM I may consider it.
Thank you!
bweave said:
Since my Iconia updated to ICS it "freezes" when left unattended and powered on for a little while. The only way to bring it back is to hold the power button down for about 8 seconds, release it and then hold it down again for about 4 seconds. It then starts back up.
I have searched many forums and have tried the following;
1. Factory reset (many times)
2. Not loading apps
3. Turning blue tooth on
4. Setting WiFi policy to never sleep
5. Setting WiFi policy to sleep when screen is off
6. Disabling Google+
7. Setting display sleep to 30 minutes
8. Setting display sleep to never
9. Turn off sync for all accounts
10. Removing SD card
This has gotten beyond frustrating and has led to a tablet that, in many ways, is useless to me now. Does anyone have any other thoughts?
I am not very technological so I have never considered rooting but, if there is a rock solid way to do so and solid ROM I may consider it.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do a search for SOD, sleep of death.
Are you on ota ics...? I take it you did not have that problem on HC
I have had that problems on some software versions and not others, currently on ota ics stock no root and have that problem.
More information
shaun298 said:
Do a search for SOD, sleep of death.
Are you on ota ics...? I take it you did not have that problem on HC
I have had that problems on some software versions and not others, currently on ota ics stock no root and have that problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes - stock OTA, no problems with HC. Have never tried to root - not very technical
bweave said:
Yes - stock OTA, no problems with HC. Have never tried to root - not very technical
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting is not that hard. If you can follow the instructions then you can do it.
Rooting
taodan said:
Rooting is not that hard. If you can follow the instructions then you can do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the encouragement! I am willing to try to get a working Iconia back. I am sure that my next question has to do with personal preference but what ROM should I flash? Is that the correct question?
bweave said:
Yes - stock OTA, no problems with HC. Have never tried to root - not very technical
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look thru this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624645
will give you some basic background - with links to the latest roms, root and flashing tools etc how to get yr cpuid, drivers installed etc etc...there is also a step by step pictorial to flashing the bootloader using apx Flashtool.
dibb_nz said:
Have a look thru this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624645
will give you some basic background - with links to the latest roms, root and flashing tools etc how to get yr cpuid, drivers installed etc etc...there is also a step by step pictorial to flashing the bootloader using apx Flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link! What is the most stable ROM out there? Will I run into issues with apps not working?
bweave said:
Thanks for the link! What is the most stable ROM out there? Will I run into issues with apps not working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only trouble you will have is not following the install instructions in the OP of whichever ROM you choose.
You must do a full wipe/format of /data/media and /flexrom partitions - both before and after flashing yr rom .
Updating the Bootloader to the patched ICS should resolve the sleep of death issues.
I can only suggest the rom I have used which is mainly the flexreaper series - atm I am running the RE-FLEXxx 4.0.4 rom of civato's and couldnt be happier - its smooth and snappy, has great battery life and I've had no issues - oh yes I did, boot looped after flashing but I did another wipe and all was well...
Link to Civatos "Flex series" Roms Most of the recent roms need the ICS patched bootloader. But FLEXREAPER-RF1_rv3-CUSTOM-ICS can be run on the HC BL but as I said before it is best to update once you're feeling up to it
Thors Rom from Tegra owners (google) is a very stable and popular rom based on CM9
So to recap:
You will have issues running ICS on the HC bootloader
Use cwm 1.7.3 to do a nandroid backup-it should generate a "uid.txt" file in yr backup folder and also displays it on-screen
Your HC uid is VITAL to unbrick in case things go pear shaped
Now that you've done this you can look at rooting and flashing a custom recovery.
Root It - icsRoot from Blackthund3r
Install a custom recovery - Flash CWM 1.7.3 custom recovery to backup/restore, flash roms etc, get yr uid OR
download Acer Recovery Installer to install the "recovery" for you
DONE!!
You can flash any ROM that is compatible with the HC BL - the OP will always say if it is or not.
Just one more thing - there are a variety of ways of rooting and flashing the BL you can go about it manually or use one of the many automated tools to do it for you. It depends on what you feel comfortable with!!
The major steps to flash the patched bootloader - (from civatos guide)
Step 1 - Make sure the acer and android drivers are installed
Step 2 - Retrieve your cpuid
Step 3 - Generate the SBK (Secure Boot Key) from Vaches Site
Step 4 - Flash yr ICS Rom of choice
Step 5 - Put yr tab in apx mode
Step 6 - Flash the Bootloader via manual nvflash (civato's guide) or
apxFlash Tool (Blackthund3r) or
if you want to automate everything from root to b/l then gersma's afterOTA tool is the one for you - all the links you need you can get from the original link i posted.
If you need further help just ask. Good Luck

[REF] Guide/FAQ for ICS on Lenovo Ideapad K1

This is my first thread of this type so I am open to any/all suggestions. I noticed there were a lot of users that emerged on various forums during the wait and eventual release of Ice Cream Sandwich from Lenovo. So I decided to start this thread as a guide/FAQ to try and make things simpler. We were all once in a place of confusion regarding Android. I got helped many times along the way so I figured it would be my turn to help out some newbies.
This thread is currently a work in progress as I try to add everything that is deemed important to know. I will try to keep this up to date with everything we currently have available. If something is missing and needs to be added just send me a PM and I will get on it ASAP!
First, a few disclaimers! READ THESE FIRST!
~Anything you do to your tablet is your own fault! Neither myself, nor the developers whose modifications are listed below are in any way at all responsible for what happens!
~There are probably more disclaimers I should add so....
Now that that is out of the way, lets get started!
So you’ve got an Ideapad K1 and have decided to jump ship from the stock Honeycomb experience from Lenovo.
Things you are going to need:
1. The USB cable to connect your tablet to a PC (Yes, you will need a PC)
2. Your battery should be charged to 100%
3. You must have these drivers installed on your PC.
Nvflash Windows Drivers
md5sum: 9aa3a4814ca63366329d85a22ed01f64
Things you need to do:
Next you need to backup anything you do not wish to lose. When you flash, everything on your tablet will be wiped. This means you will lose any apps/data/music/pictures/etc.
Apps are backed up through your Gmail account and should easily restore once you boot up. Any other data should be copied over to a computer or an external micro-sd card and can be later copied back onto the tablet.
Now you need to decide what you are going to flash. As of 7/31 you only have 3 choices.
There is
1. Stock ICS Lenovo rom which is missing Google Play Store and all Google services (Generally not recommended) Can be found here Stock Lenovo K1 ICS
2. Thanks to developer khanning88 we do have a version of the above rom with an included Play Store (although it has limited functionality) This rom comes in 2 version. Stock and rooted. If you do not know what “rooted” means then I suggest you stick to the stock rom. Both can be found for download in khanning’s thread. Also remember if you want to show him some thanks for his work he has a donation link. Official K1 ICS w/Play Store
Just download whichever Zip update package you believe is best for you and extract the contents into an easily accessible folder.
Assuming you have followed these instructions you are now...
Ready to Flash:
Flashing is relatively simple, but the instructions must be followed carefully to avoid any complications.
First thing is to boot your tablet into APX mode.
To boot into APX mode:
1. Power off
2. Hold down the Vol - and the Vol +
3. While holding the Volume keys down, Power on
4. The display should go black, and both LED's on either side of the home button should light up. This is APX mode.
Now you need to plug the USB cable into your tablet.
Next, you need to go the directory where you extracted the update zip. Find the "flash-windows.bat" file and double click. You should see some text appear on your tablet, this means it is working. Just sit back and wait. Once it has finished it will automatically reboot and you should see Android 4.0 ICS boot up.
F.A.Q. Courtesy of aleafonthewind on the Lenovo forums​
Frequently Asked Questions

1.What is this and what does it do?
a.This is an Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich ROM image. You can use it to upgrade your IdeaPad K1 to ICS.​2.How is it different from the image Lenovo released?
a.In two ways:​i. The image that Lenovo released does not include the Google Apps package, which contains core apps such as Gmail, Calendar, Google Play Music, etc. The image this FAQ references has the latest version of this package.​ii. If you choose to install the rooted version of this ROM, your device will have root access. This means that you can install applications that require root privileges. If you don’t know the benefits of having root access you probably don’t need it.​3.Does it support 3G models of the IdeaPad K1
a.Yes. Both 3G and WiFi only models are supported.​4.Does USB Debugging work with this ROM?
a.Yes.​5.What is ADB and do I need it?
a.ADB stand for Android Debug Bridge, and if you didn’t know that you don’t need it. I promise.​6.Will ADB connect with this ROM?
a.It should. You may have to play with drivers to get it to work; some people have reported issues with it.​7.Is the source available for this ROM?
a.Yes.​8.Does my tablet need to be rooted to install this ROM?
a.No. You can flash from any ROM, stock or not.​9.Can I go back to Honeycomb if I want to?
a.Yes. There is a ROM you can use that will restore you to stock Honeycomb (Android 3.2.1) with all the original applications.​10.Will installing this erase my data?
a.YES. All data will be gone if you flash this ROM. You need to backup anything you want to save.​11.How do I install it?
a.Follow the instructions found above this FAQ. If you have problems, try moving flash-windows.bat into the “files” directory.​
Thanks to Lenovo for the ICS update and Khanning for working on our tab as well as providing most of these instructions.
***I hope this thread has helped you. If something was confusing let me know and I will try to clarify it.***
me_is_rushin said:
Mark, the Admin, on the Lenovo forums confirmed on 7/25 that we will finally be getting an official ICS update for our tabs.
I will update this thread whenever the update drops as well as put up a link for the latest play store apk for those that need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the link.:good:
http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/IdeaPad...-Cream-Sandwich-Android-4-Vanilla/ta-p/808729
Any possibility of someone rooting the image before installation so that we can do what's needed to get the play store working correctly...
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
thispaininmyhead said:
Any possibility of someone rooting the image before installation so that we can do what's needed to get the play store working correctly...
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Khanning is working on itnow
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2
Will it still use the official installation method with a substitution of the original files in the zip?
How can I install Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich ROM image through mini sd card I don,t have k1 USB cable to connect it to my laptop. But I can copy the image and extract the zip image to mini sad card from my laptop and use the mini sad card to install the image to my k1 idea pad?

[Q] unbricking selfbricked stock A500

My colleague brought his stock A500 to me in a bricked condition last week.
I need a way to restore it. If I try to do a wipe it will say bootloader error if i try the recovery the droid falls down with the red sign with the exclamation mark.
This tablet has never been rooted, my colleague is not in to such things, it's lived its life with ordinary acer otas and the occational very young human (5 year old) trial wich it has survived.
He has installed all the OTAs he ever got on the tablet and this is in Sweden so it would probably be a 4.0.3 acer stock on it now.
I'm guessing it has died during a OTA or something. if i turn it on it will sit at the acer logo indefinitly.
I Bricked my A500 during a rooting atempt resulting in me needed to flash a stock rom to get it working again, but i cant find the thread i read to un-brick my A500.
Please Help!
try this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1839313
dibb_nz wrote:
try this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1839313
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that thread seems to hold all i need, although i can't do a full wipe. when i do the flipswitch wipe procedure it halts with bootloader error
Im hoping to just be able to flash the stock rom from the link you gave me. Is it entirely necessary to do the wipe prior to flash? can i wipe it afterwards?
Hogbola said:
Well that thread seems to hold all i need, although i can't do a full wipe. when i do the flipswitch wipe procedure it halts with bootloader error
Im hoping to just be able to flash the stock rom from the link you gave me. Is it entirely necessary to do the wipe prior to flash? can i wipe it afterwards?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
we're assuming the tab is full stock and currently on ICS...
and we're assuming he never tried to 'fix' his tab by flashing one thing or another...
the bootloader error worries me...what exactly does it say...
Yes the wipes are really important!! and not being able to use the button method to do so is concerning...
what happens with the Over The Air (OTA) updates is its just that...an update...it leaves all your settings/data intact. When you OTA from one build to another, like Gingerbread 3.0 to Honeycomb 3.1/2 and then to ICS 4.0 - you drag all your apps and settings with you and of course some things that work with 3.2 will not work under ICS....fjor instance, lots of folk had trouble with wifi disconnects, once they got to ICS - or they had apps force closing and other 'glitches'. This is why everyone tells you to do the wipes - as this fixes these things! In the case of stock ICS my gmail would f/c all the time no matter how many times I wiped/formatted....So for a smooth running tab - flash a custom rom!!!!!!
But getting back to you...
From that link i gave you...download the 3.1_Full.zip....its decrypted so just extract it and get the "update.zip" from it..
This "update.zip" is not an incremental "update" but the full stock rom....
once installed you'll be on GB you will need to root it with iconia root and then use acer recovery installer to flash cwm....(get these from the playstore)
do a backup or adb devices so you can get your CPUID....this is important...if anything goes wrong at any stage this is the only thing that will get you unbricked....see the cpuid link in my sig for more on this, please take the time to read it, even if it doesnt make much sense to you, read it anyway....
AFTER you have retrieved your cpuid, you can nvflash the patched bootloader/recovery pkg which means you are able to flash ICS/JB custom roms
they cannot be flashed via cwm like normal...you must use nvFlash to do it....
OR
take the OTA route to ICS...this takes a bit of time...I did it last week and it was a good 6-7 hours to go from GB to ICS
there are pre-rooted stock roms if you wanna stay stock see civato's stock rom thread for that here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1633907
official stock rom list by blackthund3r are here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1816560
civs guide to flashing the unlocked bootloader here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
I am in a similar situation. Push the power button and it goes to a screen with white acer on black and stays there. Totally stock ICS, no root. I tried the update.zip thing and after automatically rebooting it says "Boot verified failed...". I don't have my cpuid, or have installed previously CWM or anything like that. I can get into APX mode. This guy here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1751978 could only get into APX with no cpuid as well, but i don't understand all of the ubuntuu and command line stuff. I would love for someone to be able to walk a dummy like me through this mess. Thanks for any help.
if u got boot verified fail error you need nvFlash to repair that....as u know, with nvflash you need yr cpuid....wot about usbdeview? if you've never plugged yr tab into yr PC - then it won't work and the ONLY other way is Linux....
might be best to start yr own thread with a descriptive title, not just a help I'm bricked no uid, thread there are hundreds of those....the more effort u put into the title the more likely you will attract the attention of someone who can actually help...and remember you just don't need a bit of help but a blow by blow description of what to do and how....this will be very time consuming....at the very least get ubuntu installed, maybe just try a few things, anything to show you are capable of at least giving it a go yourself..
there are others who would like 2 know how to do this as well...having a specific thread of its own would be great
good luck
dibb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Actually, I have connected it to my PC before. Only for transferring media though. If I've done that, is the some way to retrieve my cpuid from the PC?
yup...usbdeview.zip see the bottom of the OP in the cpuid guide in my sig
Thanks alot for your help. I used usbdeview and got my cpuid. Now I should use nvflash? Know where a good step by step is for that one?
you could try the one in my sig??
dibb_nz said:
you could try the one in my sig??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. Sorry, I didn't notice that before. Thanks again for your direction.
"To install one of these roms you will need a custom recovery and to get that you must flash the patched bootloader FIRSt - once its patched you can install a recovery any old way you like"
Looking at that guide, would you please tell me what a custom recovery is and how to get one? Btw, I don't plan to do a custom ROM yet, I just want to get the damn thing working first. Was thinking of using the HC EUUs from the firmware files list. However there are two files, a .rar and a .exe listed. Which do i use?
NvigR8 said:
Right. Sorry, I didn't notice that before. Thanks again for your direction.
"To install one of these roms you will need a custom recovery and to get that you must flash the patched bootloader FIRSt - once its patched you can install a recovery any old way you like"
Looking at that guide, would you please tell me what a custom recovery is and how to get one? Btw, I don't plan to do a custom ROM yet, I just want to get the damn thing working first. Was thinking of using the HC EUUs from the firmware files list. However there are two files, a .rar and a .exe listed. Which do i use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The .rar EUU is for an A500, the .exe is for the A501, which do you have?
I've got the a500. However, I decided to go with a custom ICS rom after all. I managed to put a new bootloader and custom recovery on using the a500apx flash tool. That part went fine. I flashed this rom:
Acer_AV041_A500_1.054.00_WW_GEN1-FULL-ROOT (original odex)
and that appeared to go well according to twrp, but after rebooting, it just shows the bootloader again and stops there. Not sure what i did wrong.
I renamed the rom update.zip. Should i not have done that?
well congrats for getting thru the flash process with no probs!!!
as far as renaming to update.zip that was not such a good move...hopefully things havent been screwed up too much
just go back into recovery and do a FULL wipe/format
then to flash use the option "install from zip file" not sure where that is in TWRP but it will have one
Okay. I will reflash the rom after completely wiping again. Thanks.
On a different note, why do roms require particular bootloaders?
Also different, how do you like your SGS3? If i can manage to fix this thing, perhaps I'll root my phone...
NvigR8 said:
Okay. I will reflash the rom after completely wiping again. Thanks.
On a different note, why do roms require particular bootloaders?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock ICS BL is encrypted - more or less - the only way to 'flash' a recovery or rom is to have the "key" that "unlocks" - it more or less - if you dont use the right key then the OS will not boot - the 'key' is based on your cpuid which is why everyone is forever telling you to save it somewhere safe....
Also different, how do you like your SGS3? If i can manage to fix this thing, perhaps I'll root my phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I enjoy the big screen, took awhile to get used to it in my hand, kept dropping it....then I ran it over with my 44tonne truck after 3 days and munted it!!!!
I have a case for it now, and its gr8 - I havent installed a rom on it yet...the forums over there are jampacked and I have no idea what I'm doing, lol - its the first android device I've had that I've left stock for so long...but it does what I want...the camera is awesome -burst mode is the bomb - BUT do I think it was worth the money???? Still on the fence about that one.....
Ouch. Sorry to read about running over your phone. That would kill me. I really like my SGS3. I think I'll look into rooting it just to be able to back it up and get rid of the bloatware. I did that on my Captivate and prior to today, thats all I've ever done modding wise to an android device.
So, I managed to get my tab up and running again. Yay! I reflashed the rom w/out changing the name and worked like a charm. Now If only I knew why this happened in the first place... Thanks for all your help.
NvigR8 said:
Ouch. Sorry to read about running over your phone. That would kill me. I really like my SGS3. I think I'll look into rooting it just to be able to back it up and get rid of the bloatware. I did that on my Captivate and prior to today, thats all I've ever done modding wise to an android device.
So, I managed to get my tab up and running again. Yay! I reflashed the rom w/out changing the name and worked like a charm. Now If only I knew why this happened in the first place... Thanks for all your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeh sometimes happens with the tab for some reason - thank your lucky stars it didn't get stuck in apx mode...if that happens its normally a hardware fault so theres not alot u can do...I'm just pleased you got sorted without too much drama and it was as easy as reflashing the zip....so now you have the v8 BL - you're gold!!!
dibb_nz said:
we're assuming the tab is full stock and currently on ICS...
and we're assuming he never tried to 'fix' his tab by flashing one thing or another...
the bootloader error worries me...what exactly does it say...
Yes the wipes are really important!! and not being able to use the button method to do so is concerning...
what happens with the Over The Air (OTA) updates is its just that...an update...it leaves all your settings/data intact. When you OTA from one build to another, like Gingerbread 3.0 to Honeycomb 3.1/2 and then to ICS 4.0 - you drag all your apps and settings with you and of course some things that work with 3.2 will not work under ICS....fjor instance, lots of folk had trouble with wifi disconnects, once they got to ICS - or they had apps force closing and other 'glitches'. This is why everyone tells you to do the wipes - as this fixes these things! In the case of stock ICS my gmail would f/c all the time no matter how many times I wiped/formatted....So for a smooth running tab - flash a custom rom!!!!!!
But getting back to you...
From that link i gave you...download the 3.1_Full.zip....its decrypted so just extract it and get the "update.zip" from it..
This "update.zip" is not an incremental "update" but the full stock rom....
once installed you'll be on GB you will need to root it with iconia root and then use acer recovery installer to flash cwm....(get these from the playstore)
do a backup or adb devices so you can get your CPUID....this is important...if anything goes wrong at any stage this is the only thing that will get you unbricked....see the cpuid link in my sig for more on this, please take the time to read it, even if it doesnt make much sense to you, read it anyway....
AFTER you have retrieved your cpuid, you can nvflash the patched bootloader/recovery pkg which means you are able to flash ICS/JB custom roms
they cannot be flashed via cwm like normal...you must use nvFlash to do it....
OR
take the OTA route to ICS...this takes a bit of time...I did it last week and it was a good 6-7 hours to go from GB to ICS
there are pre-rooted stock roms if you wanna stay stock see civato's stock rom thread for that here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1633907
official stock rom list by blackthund3r are here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1816560
civs guide to flashing the unlocked bootloader here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When i do the wipe it says
Code:
Erasing userdata...
Code:
Unrecoverable bootloader error (0x19000008)
Unrecoverable bootloader error (0x19000008)
Hogbola said:
When i do the wipe it says
Code:
Erasing userdata...
Code:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I googled your error - the consensus from what I read is a corrupt OS due to running OTA updates...
Some had luck with rebooting. Others had to send it to Acer.
Did you run the update.zip? so what happens when you run the update.zip
Are you able to get into "apx mode"? If you can, hook up to your PC and see if your tab is recognised as an "apx device" - check "Hardware, Printers in win7"
Thats all I can suggest atm - if your tab does get into apx mode OK then you can find your cpuid by running Linux -
Maybe ask the guy if he's ever had the tab hooked up to his PC like to transfer files and stuff - get him to download "USBdeview" to his PC -
this will show every single device thats ever been connected to the PC and it will show the "cpuid"...
Even if we do get the uid theres no guarantee it will fix the bootloader error - but we may as well explore all the options we can....
dibb_nz said:
USBDeview will only work when you have previously plugged your tab into the PC WHILE you were running HC Rom and BL
1. If you haven't plugged your tab into this pc before, do so now, before you run the program. HC ROM/BL ONLY
1a. Run the exe and you will be presented with a window of all the USB devices you have ever plugged into your computer.
2. Click on "VendorID" column along the top to sort them
3. Look for the number "0502" under Vendor ID AND "3325" Product ID
4. In the serial number column will be a 15-digit number this is your device ID.
5. Write the number down and put a 0 in front of it and now you have your CPU ID!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Q] help with upgrading a501 from 3.2 to 4.0.3

hi xda-ders
this is my first post , and i've been re-directed here to ask questions about my acer a501. so i've had my a501 for 20 months, before it suddenly developed the well documented issue of mainboard memory failure which cannot be fixed by software. i returned my a501 to acer nz to be repaired under warranty, and they replaced the mainboard. unfortunately this mainboard was also faulty with no wireless, so i had to return it again for another round of repairs.
i finally got my a501 back on friday, and realised that the mainboard replacement was on android 3.2. previously i had upgraded to android 4.0.3 using the acer iconia tab update app, but this doesn't seem to work anymore.
1. when i do a settings - about tablet - system update check, i get the message "network coverage is currently poor. please move to a location with better coverage to continue." googling this i find that acer no longer does OTA updates and have shut down their servers so i can't do it this way.
2. i called acer nz for support on upgrading to 4.0.3. they directed me to the acer nz support website where apparently i can download the update.zip and install it manually. following the instructions exactly, i can't get this to work and keep ending up with the android robot with a yellow ! icon.
can somebody help me with the steps needing to update android 3.2 to 4.0.3 manually? i've tried searching the web and xda but many of the threads are quite old from 2 years ago when ics was first released. thank you
my tablet info:
model number = A501
android version = 3.2
baseband version = Cust:R3C01 Config:R3S/3 Conf:R3C01 Protocol:R3B01 App:R3C01
kernel version = 2.6.36.3+
build number = Acer_A501_4.031.24_COM_GEN1
Did you try to update with a 2gb micro sd? The standard recovery doesn't recognize "big" micro sd., from what I saw.
One thing: I'm not 100% sure you can update your tablet without updating recovery too. Just in case, retrieve the cpuid of your tablet, it could be helpful if it goes in boot-loop!!
Same request but different scenario
So I have Acer A500 currently running Honeycomb version installed by tool "tdv4_rollback_rom". This tool helps you to get on with valid cwm recovery and rooted honeycomb rom. I assume this brings me to HC bootloader, which is not compatible with any ICS ROM. So if I understand correctly, I will have to upgrade to unlocked V8+ ICS Bootloader and from that point on flash ICS ROM (Lightspeed or Tabooney...). If my understanding is right, I am following correct guides to get unlocked ICS Bootloader on tab using AUTOMATED A500APXFlash tool. Everything goes fine and I do get PASS screen at end. After reboot, I boot in Skrilax V8 bootloader and then boot into recovery to flash ICS ROM. After flashing any ICS ROM, I am expecting my tablet to boot into corresponding ROM but after booting into primary kernel message, I am stuck at boot logo (acer, green droid based on ICS ROM I picked). No matter what I do, I can't pass this splash screen.
So far, I have tried bunch of things,
- tdv4_rollback_rom tool
- Afterota (to flash custom recovery and bootloader)
- APXManager to get unlocked ICS Bootloader V9 on tablet (Automatic and Manual as well). This has ran successfully (PASS message) multiple times, while there were times where it got stuck in second stage of uploading.
- At end, I have tried BabSector, "a501 A.bat" ran successfully, Booted in recovery formatted System (twice), While running "a501 B.bat" (in APX Mode) as following step, I got error message "bootloader status: Bct Write Failed (code: 22) message: nverror:0x42008 (0x6042008) flags: 0"
Anytime, when I am stuck in APX mode (while doing any of the above mentioned steps), I run back to tdv4_roolback_rom tool to get proper recovery and HC rom running on tablet.
So is it partially bricked or I am following some wrong steps?
Any suggestions to fix this issue? Or I should keep HC running on tablet? I am open to run pure ICS stock as well with stock recovery and bootloader, but darn thing won't pass the boot logo.
Thanks
omniastrider said:
Did you try to update with a 2gb micro sd? The standard recovery doesn't recognize "big" micro sd., from what I saw.
One thing: I'm not 100% sure you can update your tablet without updating recovery too. Just in case, retrieve the cpuid of your tablet, it could be helpful if it goes in boot-loop!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually i tried updating with a 1gb microsd but it didn't work. i have 2gb and 16gb cards at hand, but neither of them works so i don't think it's the microsd that is the problem.
how do i update recovery? i'm happy to use other types of recovery if i can get to 4.0.3 but so far all my reading hasn't showed any full factory acer rom that i can flash. :crying:
tildespace said:
actually i tried updating with a 1gb microsd but it didn't work. i have 2gb and 16gb cards at hand, but neither of them works so i don't think it's the microsd that is the problem.
how do i update recovery? i'm happy to use other types of recovery if i can get to 4.0.3 but so far all my reading hasn't showed any full factory acer rom that i can flash. :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the old times (a couple of years ago) I managed to update my Acer A500 from 3.2 to 4.0.3 (the leaked one from Acer) without installing another recovery, but maybe for the A501 the things are a little different.
omniastrider said:
In the old times (a couple of years ago) I managed to update my Acer A500 from 3.2 to 4.0.3 (the leaked one from Acer) without installing another recovery, but maybe for the A501 the things are a little different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in the old times on my previous tablet, i updated my a501 using the OTA check update app from within the tablet. i assume that is directly from acer, however it seems the servers have been shutdown and therefore i can't use that method anymore. hence why i'm asking if anyone here on xda has the full 4.0.3 that i can use to overwrite 3.2 version.
tildespace said:
in the old times on my previous tablet, i updated my a501 using the OTA check update app from within the tablet. i assume that is directly from acer, however it seems the servers have been shutdown and therefore i can't use that method anymore. hence why i'm asking if anyone here on xda has the full 4.0.3 that i can use to overwrite 3.2 version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I know, no more OTA from Acer. Have you taken a look here? There's a leaked ICS rom there...
omniastrider said:
I know, I know, no more OTA from Acer. Have you taken a look here? There's a leaked ICS rom there...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cool thanks for that link. i have downloaded the ICS rom and opened up the zip file, it doesn't look like a normal update.zip? what does leaked rom mean, not original from acer?
i'm worried that i might brick my tablet since i'm new at this flashing thing.
tildespace said:
cool thanks for that link. i have downloaded the ICS rom and opened up the zip file, it doesn't look like a normal update.zip? what does leaked rom mean, not original from acer?
i'm worried that i might brick my tablet since i'm new at this flashing thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Leaked" means that it comes from Acer, but it's not official (maybe it was a beta, maybe not, I don't know). From what I read, you only have to follow this flow chart in order to install it. Remember to save your data before flashing, and if you're not sure, don't flash!!

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