Database Users

[GUIDE] How to unbrick Acer Iconia A500

I just got from a friend an Acer Iconia a500 he says that is bricked.
I tried this method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1572622
But I can't continue because I don't have ADB access, what should I do?.
Thanks for all and God bless you.
EDIT:
I got everything to using the secret APX mode, but now is still everything the same the Android System is still there and not charging and not touchscreen...
Go to the bottom to see how I solved this lol...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your tablet Iconia 500 (ONLY ACER ICONIA A500) went crazy, and present the next symptoms (Yes it has flu...):
-flu
-Android System icon
-Doesn't want to charge (20% / 15% 12%).
-TouchScreen is not responsive.
-Always when you turn it on says Shutting down and never shuts down.
-In case you're using ICS shuts down immediately without even make you see.​
The solution is the next!:
1. Download this file: http://www.4shared.com/archive/zyP91E0C/root-321-V4.html (This is the file to put recovery in case that you don't have it).
2. Extract all the files in any folder, it doesn't matter where you put it.
3. Go to Image Folder and rename the recovery to: anyname.img.
4. Download any of the lastest recoveries for Acer Iconia a500 (it will work believe me lol).
5. Put the recovery in the Image folder (Ex. Iconia/root-3.2.1/Image/) and rename it to recovery.img
6. Now open with Administrator Rights DotNetDetecter.exe
7. Continue, continue and continue.
8. If you have ADB Active just put it and it will install it. (If you don't have it just go to 8.1)
8.1 Shut down the tablet completly, connect your USB Cable *micro* (Tablet-Computer), take a paper clip and put it on reset without release it then press the power button and count until 4 or u4ntil you hear the sound when you plug something into Windows
8.2 Now your tablet is in APX Mode and the Acer Utility should now work.
9. Put your UID with a 0 in front of all the numbers (if you don't have it go to secret step).
10. Now let everything work. After everything is done you should have recovery now.
11. Press down volume and the tablet will take you to the recovery.
12. Download some ROM 3.2 or ICS 4.0.3, install it via recovery.
13. Download this file: http://www.mediafire.com/?9svnvdk982sxrw4
14. Install the version you have choosen via Recovery.
15. Voila! Your tablet is revived right now
Press thanks button if this helped you =D
SECRET STEP TO GET UID (IS NOT SECRET THOUGH... lol)
Just go to USB tools and use USBdeview, and is done... (Remember to stay in APX Mode)
CREDITS:
-Fguy on www.4pda.ru (EC_FLASH FILES)
-timmyDean on XDA (Root-3.2.1-V4 FILES)
-Moscow Desire (XDA Member, if it wasn't for him it couldn't get to see the light)

thanks for the great guide but could you point me in the right direction for the lastest recoveries for Acer Iconia a500 as the links i find dont work
thanks in advance
matthew

mjfaderway said:
thanks for the great guide but could you point me in the right direction for the lastest recoveries for Acer Iconia a500 as the links i find dont work
thanks in advance
matthew
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Acer Recovery from the Market should have the most recent RA Recovery, and the original GPL compliant CWM recovery.
Or if you already have the original CWM, you can get the most recent RA Recovery here. Just check the threads for the flash files.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1459821
For CWM you will need to go to tegraowners.

Dear Sir
I have same problem with my tablet too for 4 months and I explained that HERE or HERE
and i followed all instruction in these 2 threads
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1572622
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24531880#post24531880
and I used from ECrom files created by Mr. Fguy ver 4.03-22 and 3.2.1 but my problem is Lasting yet
can you help me?
you had same problem and you know how bad is a bricked tablet in your hands
thank you and GOD bless all of you
[email protected]
[email protected]

darvis said:
Dear Sir
I have same problem with my tablet too for 4 months and I explained that HERE or HERE
and i followed all instruction in these 2 threads
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1572622
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24531880#post24531880
and I used from ECrom files created by Mr. Fguy ver 4.03-22 and 3.2.1 but my problem is Lasting yet
can you help me?
you had same problem and you know how bad is a bricked tablet in your hands
thank you and GOD bless all of you
[email protected]
[email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have the tablet anymore, it was a friend one, I can help you with your big problem because really it was easier than I thought, you can PM me with all the details, and yes the flu is a big problem... =P

Problems with opening up settings to turn on usb debugging
Hi Travisantonio,
I have a question:
Did you have any problems opening up the settings when you were on the black "android system" screen?
My touch screen is completely unresponsive at the moment.

Maybe I didnt read or understand everything but with my tab USB view didnt give me my ID or it wouldnt work. Got into ADX mode but couldnt get things working. Tried ADB to list devices and would never list anything. I heard my computer beep when I would hook it up but couldnt really do or complete anything. I couldnt get the DOTNETDETECTOR (PBJUPRADE_ to work. Tried A500 APX flash utitlity. Tired nvflash and falied. Guess I should list more information but at this point I tried so many things to recover dont remember the order I did things. I originally tried to upgrade to a Rom but all things failed and actually not sure what ever got completed. Only thing I could tell my tab did besides black screen was the power button either was white(some type of one) or orange.

This helped me to recover my bricked Acer 500 tablet after a failed ICS upgrade. The Acer update seemed to go okay, but on reboot it froze at the Acer logo and had an error in the corner. Every reboot or button/reset resulted in this. It would not recover or do anything else. I was able to get the USB device ID /serial number using the USB deview 64 program in the usb folder. There were several entries for the tablet but only one had a usable number (bottom right line at the end). Then the tool wiped the tablet and reloaded 3.2.1 and booted to factory new. Thanks for the instructions and to all the other XDA-ers for the tools. I am now on ICS properly.

Trying to recover a bricked acer a500, I just have a black screen on boot with no boot logo, vibration or letters or words on the screen
trying to enter recovery/update mode doesnt work
Im up to the step where is says put in your UID into the program
Just go to USB tools and use USBdeview, and is done...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this and found the device but where exactly is the UID located?
looking at other threads, the serial number is the UID however the serial number entry is blank for this device

Joey22688 said:
Trying to recover a bricked acer a500, I just have a black screen on boot with no boot logo, vibration or letters or words on the screen
trying to enter recovery/update mode doesnt work
Im up to the step where is says put in your UID into the program
I did this and found the device but where exactly is the UID located?
looking at other threads, the serial number is the UID however the serial number entry is blank for this device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this method is total overkill for your situation....
how did u get yr tab like this???
if u have total black screen - is the power button lite on?????
what bootloader version are u on
have you had a custom recovery on there
to get your cpuid follow the first link to a guide in my signature - you need to follow steps in the guide if you have any probs then post in the guide thread

the previous owner said he tried to install a custom rom and I think it crashed and this is the result
the power light turns on (white)
if I just power it on, the backlight turns on however its just a black screen, nothing else happens
apx mode seems to be the only thing working right now, I thought this method would be my only chance to get the recovery mode working again
I dont know anything else about the tablet, bootloader ect...

Joey22688 said:
the previous owner said he tried to install a custom rom and I think it crashed and this is the result
the power light turns on (white)
if I just power it on, the backlight turns on however its just a black screen, nothing else happens
apx mode seems to be the only thing working right now, I thought this method would be my only chance to get the recovery mode working again
I dont know anything else about the tablet, bootloader ect...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok thats cool, apx mode works!!!
well try this first - using hard reset:
1) Turn off your tablet,
2) Rotation lock on your left;
3) Press Vol Up closest to rotation lock and power on simultaneously
4) As soon as the tablet vibrates you can release the power button and you should start to switch rotation lock left and right till you see
Erasing Userdata...
Erasing Cache...
Vol Up is still pressed;
5) The tablet starts to format
6) Your tablet will be as clean as it can be.
otherwise plan B!!!
do u know whether tab was running HC or ICS?
u need some package files and a flash tool either apxflash or nvflash
if u start the tools and then connect your tab via usb cable to your pc
there are links to guides in my sig
my cpuid guide shows u what u need and where to get it, info about your cpuid too and drivers - altho you wont need to worry too much seeing as youre in apx
civatos guide has all the links to the packages and all the info you need to patch the bootloader, then you can flash one of the ics roms and youre all good!!!
the process is simple enough - but if you get it wrong it can be frustrating as heck!!!!

tried that method, get no vibration, devices just turns on to the black screen like normal
the only problem right now, I cant retrieve the uid
adb
when I type adb devices, nothing shows up
A500 manager
tried to the use the uid retriever tool however it just stays blank, same for the bootloader
it says it detects the A500 in apx mode
usbdevice view
shows no serial number for this device
I see there is a A500 motherboard on ebay (cant link to outside links...)
"Acer Iconia A500 Tablet Replacement Parts - MainBoard - 32GB MB, H6000 001 PBJ20"
"Complete with Android 4.x installed, 32GB memory and ready to install and boot."
could I get that and just replace the whole mobo and it will work fine?

Joey22688 said:
tried that method, get no vibration, devices just turns on to the black screen like normal
the only problem right now, I cant retrieve the uid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK just clarify - black screen, that is, nothing at all displayed AND Power Light ON??
IF u r in apx mode then
U have a couple of options
EUU flash back to HC 3.2.1 or
apxFlash to ICS
Everything you need for doing this is in my cpuid guide link in my sig.
open apxflash tool do not connect your tab Yet
Go as far as the enter apx mode
Now connect your tab to yr pc
Windows should install apx drivers
Once installed. try clicking blue arrow first
If u don't see the do u want to flash window then
You'll need to click on the "enter apx mode " button instead then
Click blue arrow
Hopefully the PC and tab are feeling pretty friendly and decide to take each other on
The tab should flash the bl and install recovery.....u should be good to go from there!!!
EDIT you can try cmd prompt on nvflash folder
Run a500.bat or.bat file that should kick you to bootloader mode
its really important that your screen display something in white letters!!
Entering Acer download mode OR
Entering apx mode
The flash will fail if u don't see something like this. This holds true for all methods
I see there is a A500 motherboard on ebay (cant link to outside links...)
"Acer Iconia A500 Tablet Replacement Parts - MainBoard - 32GB MB, H6000 001 PBJ20"
"Complete with Android 4.x installed, 32GB memory and ready to install and boot."
could I get that and just replace the whole mobo and it will work fine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wayyyy outta my league m8. Sum1 else will know....

yes, its just a black screen, no vibration, no boot logo, no letters or words on the screen, backlighting for the screen is on, and the power light is on
when I press the blue arrow in a500 apx flash tool it asks me for my SBK, going to that generator site it then asks for my UID which I cant retrieve

Joey22688 said:
yes, its just a black screen, no vibration, no boot logo, no letters or words on the screen, backlighting for the screen is on, and the power light is on
when I press the blue arrow in a500 apx flash tool it asks me for my SBK, going to that generator site it then asks for my UID which I cant retrieve
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you do not have your cpu id and
if you do not have access to adb and
you're stuck in apx mode
then things are looking grim.....
the only way to get into your tab without yr cpuid is fastboot
but you need adb working for that
someone else was stuck in apx mode a day or two ago, try a search...maybe...

I'm sorry guys I was a little off of this thread .
I will be glad to help you guys to get your UID or any problem that you have even though I don't have the Tablet anymore.
Thanks for all and God bless you all.
dibb_nz said:
if you do not have your cpu id and
if you do not have access to adb and
you're stuck in apx mode
then things are looking grim.....
the only way to get into your tab without yr cpuid is fastboot
but you need adb working for that
someone else was stuck in apx mode a day or two ago, try a search...maybe...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way to fastboot the tablet in that mode, the only way is to get the UID and then decode it and NVFlash the Bootloader after it is done then put ICS or HC and the EC_ROM files and the tablet will be working again.

I'm gonna throw in the towel and just buy a new mobo for cheap, it seems im screwed without the UID and cant retrieve it either
I wish the previous owner would have gotten the UID beforehand
thanx for the all the help though

Joey22688 said:
I'm gonna throw in the towel and just buy a new mobo for cheap, it seems im screwed without the UID and cant retrieve it either
I wish the previous owner would have gotten the UID beforehand
thanx for the all the help though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my A500 using xda premium
Just come across this check here: /sys/firmware/fuse/acer_cpuid

dibb_nz said:
Just come across this check here: /sys/firmware/fuse/acer_cpuid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do I exactly do?
I dont have any access to the devices files and do not have a dump

help

So I have the acer a500 with the stock ics and rooted. i was using my tablet just fine last night and later on went to use it again and now its stuck on the acer screen. i have tried the resets for recovery aND IT does not work. its still stuck on the acer screen. can anyone help me? please. my tablet is the gen2 when i received the ics update if that helps. and as mentioned it was fine until last night. is there a way i can reinstall it with the sd card? i would love the stock image if possible.

Wrong forum section.

nishka256 said:
So I have the acer a500 with the stock ics and rooted. i was using my tablet just fine last night and later on went to use it again and now its stuck on the acer screen. i have tried the resets for recovery aND IT does not work. its still stuck on the acer screen. can anyone help me? please. my tablet is the gen2 when i received the ics update if that helps. and as mentioned it was fine until last night. is there a way i can reinstall it with the sd card? i would love the stock image if possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download a stock acer image and place it on a MicroSD under the name of update.zip then boot into recovery
But yes it is the wrong forum section - should be in Q&A doesn't bother me too much but it irritates devs because it's the development forum
Sent from my Iconia A500 using Tapatalk 2

ok
hi, thank you, please im not good at this. can you tell me a link for the stock? and tell me how do i boot it?
thank you

so can anyone direct ne to a sstock zip file of ics for the gen2 acer a500 tablet that works. i have no idea how my tablet got messed up. its stuck on the acer screen. ive tried so many things. i have tried the reset pinhole button, i have downloaded a lot of zip files or roms and tried to do the volume, power button and all i get is a robot with red triangle. i cannot use usb because my computer wont read it not even after downloading drivers. anyone help me please?

nishka256 said:
so can anyone direct ne to a sstock zip file of ics for the gen2 acer a500 tablet that works. i have no idea how my tablet got messed up. its stuck on the acer screen. ive tried so many things. i have tried the reset pinhole button, i have downloaded a lot of zip files or roms and tried to do the volume, power button and all i get is a robot with red triangle. i cannot use usb because my computer wont read it not even after downloading drivers. anyone help me please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what may have happened but the easiest way to fix your tab is to downgrade back to HC using an acer utility called an "EUU". you will need your cpuid for this so i hope you have saved it somewhere.
Look here for 'jazzyjames' tutorial How to rollback to HC - for instructions on how to do this and a link to timmydeans HC EUU - also take a look thru my cpuid post (link in sig) for loads of info and links and even how to get yr cpuid if u dont have it

thanks i tried it and follow instructions numerous times. evry time i get to the step where it says "entering acer download mode on my tablet" on the EUU program on my laptop it says it "failed" so i try and try again with the same results. im running out of options. i dont know what to do.

maybe give this a shot. I've never had to use it myself but it's probably worth a shot.
How to unbrick your tablet -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1699277

oh heck that doesnt sound too good, i've not heard of the actual EUU "failing" guess thats the result of the usb issue you spoke of!
The "update.zip" method, you have 2 choices here See this thread for all the Official Acer Stock Roms - Ensure you download a "Full" rom and not just one of the update packages....instructions are in the first post...
You need to extract the update.zip and it may need to be decrypted as I said instructions for all this are in the OP!!
method2 - I've tried this once!! I got pretty frustrated real quick. Its a buggy chinese rom - took me a good hour to finally get into flashing a recovery, but it did work and plenty of others
have posted success with it... drkalo has a guide right here
Failing that m8 yr options are very, very few...
Try on a different computer so we can rule that out...or not!
or try to troubleshoot the usb issue....there are the only 2 ways via sdcard or pc/usb...
thinking about it now, in your post you said
"i cannot use usb because my computer wont read it not even after downloading drivers. anyone help me please?"
Not sure I follow, wouldnt have thought you'd get all that way to download mode without USB drivers to begin with.
You have debugging enabled in settings and you connect your cable to your pc but your tab does not show up on your PC in Device Manager???
Are you still on the stock bootloader??what about recovery??

this is what comes up
this is what comes up after trying this methid

nishka256 said:
this is what comes up after trying this methid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this window that pops up saying 'failed' and with instructions to go into apx mode - did u do this? what happened after you did it?
I haven't seen this particular error but normally with the downgrade process you do not have yr tab connected UNTIL you see the "cant detect your iconia tab" window (with similar instructions to enter apx mode manually) did you see this window at all? you do not enter your cpuid until AFTER you have put yr tab in apx mode and connected to yr PC, then the green status bar shows and then you should see "Congratulations".
To check you are in apx mode your tab screen is black and the power light is ON.
Now before you connect yr tab to yr PC open up Device Manager (pc) so you can make sure the apx/usb driver loads when you connect the cable - it will show under "USB Controllers". Once you can confirm the drivers are installed then you should be all good
The drivers are a bit of a pain as there are different ones for each different 'mode' of your tab i.e
USB driver that allows you to see the contents of yr tab from yr PC
ADB driver that allows yr tab and pc to communicate by sending commands to yr tab via yr PC
APX Driver which you normally only see while running HC, but yr PC can sometimes report an error with the "apx device" if the drivers have not installed properly
Acer Boot/Recovery Driver which NEEDS to be installed for any type of nvflash or EUU flash to be successful
Fastboot Driver if you have flashed bootloader v3 up this driver will load when you enter "Fastboot"
This is why folks have trouble with drivers and why we keep telling them "reinstall the drivers!!!" The Acer drivers from acer support AND the Google adb drivers which you can get from the first post of my cpuid thread (link in sig) the zip also has the fastboot drivers and saves you having to download the full android sdk. Having device manager OPEN while attempting any type of flash definitely helps you see whats happening - or not - driver wise...

Help not working iconia A500 after hard reset?

can some one help please. my son had put a password on my a500 and could not remember what it was, so used the buttons to do a hard reset and i got a error saying UNRECOVERABLE BOOTLOADER ERORR (0X19000008) and now it wont start and hangs on the acer logo.
its never being flashed with any rom or rooted,( never needed anything like that)
im quite new to all this guys and could with some help to fix it

mark845 said:
can some one help please. my son had put a password on my a500 and could not remember what it was, so used the buttons to do a hard reset and i got a error saying UNRECOVERABLE BOOTLOADER ERORR (0X19000008) and now it wont start and hangs on the acer logo.
its never being flashed with any rom or rooted,( never needed anything like that)
im quite new to all this guys and could with some help to fix it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok i have flashed the a500 by this guied http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1276227
all went well, the a500 restared and said please do not restart or reset. updae will finsh in the next 7mins.
and now the a500 is blinking on the andriod logo?

mark845 said:
ok i have flashed the a500 by this guied http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1276227
all went well, the a500 restared and said please do not restart or reset. updae will finsh in the next 7mins.
and now the a500 is blinking on the andriod logo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok lets try this out,
power off your tab, hold the volume down and power button, continue holding both buttons until the tab load the acer logo. are you coming into recovery?
if so use the volume to go down to advanced, then wipe dalvic cache, then click yes, it will take a second or two. when the wipe is complete try goin back in the options to find reboot system. with any luck it may fix you
you should see a screen saying optimizing apps .
hope it helps :highfive:
scratch that^^ read your post abit more in depth and im assuming you must have recovery and have wiped dalvik while doin the above,.
try this method to install the v7 or v8 bootloader its the ics version and unlocked/patched im using v7 right now after i got a bootloop and error saying bootloader unverified.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
the area you wanna concentrate on is after step 6 do read the entire thread though and remember to always have your cpuid!!
ALL REPS GO TO CIVATO /BLACKTHUNDER THE A500 DEMI-GODS
Note: please read everything twice before performing any dangerous operations on your tab i will not be held responsible
STEP 6 INSTALLING ICS BOOTLOADER
Automated flashing tool
USING blackthund3r ATX flash tool , It makes it all a little easier !
You need help on this ! Here is a walk thru!
-download the APX-FLASH-Tool & Manager
-Download one of the V8 unlocked bootloader apx flash packages combined with a recovery of your choise.
V8-pubA50._public_recovery.a500apx
V8-Thor_1.7.3_recovery.a500apx
V8-TWRP_2.1.3_ICS_recovery.a500apx
- Firts you do the Steps 1-2-3- 4 of the main guide !!
-1-Reboot your tablet and make sure on your tablet: "Settings" -> "Applications" -> "Development" -> "USB debugging" switch on.
-2-Now start the "A500APXFlash.exe" , the tool will start .
-3-When it askes for your SBK you need to type it in , the v0.4 APX flash tool will give your SBK automaticly !!
-4-Now you select "Use an A500 APX Flash Tool Package.(.a500apx)
-5-Select the package that you want,(you click on the right arrow to continue)
-6-Now you can select "Manual Method" or "Automatic Method". (I always pick Automatic)
-7-Click on "Enter APX Mode" (now it will do his thing)
-8-When it says "Done! press to run again" (even if it says on the bottom of the app "no apx mode devices are connected") you click on the right arrow to continue.
-It will ask if you are ready (click yes if you are)
-Let the app do his thing and wait !!!!!! Until it says "Done! Press and hold power to switch off then power back on!"
Optional A500MANAGER
What does it do :
· One-click APX Mode entry
· One-click Recovery Mode entry
· One-click fastboot entry for patched bootloaders
· Instant logcat viewer
· Instant dmesg Viewer
· Function which dumps the dmesg to a text file on the desktop
· Serial number extraction to make SBK calculation exponentially easier
· Links to ICS Root, A500 APX Flash Tool and two download links (Acer and my mirror) for USB Drivers
· Shows what mode the tablet is in at the bottom

thanks for trying to help m8. the a500 does not turn on so how can i switch on usb debugging?

mark845 said:
thanks for trying to help m8. the a500 does not turn on so how can i switch on usb debugging?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
erm well mate...u dont, you enter apx mode manually with the reset button and power button.
like i said read the whole thread buddy :silly:

Gotcha mate. So APX mode is like USB dubugging right?
Time to read.
Ill post back.

mark845 said:
Gotcha mate. So APX mode is like USB dubugging right?
Time to read.
Ill post back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im not the best but from i know and understand =
apx mode is like the base programming/flashing state for making changes to your tabs guts/ loading software/os,.
usb debugging is for locating/extracting/uploading information to a system with already loaded software/os
you would need usb debugging to let the flashtool automatically set the tab into apxmode/ as doin it manually can be a hassle, but since you cannot turn usb debugging on to use that feature of the tool you should be ok to manually power into debugging and continue with the guide
tip: i learnt the 1-week till 3am way, you must have the usb plugged to enter apxmode.......or is it the other way around? or is it the charger? lol i cant remember srry
note: yes bruuu read, read, read, these steps are very dangerous to your tab if performed incorrectly. check everything, even look further down the threads to see what problems and solutions others have run into before flashing anything.
let us know how your doin and hopefully we're have it live n kicking again soon

ok im in APX mode. i start the manger and it asks for the SBK.
If i red this right the tool should get the sbk for me?
-3-When it askes for your SBK you need to type it in , the v0.4 APX flash tool will give your SBK automaticly !!
but the tool does not give me it?

-STEP 3=Now go to vache's site to get your SBK
you put your cpuid in and it gives you your sbk
these steps are further down the page (i know its set out weird)
How to get my CPUID ?
On HC Rom or HC bootloader (3.01) or you got a old nandroid backup do this to get your cpuid
-You can find your "cpuid" in one of your "nandroidbackups" that you made with cwm (look on your external SD/clockworkmod/backup=uid.txt ). It's the uid text you are looking for.
-Or when you connect your tablet and type in adb devices in cmd you get your cpuid
-Or usbdeview see more info here , thanks to dibb_nz
ON ICS ROM or ICS booloader (0.3.11 or 0.3.12) do this to get your cpuid:
Or you Install and launch Android terminal app on tablet. Run the following command: dmesg>/mnt/external_sd/dmesg.txt
Open up dmesg.txt (will be stored on your external SD) and look for androidboot.serialno. That is your CPUID.
Or try the following to get your cpuid (thanks to japinder)
-Reboot the Tab & just use the command 'dmesg | grep androidboot.serialno' (without quotes).
It displays the cpuid there & then. No extra lines, no need to save to file & then search. If the Tab hasn't been rebooted in a while, then the line containing 'androidboot.serialno' entry is lost/overwritten, so it won't even be there in the 'dmesg' output. Running the above command after a fresh reboot will always yield the result in an easier way.
so when you got your cpuid go to vache's site put it in and get your sbk, u can use the relative step in the thread to check your sbk is correct if you feel the need.
Enter it into the a500flash tool download a500
flashtool
click arrow
then select a ".a500apx" package u can get one here : skrillax BL's
Im using the v7
click arrow the tool should then do its thang! when it says pass/complete/get me a beer just restart your tab and it should be good to go.,
these are the steps i took on my tab when i had a unverified bootloader error and it fixed it all for me,... but i can not be taken responsible .....your tabs not working anyways so eh lol

Thanks for all your help.
Looks like its just a brick as i have no backups what so ever and it's never being rooted and it won't boot what so ever :crying:
Thanks mark

but it should work with the guide above?
after everything if you dont want it ill take it off your hands or a good price?

I really would like to get this up and running again but i just can't see how. Ive spent the last two days reading as many threads as i can and i can't see any way to fix this and it's doing my head in........
Keep reading on......

Do i still need my cpuid if I'm downgrading to a stock rom?

mark845 said:
Do i still need my cpuid if I'm downgrading to a stock rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its always good to have cpuid, and i dont think you can go back to stock rom unless you follow the guide and get recovery

[Q] Iconia500 shows white power light but no screen or vibrate

My old charger for the Iconia 500 broke and I got a replacement charger (not acer). When it came the iconia was already completely drained. I plugged it in, charged it, and since then the only thing that happens is this:
- I push power and after about 3s it turns white. Nothing happens on the screen, no vibration, nothing.
- I can turn the power back off by holding the button for 5s.
> I have tried holding the button longer but no difference.
> From what I have read I suspect it might somehow have gotten into APX mode?
> I have tried to read through the numerous posts on this forum but cannot quite find this same problem/am overwhelmed by the lingo.
> I have tried to connect the tablet to my PC with a microSD cable, and it lists it as APX, category unknown, APX doesn't have a driver
- Can anyone confirm/suggest what might be wrong with my tablet?
- Is this something that can be fixed at a repair shop?
- Is this something I could fix? (I have no ID's or codes for the tablet, have never played with APX mode before)
Thank you for any advice!
- Chris

CKM80 said:
My old charger for the Iconia 500 broke and I got a replacement charger (not acer). When it came the iconia was already completely drained. I plugged it in, charged it, and since then the only thing that happens is this:
- I push power and after about 3s it turns white. Nothing happens on the screen, no vibration, nothing.
- I can turn the power back off by holding the button for 5s.
> I have tried holding the button longer but no difference.
> From what I have read I suspect it might somehow have gotten into APX mode?
> I have tried to read through the numerous posts on this forum but cannot quite find this same problem/am overwhelmed by the lingo.
> I have tried to connect the tablet to my PC with a microSD cable, and it lists it as APX, category unknown, APX doesn't have a driver
- Can anyone confirm/suggest what might be wrong with my tablet?
- Is this something that can be fixed at a repair shop?
- Is this something I could fix? (I have no ID's or codes for the tablet, have never played with APX mode before)
Thank you for any advice!
- Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi chris, yes you are stuck in apx mode.
To fix this you must have your tabs CPUID.
The easiest way is from an old nandroid backup, thats if you have one. If you do, look in the cwm backup folder under cpuid.txt
If you dont have a backup, your only chance is thru ubuntu. There is a guide by "srbeen" stickied in the General forum.
If you can retrieve yr cpuid, post back here and we can help u get fixed. YoU will need anutha file to do this tho'. Its called babsector.rar and you can download it in post 2 in the root guide in my sig.
You will also need a rom to flash - only ICS or JB.
To summarise,
1. Retrieve the cpuid/sbk
2. Once you have that then
3. Download babsector and a rom.
4. Come back here for unbricking help.
Good luck with the cpuid/sbk, without it you can do nothing.
dibb

Thanks for your reply and your advice! It is nice to have the confirmation about what the problem is, and a step by step guide to start tackling it. I feel a bit less lost now I'm going to try to follow your steps and will let you know if I get stuck anywhere.
- Chris

next steps?
Ok, so somehow (a miracle I guess) I managed to do your steps:
- installed ubuntu
- followed srbeen's steps upto the point where I got my CPUID
- got my SBK
- downloaded babsector.rar (luckily chrome offered to translate the russian site I found it at)
- unrarred it
- downloaded a ROM from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1935582 (is this an appropriate ROM?)
- unzipped the ROM and copied it to the external micro SD card
Can you point me in the right directions for the next steps?
Thanks,
Chris
dibb_nz said:
Hi chris, yes you are stuck in apx mode.
To fix this you must have your tabs CPUID.
The easiest way is from an old nandroid backup, thats if you have one. If you do, look in the cwm backup folder under cpuid.txt
If you dont have a backup, your only chance is thru ubuntu. There is a guide by "srbeen" stickied in the General forum.
If you can retrieve yr cpuid, post back here and we can help u get fixed. YoU will need anutha file to do this tho'. Its called babsector.rar and you can download it in post 2 in the root guide in my sig.
You will also need a rom to flash - only ICS or JB.
To summarise,
1. Retrieve the cpuid/sbk
2. Once you have that then
3. Download babsector and a rom.
4. Come back here for unbricking help.
Good luck with the cpuid/sbk, without it you can do nothing.
dibb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Next steps?
Hi dibb_nz (and others)
I am still stuck. I have been trying several things, but none worked so far.
- I think the drivers are installed properly. When I go to device manager it lists APX under unspecified device - with Acer USB Boot recovery Driver installed under the hardware tab. It also says Model: APX, Category: Unknown
- I tried to run babsector, and it gives me an error. Before giving me the error it does get my tablet to show the text "Entering Acer Download Mode" in the topleft corner. Then I get the error "failed executing command 16 NvError 0x120002, command failure: create failed (bad data)" in the attached image.
- I also tried to follow the steps in Timmy Dean's V4 post, since I hoped maybe that would help, but that also gave me an error. (Red letters saying it failed, and to follow the steps again and try again).
I feel once more defeated, and hope you know what to do next.
- Chris
dibb_nz said:
Hi chris, yes you are stuck in apx mode.
To fix this you must have your tabs CPUID.
The easiest way is from an old nandroid backup, thats if you have one. If you do, look in the cwm backup folder under cpuid.txt
If you dont have a backup, your only chance is thru ubuntu. There is a guide by "srbeen" stickied in the General forum.
If you can retrieve yr cpuid, post back here and we can help u get fixed. YoU will need anutha file to do this tho'. Its called babsector.rar and you can download it in post 2 in the root guide in my sig.
You will also need a rom to flash - only ICS or JB.
To summarise,
1. Retrieve the cpuid/sbk
2. Once you have that then
3. Download babsector and a rom.
4. Come back here for unbricking help.
Good luck with the cpuid/sbk, without it you can do nothing.
dibb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

CKM80 said:
Hi dibb_nz (and others)
I am still stuck. I have been trying several things, but none worked so far.
- I think the drivers are installed properly. When I go to device manager it lists APX under unspecified device - with Acer USB Boot recovery Driver installed under the hardware tab. It also says Model: APX, Category: Unknown
- I tried to run babsector, and it gives me an error. Before giving me the error it does get my tablet to show the text "Entering Acer Download Mode" in the topleft corner. Then I get the error "failed executing command 16 NvError 0x120002, command failure: create failed (bad data)" in the attached image.
- I also tried to follow the steps in Timmy Dean's V4 post, since I hoped maybe that would help, but that also gave me an error. (Red letters saying it failed, and to follow the steps again and try again).
I feel once more defeated, and hope you know what to do next.
- Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK< there is a slim chance u may be able to recover your tab.
There is a bct error - usually only one tool can repair this.
Download the apxflash tool.
Power your tab off.
Enter apx mode via the buttons - DO NOT use the tool to do this -
Connect your usb cable.
Run the tool - choose to go to the bundle market and download bundle 17.
If the apx driver has loaded and is showing in device manager then continue with the apx flash tool -
You will eventually see a window asking whether to dump and save yr bct, choose yes.
Hopefully the tool will carry on with the flash, once thats done, boot straight to recovery, complete the wipes and formats and then flash your rom.

I have done the steps below.
Just to make sure, when you are talking about the APX drivers being loaded, do you mean the one I see when I go to devices, right click on APX, choose hardware, where it says "ACER USB Boot-recovery driver" under device functions?
So when I tried to dump my own it gave me the following error (attached as image):
Unhandled exception, could not find file bct.dec.
It gave me the option to try to continue anyway, which I tried, but now it has been hanging in the screen "staging and backing up BCT, Using default BCT" for a long time...
so, does this mean it really is dead? And if so, what part of the tablet is dead? And if not (*hope*), then what else can I try?
Thanks,
Chris
ps. my tablet was never rooted, so I don't know if that complicates the matter... it does say that it needs to have been rooted to choose the dump option. Moreover, I never was able to turn USB debugging on, because I don't have access to the tablet. It does nothing besides black screen and occasionally the "Enter download mode" (but not with these steps)
dibb_nz said:
OK< there is a slim chance u may be able to recover your tab.
There is a bct error - usually only one tool can repair this.
Download the apxflash tool.
Power your tab off.
Enter apx mode via the buttons - DO NOT use the tool to do this -
Connect your usb cable.
Run the tool - choose to go to the bundle market and download bundle 17.
If the apx driver has loaded and is showing in device manager then continue with the apx flash tool -
You will eventually see a window asking whether to dump and save yr bct, choose yes.
Hopefully the tool will carry on with the flash, once thats done, boot straight to recovery, complete the wipes and formats and then flash your rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

CKM80 said:
I have done the steps below.
Just to make sure, when you are talking about the APX drivers being loaded, do you mean the one I see when I go to devices, right click on APX, choose hardware, where it says "ACER USB Boot-recovery driver" under device functions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep thats correct
So when I tried to dump my own it gave me the following error (attached as image):
Unhandled exception, could not find file bct.dec.
It gave me the option to try to continue anyway, which I tried, but now it has been hanging in the screen "staging and backing up BCT, Using default BCT" for a long time...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the latest version of the apxflash tool....as far as I know, this is the ONLY way to fix a bct error....
So if you try and save yr tabs bct but you get the error and if u try to continue it just hangs???
The only thing I can suggest now is to power off both devices and then power on. When u get to the bct option try the default option first if it still hangs, power everything down again and this time try saving the bct again. Not much help I'm afraid, sometimes the tools do get stuck, and its best to power down and try again.
so, does this mean it really is dead? And if so, what part of the tablet is dead? And if not (*hope*), then what else can I try?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope not!! If the tool insists on hanging, you can TRY the babsector file, post an error if you get one. Its in the root guide in my sig, along with instructions for use
good luck
dibb
EDIT: Added attachment apxFlash Tool v1.1.1 @CKM80

Well, I am trying to again with the default option, but it has been saying "Flashing bootloader (EBT) stage two - uploading image" for 45 minutes now, while another nvflash.exe window that popped up says "nvflash started, [resume mode]"
The tablet says "Acer Iconia APX mode" in the topleft.
I am not sure if it is doing something still (after 45 min) or that it is hanging.
I will let it sit a while longer, and if it doesn't work I will try all options again.
Will keep you posted.
Chris
dibb_nz said:
yep thats correct
Do you have the latest version of the apxflash tool....as far as I know, this is the ONLY way to fix a bct error....
So if you try and save yr tabs bct but you get the error and if u try to continue it just hangs???
The only thing I can suggest now is to power off both devices and then power on. When u get to the bct option try the default option first if it still hangs, power everything down again and this time try saving the bct again. Not much help I'm afraid, sometimes the tools do get stuck, and its best to power down and try again.
I hope not!! If the tool insists on hanging, you can TRY the babsector file, post an error if you get one. Its in the root guide in my sig, along with instructions for use
good luck
dibb
EDIT: Added attachment apxFlash Tool v1.1.1 @CKM80
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

CKM80 said:
Well, I am trying to again with the default option, but it has been saying "Flashing bootloader (EBT) stage two - uploading image" for 45 minutes now, while another nvflash.exe window that popped up says "nvflash started, [resume mode]"
The tablet says "Acer Iconia APX mode" in the topleft.
I am not sure if it is doing something still (after 45 min) or that it is hanging.
I will let it sit a while longer, and if it doesn't work I will try all options again.
Will keep you posted.
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry m8, missed your post...did u try the flash tool version i posted??
Have u tried the babsector file??? I'd be tempted to run that but from what you have said its sounding like a hardware failure....babsector will tell you tho
Hang in there and hopefullly we can have it resolved one way or another!
dibb

Hi Dibb_nz,
I did try... the flashing never worked, always stopped.
Babsector gave the attached error,
Chris
dibb_nz said:
sorry m8, missed your post...did u try the flash tool version i posted??
Have u tried the babsector file??? I'd be tempted to run that but from what you have said its sounding like a hardware failure....babsector will tell you tho
Hang in there and hopefullly we can have it resolved one way or another!
dibb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

CKM80 said:
Hi Dibb_nz,
I did try... the flashing never worked, always stopped.
Babsector gave the attached error,
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh right. the bct thing...thats a bumma m8, wish I could suggest something for ya, but my bag of tricks is empty
All I can tell u is that 'sometimes' after trying wot seems everything a hundred tries or more, something finally happens and it works...this doesn't mean you do not have a faulty memory chip, as this is just what happens...you could try it next week and it may well work....no consolation I know...
You might wanna try a friends computer (specially if they do not have win8!!) you neva know yr luck!!

Yeah, I think I'll try a couple of times, but I am pretty much ready to give up.
Thanks for all your tips along the way.
- Chris
dibb_nz said:
oh right. the bct thing...thats a bumma m8, wish I could suggest something for ya, but my bag of tricks is empty
All I can tell u is that 'sometimes' after trying wot seems everything a hundred tries or more, something finally happens and it works...this doesn't mean you do not have a faulty memory chip, as this is just what happens...you could try it next week and it may well work....no consolation I know...
You might wanna try a friends computer (specially if they do not have win8!!) you neva know yr luck!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Cant Flash Custom Bootloader/Recovery on A500 (ICS OTA 4.0.3)

So ive been trying for almost a week now trying to put a custom ROM on my Acer Iconia A500, but my tablet doesnt want to do cooperate. I have tried EVERYTHING, from using blackthunders APXFlash tool to NvFlash and everything. My problem is my computer will pick up my tablet once its in APX mode. I go to my "Devices and Printers" and under everyting it has a picture of a object and under it, it says "APX". Also in the bottom right corner of laptop theres the "Usb" icon and if i click on it, it says "Eject APX", so i know my computer knows what it is. but no matter WHAT program i use, my A500 never gets any white text on it when its trying to go into the bootloader or anything. i can only get to the point where my device is in APX mode.Nothing seems to work AT ALL. And all the programs get to the point of trying to flash the bootloader and thats it. They just stop working or cant go any further for some reason. I also deleted my "boot.p" file in /system as well. I got my CPUID, i got my SBK, i got all of that using Afterota program. My tablet IS ROOTED. So im stuck right now. Tablet runs fine and good. Just dont wanna give up and really needing some help. Heres my tablet info:
Tablet Cpuid : 037C61C9408103D7
Tablet Sbk : 0xE4531F00 0x18070000 0xF74EE402 0x11DE2003
Android Build : Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1
Bootloader : 0.03.12-ICS
I also tried downloading the "babsector.rar" file from the russian website and it says the file was removed, id SO GREATLY appericate it if someone who has it could re-upload it somewhere else or gimme a good working downloading link for it. One again please help me out if you have ANY suggestions or know how to fix my issue. THANKS

RECKLESS PAIN said:
So ive been trying for almost a week now trying to put a custom ROM on my Acer Iconia A500, but my tablet doesnt want to do cooperate. I have tried EVERYTHING, from using blackthunders APXFlash tool to NvFlash and everything. My problem is my computer will pick up my tablet once its in APX mode. I go to my "Devices and Printers" and under everyting it has a picture of a object and under it, it says "APX". Also in the bottom right corner of laptop theres the "Usb" icon and if i click on it, it says "Eject APX", so i know my computer knows what it is. but no matter WHAT program i use, my A500 never gets any white text on it when its trying to go into the bootloader or anything. i can only get to the point where my device is in APX mode.Nothing seems to work AT ALL. And all the programs get to the point of trying to flash the bootloader and thats it. They just stop working or cant go any further for some reason. I also deleted my "boot.p" file in /system as well. I got my CPUID, i got my SBK, i got all of that using Afterota program. My tablet IS ROOTED. So im stuck right now. Tablet runs fine and good. Just dont wanna give up and really needing some help. Heres my tablet info:
Tablet Cpuid : 037C61C9408103D7
Tablet Sbk : 0xE4531F00 0x18070000 0xF74EE402 0x11DE2003
Android Build : Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1
Bootloader : 0.03.12-ICS
I also tried downloading the "babsector.rar" file from the russian website and it says the file was removed, id SO GREATLY appericate it if someone who has it could re-upload it somewhere else or gimme a good working downloading link for it. One again please help me out if you have ANY suggestions or know how to fix my issue. THANKS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all thanks for an informative post!! I wish everyone gave as much info as you One thing you didn't mention was which PC OS you are using - 32bit are best
My problem is my computer will pick up my tablet once its in APX mode. I go to my "Devices and Printers" and under everyting it has a picture of a object and under it, it says "APX". Also in the bottom right corner of laptop theres the "Usb" icon and if i click on it, it says "Eject APX", so i know my computer knows what it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, everything is in order here, you're seeing exactly what you are supposed to
So now we need to know "what" doesn't "work".
The babsector file is best for trouble shooting as it will always post some sort of output. Its in post2 of the root guide in my sig.
1. Put your tab in apx mode and connect your "micro usb cable" to your pc
2. Run the first .bat file of babsector.
Now what exactly happens next, can you post a screenshot?
Can't help much further until you do this!!
If the first .bat file runs ok, you need to boot directly to cwm which babsector has just flashed.
Do a nandroid backup and then
a complete wipe including /data/media - you need to go in and specifically enable this from the 'mounts' menu. Wipe davlik and cache too.
Now flash your custom rom and power down.
Back into apx mode and run the 2nd .bat file.
Reboot and voila! you should be all good - fingers crossed!!!

dibb_nz said:
First of all thanks for an informative post!! I wish everyone gave as much info as you One thing you didn't mention was which PC OS you are using - 32bit are best
Right, everything is in order here, you're seeing exactly what you are supposed to
So now we need to know "what" doesn't "work".
The babsector file is best for trouble shooting as it will always post some sort of output. Its in post2 of the root guide in my sig.
1. Put your tab in apx mode and connect your "micro usb cable" to your pc
2. Run the first .bat file of babsector.
Now what exactly happens next, can you post a screenshot?
Can't help much further until you do this!!
If the first .bat file runs ok, you need to boot directly to cwm which babsector has just flashed.
Do a nandroid backup and then
a complete wipe including /data/media - you need to go in and specifically enable this from the 'mounts' menu. Wipe davlik and cache too.
Now flash your custom rom and power down.
Back into apx mode and run the 2nd .bat file.
Reboot and voila! you should be all good - fingers crossed!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK so when I put it in APX mode and connected to it, I ran the "A501 A" file and entered my SBK. But when I hit enter it will work just fine alllll the way up til it says something about sending file to bootloader, and then just fails. This is the SAME thing that happened when I use NvFlash and APXFlash! None of them can seem to access my boot loader and I never get anyway white text on my Acer saying it is! So idk what to do! I can't post any screenshots at the moment since I'm not home right now. I will once I get home. Also I can't even enter stock recovery on my tablet! I turn it off, and as its turning back on I hold the "Power" and "Volume Down" button, but just boots normally.....so Idk if this has to do with the problem or not....
Sent from my XT912 using Tapatalk

NEVER MIND GOT IT WORKING!!!!!! THANK GAWD. I just reinstalled the drivers and apx drivers and when i loaded up the a501 A file it sent everything correctly and smoothly! Now running a custom ROM! THANKS A MILLION!!!!!!!(;

Not for me =(
RECKLESS PAIN said:
NEVER MIND GOT IT WORKING!!!!!! THANK GAWD. I just reinstalled the drivers and apx drivers and when i loaded up the a501 A file it sent everything correctly and smoothly! Now running a custom ROM! THANKS A MILLION!!!!!!!(;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that sux because I thought we were on the same page, except you got it working. I get stuck on uploading the bootloader stage 2 in apx program.
Also when I try to load recovery.
It does a laying down android with a triangle and a exclamation point in it.
I found the cpuid from navigating to the android file folders.
0428004342e0e297 which converts to this
0xC7E2C201 0xDBFDC006 0xDB922404 0x44312103
Is there a way to verify that I do in fact have the correct one?
I really want to update my rom, but I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

vicviper74 said:
Well that sux because I thought we were on the same page, except you got it working. I get stuck on uploading the bootloader stage 2 in apx program.
Also when I try to load recovery.
It does a laying down android with a triangle and a exclamation point in it.
I found the cpuid from navigating to the android file folders.
0428004342e0e297 which converts to this
0xC7E2C201 0xDBFDC006 0xDB922404 0x44312103
Is there a way to verify that I do in fact have the correct one?
I really want to update my rom, but I don't know what I'm doing wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I did was went to the Acer website and found my tablet and installed the HoneyComb driver that was right under my ICS firmware. (Since they didn't have any drivers for the latest ICS OTA 4.0.3) which these drivers will work fine. Next after I reinstalled those drivers I put my tablet in APX mode, connected it to my laptop. Made sure in the bottom right hand corner it had installed the APX drivers successfully and made sure under the usb icon it.said "APX". I then flashed the a501a file first and it went through and worked! Them from there I went to wipe what I needed and installed my custom rom!
Sent from my XT912 using Tapatalk

vicviper74 said:
Well that sux because I thought we were on the same page, except you got it working. I get stuck on uploading the bootloader stage 2 in apx program.
Also when I try to load recovery.
It does a laying down android with a triangle and a exclamation point in it.
I found the cpuid from navigating to the android file folders.
0428004342e0e297 which converts to this
0xC7E2C201 0xDBFDC006 0xDB922404 0x44312103
Is there a way to verify that I do in fact have the correct one?
I really want to update my rom, but I don't know what I'm doing wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
two tools in my root guide for sbk check and while you're there read up about the boot.p file if you ever want to get past the dead android screen, everything is explained in the first post