I read and re-read the development thread for AfterOTA and I found nothing on this problem. I will outlay the steps I took. I downloaded AfterOTA lite v1.7 and connected my tab to it and saved the txt file. (I can list the full output if needed) the Bootloader was as follows:
bootloader: 0.03.0X-HC
Android Build: FLEXREAPER RF1_rv1_Acer_AV041_A500_1.031_033_041.00_CUS_WW_GEN1
I booted into Recovery and found the version number.
My custom recovery: ClockworkMod Recovery v5.0.0.0(thor2002ro rev1.3.4)
I bought this from a friend and didn't do all the modding myself which I am new to the Iconia a500 (but not new to Rooting, Romming, Recovering) so I am a little in the dark on where to go from here.
I downloaded AfterOTA 1.7 (the Full version) and clicked on the "standard" tab and chose the install "bootloader ICS v 3.14.7 + recovery thor v1.7.3" and clicked the "for 50x"
It shut the tablet down said booting into APX, did the whole thing and at the end it said "complete, you can power down your tablet with the power button and boot back up"
I powered it down it booted up fine but when I reconnected it to afterOTA it dosent read the CPuid (it just says "0") and the bootloader space is blank.
Everything works, I can use it as I normally would but I want to install the new flexreaper and thought I might as well update the Bootloader and recovery to get up to current on everything. Thank you for any help you can give me in understanding what happened and what I may have done wrong. BTW I did disable all antivirus and UAC and rebooted before running AfterOTA.
You're probably ok. You just need to flash a "real" ICS rom like Flexreaper Extreme I would guess.
When you boot your tab, you should see some text in the left corner like "Skirlax_CZ's bootloader version xxxxxx" If you do, then bootloader is probably ok. Boot into your recovery and check your recovery version.
MD
I dont have anything come up when i boot other than a big white acer logo and then it does two smaller acer white logos side by side. Then it does the android boot animation. I booted into recovery and it is thor v5 not the one i had chosen in afterOTA. I just want to know what to do from here. Should i try again or use another method?
I just dont want to flash an ICS Rom without the ICS bootloader.and is there another way other than afterOTA to check the boot loader version?
york629 said:
I just dont want to flash an ICS Rom without the ICS bootloader.and is there another way other than afterOTA to check the boot loader version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, after ota didn't work then. You should have seen the txt immediately on boot. (the split acer tells me it's a HC modified ICS kernel in the rom).
You could try manually flashing the bootloader with NVFlash.
My theory, is that you should install the OTA/Full version of ICS. This will install the stock bootloader, then, you can run the after OTA app. Reason being, is that my theory is that the real ICS bootloader creates something the HC BL doesn't. And when you try NVFlashing the unlocked bootloader, it just doesn't take. It's been happening several times recently.
Is there a forum guide on installing the OTA/full version of ICS? Would I basically bring it to stock bootloader and ROM then use AfterOTA to flash the new bootloader and recovery? Sorry for the n00bish questions, every device seems to use different methods and when I didn't start with the thing until after someone else did the initial stuff I dont want to mess it up, this is a really nice tablet. Thanks for the help, You guys are the best on here.
Yep, you are basically taking it back to stock then using afterOTA to install the new bootloaders but most importantly get root access and a new open recovery...
Is the best way to go stock by using afterOTA? Or should I just try a different method on the forums?
It clearly states on AfterOTA's first post that it does not work on custom roms and only the OTA so yes, download the ota ruu and install it. Then run afterota and you will be able to install a custom rom after that. Or use blackthunders apx tool to update the bootloader.
yes, that was an over sight on my part, I was excited to update everything so easily. where/what is the OTA RUU ? sorry to be a pain but if you could just point me to a forum guide on going completely stock I would appreciate it. I don't see anywhere to get the OTA update.zip file I need to flash, I found this here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113878 is this the post I need? and do I need the update or the full package? does it matter if I use the honeycomb full package if I am just going to use afterOTA to install an ICS bootloader and recovery?
Related
I have installed the ICS V4 bootloader and everything is fine. (it has the big PASS thing). I can boot up to HC 3.2.1 fine as well.
However, when I go to press power+volume down, I get "booting from recovery kernal image" then it switches to a picture of the android with a caution sign.
Do I have to root my device and install CWM or something? (sorry I'm still quite noob at this, I haven't rooted yet). Didn't I already install this when I installed the bootloader?
Thanks in advance!
Booting stock HC and stock ICS after installation of ICS BL overwrites recovery.
Follow civatos guide for installing ICS BL V4:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
And do all the steps.
Greetings
edit: on Moscow's advice ;-)
HalloSpencer said:
Booting stock HC after installation of ICS BL overwrites recovery.
Follow civatos guide for installing ICS BL V4:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
And do all the steps.
Greetings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This includes Stock ICS Roms also
Thanks guys. I immediately booted to recovery after installing the bootloader. Now I have ICS running.
If I wanted to update to the V5 bootloader, could I do it without reinstalling my rom?
You guys are awesome
jgv115 said:
Thanks guys. I immediately booted to recovery after installing the bootloader. Now I have ICS running.
If I wanted to update to the V5 bootloader, could I do it without reinstalling my rom?
You guys are awesome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I'm not mistaken, I believe you can put the v5 bootloader.blob in a flash.zip and flash through CWM. That's one method. This became available as of ver4.
The other would be to run the NVFlash again you used previously, and install only the bootloader (apx?). Your CWM and Rom should remain intact.
I use Blackthund3r's flash exe to install my .bin files. (gives some funny windows error but always completes) I just toss the new bootloader.bin in the same folder as the exe app. Also the latest recovery image. Do them both at the same time.
So basically 3 methods. Also, check your new UID number and make sure you convert it to SBK like you did the last time. ICS usually changes the UID number sometimes. I usually keep all UID's and SBK's written down.
Moscow Desire said:
If I'm not mistaken, I believe you can put the v5 bootloader.blob in a flash.zip and flash through CWM. That's one method. This became available as of ver4.
The other would be to run the NVFlash again you used previously, and install only the bootloader (apx?). Your CWM and Rom should remain intact.
I use Blackthund3r's flash exe to install my .bin files. (gives some funny windows error but always completes) I just toss the new bootloader.bin in the same folder as the exe app. Also the latest recovery image. Do them both at the same time.
So basically 3 methods. Also, check your new UID number and make sure you convert it to SBK like you did the last time. ICS usually changes the UID number sometimes. I usually keep all UID's and SBK's written down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you pm me that windows error please? I think it's to do with my mode detection code being stopped abruptly but I want to have it fixed properly for v0.3.3
Sent from my Iconia A500 using Tapatalk 2
Hello. After updating my A500 to the official ICS rom, I easily rooted my tablet succesfully by downloading a program found on this website:
http://forum.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=350
Then, I downloaded an app from the market/play store called "Acer Recovery" wich lets you flash CWM recovery (which is built in into the app). The app said it flashed the recovery succesfully. Now, when I press the "boot into recovery" button I get stuck in the Acer logo and on the top left corner it sais in red: Recovery Failed
I would like to flash custom roms. What am I doing wrong?
Many thanks...
domenicostorino said:
Hello. After updating my A500 to the official ICS rom, I easily rooted my tablet succesfully by downloading a program found on this website:
http://forum.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=350
Then, I downloaded an app from the market/play store called "Acer Recovery" wich lets you flash CWM recovery (which is built in into the app). The app said it flashed the recovery succesfully. Now, when I press the "boot into recovery" button I get stuck in the Acer logo and on the top left corner it sais in red: Recovery Failed
I would like to flash custom roms. What am I doing wrong?
Many thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which version of Bootloader are you running? The recovery installer app should tell you when you start it.
Also, which version of Recovery did you try to install?
Moscow Desire said:
Which version of Bootloader are you running? The recovery installer app should tell you when you start it.
Also, which version of Recovery did you try to install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for helping me out.
-Bootloader Version: 0.03.12-ICS
I tried installing the two only recoveries avaliable wich are:
-ClockworkMod Recovery rev1.3.4 by thor2002ro
-Stock USA 1.141.07_COM_GEN1 recovery
After flashing any of the two I click on "Reboot into recovery", it reboots but gets stuck in Acer logo and on the top left corner says:
-Recovery verified failed
I have the same problem too and I still couldn't find a way out
Firmware Specs are same as yours
I wonder if there is a simple way out
Anyone can help ?
Thanks
Ramp
Ok, both of you need to go to this thread and read over the info.
The reason why your recovery "might have failed" is probably because you didn't delete a certain file from your rom before you flashed your CWM. That is... "recovery.from.boot.p" in the system folder.
If you don't, every time you reboot your will lose your CWM.
Anyhow, read this thread. Everything you need is there.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
And if you;re going to install some ICS Customs in the future, I advise you install a patched unlocked bootloader.
EDIT: One more important thing. Before you folks go off flashing and everything, PLEASE... Get your UID number now, and write it down in a safe place (like the box your tablet came in . If you tab gets borked up, it's the only thing that'll save it.
MD
As MD stated be sure to read that thread , once down reading it, re-read it , I would try using that method first ,it helps you learn , but if you want to go to this thread and it will be a whole lot easier :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1675939
I always tell people in here read as much as you can , read through the Android section as well!
uahuuuuuuuuuuu !
What can I say ......Afterota is AMAZING!!!!
Made my day, not my day...my month!
It works like a charm and it's really easy to handle
Thanks thanks thanks !
Ramp
Thanks, I did it as well with AfterOta, what a great tool. I am already rooted in ICS and have public recovery working. I'd like to try some custom roms. Is there any other step I have to complete before flashing a new custom rom?
Thanks again for the help
domenicostorino said:
Thanks, I did it as well with AfterOta, what a great tool. I am already rooted in ICS and have public recovery working. I'd like to try some custom roms. Is there any other step I have to complete before flashing a new custom rom?
Thanks again for the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would advise making sure you have at least Version 3 or higher of the unlocked bootloader. Version 4 is better as you can change the boot image. Also, with version 4 (and higher) you can flash any future bootloaders through CWM.
Also, make a system (nand) recovery backup before you go flashing roms. This way you have something to go back to if the flash doesn't go right.
part of the original problem you had was the recovery you tried to flash was an earlier version which doesnt match ICS , You can get the beta copy of Acer Recovery ,but you'll have to search for it , it also has updated ICS recovery listed
Hi! im a new owner of Acer A500 8gb. I want to unlock the bootloader but im not REALLY SURE it is okay for me to follow this guide to unlock my bootloader. My Acer A500 is already rooted and my bootloader is 0.03.12-ICS as shown in Acer Recovery Installer. Btw, the search bar just disappeared so I cant search for tutorials on unlocking/patching bootloader.
Not sure I suppose to follow that guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
or
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1619913
thank you for taking my time!
You can follow http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425 and use Blackthunder's tool if its ok with you. Or I can tell you one more method:
1. Download After OTA from forum section. Search for it you will find a .zip file of about 103 mb.
2. Download and install the Acer a500 drivers.
3. Attach your tablet to the computer.
4. Unzip After OTA and run it.
5. From standard tab select your desired Bootloader and recovery, you can select any except HC Bootloader for running ICS. Remember to select A50X.
6. Remember if you are having ICS rom its OK, but if you do not have ICS Rom than keep one in your sd card to flash after installing the Bootloader.
7. You might also brick up your tab if anything went wrong so be carefull.
"Thanks to the original developers for the After OTA tool and Guides available."
okay, i already download OTA TOOLS. On standard tab which bootloader and recovery should I pick?
ahhh cant patch/unlock the bootloader. Is just me or Acer double lockdown the bootloader? I did A500APXFLASH.exe, didn't work, the progress bar wont move on flashing bootloader. I also did AfterOTA.exe but nope didn't work. It just hang on [3/5] flashing bootloader. Im getting stumped now
Ok, if you are stuck and are unable to run any rom first of all reinstall your boot loader using update.zip file from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113878
Remember select bootloader which you were having previously, i.e. if you were having 3.2 honeycomb than select any one from the lists of 3.2 updates.
Now you can use after OTA, remember your Tab should be running safely for After OTA to work.
My Acer A500 is running fine. It just I cant flash this bootloader. But i will follow this guide to reinstall the bootloader. thanks!
I just added this post, maybe it'll help you too!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1760509
Quick question for the guru's... I just realized that I can't get into recovery since doing the OTA ICS upgrade and rooting. I have both Acer Recovery Installer and ROM Manager, so I'm guessing I'll be fine using either to install a new recovery, but was curious if doing so would impact being able to get future OTA upgrades or not? I've done custom ROMs in the past, but I'm sticking with the stock OTA and rooting them at the moment and just wanted to double-check that a new recovery (or installing clockwork recovery) won't impact future upgrades.
Thanks for any advise!
JM
OK, I gave it a couple weeks - so I've got to give it a <bump> at this point.
Any advise?
Thanks!
JackMetal said:
OK, I gave it a couple weeks - so I've got to give it a <bump> at this point.
Any advise?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will assume you have stock bootloader? (the one that came with the OTA)
First off, don't use ROM Manager. It's for phones. Although it runs on tablets, you run a high risk of bricking your device if you use it.
Secondly, you have to be rooted before installing CWM. The most important is deleting the "boot-recovery" file located in the /system directory. Otherwise, whenever you boot your tab, the CWM will get overwritten. Instructions for this can be found in Civato's bootloader guide in the Dev section. Pretty easy to find.
There are also some handy apps, like After OTA for example. Like AcerRecovery, you should be able to install a CWM on your tab. I would use EZTerry's Public Recovery or Thor ver 1.7.3 CWM.
As far as future OTA, it will not effect the ability to get one provided you are running a stock rom. The only thing, when taking an OTA, you will lose root and recovery. And, there always is, as with any OTA, a risk the OTA will fail.
MD
MD, Thank You very much for the advice. While sitting in the airport with delays yet again, I finally had time to check the forum. Yes, I still have the stock boot loader. I am very glad you mentioned NOT using ROM Manager, as that was the method I was leaning towards using.
I'll take a look at Civato's guide this weekend (if my flight ever leaves and I can make it home).
Thanks again for the advice!
Moscow Desire said:
I will assume you have stock bootloader? (the one that came with the OTA)
First off, don't use ROM Manager. It's for phones. Although it runs on tablets, you run a high risk of bricking your device if you use it.
Secondly, you have to be rooted before installing CWM. The most important is deleting the "boot-recovery" file located in the /system directory. Otherwise, whenever you boot your tab, the CWM will get overwritten. Instructions for this can be found in Civato's bootloader guide in the Dev section. Pretty easy to find.
There are also some handy apps, like After OTA for example. Like AcerRecovery, you should be able to install a CWM on your tab. I would use EZTerry's Public Recovery or Thor ver 1.7.3 CWM.
As far as future OTA, it will not effect the ability to get one provided you are running a stock rom. The only thing, when taking an OTA, you will lose root and recovery. And, there always is, as with any OTA, a risk the OTA will fail.
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Moscow Desire said:
....
Secondly, you have to be rooted before installing CWM. The most important is deleting the "boot-recovery" file located in the /system directory. Otherwise, whenever you boot your tab, the CWM will get overwritten. Instructions for this can be found in Civato's bootloader guide in the Dev section. Pretty easy to find.
There are also some handy apps, like After OTA for example. Like AcerRecovery, you should be able to install a CWM on your tab. I would use EZTerry's Public Recovery or Thor ver 1.7.3 CWM...
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
blackthund3r said:
Quick point dibb, you can't flash a bootable recovery without a patched boot loader, but you can install recovery without rooting (although if it's stock the ROM will overwrite the recovery)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
original discussion from afterOTA thread
[EDIT: Solved!]
First post, and many thanks for the wisdom in these forums.
I'm no n00b, I've been an infrastructure admin for 16 years, rooted over a dozen android phones from gingerbread to latest, jailbroken iPhones, in fact I pride myself on rescuing servers from HDD crashes, rebuilding boot records, etc. Point is, I can take the technical heat and I know how to look it up in XDA and TegraOwners.
Got an a501 from a dude real cheap, stock 3.2 HC won't OTA any further.
1. I used the downgrade to 3.01 method. As you all know, it's just an update.zip to regress to some janky 3.01 HC ROM.
2. Then I rooted.
3. Then I installed Acer Recovery Installer (now at v.3.03) which, after a bunch of force-closes, manages to install "CWM rv1.7 by thor2002ro"
I know I need to flash an unlockable bootloader, but there are always partition errors and nvflash always stalls...
- My a501 is not bricked, I can always get back into the half-broken 3.01 rom
- my CWM recovery is fine and in fact I've managed to flash a TWRP 2.10 from in CWM and I'm back on CWM.
- Using volume up and power, I can no longer get the custom acer update mode which accepts update.zip
- I have my CPUID and SBK. I have any number of roms and flash tools at my disposal.
Any thoughts? I read somewhere about an EUU to restore the partitioning... not sure how to proceed.
I just want fastboot so I can sideload a ROM and GAPPS!!!
HAHA! Solved using
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2049778
Talk about RTFM. I was going crazy there!
Still, many thanks to those who worked so hard on all this.