A woman I work with brought in her sons A500 for me to look at today and it's just bootlooping at the 'android' logo. Normally I would boot into the bootloader and use fastboot to push the factory images back. Apparently that can't be done with the A500.
So I did the next best thing. I downloaded a 340ish mb factory image and tried restoring it using the factory recovery but it gets a third of the way through then fails. I don't have any real info on the tab other than it's a wifi only A500.
So my question is this: is there a way to get into fastboot mode? And if not, is there an odin-type program or download mode that I can flash these files from my computer? The device doesn't seem to want to cooperate right now...
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
InGeNeTiCs said:
A woman I work with brought in her sons A500 for me to look at today and it's just bootlooping at the 'android' logo. Normally I would boot into the bootloader and use fastboot to push the factory images back. Apparently that can't be done with the A500.
So I did the next best thing. I downloaded a 340ish mb factory image and tried restoring it using the factory recovery but it gets a third of the way through then fails. I don't have any real info on the tab other than it's a wifi only A500.
So my question is this: is there a way to get into fastboot mode? And if not, is there an odin-type program or download mode that I can flash these files from my computer? The device doesn't seem to want to cooperate right now...
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this is going to depend on what junior did to it
For starters, you can check and see if he rooted it, and flash CWM recovery
With tab off, Hold VOL- then PWR for a few seconds. See if you see text in the upper left corner then release buttons. If it boots into a menu system, then Juniors been messing around.
If you get the menu, post back and we'll give you some things to do. If not...
Second recovery is the stock acer recovery;
Tab off. Hold Vol- then PWR.
Now this recovery will usually look for a file called update.zip on the SD, or a stock Acer image.
If you hang on a few minutes, I'll post a link to TimmyDeans recovery that should get you going.
EDIT: Here's the link;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20680452&postcount=137
(read the pdf in the file for instructions.)
Any issues, try and contact TimmyDean
Unfortunately, the very first step requires that I turn on usb debugging, and this particular iconia won't boot. I was able to find a factory image that the factory recovery would accept. It went through the whole process of restoring, and now I have "boot verified failed ..." at the acer screen.
I'm still able to get into recovery, but reflashing yields the same result.
Which recovery"
CWM or Acer recovery? (vol+ or Vol-)
FACTORY recovery. From acer. If it were cwm I would have specified.
Anybody? I saw nvflash referenced somewhere here...is there an odin-like tool I can use to flash from my PC?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
You need to find the Update file your area, is it an international tablet, branded by carrier or what?
The update zip must have all criteria matching or it will fail...
Wifi only us spec a500. Not carrier branded.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
InGeNeTiCs said:
Anybody? I saw nvflash referenced somewhere here...is there an odin-like tool I can use to flash from my PC?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The nvflash was probably related to Method 1 of this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1276227
It does require the CPUID, however..
InGeNeTiCs said:
Wifi only us spec a500.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If USA then you Need a GEN2 at the end of your Download for STOCK ACER ROM.
I would recomend:
1. Downloading a HC v3.1 Gen2 verson stock (not 3.2, or 3.2.1)
2. Rename the File to "Update.zip", place it on SDCARD.
3. boot up into your stock acer Recovery, let it install.
-play with tab for while (don't use OTA Update -cus 3.2+ has problems, more restrictions)
-on HCv3.1 will be easier to ROOT and go to custom ROM or later you can update thru OTA to v3.2.1 (not recomended)
at least you will be able to get Tab working and have more options with Easy Root methods.
First thanks to Skrilax_CZ (unlocked bootloader) , jm77 (for his guide), strra(tools and bat file) Zatta for modded script , blackthund3r for APX flashing tool & gersma (for otatool)
You need to understand that this can brick your tablet and going back to HC roms is not possible or you need to reflash your tablet again with this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WHAT IS THIS V8UNLOCKED multi ICS BOOTLOADER
You can install the ICS bootloader using cwm if you are on V4 or V5 , see in this link for the updates and cwm packages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PLEASE FOLLOW TO THE LETTER AND READ TWICE , don't be drunk , don't watch sports (we are men and can only do one thing at a time), don't take advice from your wife , girlfriend or whatever you need to feel loved , this is not like shopping for a bike or car!!! This is probably the most boring thing you are going to do in your life!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Option 1 use Afterota for A500/G100W IF YOU ARE ON OTA ICS and follow this thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Option 2 , keep reading.... don't be a chicken , just do it !!.
-STEP 1=Install the USB drivers from Acer on PC ( Acer's). NOTE: If you got stuck or can't get into APX mode please make sure you reinstall the usb drivers first and you got the latest ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
STEP2=First before you do anything else make sure you got your "cpuid". How see Q&A , bottom of this thread.
Or you use the Blackthun3er V0.4 APX flasher (see in the section "automated flashing tool") , this tool will give and fill in your SBK automaticly if you used it before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-STEP 3=Now goto get your SBK or use this tool you find here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-STEP 4=Make sure you got a ICS rom on your tablet to flash after you installed the ICS bootloader the first time .
-FLEXREAPER
-LIGHTSPEED
-TABOONAY (with this make sure you flash the Kernel for ICS bootloader after you installed the rom , you find it in the Taboonay thread)
-ezterry ICS 1.031.00stock- full root with busybox, and more tweaks
-A501 Alexandra IV ICS ver 4.0.3. (for A501 users)
-FULL-STOCK-FULL-ROOT
-Or you can flash the full leaked version of 1.031.00 405MB but then you need to get root so you can delete "recovery-from-boot.p" from /system before you flash the unlocked booloader and custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good time to check your SBK number , see Q&A section
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
STEP 5= Going into APX mode see Q&A or use A500 manager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
STEP 6 INSTALLING ICS BOOTLOADER
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- 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!"
[FONT="]Optional A500MANAGER
What does it do : [/FONT]
· [FONT="]One-click APX Mode entry[/FONT]
· [FONT="]One-click Recovery Mode entry[/FONT]
· [FONT="]One-click fastboot entry for patched bootloaders[/FONT]
· [FONT="]Instant logcat viewer[/FONT]
· [FONT="]Instant dmesg Viewer[/FONT]
· [FONT="]Function which dumps the dmesg to a text file on the desktop[/FONT]
· [FONT="]Serial number extraction to make SBK calculation exponentially easier[/FONT]
· [FONT="]Links to ICS Root, A500 APX Flash Tool and two download links (Acer and my mirror) for USB Drivers[/FONT]
· [FONT="]Shows what mode the tablet is in at the bottom[/FONT]
BIG THANKS TO blackthund3r
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Manual flashing
Open cmd (command prompt) on the extracted folder "V8-UNL-ICS-HC-bootloader-MULTI-cwm".
(Tip how to open cmd on any folder you want
Windows Vista/7 : Simply hold down the Shift key and right-click a folder. The context menu will contain an entry, ‘Open command window here.” )
Or you if you extracted the folder in c:\nvflash you type in cmd "cd c:\nvflash"
-FOR A500/A501/G100W:
For the ICS bootloader and multi custom recovery's you type in cmd : v8 (enter) (or you open the folder and click on this "v8.bat")
Now you get 4 choises of V8 with a different recovery , select one.
-TWRP recovery
-PubA500 recovery
-Thor1.7
-Thor1.7.3
If for any reason you want to go back to HC bootloader:
For the HC bootloader and recovery you type in cmd : a500-hc (enter) if you have a A500 or a G100W (or open the folder and click on this "a500-hc.bat")
For the HC bootloader and recovery you type in cmd : a501-hc (enter) if you have a A501 (or open the folder and click on this "a501-hc.bat")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-Your SBK is asked : you put that in and press enter. (right click on cmd titlebar gives option to copy/paste it)
-The process should begin. If you recieve a USB write error, your SBK is incorrect. (Lot of stuff going on in the cmd and then it stops)
-Windows command prompt will read "Press any key when your A500/501/G100W is in APX mode". Do not continue until the tablet is in "Acer Iconia A500/501 APX Mode" (look at the screen of your tablet).
-Once the tablet reads "Acer Iconia A500/501 APX Mode", you are in bootloader mode. You can proceed and it will begin formatting the various partitions and installing the recovery.
-Once the process completes, it should say PASS (on the screen of your tablet) in big letters and in small red letters "Reboot the device" (Top left corner still says "Acer Iconia A500/501 APX Mode" that is normal) . You can then power off the tablet and power it back on again.
If you get the message = secure boot : image LNX checksum fail ! , No problem just reboot the tablet.
-Make sure your tablet boots.
Power the tablet down and attempt to launch CWM via Power+VolDown.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You Are on the ICS Unlocked bootloader and want to install a different CWM the easy way !
Put it on your tablet and install with CWM
-Ezterry's BareBones Recovery :CWM-install-A500PubRecovery_v0.2.zip
-TWRP 2.1.3-ICS (touch recovery) :CWM-install-TWRP-2.1.3-ICS.zip
(modded by civato for ICS only , no more messed up screen on booting into recovery)
-Thor 1.7 touch recovery (repacked to work on ICS) :CWM-install-recovery_thor1.7.zip
-Thor 1.7.2 Multi bootloader (HC , ICS) touch recovery :CWM-install-recovery_thor1.7.2.zip
(But for some this doesn't work)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Q&A:
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.
OR SEE GUIDE HERE , WHERE IS MY CPUID AT
Checking your SBK
Go into APK mode (step 5 or use A500 manager) and open cmd on SBK-test (download this first) folder and type in something like this:
nvflash --bl bootloader.img --sbk (your SBK) --sync]
In my case = nvflash --bl bootloader.img --sbk 0x3DA61E00 0x7899AA01 0x97D04E03 0x1E092103 --sync (enter)
If your SBK is good you get your system information and you will see your chip uid with some more stuff.
If your SBK is wrong, you'll get this:
rcm version 0X4
Command send failed (usb write failed)
STOP HERE AND DON'T PROCEED if your SBK is not correct!!!!!!!!!
(Tip how to open cmd on any folder you want
Windows Vista/7 : Simply hold down the Shift key and right-click a folder. The context menu will contain an entry, ‘Open command window here.” )
Going into APX MODE manualy
You enter APX mode by holding down the Reset button(with paper clip). Do not release it. Hold down power for 3 secs and then release it. After another second, release the reset button.
Your Windows PC should then detect your device and install the APX driver. You should then have an APX USB device installed. If you do not have an APX USB device listed in your system tray, you cannot proceed.
The screen of your tablet is black.
Linux users see here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great guide Mr. Civ (as always all your works).
I shall try it.
Many thanks
Weird. But I can't find serialno in the file generated. Thoughts?
Sent from my A500 using XDA
Will the cpuid ever change? I only found it on a really old Nandroid. It was blank in a more current one
Sent from my A500 using XDA
blcklab said:
Will the cpuid ever change? I only found it on a really old Nandroid. It was blank in a more current one
Sent from my A500 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Always test your SBK to be sure , see guide.
SBK doesn't change.
Also, you can recover your tablet with fastboot when you flash HC ROM (which is NOT reflashing the BL), which is more convenient.
Skrilax_CZ said:
SBK doesn't change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was what I was thinking , I used the uid from my first nandroid backup when it was still a PackardBell HC 3.0.1 rom from the G100W.
But still want them to test there SBK before they complain it got stuck.
civato said:
Was what I was thinking , I used the uid from my first nandroid backup when it was still a PackardBell HC 3.0.1 rom from the G100W.
But still want them to test there SBK before they complain it got stuck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when at the point of getting to download mode. my tablet screen just says "entering acer download mode" and has a acer logo but nothing else? is this IN download mode i ask becuase the screen hasnt changed from "entering acer download mode"
edit: ok so i got to PASS and rebooted tablet and it rebooted but once i tried to reboot recovery i got Recovery verified failed... what should i do now?
edit: fixed by running nvflash again
warfenix said:
when at the point of getting to download mode. my tablet screen just says "entering acer download mode" and has a acer logo but nothing else? is this IN download mode i ask becuase the screen hasnt changed from "entering acer download mode"
edit: ok so i got to PASS and rebooted tablet and it rebooted but once i tried to reboot recovery i got Recovery verified failed... what should i do now?
edit: fixed by running nvflash again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It happened to me too, but I got a pass on the second try. You should run step 6 again.
Remember this line of the guide
You can also flash the full leaked version of 1.031.00 but then you need to get root so you can delete "recovery-from-boot.p" from /system before you flash the unlocked booloader and custom recovery.
If you flashed the full leak version you need to delete "recovery-from-boot.p" from /system if you don't do that recovery will be replaced everytime you reboot your tablet.
Is there any point in this apart from gaining fastboot ?
I'll give it a go. Just pulled the gen2 ics update and I'll see if I can modify it to install after doing this.
10507 said:
It happened to me too, but I got a pass on the second try. You should run step 6 again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing happened with me. Did the exact same steps the 2nd time (verified by checking the command history), but the first time didn't take and redoing step 6 did.
blcklab said:
Weird. But I can't find serialno in the file generated. Thoughts?
Sent from my A500 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exported and did search and could not find mine either.
How long does it take on Nvflash started?
BTW, it is bootloader.bin not bootloader.img
It simply does not go anywhere on my tablet, sits there for hours on Nvflash started, no error, just nothing.
Excuse the silly noob question, but I am drawing a blank today.
If I complete this whole process in OP, will this give me root on the ICS released today (4/27) and ability to flash future rooted ICS releases? Thanks.
dawgpoundfan said:
Exported and did search and could not find mine either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have HC 3.01 bootloader I don't think your UID will show in the dmsg file. You can get it from an old backup or adb devices.
golfgirl606 said:
If you have HC 3.01 bootloader I don't think your UID will show in the dmsg file. You can get it from an old backup or adb devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on 3.01 and had to find on my oldest nandroid.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA
aben2amu said:
How long does it take on Nvflash started?
BTW, it is bootloader.bin not bootloader.img
It simply does not go anywhere on my tablet, sits there for hours on Nvflash started, no error, just nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same question. I am only at 5 mins with just "Nvflash started", but how long should that be displayed before I should see the "Press any key when your A500 is in bootloader mode". Also, My tablet screen is still black.
I did not receive a USB write error, and I did the sync command to check my SBK before running Nvflash and it showed my CUID correctly.
Could the tablet go into sleep mode while in the APX mode?
Can I just reboot the tablet and start again?
Ok, I have the words "Entering Acer Download Mode" on my tablet. Is that what I am looking for or should there be another entry that says it is actually in download mode?
Confirmed CPU ID
blcklab said:
I'm on 3.01 and had to find on my oldest nandroid.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confirmed CPU ID
. HC Bootloader - clockworkmod/backup - adb devices - usbdeview (attached)
. ICS Bootloaders - dmesg android.serial no
Hi Everyone
A while back I was having all sorts of problems trying to flash a patched bootloader to my Acer A500 So that I could install a custom recovery, Custom ROMS , etc...
Well thanks to some help from this awesome site, and a member here that pointed me to an NVFlash archive (Bab-Sector) with a script in it and it worked perfect. The Script however was using the V8 bootloader instead of V9, and I wanted to go with the V9 Bootloader 03.14-EXT So I updated the scripts to install the bootloader to SkrilaxCZ v9 Patched for Acer A500, and I also added Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 touch, instead of 1.7. 1.7.3 works a whole lot better
*****************************IMPORTANT**************************
Before using these tools make sure to back up your tablet first, and have a good ROM ready to install once you have your patched bootloader installed. Using this tool to Install the patched bootloader will render your current ROM unusable. You will have to install a new ROM as soon as your finished. This will also fix all the partitions on your tablet, so that they are all correct, but in doing it destroys your current install.
So any way here is a quick guide to flash the patched V9 bootloader file on your Acer A500:
Before you Continue:
You will need to know your SBK
And you need to have all the proper Acer USB drivers installed.
Plus you will need this file: A500-Bootloader-V9_Babsector
Extract the contents to some folder, and open the folder.
Now power off the tablet, and while it is connected to your PC via USB take a paperclip and press the reset button (located on the side next to the full size USB port, a small hole) and the power button, slowly count to 3 then release the power button, count one more to 4 and then release the reset button. Now your tablet is in APX download mode.
Open the folder where you extracted the bootloader and tools. Double click the file a501 A.bat. Enter your SBK.
The bootloader will be flashed, and Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 Custom Recovery will be installed, upon completion the screen will say PASS.
Now hold down the power button until the tab turns off, then hold the vol down button along with the power button to boot into CWM. Once in CWM navigate to the mounts and storage menu, then format system partition twice. Now go back to the power menu, and power off the tablet.
Now you need to boot APX download mode again, take a paperclip and press the reset button and the power button, slowly count to 3 then release the power button, count one more to 4 and release the reset button. Now your tablet is in APX download mode again.
Back to the folder where you extracted the bootloader and tools again. Now double click the file a501 B.bat.
The bootloader will be flashed again, and Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 Custom Recovery will be reinstalled, upon completion the screen will once again display PASS. You are finished, and you have a good custom recovery, along with the best patched bootloader for the A500.
Now you are ready to install custom ROMS from Thor2002ro CWM Touch.
If you decide that you no longer want to have the patched bootloader you can restore your A500 to complete stock ICS4.0.3 with this ROM: Stock ROM Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1
You can flash this ROM with CWM or rename it to update.zip and place on root of external SD and the stock recovery will install it also. after the ROM has installed the tablet needs to reboot and the bootloader will be installed, then the tab will reboot, and you are back to 100% stock Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1. You will not have root, and the bootloader will also be stock. This is the file you need if for some reason you should ever need to have your tablet sent to Acer, to be worked on. under warranty for example, or if you just want to have the tablet returned to stock.
I really hope this little guide helps someone, I know that a few months ago this would have helped me out when I could not flash my bootloader from windows with either the Black Thund3rAPX tool or AfterOTA, both of which are excellent tools, but for some reason they just would not work with my tab until after I had flashed my bootloader with NVFlash the way I explain here.
Also I need to point out that the scripts and tools included in the bootloader archive are originally the Bab-Sector tools. I just updated the bootloader files to SkrilaxCZ V9 Bootloader, with the green Acer logo, and the Custom Recovery to Thor2002ro CWM Touch 1.7.3
Thanks
- Kaiji
Omg! Thank you!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I've been trying for two days to get a custom recovery to install. I too used Blackthund3r's tools, but nothing was working. I think my partition table was screwed. It took me forever just to get the drivers to recognize APX mode. Google's generic driver's > Acers! Again thank you so much.
KaijiKun said:
Hi Everyone
A while back I was having all sorts of problems trying to flash a patched bootloader to my Acer A500 So that I could install a custom recovery, Custom ROMS , etc...
Well thanks to some help from this awesome site, and a member here that pointed me to an NVFlash archive (Bab-Sector) with a script in it and it worked perfect. The Script however was using the V8 bootloader instead of V9, and I wanted to go with the V9 Bootloader 03.14-EXT So I updated the scripts to install the bootloader to SkrilaxCZ v9 Patched for Acer A500, and I also added Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 touch, instead of 1.7. 1.7.3 works a whole lot better
*****************************IMPORTANT**************************
Before using these tools make sure to back up your tablet first, and have a good ROM ready to install once you have your patched bootloader installed. Using this tool to Install the patched bootloader will render your current ROM unusable. You will have to install a new ROM as soon as your finished. This will also fix all the partitions on your tablet, so that they are all correct, but in doing it destroys your current install.
So any way here is a quick guide to flash the patched V9 bootloader file on your Acer A500:
Code:
Before you Continue:
You will need to know your SBK
And you need to have all the proper Acer USB drivers installed.
Plus you will need this file: http://www.4shared.com/zip/dbt1DsjT/A500-Bootloader-V9-Nvflash.html
Extract the contents to some folder, and open the folder.
Now power off the tablet, and while it is connected to your PC via USB take a paperclip and press the reset button (located on the side next to the full size USB port, a small hole) and the power button, slowly count to 3 then release the power button, count one more to 4 and then release the reset button. Now your tablet is in APX download mode.
Open the folder where you extracted the bootloader and tools. Double click the file a501 A.bat. Enter your SBK.
The bootloader will be flashed, and Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 Custom Recovery will be installed, upon completion the screen will say PASS.
Now hold down the power button until the tab turns off, then hold the vol down button along with the power button to boot into CWM. Once in CWM navigate to the mounts and storage menu, then format system partition twice. Now go back to the power menu, and power off the tablet.
Now you need to boot APX download mode again, take a paperclip and press the reset button and the power button, slowly count to 3 then release the power button, count one more to 4 and release the reset button. Now your tablet is in APX download mode again.
Back to the folder where you extracted the bootloader and tools again. Now double click the file a501 B.bat.
The bootloader will be flashed again, and Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 Custom Recovery will be reinstalled, upon completion the screen will once again display PASS. You are finished, and you have a good custom recovery, along with the best patched bootloader for the A500.
Now you are ready to install custom ROMS from Thor2002ro CWM Touch.
If you decide that you no longer want to have the patched bootloader you can restore your A500 to complete stock ICS4.0.3 with this ROM
Code:
Stock ROM Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1
http://www.4shared.com/zip/R6Wn2rFJ/A500-Stock.html
You can flash this ROM with CWM or rename it to update.zip and place on root of external SD and the stock recovery will install it also. after the ROM has installed the tablet needs to reboot and the bootloader will be installed, then the tab will reboot, and you are back to 100% stock Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1. You will not have root, and the bootloader will also be stock. This is the file you need if for some reason you should ever need to have your tablet sent to Acer, to be worked on. under warranty for example, or if you just want to have the tablet returned to stock.
I really hope this little guide helps someone, I know that a few months ago this would have helped me out when I could not flash my bootloader from windows with either the Black Thund3rAPX tool or AfterOTA, both of which are excellent tools, but for some reason they just would not work with my tab until after I had flashed my bootloader with NVFlash the way I explain here.
Also I need to point out that the scripts and tools included in the bootloader archive are originally the Bab-Sector tools. I just updated the bootloader files to SkrilaxCZ V9 Bootloader, with the green Acer logo, and the Custom Recovery to Thor2002ro CWM Touch 1.7.3
Thanks
- Kaiji
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice guide Kaiji...a quick question. Do u know why babsector requires u to run both bat files. A few folks have just run the first one, done the formats then flashed their rom. Seems no one had any problems. Could u explain ( to a noob like me how babsector actually works? ??
rgds dibb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4
dibb_nz said:
Nice guide Kaiji...a quick question. Do u know why babsector requires u to run both bat files. A few folks have just run the first one, done the formats then flashed their rom. Seems no one had any problems. Could u explain ( to a noob like me how babsector actually works? ??
rgds dibb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
Actually both of those batch files are identical, I believe that the original writer wanted to be sure that any corrupted data, and or partitions were repaired. And that is exactly what they do.What happens is after the tab is in apx mode a temporary rw bootloader image is uploaded, and then the file correctly maps out and create the partitions needed for you tablet, then it uploads the bootloader, and recovery images. now with your new patched bootloader you can boot to custom recovery, install custom ROM's, and you could even install a second OS and set up a dual boot scenario, Skrilax_CZ has some really great tutorials on this here. You will also find that Blackthund3r's tools will also work now too.
- Kaiji
dibb_nz said:
; Nice guide Kaiji...a quick question....... Could u explain ( to a noob like me how babsector actually works? ??
rgds dibb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you
I am very happy that you, a senior member, actually thinks the guide is good. It really does mean a lot ( to a noob like me
I have actually just been poking around, and learning alI I can. I have always been a big fan of the Linux system, and the fact that it is now, in its Android form so huge world wide, on smartphones, and tablets everywhere is awesome!!
Any way I do really love that Android is based on the open source Linux code, and since it is, it's 100% customizable, hackable, & rewritable, sweet!!.
Oh yeah, To continue on a bit more about babsector, from my last post. The way that babsector actually works is this, while the tablet is is the NVidia APX download mode, the program NVFlash can then upload the special temporary APX mode bootloader image with rw abilities so that NVFlash can then set the partitions, and upload you patched bootloader. At least I believe that is how it all works. As I said I am just poking around, hehehe, an old linux user trying to learn all I can and then pass it on so everyone can enjoy the full potential of their devices.
- Kaiji
Not Working
KaijiKun said:
Hi Everyone
A while back I was having all sorts of problems trying to flash a patched bootloader to my Acer A500 So that I could install a custom recovery, Custom ROMS , etc...
Well thanks to some help from this awesome site, and a member here that pointed me to an NVFlash archive (Bab-Sector) with a script in it and it worked perfect. The Script however was using the V8 bootloader instead of V9, and I wanted to go with the V9 Bootloader 03.14-EXT So I updated the scripts to install the bootloader to SkrilaxCZ v9 Patched for Acer A500, and I also added Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 touch, instead of 1.7. 1.7.3 works a whole lot better
*****************************IMPORTANT**************************
Before using these tools make sure to back up your tablet first, and have a good ROM ready to install once you have your patched bootloader installed. Using this tool to Install the patched bootloader will render your current ROM unusable. You will have to install a new ROM as soon as your finished. This will also fix all the partitions on your tablet, so that they are all correct, but in doing it destroys your current install.
So any way here is a quick guide to flash the patched V9 bootloader file on your Acer A500:
Before you Continue:
You will need to know your SBK
And you need to have all the proper Acer USB drivers installed.
Plus you will need this file: A500-Bootloader-V9_Babsector
Extract the contents to some folder, and open the folder.
Now power off the tablet, and while it is connected to your PC via USB take a paperclip and press the reset button (located on the side next to the full size USB port, a small hole) and the power button, slowly count to 3 then release the power button, count one more to 4 and then release the reset button. Now your tablet is in APX download mode.
Open the folder where you extracted the bootloader and tools. Double click the file a501 A.bat. Enter your SBK.
The bootloader will be flashed, and Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 Custom Recovery will be installed, upon completion the screen will say PASS.
Now hold down the power button until the tab turns off, then hold the vol down button along with the power button to boot into CWM. Once in CWM navigate to the mounts and storage menu, then format system partition twice. Now go back to the power menu, and power off the tablet.
Now you need to boot APX download mode again, take a paperclip and press the reset button and the power button, slowly count to 3 then release the power button, count one more to 4 and release the reset button. Now your tablet is in APX download mode again.
Back to the folder where you extracted the bootloader and tools again. Now double click the file a501 B.bat.
The bootloader will be flashed again, and Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 Custom Recovery will be reinstalled, upon completion the screen will once again display PASS. You are finished, and you have a good custom recovery, along with the best patched bootloader for the A500.
Now you are ready to install custom ROMS from Thor2002ro CWM Touch.
If you decide that you no longer want to have the patched bootloader you can restore your A500 to complete stock ICS4.0.3 with this ROM: Stock ROM Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1
You can flash this ROM with CWM or rename it to update.zip and place on root of external SD and the stock recovery will install it also. after the ROM has installed the tablet needs to reboot and the bootloader will be installed, then the tab will reboot, and you are back to 100% stock Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1. You will not have root, and the bootloader will also be stock. This is the file you need if for some reason you should ever need to have your tablet sent to Acer, to be worked on. under warranty for example, or if you just want to have the tablet returned to stock.
I really hope this little guide helps someone, I know that a few months ago this would have helped me out when I could not flash my bootloader from windows with either the Black Thund3rAPX tool or AfterOTA, both of which are excellent tools, but for some reason they just would not work with my tab until after I had flashed my bootloader with NVFlash the way I explain here.
Also I need to point out that the scripts and tools included in the bootloader archive are originally the Bab-Sector tools. I just updated the bootloader files to SkrilaxCZ V9 Bootloader, with the green Acer logo, and the Custom Recovery to Thor2002ro CWM Touch 1.7.3
Thanks
- Kaiji
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Kaiji,
I tried your trick but it is not working for me. Could you please help me to solve this issue?
When i run first a501A file my tablet vibrate and went to download mode. I have attached file what exactly i get (file no. 1) and when i try to run the batch file again while tablet in download mode i get result (file no. 2). Please direct me what exactly i need to do?
Thanks
jd4r said:
Hi Kaiji,
I tried your trick but it is not working for me. Could you please help me to solve this issue?
When i run first a501A file my tablet vibrate and went to download mode. I have attached file what exactly i get (file no. 1) and when i try to run the batch file again while tablet in download mode i get result (file no. 2). Please direct me what exactly i need to do?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I wonder what the problem could be.... I would say for starters, try reinstalling the drivers, reboot, and try the script again. making sure to runit as Administrator. Also do you have AfterOTA? send me a PM after you try reinstalling your drivers, and if you are still having trouble tomorow, I will PM you my phone # and I will do my best to help you solve this over the phone.
I will be online tomorow around 12:00 noon EDT and will look for your PM and/or a reply
- Kaiji
Thanks.
KaijiKun said:
Hmm, I wonder what the problem could be.... I would say for starters, try reinstalling the drivers, reboot, and try the script again. making sure to runit as Administrator. Also do you have AfterOTA? send me a PM after you try reinstalling your drivers, and if you are still having trouble tomorow, I will PM you my phone # and I will do my best to help you solve this over the phone.
I will be online tomorow around 12:00 noon EDT and will look for your PM and/or a reply
- Kaiji
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response. I appreciate it. My problem got resolved after running Acera500 flash tool.
Thanks again for your help.
jd4r said:
Thanks for your response. I appreciate it. My problem got resolved after running Acera500 flash tool.
Thanks again for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem , I am very glad your problems were resolved. And, if you don't mind, I have a few questions for you.
1. What exactly went wrong in your situation?
2. Which tablet are you using?
3. And, how did you solve your problems exactly?
The reason I ask is that each tablet/software combination may each be a little unique, and the details of your experience can be very helpful to others as they encounter their own situation, and most of all we can always learn more from everyones different case, and apply that knowledge to improving the ability to help in the next case. Also, please try to be as detailed as possible, if you decide to answer the questionsI asked.
Thank you very much for your input
- Kaiji
KaijiKun said:
Hi Everyone
I really hope this little guide helps someone, I know that a few months ago this would have helped me out when I could not flash my bootloader from windows with either the Black Thund3rAPX tool or AfterOTA, both of which are excellent tools, but for some reason they just would not work with my tab until after I had flashed my bootloader with NVFlash the way I explain here.
Also I need to point out that the scripts and tools included in the bootloader archive are originally the Bab-Sector tools. I just updated the bootloader files to SkrilaxCZ V9 Bootloader, with the green Acer logo, and the Custom Recovery to Thor2002ro CWM Touch 1.7.3
Thanks
- Kaiji
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it got me from only booting to APX mode to having a bootloader, but I'm still having problems. I ran the script and got the PASS screen. Now it boots to the bootloader but I'm no longer able to use the reset button to get to the APX mode. Even when I hold the reset button while powering on, it just goes to the bootloader. It also does this just powering on without press the -vol button. I'm assuming this was because I was also getting an error message say the Lnx kernel was invalid.
So I went ahead and flashed the A500-stock.zip and no longer get the invalid kernel message but it still boots to the loader menu with the options Primary (LNX), Recovery and Fastboot. But when I choose the first option it hangs on the first screen saying "Booting Android Image from LNX partition..." Revovery takes me to the recovery menu and Fastboot connect me to my PC in ADB mode.
Any suggestion about where I go from here?
4929york said:
Well it got me from only booting to APX mode to having a bootloader, but I'm still having problems. I ran the script and got the PASS screen. Now it boots to the bootloader but I'm no longer able to use the reset button to get to the APX mode. Even when I hold the reset button while powering on, it just goes to the bootloader. It also does this just powering on without press the -vol button. I'm assuming this was because I was also getting an error message say the Lnx kernel was invalid.
So I went ahead and flashed the A500-stock.zip and no longer get the invalid kernel message but it still boots to the loader menu with the options Primary (LNX), Recovery and Fastboot. But when I choose the first option it hangs on the first screen saying "Booting Android Image from LNX partition..." Revovery takes me to the recovery menu and Fastboot connect me to my PC in ADB mode.
Any suggestion about where I go from here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got APX mode working again. I had to fall back to Win 7. In Win 8 it couldn't find tthe APX driver.
So, I started from scratch and ran the A501.A bat, then formatted the /system twice. Then rebooted into APX and ran the a501.B script and got this error. "Formatting partition 2 BCT please wait... FAILED!" What now????? PLEASE HELP!!!!!
jd4r said:
Hi Kaiji,
I tried your trick but it is not working for me. Could you please help me to solve this issue?
When i run first a501A file my tablet vibrate and went to download mode. I have attached file what exactly i get (file no. 1) and when i try to run the batch file again while tablet in download mode i get result (file no. 2). Please direct me what exactly i need to do?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im having the same problem as u were having with the attachments on the error codes u got can u share some light to me on the solution u was told to use
Im about at my wits end and gonna make a paper weight out of this thing I guess. I had recovered it with the Timmy Dean tool once already, and was on HC for about a week. I wanted to upgrade to ICS. So I tried to flash to bootloader but somehow got to where I can only boot into APX mode. I keep hanging on every tool I use. Here is a screen shot of the error when using the babsector in this thread. As far as I know I have the correct drivers from Acers site, but not sure about the adb drivers. I have them, but they don't "install" like the acer drivers did. How do I know they are correct? See my error attached photo. Is it possible to have something so messed up that even though apx mode works, it still wont flash itself out of the problem?
Need help with running A501 A.bat
Hi there. I put my tablet into APX mode by following the instructions above. However, when I run the A501 A.bat script, it reports that "USB device not found"
I have my tablet connected to my desktop via a USB-miniUSB cable. The connection works fine when the tablet is on, but it doesn't register it when the tablet is in APX mode
Any suggestions? Thanks!
romUser1365 said:
Hi there. I put my tablet into APX mode by following the instructions above. However, when I run the A501 A.bat script, it reports that "USB device not found"
I have my tablet connected to my desktop via a USB-miniUSB cable. The connection works fine when the tablet is on, but it doesn't register it when the tablet is in APX mode
Any suggestions? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a couple suggestions, I would start by making sure you have a known good micro USB cable, make sure it's plugged into a USB 2.0 port directly connected to you motherboard and not a USB hub or a USB 3.0 port as those can cause problems. The last thing I would recommend is to use Windows 7. Windows 10 may or may not work with this method as this tablet is pretty old. You can use a virtual machine to run Windows 7 and it should work fine. Hopefully this helps a bit.
turnert said:
Just a couple suggestions, I would start by making sure you have a known good micro USB cable, make sure it's plugged into a USB 2.0 port directly connected to you motherboard and not a USB hub or a USB 3.0 port as those can cause problems. The last thing I would recommend is to use Windows 7. Windows 10 may or may not work with this method as this tablet is pretty old. You can use a virtual machine to run Windows 7 and it should work fine. Hopefully this helps a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am unable to connect directly to the motherboard, as my PC is actually a laptop, and I don't really want to try and open it up. I did manage to use a vm and try this on Windows 7 with no luck . If anyone has any other suggestions I'm all ears. The only thing that I think might be causing these issues is that I'm using a USB 3.0 port (My laptop doesn't have 2.0 ports), so I'll update this reply once I find a computer that has usb 2.0 ports.
Also, do I need to install a custom recovery before running the A500 A and A500 B scripts? Are there tutorials on how to do that? I think I ran into issues last time I tried because I hadn't unlocked my bootloader (tablet wouldn't enter recovery mode). But, if I understand it correctly, the instructions for this thread tell you how to unlock the bootloader, but it also requires the custom recovery or else you lose your stock rom. It's quite a catch 22
romUser1365 said:
I am unable to connect directly to the motherboard, as my PC is actually a laptop, and I don't really want to try and open it up. I did manage to use a vm and try this on Windows 7 with no luck . If anyone has any other suggestions I'm all ears. The only thing that I think might be causing these issues is that I'm using a USB 3.0 port (My laptop doesn't have 2.0 ports), so I'll update this reply once I find a computer that has usb 2.0 ports.
Also, do I need to install a custom recovery before running the A500 A and A500 B scripts? Are there tutorials on how to do that? I think I ran into issues last time I tried because I hadn't unlocked my bootloader (tablet wouldn't enter recovery mode). But, if I understand it correctly, the instructions for this thread tell you how to unlock the bootloader, but it also requires the custom recovery or else you lose your stock rom. It's quite a catch 22
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you need to unlock your bootloader before you can get a custom rom or a custom recovery. But to do that you need root first. Also when I said connect your USB cable directly to your mother board I meant just any USB port on your motherboard.
turnert said:
Yes you need to unlock your bootloader before you can get a custom rom or a custom recovery. But to do that you need root first. Also when I said connect your USB cable directly to your mother board I meant just any USB port on your motherboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would still involve opening up my laptop, no? Also, I don't think that the USB cable is the issue, as I am able to connect just fine when the tablet is powered on, but not in APX mode. Also, I have tried rooting it before with a couple methods, both of which failed in one way or another. I'm open to trying out some other method(s) if you have a suggestion
Hi!
I have a similar problem like other users. Ive try many metods and I cant unbrik my A500. I dont know witch BL etc it has. Ive tried many update.zips but always without result. I can enter in apx mode but no more...
When I run A501A the I have this problem.
* Reboot your tablet into APX mode *
Generate your SBK with your CPUID from here :
Enter your SBK:0x58244C00 0x6309C006 0x2B432404 0xB0512103
Nvflash started
rcm version 0X20001
System Information:
chip name: t20
chip id: 0x20 major: 1 minor: 3
chip sku: 0x8
chip uid: 0x038892484340e057
macrovision: disabled
hdcp: enabled
sbk burned: true
dk burned: true
boot device: emmc
operating mode: 4
device config strap: 0
device config fuse: 0
sdram config strap: 0
sending file: flash.bct
- 4080/4080 bytes sent
flash.bct sent successfully
odm data: 0xb00d8011
downloading bootloader -- load address: 0x108000 entry point: 0x108000
sending file: bootloader.bin
| 714409/714409 bytes sent
bootloader.bin sent successfully
waiting for bootloader to initialize
bootloader downloaded successfully
setting device: 2 3
creating partition: BCT
creating partition: PT
creating partition: APP
creating partition: EBT
creating partition: GP1
creating partition: SOS
creating partition: LNX
creating partition: CAC
creating partition: MSC
creating partition: FLX
creating partition: AKB
creating partition: UDA
creating partition: GPT
failed executing command 12 NvError 0x120002
command failure: create failed (bad data)
bootloader status: fatal failure to read / write to mass storage (code: 9) message: nverror:0x8 (0x19000008) flags: 0
Presione una tecla para continuar . . .
-------------------------------------------------------
I cant solve it. Can you help me please.