Database Users

[Q] So Much Information!!! Brains exploding! Assist!

When I found out that 2.2 wasnt coming out from this phone I decided that I would root the phone and load a 2.2 ROM, etc. etc. So I started researching all of these about 2 days ago... and for the past 2 days I have read so much information on this that I am now currently so mixed up and lost. There are soooo many different ROMs, different ways to do this, that, etc. I see some people do one thing that it works great, another person do the exact same thing and they havent the same luck.
Even when getting ready to just root the phone, I found an awesome post that had great information... but, then when I looked at it the post was from 7 months ago and in the N1 forums. So, I started to 2nd guess.
I suppose basically what Im in need of is possibly a normal/basic recommendation to get moving on this... Would a possible recommendation be to root the phone with the 1 click root being run through a file manager, then create a nandroid backup, then go with something popular like Cyanogen6 RC1? Its just that mod -seems- to be what a good bit of people have, and problems seem limited on it. But then again, ive read about 10 other ROMs that appear to be just as good, and people like just as well... so agian, this choice leaves me frozen as well.
Im just so overwhelmed with information ive just about frozen up... I think it need to bring it back to a basic simple plan to get moving on this. Everything I read in these forums sounds so awesome and just plain ole fun.... but like I said im currently frozen/lost. Please help if my request isnt too much...
Thanks! Any help with this will definitely melt this horrid ice!!!

Use this to root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=753910
Just do as it says and follow directions. I rooted both of my brother's phones this way. It works.
Then do as you were thinking: nandroid then install CM6 RC1. It will probably be your best bet for a solid 2.2 experience.

here's what I posted on my carriers facebook page. I kept things simple and to the point, and the point was to install 2.2 on a hero.
1. go to settings, applications and check allow installation from unknown sources.
2. install bar code scanner from the market if you don't have it.
3. scan the qr code from here: http://bit.ly/d1f0RN
4. download and install the app
5. open universal androot and click root
6. go to the market and download rom manager
7. open rom manager and click flash clockwork mod recovery
8. click backup current rom (you can always restore your backup later to go back to exactly how your phone was)
to load the rom after rooting:
1. download both the rom and google apps from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=755795
2. copy the zip files to your sd card
3. open rom manager and click install rom from sd card
4. choose the rom file you copied to the sd card and click add zip, then choose the google apps file you downloaded earlier. Click ok and choose backup current rom and wipe data.
5. Enjoy android 2.2 on your Hero!!
(be careful restoring stuff using mybackup, open source roms and htc roms don't store data the same way. applications are safe to restore but system settings can potentially break things requiring you to wipe and reload again)

Not because it is my root method, but I would actually recommend using my root method and following all of the steps. It has you flash a custom recovery and patched boot.img so you keep full root via adb.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=694572

CM6 is the ONLY 2.2 ROM for the Hero at this point. But know that it doesn't have much of the Sprint/CDMA or HTC SenseUI functionality and stuff that you're used to from your current phone....like updating Profile and PRL; Sprint Navigation/Football/Nascar/etc.; your Contacts, Dialer, Messaging, and some other menus will be a little different....that's just a few things off the top of my head.
So if you kinda LIKE the way your phone is now (except maybe for some lag/slowness), CM6 won't be a very similar ROM. But you won't know unless you try it out Just offering some helpful info. Good luck -- we're here to help.

I have not found a 2.2 FroYo that I like for the Hero, it's rooted and running Fresh 2.3.3
http://geekfor.me/new-release/fresh-hero-233/

Awesome... the community here is absolutely incredible. Although I am literally tryin my best to read the ****in manual, I continue to fear that im reading something too old or outdated, or that there is something newer (easier) that I should be doing instead. I did the rooting with the 1click which was so simple... I cant believe I even spent that much time on it.
Thinking next the nandroid/recovery image thing would be a breeze, but it appears to almost be the hardest step. I see on most posts that they always tend to mention Nandroid for backups - is there a particular reason that I should use that one? Some other ones appear to be easier, but not as interesting or fun. However, im fearfully coming across a lack of exact guides that explain the process.
I truly think that once I can get the recovery image done, and I can start trying out other ROMs and such... this will become too much fun. But again, im getting so mixed up by should i do this, that, or maybe this... or wait, is that too old of information?
Regardless, thanks for all the help!

Download ROM Manager from the Market. From ROM Manager you can flash ClockworkMod recovery or Flash Alternate Recovery (I prefer this option RA Recovery) there is a newer relase but this works fine.
You can then reboot and go into recovery, back up your system as it is right now, that way you can always go back to the basic root version that you have right now. That my friend is a Nandriod back up. now you can install a ROM of your choice, once it is installed and functioning the way you like make a Nandriod back up of it, that way you always have a good platform to start from if anything isn't playing nice.

saltyclams said:
When I found out that 2.2 wasnt coming out from this phone I decided that I would root the phone and load a 2.2 ROM, etc. etc. So I started researching all of these about 2 days ago... and for the past 2 days I have read so much information on this that I am now currently so mixed up and lost. There are soooo many different ROMs, different ways to do this, that, etc. I see some people do one thing that it works great, another person do the exact same thing and they havent the same luck.
Even when getting ready to just root the phone, I found an awesome post that had great information... but, then when I looked at it the post was from 7 months ago and in the N1 forums. So, I started to 2nd guess.
I suppose basically what Im in need of is possibly a normal/basic recommendation to get moving on this... Would a possible recommendation be to root the phone with the 1 click root being run through a file manager, then create a nandroid backup, then go with something popular like Cyanogen6 RC1? Its just that mod -seems- to be what a good bit of people have, and problems seem limited on it. But then again, ive read about 10 other ROMs that appear to be just as good, and people like just as well... so agian, this choice leaves me frozen as well.
Im just so overwhelmed with information ive just about frozen up... I think it need to bring it back to a basic simple plan to get moving on this. Everything I read in these forums sounds so awesome and just plain ole fun.... but like I said im currently frozen/lost. Please help if my request isnt too much...
Thanks! Any help with this will definitely melt this horrid ice!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know exactly what you mean. I've rooted my Hero the day the universal 1 click came out,but as yet have been reading everything I can on which new Rom to install first.
I went out and bought a new 16 gig sd card for more storage as well. I've been trying to read up on how and what is the best way to do all of the various partitions on it cause some say to just have a ext 2 partition,and others say have a ext3/4 partitions on it.Unfortunately I haven't found a easy way to make this happen except by using the FroydVillain 1.4.3 rom and I don't know if it will work with a cdma Sprint Hero or not yet.
I love the phone,and want to upgrade it to the best stable over clocked rom that will allow me to use it for everyday usage,but it doesn't look like it is going to easy as rooting the damn thing was. Seems to me that you need to be a programmer in Linux to make it work the best
I hate posting a bunch of neewb questions about it but I guess I will
Mac

Awesome! Okay perfect... it worked perfect! I know have CyanogenMod running - yeah, it def different. Seems like it will take some time to get used too. Esp since its so far from SenseUI off the bat... err well, just the way that it handles things and such.
I will definitely give it a fair shot before I even try out some other ones... but I def want to try to use one of those Fresh Roms as well.
Thanks a ton for all the help! Most appreciated!

[Q] Definitions

I have been lurking around here for a while (Yes another noob) and have been thinking of rooting and flashing my phone to DJ05 from this page.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=869990
However, before I do I hoped some of the more experience guy/gals maybe able to enlighten me a bit.
The Radio is basically what it sounds like right. Cell/data service, GPS, wifi, and ect?
The kernal is the os under the gui?
The rom is the GUI?
I looked at the stickes and the wikki and I am a bit confused.
First I need to root my phone with the one button flash instructions on the stickes.
Then what.
What do you use back up?
Can I back up games?
Is there a simple step by step instructions that start how to put phone in the right mode?
What do install on computer to flash?
Will this also get rid of all the bloatware?
Basically where to start step by step including what programs to use?
Like I said I'm a complete noob, and apprciate any and all help.
Thx
Scott

In the developement section there are stickies. They will get you from stock to rooted to romed.
There us an app called z4root which is a 1click rooting system and far better then the adb program imo.
After that you want to flash cwm.tar also coverd in the stickies.
Get familiar with odin. Remember pda button is your friend.
After you have rooted , make a back up through rom manager....
Sigh...... Its 4am my puppy woke me up. Someone else can take over lol. Pm me if you need assistance over the phone I can walk you through the whole process if need be.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

This is your one-stop shop for all your questions

Is there a wiki project affiliated with xda? I would like to organize everything I know about bricking and fixing these things, organized with hyperlinks. A lot of times I don't know the most efficient solution, but that could be refined.
It would be nice if I could see a question here and simply point to section 12a.13 of a comprehensive guide, concisely written (not necessarily my strong-suit I admit) with brief jargon and a complete glossary.
Swyped w/ XDA App. When in doubt, mumble.

Anubis9000 said:
I have been lurking around here for a while (Yes another noob) and have been thinking of rooting and flashing my phone to DJ05 from this page.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=869990
However, before I do I hoped some of the more experience guy/gals maybe able to enlighten me a bit.
The Radio is basically what it sounds like right. Cell/data service, GPS, wifi, and ect?
The kernal is the os under the gui?
The rom is the GUI?
I looked at the stickes and the wikki and I am a bit confused.
First I need to root my phone with the one button flash instructions on the stickes.
Then what.
What do you use back up?
Can I back up games?
Is there a simple step by step instructions that start how to put phone in the right mode?
What do install on computer to flash?
Will this also get rid of all the bloatware?
Basically where to start step by step including what programs to use?
Like I said I'm a complete noob, and apprciate any and all help.
Thx
Scott
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The radio/modem/baseband is basically what you say, yes. It lives on it's own partition.
The kernel is the OS.
Afaik ROM is a general term, and can include any combination of kernel, ui changes, and system apps.
You mau root with a one button app like z4root. However manual roots don't take long, and ensure that you have working samsung drivers, and a working adb environment, and at least a basic knowledge of how your phone can be modified in a shell if everything goes FUBAR on you. It is just nice to be prepared, and to know how to at least root (and unroot) your phone if the one clicks hang or stop working.
Avoid even considering a voodoo install until you a) have installed a clean rom like super clean or blackhole and configured it with adw or launcher pro b) replaced the kernel if you found it too slow or replaced the modem. c) still notice lag (specifically during disk writes - ex you stream a ton of rss feeds and email constantly) that is intolerable to you. d) you have bricked and fixed your phone on at least two different ways already and are prepared to take full responsibility for whatever crashes happen and for data lost. Ie. You are a newcomer, you should probably just stay away, non voodoo kernels are quite smooth -i have always been satisfied.
Titanium backup pro does a wonderful job of restoring your most important apps. I recommend not backing up every item / system data. It is just easier for me to stay lightweight. It also gives you the ability to freeze/delete bloatware.
Rom manager and accompanying cwr gives you a way to backup almost everything. It is CRITICAL to do this backup before doing any odin flashes or installing any ROMs for the first time.
Yes you can backup games.
I am not 100% clear on modes.
* if your phone is working and you installed adb on your computer like you should have -simply type 'adb reboot download' or 'adb reboot recovery' EASY! (what I do)
* download - Hold volume down button while your phone is turning on until you see the yellow warning sign. (get it? Down for download). You use this mode for heimdall/odin
* recovery - hold volume up & down buttons while turning on phone. If you get a battery icon instead, unplug the phone or the battery. This is basic stock recovery, not CWR.
Heimdall or odin for flashing. Always use pda button. Put on android SDK and set your path variables too. And of course install samsung drivers for your phone!
Where to start? Read the first post of every sticky in this forum, particularly in development.
Don't post to development.
Swyped w/ XDA App. When in doubt, mumble.

Thanks for all the help. I have read some of the stickes. I will read the rest. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

[Q] Need with picking a ROM and more

Okay, so I've been reading for a couple days now, and I know the exact process that I want to take to Permaroot my MT4G and get S=Off, and I understand very clearly what those terms mean and why I want them.
Once I started looking into what to do beyond that, I got really, really confused.
If someone could refer me to somewhere so I can read more, I would really appreciate it.
For starters, I don't understand what flashing is. I also don't know what pushing files via the adb is. I don't know what the difference between a ROM and a kernel is.
^^^^All of those would be helpful
I guess I'm just confused about what to do now. Should I now set up the SDK on my PC and configure the ADB? Or should I flash Clockworkmod and do a nandroid backup? Neither?
Once I've done that, should I find a kernel, a ROM, or both? I know I want Gingerbread, I want OC capability, and I it stripped down (missing bloat), but I also want stability and for things like WiFi to work. On top of all of those questions I posted above, does anyone have any recommendation for a ROM/kernel like that?
Sorry about all the questions, and thanks.

corruptsmurf said:
Okay, so I've been reading for a couple days now, and I know the exact process that I want to take to Permaroot my MT4G and get S=Off, and I understand very clearly what those terms mean and why I want them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that i a good start. Good to see some reading before the jump in feet first.
corruptsmurf said:
Once I started looking into what to do beyond that, I got really, really confused.
If someone could refer me to somewhere so I can read more, I would really appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why we're here.
corruptsmurf said:
For starters, I don't understand what flashing is. I also don't know what pushing files via the adb is. I don't know what the difference between a ROM and a kernel is.
^^^^All of those would be helpful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edited: added Later
ADB is a commander center/protocol (if you will) that allows you to control your phone via a PC/Mac/Linux. You can push files which would be taking the file and "pushing" to the phone. Or "pulling" files from the phone and putting them on the computer. It's simply as it states, pushing and pulling the files.
To see what a Kernel is read This.
A ROM is the phones physical Operating system. Similar to what Window, Mac or Linux world be.
corruptsmurf said:
I guess I'm just confused about what to do now. Should I now set up the SDK on my PC and configure the ADB? Or should I flash Clockworkmod and do a nandroid backup? Neither?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you can flash Clockwork Mod you need to root your phone and turn s=off. For one of the methods, - before you can start you need to set up the ADB (Android Debug Bridge). See my signature for the quickest and most painless way to get that set up. You will also need VISIONary.apk. A quick Google Search will find it for you. Link
corruptsmurf said:
Once I've done that, should I find a kernel, a ROM, or both? I know I want Gingerbread, I want OC capability, and I it stripped down (missing bloat), but I also want stability and for things like WiFi to work. On top of all of those questions I posted above, does anyone have any recommendation for a ROM/kernel like that?
Sorry about all the questions, and thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want a 2.3 based ROM you will need to flash Recovery image 3.0.0.6, link can be found in my signature, and hit up the development section to read reviews on different ROMs. I personally like the plain AOSP look so that leave Cyanogen(mod). But i know TeamRoyal has put together some newer ROMs that i haven't tampered with yet.

I do everything on my phone through CWM (clockworkmod) or terminal emulator, so there's no need for a PC, unless to download the files and transfer them to my SDcard, as I don't understand adb. Anyways, I'm gonna explain this very short and sweet cuz I was once in your shoes, and remember how much I had to read to understand something That could've been explained so simply.
Think of it this way. You're building the software version of a car. Now, if the whole car is the ROM, then the engine is what would be the kernel. And flashing would then be another word for installing , Now, a toyota with a ferrari engine, would be a custom ROM. While a toyota with a ferrari engine and BMW insignias all over it would then be a custom themed ROM.
**Remember, you can never install a car on something, but you can always install something in a car**
Ex. You can never flash a ROM on a kernel, but you can always flash a kernel on a ROM.
Anyways, first off, you will need CWM recovery to flash. Get it from the market. In the app itself, flash (this is the "flash" in the app) recovery 3.0.0.6. This will flash (this flash is not in the app) anything; any ROM, any kernel, etc. as long as its a FLASHABLE ZIP.
To boot into the recovery (the place you do flashing), hold both volume down and power buttons down as you either turn on or restart your phone. The screen you see is the bootloader. Choose recovery using the volume buttons, and use the power button to select it.
Going to flash a new ROM? Do a factory reset (in recovery), wipe cache (in recovery), and wipe delvik cache (this is in advance in recovery). Then install zip. Its pretty straight forward from there.
Going to flash an updated ROM, skip factory reset (as this deletes all data on your phone) and do the rest.
After you've flashed the ROM, you can now flash the kernel.
Note that, kernels are ROM specific. Read what kinds of ROM's the kernel is for before you flash it.
There, easy as pie, yeah? Hope that helped.
I recommend cyanogenmod 7 (Gingerbread based ROM) with faux's kernel (Gingerbread based kernel)
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

corruptsmurf said:
Okay, so I've been reading for a couple days now, and I know the exact process that I want to take to Permaroot my MT4G and get S=Off, and I understand very clearly what those terms mean and why I want them.
Once I started looking into what to do beyond that, I got really, really confused.
If someone could refer me to somewhere so I can read more, I would really appreciate it.
For starters, I don't understand what flashing is. I also don't know what pushing files via the adb is. I don't know what the difference between a ROM and a kernel is.
^^^^All of those would be helpful
I guess I'm just confused about what to do now. Should I now set up the SDK on my PC and configure the ADB? Or should I flash Clockworkmod and do a nandroid backup? Neither?
Once I've done that, should I find a kernel, a ROM, or both? I know I want Gingerbread, I want OC capability, and I it stripped down (missing bloat), but I also want stability and for things like WiFi to work. On top of all of those questions I posted above, does anyone have any recommendation for a ROM/kernel like that?
Sorry about all the questions, and thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neidlinger's got your back.
1. Glad you're reading before doing. What a welcome change of pace!
2. Flashing is the process of installing new software. We "flash" it to the phone's memory.
3. ADB is using a computer to control the phone via command-prompt from DOS. Push is a command which sends a file from your computer to your phone. Do a search, there are lots of good guides on ADB. TrueBlueDrew made one just recently that I highly recommend.
Here's Drew's thread. Don't forget to hit his thanks button! - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=928370
4. Start with Clockwork Recovery and a nandroid backup. That's good practice. CWR2 is compatible with Froyo (2.2) ROMs. CWR3 is compatible with Gingerbread (2.3) ROMs. CWR 3.0.0.6 is compatible with BOTH. Very convenient.
5. I say start with CM7. It's extremely stable, even though it's still in development. A ROM is a complete OS replacement for the phone. ROMs contain kernels, which control the most basic hardware, such as processor. If you flash a custom kernel on your stock ROM, you can overclock it more. You can also flash custom kernels on top of custom ROMs for different battery life, clock speed, etc.
To be honest I don't even bother with custom kernels since this phone is so damn fast out of the box I really don't see the point.
QUICK TIPS FOR CM7 - On your first boot, let it sit for 5-10 mins before setting up. There are background processes running and interrupting can harm stability. BEFORE you sign into google for the first time, after it's finished sitting, reboot. This will clear out any wifi glitches and give you smooth sailing.
Have fun!

BTW, I think most ROM's have a kernel already built in. People install custom kernels because they can have fixes for bugs, help with battery life, overclocked frequencies, no lags, etc. Otherwise, you can just flash the ROM, and if you're satisfied with the kernel its running on, then obviously you'll have no need to flash a custom kernel.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

Uchennadi said:
BTW, I think most ROM's have a kernel already built in. People install custom kernels because they can have fixes for bugs, help with battery life, overclocked frequencies, no lags, etc. Otherwise, you can just flash the ROM, and if you're satisfied with the kernel its running on, then obviously you'll have no need to flash a custom kernel.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is pretty much spot on. The developers have included kernels that they feel make the OS preform at it's peak. and most of them will allow for overclocking. However on some of them you may need to use a program called "setCPU" to adjust the frequencies. Cyanogen(mod) will have this built into the ROM natively. However most of the veterans will not promote running your phone in an over clocked status 100% of the time. most of us leave the phone at 1Ghz or slower. There are physical reasons, ie the constant expansion and contract of the chip isn't good for the mother board.
If i were you i'd stick with the Stock Kernel and leave it running as it. That way the developer can adjust their ROM, if you use an 3rd party kernel they aren't familiar with the coding so it's not going to act correct.
I'm not putting down what the kernel coders do, they do an awesome job. but for a n3wb i'd leave well enough alone.

Many questions.

I have an iconia tab getting shipped to me as of this post. I fairly knowledgeable about rooting and roms ( have done many roms and recovery from my cell phone).
I am sorry if some was explained on different threads, figured I would just ask them all here.
Since I haven't messed with the os at all, is there a lot of advantages from stock os to custom os?
Is there any reason to create a ext partition on sd.?
Is custom recovery installed easy, hopefully not uninstall to easy.?
Is there anyways to get data from Titanium backup on the tablet.
I am sure I may have a few more questions when I receive the tablet.
Any help on these questions would be great.
Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk

All your questions are answered in the forums. You'll get your answers MUCH faster if you follow the rules and actually search before asking.
To be helpful, I'll give you ONE of the answers.
Custom recovery is very easy to install IF you don't have a 3.2.1 ROM preinstalled. If you have this version, you can still install but it's a more complex process. Read the guides in the development section and DO NOT attempt to use ROM manager or a generic CWM.

if you root you can use drivemount to be able to use external hd's formatted in ntfs. Which is the reason I rooted.

1. There's no general answer, as it depends on the ROM you use (some are more-or-less stock, others aren't even based on Acer stock)
2. I haven't had any reason to do anything like that, as I keep basically only my apps (with their data) and my linux chroot on the internal memory... Other than that, search the forum for instructions on how to switch internal <-> external memory (just a config hack, nothing spectacular and completely reversible)
3. It used to be almost ridiculously easy, but a recent update made it more complex. Details are in the forum (and partly in FloatingFatMan's post above).
4. As Titanium backup even runs fine on ICS, you'd expect it to work on HC... which it does.

FloatingFatMan said:
All your questions are answered in the forums. You'll get your answers MUCH faster if you follow the rules and actually search before asking.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did do a some searches already , and found a lot of information. The people here are always helpful so I thought instead of just asking one question that I didn't know the answer to I would ask all of them I had.
To be honest I do love loading roms and enjoy the phone rooted atm, but a tablet is much more expensive device and want to try to avoid any conflicts with roms (There are so many I do not know where to start).
Here is my plans on the tablet atm.
Root it, load custom recovery (Clockwork?)
Doing a Nandroid backup of stock rom.
Loading Titanium backup and possibly transfering some data from the phone SD to acer sd, such as psx roms, and other misc stuff.
will look into different roms and see what works for my needs and hopefully avoid the rom cycle that I see with phone roms ,( Seems 3 month and support drops and different projects happen).
Plan on trying stock rom a little rooted before going into custom roms.
This is my current plan, but if anyone else has some suggestions that would be great.

FloatingFatMan said:
Custom recovery is very easy to install IF you don't have a 3.2.1 ROM preinstalled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, actually its still really easy you just have an extra step.
download the 3.0 downgrade
place it on sd card root directory
reboot holding volume down and power
?????
profit!
after that, just run iconiaroot and acer recovery installer (install both before downgrading) and you're golden, root with CWM. flash a rooted 3.2.1 stock or custom, its that easy.
you are right about one thing though, you can easily find the answer to every question in this thread on these forums.
edit- also, TC, i've found the most stable and functional roms to be stock. i ran a few customs (the best of which was flexstriker) but always found stock to run better and be the most stable, both the rooted 3.2.1 a500 rom and the rooted 3.2.1 a200 port have been great for me. you can go custom if you want, I'm just putting in my two cents.

I bought a used A500 that was already rooted.

I bought it and it appears to have ICS because the Android version is 4.0.3 but that is all I really know right now. I expect that it was never updated OTA though because the guy I bought it off had it for 2 months and he was not the one who rooted it. I was going to leave it as is because I bought it for my 10 year old daughter...but the camera takes very blurry, kind of grainy looking pictures.
I am not afraid to root because I had a Samsung Fascinate and I loved the custom roms I downloaded to it. It had been over a year since i had the Fascinate so i am a little rusty when it comes to all if this. My problem is not knowing where to start with this A500 because I am unsure what has already been done to it.
The guy who sold it to me said he did a factory restore, but when I ran the check root app it does state that it's rooted and I figured it was because there is a app called superuser on the device. I don't know what kernal it has. I don't know if it has a bootloader and/or the version number. I don't know if it has CWM and/or the version. number.
What is the best way to proceed? By the way, the tablet is very clean with absolutely no scratches anywhere. Not a bad buy for $175 with a leather case...

Setting > About tablet. That should tell you quite a bit of info about it no?

download the acer recovery app , it will tell you what Bootloader you have and what recovery

Thanks for the replies! When I get home I will check. I don't want to brick the thing. I ordered a micro SD today and I will get it in 2 days so there is no hurry for me to proceed. Is it worth it to keep it rooted? Is the OTA ICS good enough? I don't think my daughter cares if the tablet is overclocked but if the roms are much better than stock than I would keep it rooted and then download a preferred rom.

Vintage144, in another post you specified that there is a Acer recovery beta...will I need that or would I just get the one from google play? Also when I find out which version of recovery and bootloader I have...I am not sure what to do with the information. Could AfterOta help me accomplish what I want if my goal is to try and fix her camera issue...either by going back to stock or updating the kernal and rom.
I don't want to seem like a noob but my only rooting experience was with my Fascinate which I did everything from stock. Now that I am not coming from stock, I am unsure where to go with what I have. It's like trying to get to a goal but not sure what step to start at. If I was starting from stock I could follow some of the threads here but it's not stock.
What info will I need to post here to let you guys know what is in my A500? I know that the Android version is 4.0.3 , what else will I need to post?

well the beta copy I believe is at thors tegra forum , but its by euclids brother (thats his name on xda) anyway if you've upgraded your BL it will tell you version you have and might give you accurate Recovery as well, if the device is only for your daughter and she's too young to really do anything I would stick with a stock rom and realistically I would upgrade the boot loader , why be left behind?
Theres no reason to root if you dont plan on doing anything major with it,that being said you wont be able to get a newer Boot Loader or custom recovery without it, and custom recovery is well worth the effort!

You guys are the pros so I will take your advise. I don't mind it being rooted and if there are some really nice roms I expect my daughter would like the different looks...it would seperate hers from others.
Android
4.0.3
Kernel version
2.6.39.4+
Image version
Acer_AV041_A500_RV16RB02_WW_GEN1
Build number
KJY2010lcylicious
Anything else I will get when I get home.
I would like to know how to get through all this in case I decide to get myself a A500 it's a really nice tablet.

Okay
Recovery Version: Revamped for Iconia 3.16
Bootloader Version: 3.01
With all the above information what would be my next step?

Sorry
Recovery Version: RA Revamed for Iconia 3.16
Damn auto correct!!!

You're already running an older custom rom...
You have root - your words not mine...
You can download another custom rom, put it on the sd card/ internal memory and reboot into recovery. You need to wipe cache, dalvik cache and do a data wipe(factory reset) after which you can install zip from sd card. Go to the rom zip file you put there and install...
Wait until it boots...
I don't know if you're running the new ICS bootloaders or not.
BEFORE FLASHING - make a nandroid backup. If things go bad then you can go back and restore the tab to before the flash...
It's worth getting your CPUID and keeping it safe somewhere and you might think about installing the ICS bootloaders (I'd do it just to be sure I have them) but thats you're choice...
Good luck...

ultramag69 said:
You're already running an older custom rom...
You have root - your words not mine...
You can download another custom rom, put it on the sd card/ internal memory and reboot into recovery. You need to wipe cache, dalvik cache and do a data wipe(factory reset) after which you can install zip from sd card. Go to the rom zip file you put there and install...
Wait until it boots...
I don't know if you're running the new ICS bootloaders or not.
BEFORE FLASHING - make a nandroid backup. If things go bad then you can go back and restore the tab to before the flash...
It's worth getting your CPUID and keeping it safe somewhere and you might think about installing the ICS bootloaders (I'd do it just to be sure I have them) but thats you're choice...
Good luck...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably want to hold off on flashing roms a second.
He's running an HC Bootloader. I'm 99% sure of this. Reason, RA Revamped 3.16 doesn't work with ICS Bootloaders. So you can install an ICS Rom, but, it has to be an ICS Rom for the HC Bootloader. And the performance under HC BL is not near as good as ICS BL.
I would do like UltraMag mentioned as far as install steps and such. It's how we install roms.
Check this thread;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425 (steps 1-6)
, and install an unlocked ICS Bootloader and a CWM 7 or 7.2 recovery. Then install one of the Roms made for the ICS Bootloader.
I know AfterOTA will do some of this for you. But this thread gives a good idea of what's going on.

Thanks for your help. I will be getting my micro sd card on Friday. In the mean time I will do a bunch of reading about the things you guys told me to do...again thanks a lot. I really appreciate the help.
I am the kind of person that really wants to know what I am doing...I don't expect all the answers, I just don't want to brick this device.

Forstir9,
Moscow Desire is a great dev on this board, his information about updating the bootloader is dead on. I recommend reading the entire OP in that thread, and then re-read section listed as Automated Flashing Tools, it really helps tremendously if you are a person familiar with root, but not extremely dynamic with making these changes.
I've rooted several BN Nooks and my A500 many many times and love it. I had the Honeylicious ROM that you listed prior to what I'm currently running. KYJ had a great HC ROM with that one! Personal preference currently for me on the ICS ROM is FLEXREAPER from Civato, poster of the referenced article from MD above, you can find that ROM info here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=22964651&postcount=1 Lots of cool features and step by step directions, which are what UltraMag69 listed in their post. There are many many different options though and I recommend reviewing several and then settling in on one when you find the one that fits your (or your daughter's) preferences best.
If you enjoy doing this and playing with the tablet your daughter may not keep it and may end up getting something different, because you may have too much fun with it...good luck, have fun, don't be scared to try things and ask questions (after you read first), and most importantly BACKUP BACKUP BACKUP...
Good luck,
-DB

Let me get this straight then.
1) boot into recovery and make a nandroid backup.
2) within that backup I should be able to find the CPUID on my sdcard...I will want to write this down and the write it down again somewhere else...out this number on my phone and computer...pretty much don't lose this number.
3) follow steps 1-6 from the link that Moscow Desire posted.
I am going to go with the Flexreaper rom...should I go with the extreme one or is there another Flexreaper rom that isn't extreme?
4) I think the 6 steps above will install a ICS bootloader
5) find and install the newest recovery
I only have 2 questions
How many of these steps does the Afterota app get Rid of?
Should I use the Acer recovery app to install the bootloader and/or the recovery?

forstir9 said:
Let me get this straight then.
1) boot into recovery and make a nandroid backup.
2) within that backup I should be able to find the CPUID on my sdcard...I will want to write this down and the write it down again somewhere else...out this number on my phone and computer...pretty much don't lose this number.
3) follow steps 1-6 from the link that Moscow Desire posted.
I am going to go with the Flexreaper rom...should I go with the extreme one or is there another Flexreaper rom that isn't extreme?
4) I think the 6 steps above will install a ICS bootloader
5) find and install the newest recovery
I only have 2 questions
How many of these steps does the Afterota app get Rid of?
Should I use the Acer recovery app to install the bootloader and/or the recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off. Thanks for thinking I am the "God" of the 501". Yeah, I know it pretty well.
Second, Ultramag, is is one of my right hand men. So I suggest you heed his advice well. I always trust his judgement. Am sure he has puled my arse out of the wringer a few times. Well, maybe not, but you get the picture. Some of us on XDA, support each other. That's how it is. I just noticed the bootloader version, And being one who likes flashing experimental code, well, I noticed.
So;
1. ALWAYS make a recovery backup. Then, restore it to make sure it works. (lots of people don't do this and they get fubar'd later).
2. UID. Seriously. Ok, the link on the many ways to get it. You don't want to get it, well... your;e pretty much fubar'd
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624645
3. He has the normal, and one with a kernel you can overclock. Your choice. Really, if you don't OC, then you run the same as the original. Please don't ask me the names of Civatos roms. The extreme will be fine for you. Just don't overclock it if you don't want to. Only difference is the kernel. Not the OS.
4. Yes.
5. For recovery, I would say CWM 1.7.2. Should work for you. 1.7.0 is also ok. Publick recovery is ok too.
6. Never ran After OTA. But hear it is good when you already have ICS.
Forget AcerRecovery. You will already have bootloaders and recovery installed.
MD

Know I'll probably get a bashing out of this but there's a V1.7.3 recovery on the site that must not be named (cough, tegraowners, cough) that supports the Aroma installer - on Thor's ICS rom anyway...
Just thought I'd throw that in too...

I am ready to do a backup...it's asking me what I want to backup...it has a (X) next to the following...
Boot
System
Data
Cache
Flexrom
Is this correct the way it is?

EDIT: ignore this post I didn't see page 2 -_-

Sorry that I didn't post this in Friday...but I really want to thank everyone for their help. It went very easy and it want too much different than my fascinate.
The camera still takes grainy pictures and a few apps has sounds issues but she really likes the rom a lot.
Thanks again for the help.