Database Users

[Q] Can 3.2 Stock Out of the box be rooted and how?

I just rec'd the new A500 8Gb version that already has 3.2 installed. So this is not the normal 3.2 OTA, which maybe the same. Don't know how to confirm.
I have read so many posts that appears to be rooting instructions for 3.0 and not for 3.2. I see one Thread that had instructions on how to root a OTA 3.2 but the instructions even says will take 1.5hrs. I have rooted tablets/phones before and i know it doesn't take that long and don't want to lose data.
I don't want to install a custom rom just so i can be rooted. I just want to root this tablet and i don't want to downgrade the bootloader.
Can anyone please point me to the correct thread or simply let me know if rooting is currently out of the question for this scenerio.

im on the same page, just picked up the 3.2 from costco.. A little common sense points me and you in the direction of downgrading to the 3.0.1.. Then bumping up to the rooted 3.2.. its not a one click solution but it makes complete sense..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1276227
im doing it as i write this let you know my success..

Yeah I have read that an option is to downgrade to 3.0, root then go to 3.2. Guess i'm waiting on a short version that will root stock 3.2 and it doesn't make sense to me to go back only to go up versions of rom for this alternative route.

lol its data, not like your trading in your new car for a 87 nova.. Downgrade is for exploit access only as soon as root --> update recovery ---> flash rom you will be right back to 3.2..
:-/
anyways method 2 works.. did it in 15 minutes cause i got distracted..
good luck waiting for ur 1 click

cool, so i guess this is the best solution for now....i'll do the same.

IMPORTANT : Make sure you download the acer recovery installer while still on 3.2 as you WILL have problems accessing android market once you install the UNSTABLE 3.01...
Its pretty hard to hard brick but please , don't take that as a challenge...

The vanishing keyboard ...
ultramag69 said:
IMPORTANT : Make sure you download the acer recovery installer while still on 3.2 as you WILL have problems accessing android market once you install the UNSTABLE 3.01...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree; first hand experience ...

ultramag69 said:
IMPORTANT : Make sure you download the acer recovery installer while still on 3.2 as you WILL have problems accessing android market once you install the UNSTABLE 3.01...
Its pretty hard to hard brick but please , don't take that as a challenge...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol wish I had known that when I rooted mine, I was freaking out scouring the interwebs for an apk of it when I downgraded cuz I couldn't use the damn keyboard
sent from my Acer Iconia A500 beast of a tablet via XDA app

I found out the hard way too, got the OTA update of 3.2 installed, then got the acer recovery installer downloaded. Was a colossal waste of time...
Thought I'd let others know, easier than having to stuff around yourself and hoping you can recover...

Thx for the heads up guys, i did install the acer recovery. Now i know why you need it since that 3.0 downgrade is very unstable. I did manage to root, install CWM and flashed a 3.2 rom.

I used this... straight root no downgrade required.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1307539
Sent from my A500 using xda premium

[Q] Bootloader on NEW A500

Hey,
I've looked through the forum and I'm a bit puzzled how is it with the bootloader "lock" on newly purchased models as I was thinking a bit of buying A500.
I read that the bootloader only checks for checksums when booting kernel / recovery (unless set to generate them), so you can put there custom kernel (get rid of Java Android) when you root it, which I read is not a problem even with 3.2.1 .
The thing I'm puzzled about is that I read there was a BL update and some say the BL is locked since that update and others not - so if I decide to buy A500 and there will be 3.2 with the BL update on it, is it locked and requiring signed kernel image or is it still the checksum only thing?

Skrilax_CZ said:
Hey,
I've looked through the forum and I'm a bit puzzled how is it with the bootloader "lock" on newly purchased models as I was thinking a bit of buying A500.
I read that the bootloader only checks for checksums when booting kernel / recovery (unless set to generate them), so you can put there custom kernel (get rid of Java Android) when you root it, which I read is not a problem even with 3.2.1 .
The thing I'm puzzled about is that I read there was a BL update and some say the BL is locked since that update and others not - so if I decide to buy A500 and there will be 3.2 with the BL update on it, is it locked and requiring signed kernel image or is it still the checksum only thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I'll try to put it in "laymans" terms.
Manufacturers don't want you mucking with things. It causes more tech support for them, and also a bad image reputation when stupid people screw things up.
So what they do, is change bootloaders, the part that tells the tab, that the os they are loading, is 100% Acer. If it's not, it's just going to give you a silly face.
So we, here in the Acer community, try to find a way around the bootloader. And invent ways to install a operating system other than Acer.
It's an ongoing battle it seems. We find a way around it, Acer changes the rules, so we have to find another way.
The thing is, our dev's are smarter than their devs. Even HTC gave up, and just offer bootloader unlocks. Besides, they take our innovations, and incorporate them into their newer releases.
So the point is, if you buy a 500, or a 501, XDA community will give the means to unlock it. Root, so we say. And people will help you get it running right.
Here at XDA, we have many roms, from plain rooted stock roms, to cooked roms with OC kernels.

Ah, oops, placed the question incorrectly, I know how the things work around bootloaders and have designed some workarounds. I was rather asking whether new a model of A500 can run custom kernel (don't mean modifications with modules now) or not - but summarizing what you've said: every A500 can run custom kernel, right? Thanks for answering in any case.

Currently on a new A500 with root and kernel. Manufactured in December 11. whole process took an hour. Hope this helps.

Skrilax_CZ said:
Ah, oops, placed the question incorrectly, I know how the things work around bootloaders and have designed some workarounds. I was rather asking whether new a model of A500 can run custom kernel (don't mean modifications with modules now) or not - but summarizing what you've said: every A500 can run custom kernel, right? Thanks for answering in any case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IIRC, only 3.2.1 locked the bootloader, so even if your a500 comes with 3.2 you're safe.
That said, even with 3.2.1 and a locked bootloader, there is a downgrade trick that allows you to go from 3.2.1 (or 3.2, or 3.1) to 3.0 and run an app called iconiaroot and acer recovery installer. Iconiaroot is like z4root, VISIONary, gingerbreak, etc and recovery installer installs CWM recovery from within android. After doing all this you can flash any rom or kernel you want.

Skrilax_CZ said:
Ah, oops, placed the question incorrectly, I know how the things work around bootloaders and have designed some workarounds. I was rather asking whether new a model of A500 can run custom kernel (don't mean modifications with modules now) or not - but summarizing what you've said: every A500 can run custom kernel, right? Thanks for answering in any case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES if your a500 has Stock android 3.2 or above.. you will have to fallow the downgrade rom flashing.Then you can flash any rom of your choice . there are several threads on this forum explaining how to do this..
Do a search for the thread by Timmy Dean.. his method i think has been called the easiest. It flashes your tablet to a rooted 3.21 stock rom thru adb . from your windows computer..
Acer has yet to plug this hole. So i would not take ANY OTA UPDATES. Im looking for ics if ever releases to plug such holes in the boot loader and stop its magic .
Happy Flashing just please understand everything before proceeding.. there are enough help i bricked my iconia threads.. Boohoo i hate to see anyone do that to such a expensive device..

Thanks. Ordered a piece
So basically I need to store UID, first x bytes in mmcblk0 (for the mmcblk0_start) from sc2k thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1129873) and I'm pretty much brick safe (should I screw both kernel & recovery).

Happy Flashing
That in theory will give you the resources to recover . BUT BY NO MEANS A Get of of trouble free pass..
do not flash nothing you don't trust and Fallow all instructions Carefully.. You sound well on your way to Making the best of your tablet...
Enjoy your time on xda Iconia forum. There are some awesome people on here. NO im not including myself in that .. Im just a bored thread reading chic. that repeats what i have read... nothing i know is my own work..
Happy Flashing..

erica_renee said:
Im just a bored thread reading chic. that repeats what i have read... nothing i know is my own work..
Happy Flashing..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aren't we all..... Not necessarily a chic though...

Allright, all went smooth (was 3.2 preinstalled). Thanks all.

you are very welcome..
Its simple easy with just a bit of reading up front..

New Owner :),. I need Help

Hi Guy's,
I just bought this tab yesterday and I love it so far ., I just don't like the camera resolution which really sucks compared to other 5MP camera shooter Sphones or tab. Also I get this weird humming/buzzing/kinda pitchy noise when I'm charging my tab with the screen on ,but when it's on standby it just disappears. . Playing 1080p movies sucks too ; kinda choppy .I want to root it, but I search around this forum and couldn't decide which is the best and the easiest way/method to do it.I'm running honeycomb 3.2.1 and does CMW recovery included when I root it? or do i have to install it after?Also I read some threads that I need to make a ROM/files backup but I think it only applies to rooted device right?I saw that ICS+root leak but im kinda hesitant ,they said you may not received future OTA updates? & does it include CMW recovery? Im sorry ist kinda confusing. I hope you guys can give me some tips and advise. Thanks.

First off .. Any modification you do to protected software/rom from acer will likely cause you issues with OTA updates. as far as the noise this has been reported by some people . Some quite bad some only a bit. I would suggest trying to charge it with a different wall plug in your home. maybe another room that is on a different circuit . using a surge protector can also help this. If you bought the tab from a brick and mortar store . You could exchange it very easly.
To know the requirements to root your device you would have to post what rom version you are on.
3.0 - 3.1 you can root with iconia root .. install acer recovery installer then flash recovery from there .Then you can update to one of the latest recoveries from there being cwm or RA .. Ra would be my recommendation
3.2 and above you need to downgrade method to be able to root
Again there are links in this forum and as you say several ways Timmy Deans seem to be the most used .
The above is NOT intended to be a guide on how to do any of the necessary.. but only to confirm what your asking . as your post is very wide open asking alot of information.
Please be specific as to your rom version and what you wish to do . And we can point you in the right direction..
Good luck.. Welcome to forum

Root does not give you CWM recovery - it just gives you root access. You install CWM separately after you root your device. To make backups, you need CWM. Unfortunately you're on 3.2.1 and there's no way to root it and as erica said you need to downgrade first.

erica_renee said:
First off .. Any modification you do to protected software/rom from acer will likely cause you issues with OTA updates. as far as the noise this has been reported by some people . Some quite bad some only a bit. I would suggest trying to charge it with a different wall plug in your home. maybe another room that is on a different circuit . using a surge protector can also help this. If you bought the tab from a brick and mortar store . You could exchange it very easly.
To know the requirements to root your device you would have to post what rom version you are on.
3.0 - 3.1 you can root with iconia root .. install acer recovery installer then flash recovery from there .Then you can update to one of the latest recoveries from there being cwm or RA .. Ra would be my recommendation
3.2 and above you need to downgrade method to be able to root
Again there are links in this forum and as you say several ways Timmy Deans seem to be the most used .
The above is NOT intended to be a guide on how to do any of the necessary.. but only to confirm what your asking . as your post is very wide open asking alot of information.
Please be specific as to your rom version and what you wish to do . And we can point you in the right direction..
Good luck.. Welcome to forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Thank you Ms. Erica,
I'm currently looking at possible 3.2.1 root using , Root 3.2.1 V4.7Z; there are instructions that comes with the zip file., I just don't now how to back-up my current ROM . I don't have CMW recovery installed on A500 . So which mean I can't back-up/revert my tab when bad things happen.
What I want is:
1. Root on 3.2.1 which is noob certified( easy)
2.How to download/install CMW reovery before rooting? or after rooting?
3.Preferred Max clock speed which is reliable and usable?
4.App or a tweak that will let me play 1080P videos
5.BEST RATED ROM on A500 (New,Performance,Customization,reliable,no bugs)
6.Ist possible to put a simcard on A500? I think they just put a sticker next to the sd card slot., but i didint removed it .
Thank you.,

drkalo said:
Root does not give you CWM recovery - it just gives you root access. You install CWM separately after you root your device. To make backups, you need CWM. Unfortunately you're on 3.2.1 and there's no way to root it and as erica said you need to downgrade first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm so where do I find this CMW recovery app? Also does rooting will void my warranty? My tab is still new
thanks.

hatyrei said:
Umm so where do I find this CMW recovery app? Also does rooting will void my warranty? My tab is still new
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely it will void your warranty.
Thor's CWM - install and then you can update it easily from tegraowners.com to the latest version
Drelisdee's recovery - you can flash it on top of thor's if you're not confortable with ADB

hatyrei said:
Hi Thank you Ms. Erica,
I'm currently looking at possible 3.2.1 root using , Root 3.2.1 V4.7Z; there are instructions that comes with the zip file., I just don't now how to back-up my current ROM . I don't have CMW recovery installed on A500 . So which mean I can't back-up/revert my tab when bad things happen.
What I want is:
1. Root on 3.2.1 which is noob certified( easy)
2.How to download/install CMW reovery before rooting? or after rooting?
3.Preferred Max clock speed which is reliable and usable?
4.App or a tweak that will let me play 1080P videos
5.BEST RATED ROM on A500 (New,Performance,Customization,reliable,no bugs)
6.Ist possible to put a simcard on A500? I think they just put a sticker next to the sd card slot., but i didint removed it .
Thank you.,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For questions 1 and 2, I would suggest reading through this sticky. It has other threads that can specifically answer your questions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1209988
3. I have had clock speeds up to 1.5GHz on my tablet without experiencing any issues, but your mileage may vary.
4. For 1080p, you should read this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1184002
5. I currently use Taboonay 3.0.1, which works fine for my needs. But because these are custom roms, each one will have their pros and cons. My suggestion is to look through the Android development thread, read the first few messages of each of the rom threads (usually you'll get what the rom has or doesn't have in those) and download one (or more if you like to try things out like I do). Then go into recovery (once you get it installed), make a backup of your current rom, do a factory reset and flash your new rom.
6. No, it is not possible to put a simcard in the A500. From what I read, there are physical components missing on the motherboard to make a simcard work. The A501 is exactly like the A500, but it has a 3G module built in (which accepts simcards).

why not wait till after the Android 4.0 update to root it?
i for one am waiting to root till after the update and hope some dev's will release a 1 click root app for Android 4.0

webjunky said:
why not wait till after the Android 4.0 update to root it?
i for one am waiting to root till after the update and hope some dev's will release a 1 click root app for Android 4.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that's too likely to happen, look at HC3.2 +.... You have to revert back to 3.0 or 3.1 to root your tab...
Also the new bootloader seems to be a real mongrel to go around, if that IS the final bootloader that will be shipped or a red herring to distract devs from the real bootloader which may be harder to crack/circumvent which took a good 3 or 4 days now. It also looks like it could be an incomplete bootloader so who knows what the final monster will be like...

thanks
hi guys thank u for the support & ideas.... Ived managed to root my A500 HC3.2.1 with thors v1.5 CMW i havnet installed any roms yet cuz im kinda scared of bugs....well if u guys can suggest a new rom that is bugless & fun to be a daily driver....then im gonna try it . Also Ived try a camcorder patch that will let us record 1080P on rear camera & 720p on front, but only the front camera works so i revert to the old 1's. I wish they will come up something like that or a fix maybe. .
1. Brower fix? It fc sometimes
2.any tweak that will make camera less grainy? Other 5mp phones has a better results than ours ;(
3. Im looking for a hard case for my tab but amazon only sells those folio type ;P

[SOLVED] Acer Iconia 500 Bricked

Link to guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24531880#post24531880

TravisAntonio said:
I just got from a friend an Acer Iconia a500 he says that is bricked.
I tried this method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1572622
But I can't continue because I don't have ADB access, what should I do?.
Thanks for all and God bless you.
EDIT:
I got everything to using the secret APX mode, but now is still everything the same the Android System is still there and not charging and not touchscreen...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What version did you flash? If it was 3.0.1 it's ridiculously buggy. Ideally you want 3.1 so you can root it with sc2k's GingerBreak modification then flash CWM then a custom 3.2.1 ROM, Thor's ICS ROM or one of the Leak-based ICS ROMs

blackthund3r said:
What version did you flash? If it was 3.0.1 it's ridiculously buggy. Ideally you want 3.1 so you can root it with sc2k's GingerBreak modification then flash CWM then a custom 3.2.1 ROM, Thor's ICS ROM or one of the Leak-based ICS ROMs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked the bootloader and Installed ICS but the problem is active yet but in ICS is even worse, it shutdown by itselfs atleast in HC it keeps saying Android System with the Shutdown in the center of the screen.

TravisAntonio said:
I unlocked the bootloader and Installed ICS but the problem is active yet but in ICS is even worse, it shutdown by itselfs atleast in HC it keeps saying Android System with the Shutdown in the center of the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why you installed ICS. That just compounds the issue.
You can take a look at this thread, and try NVFlash. This guy had a similar issue.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1579490
Considering you were able to install ICS, I would like to ask if you did this from CWM recovery? My guess, is there is a ton of corrupted data in the partitions. This would explain things a little. If you can get it back to HC, then you can run a dmesgview and get your UID number. Then you should be able to run TimmyDeans tool in the General thread (I believe).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1307539
My guess, is that your EC Pwr control got messed up along with corrupted data. I would advise staying away from the ICS Beta leaks, and just get a good HC up and running.

Moscow Desire said:
Not sure why you installed ICS. That just compounds the issue.
You can take a look at this thread, and try NVFlash. This guy had a similar issue.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1579490
Considering you were able to install ICS, I would like to ask if you did this from CWM recovery? My guess, is there is a ton of corrupted data in the partitions. This would explain things a little.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, I made it thru the Recovery. Can you help me with something really quick?, I think I can fix everything if you download some file that is in a Russian forum but I can't have access to register due to my bad russian lol.

I solved everything installing ICS then installing EC_ROM for ICS. =)
If someone need the files I have it.
Thanks for all the help and God bless you all!.0

TravisAntonio said:
I solved everything installing ICS then installing EC_ROM for ICS. =)
If someone need the files I have it.
Thanks for all the help and God bless you all!.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As always, glad you got it going!
Now, you may want to edit your post, or create a new reply, and attach that EC Rom flash for ICS, just in case others may need it.

Moscow Desire said:
As always, glad you got it going!
Now, you may want to edit your post, or create a new reply, and attach that EC Rom flash for ICS, just in case others may need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just made an entire guide.

[Q] ICS ROM questions...

Hey guys, Im going to try and explain my situation as best I can. Im not a newb to rooting, etc, but I am no means an expert like most of you. So, with that said, here I go...
I had my Acer A500 rooted on honeycomb when I first bought, when it first came out. I then tried to do the OTA update of ICS many months back with no luck as it gave me the Triangle of death thing when it tried to install it. However it broke my root anyways even though ICS never installed. The weird thing though is that I finally realized my build version stated I was on ICS, but my Android version showed I was running 3.2.1 honeycomb!!!
Yesterday, I finally got fed up and spent hours searching this forum and others trying to find a solution.
On this page (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1816560), I tried flashing many of the full ROM's and update package ROM's and finally found one that worked under the update package...this one specifically (Acer_A500_7.014.16_041.206.01_COM_GEN1: ftp://94.23.233.147/Tablets/A500/Ace...1_COM_GEN1.zip). My tab booted and seems to be working fine and running 4.0.3 now.
So with all this said, my question to you Android Exerts...what the heck happened? How was I running an ICS build, but on honeycomb? Even though I flashed an update package, do I have a full ICS or do I need to flash a full ROM now?
If I need to flash a full ROM, which one should I do from the first link above?
I am also attaching a screenshot of my Acer tab to show you what Im running.
Please help and thank you to all in advance.

Anyone? I would really appreciate some help/feedback from you genius android guys.

Well, from the looks of things you are now on stock ICS....
To flash a rom ics/jb from here, u need to nvflash the unlocked boot loader package, which will include a custom recovery...
Most custom roms are pre-rooted so u won't need to worry about that...
Head over to civatos boot loader thread for a guide and d/l links
It can be a rather complex process but if u follow the guide to the letter, u shouldn't have any probs...
Go thru steps 1-4 first and then carry on to the actual flashing process.
There are auto-tools u can use...apxFlash Tool or afterOTA but I prefer the good old manual nvFlash method,
You will need drivers and your cpuid - see the guide in my sig if u need further info
Be aware that if u muck this up, u may end up bricked and lately there's been a lot of this....worst case scenario-fried m/board!!
Most folk flash with no troubles at all...the other 5%.....well......
There are some gr8 roms to choose from.....flexreaper, cm10 are my faves...but really, all the custom rooms here are fantastic and well supported.
If u need any further help feel free to ask!
And good luck
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2