Database Users

Clockworkmod not working after ICS update (was not overwritten during update)

I'm not allowed to post in the Development forum, so I will ask my question here:
I updated to ICS successfully by changing the update-script in the update.zip.
I removed the lines which delete the recovery or reinstall it; I deleted the whole recovery folder as well.
But now I can't get back into CWM, it just doesn't start, it stops during "booting into recovery kernel" ( it was not overwritten).
So, is the ICS update changing so much in the system that CWM stops working? (through google I found something about different kernels, but didn't understand it)
I think I'll try to install the original recovery, better than nothing.
(this may also be a warning to people who think that they can roll back to honeycomb with CMW - apparently, once the update was succesfull that's it with honycomb)
daniel

I think it might have to do with the updated bootloader that comes with the ICS OTA.
I just had a look at the "blob"-file in the update.zip and was able to unpack it with the BlobTools for the Asus Transformer (https://github.com/AndroidRoot/BlobTools). Inside it was an EBT-file, which, according to my research, should be an image for the bootloader.
Looking through the strings in the blob, it seems to be one indeed: "Bootloader Start at:%d ms".
So I guess the new bootloader loads the recovery system from a different address or partition than the HC bootloader, which is why CWM won't start.
So adding the lines for flashing the OTA recovery-from-boot.p to the updater-script and re-running the update over HC should theoretically solve the issue. Or, if that doesn't work, flash the recovery image manually and flash the blob via nvflash (I'm not sure, though, if that is possible without the keys).
Maybe then someone with enough reverse-engineering skills could determine what has changed in the update and patch CWM accordingly...

Similar Issue..
In CWM, from [ROM][JB] CM10 for Ideapad K1 [Updated 8/29] (I'm running version 2). Whenever I attempt to use any of the features it asks me to install the recovery (which I know I have, and can boot to it) and asks me to choose my device.. Which it then only gives me the ASUS TRANSFORMER as an option.
So, on Version 1 of this build, some time back. I said, what the heck, why not. Let it do its thing,rebooted.. and the system would not ever boot. Just hung at the CM10 boot animation.
Whatever. I used the NVFlash version, got it back up and running. Rebooted in to CWR, and flashed the [ROM]CM10 for Ideapad K1 version 2 CWM version on it. Id really rather not have to wipe my device again to go to version 3, or 4.. and I don't want to get stuck at a boot animation again.
Any thoughts?

It will work again. Just find the file "k1recovery" from the system/bin folder of a rom that has it. Push it in the device, fix permissions and execute it using ADB. The combination Power Btn & VOL+ doesn't work on some devices.

[Q] Go to stock to get OTA ICS

I was just wondering if someone could point me to what I need to go back to stock and get OTA updates, I live in the US and would like to know which file to download, or does it matter? Do I need the full package? and which honeycomb version should I do? and which file under the version of Honeycomb should I get? or does it matter? Sorry about being n00bish I just would like to get back to stock so I can start over with this thing and get the info down about it.

Hi,
I've been using AfterOTA to go back to stock. It's very easy. I used version 1.01 which isn't available now but 1.07 should still be able to do the same thing.
Which file you use is important as they are geared for different regions of the world. A lot of the files from the Full Package thread aren't there anymore so your choices are limited. It needs to be a full package though, it should be over 300MB. An update won't work.
Basically, you use AfterOTA to install the bootloader and recovery from it's stock tab. Have the update.zip file on the root of your SD card (some of them need to be decrypted). After the tool installs the stock recovery boot by holding down the left or top volume key. That will automatically install whatever update is on the card. Version 1.01 had separate ICS and HC bootloaders I'm not sure how 1.07 is set up. Then just let the update process happen.
I doubt that you'll find anything earlier than HC 3.2 for your (our) region. If you just want a stock ICS tab you could just use that update.zip and skip HC entirely.
Good Luck

Can you point me to the stock ICS zip we would use for our US tabets? I found a page on here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113878 but they dont have an ICS Full Package and I don't know which HC 3.2 one to use. it says to look at my current version but I am on a flexreaper ROM. I want to remove the recovery and bootloader and go completely stock and upgrade to OTA ICS so I can then run After OTA to get a fresh new recovery and ICS bootloader. thanks for your help.

My stock 1.104.02_COM_GEN1 OTA'd to 1.033.00_PA_CUS1.
From Vache's thread the Acer_A500_7.006.01_COM_GEN2 file will update to 1.033.00_PA_CUS1. I don't think this file needs to be decrypted.
1. Download that file. Put the update.zip file on the root of your SD card.
2. In AfterOTA on the stock tab choose A50x. This should install the HC bootloader and standard recovery.
3. Disconnect the tablet. Power down the tablet. Reboot by holding the left or top volume key while pushing the power button. This should start installing the update.zip on the card. If you wind up in CWM then AfterOTA didn't work and you'll need to downgrade.
4. Try to boot after the update. It will probably get stuck at the logo. If it does you'll need to hard reset (bottom volume key + power + slide rotation locker). It takes a while for the first boot and it might crash once while setting everything up.
5. You should be in HC 3.2 from here you can OTA all the way to ICS. You'll need to install the ACER update enhancer from the market b4 it will see the ICS update.
I hope this works for you.

CWM Recovery booted, instead of flashing the update.zip, How do I do it now?

I don't know why AfterOTA isn't working for you. I really thought it would. Oh well, Gersma says it's only for OTA. There are other people who probably know better, but I think you're going to have to get a stock bootloader on there before you can use any of those files. My guess its that you'll need to follow the downgrade guide. Search on "rollback".
I hope you find a better solution, but the rollback isn't that hard.
Good luck.

what if I apply the update.zip from CWM using the "apply update from sd card"? would that just force the up date and wipe everything with the stock bootloader and ROM that is in the update.zip?

I don't think that file will work from CWM. Maybe one of the stock ICS leaks would work. If you can load one from CWM it can load the BL and it will replace the recovery when it reboots. Then you should be able to use AfterOTA to return to stock and upgrade through the OTA's.

[Q] Bricked every time i falsh ICS Bootloader

Hello every one
After i try the new Android v4.2.1 rom by randomblame i want to get back to v4.1.2 but i did not format data this is what i think that brick my A500
So i recovered my device via EUUs_SBK_Acer_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1
but after that i couldn't flash any ics rom or ics bootloader
every time i try to flash ics bootloader with "blackthund3r_A500_APX_Flash_Tool_v0."@ the device stock during the process and stock in apx mod so i have to recover it again and so on
i have try : BabSector to format partition and try Afterota after th euus recovery but without luck
i can't even flash ics on hc bootloader "lightspeed 4.8"
now i'm running hc 3.2.1 rom by civato
what i'm doing wrong ? Help Please
I'm really missing CM10
bad English ....sorry

haytham-88 said:
Hello every one
After i try the new Android v4.2.1 rom by randomblame i want to get back to v4.1.2 but i did not format data this is what i think that brick my A500
So i recovered my device via EUUs_SBK_Acer_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you can boot into the OS OK??
Did you root it?
You may have to take an OTA or update.zip to 3.1 first and flash the v8 from that as I'm unsure it will work from 3.0.1
but after that i couldn't flash any ics rom or ics bootloader
every time i try to flash ics bootloader with "blackthund3r_A500_APX_Flash_Tool_v0."@ the device stock during the process and stock in apx mod so i have to recover it again and so on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is their an "apx device" listed in hardware and printers or in your pc system tray?
do you get "acer apx mode" displayed on your tab?
now i'm running hc 3.2.1 rom by civato
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go to the root guide in my sig and Make absolutely certain you do the first 4 steps in that guide.
d/l the latest apx Flash manager tool v 1.0.2 and use the bundle market in it to install bundle #17
OR
use civato's nvflash package instead as this requires your tab to be in apx mode (black screen/pwr lite on) to work AND will give you a more specific error if it fails.
Once the flash is complete BOOT STRAIGHT TO CWM and flash your cm10.1 rom
THEN Do a factory/data reset and enable wipe of /data/ media (in mounts/storage menu) wipe cache and dalvik cache too. Reboot to cm 10.1!!!
Please do all the steps in the order they are given -
If "it doesn't work" we will need you to tell us what is or isn't happening and where in the process it fails!!!
Good luck

Thank you for reply
dibb_nz said:
So you can boot into the OS OK??
Did you root it?
You may have to take an OTA or update.zip to 3.1 first and flash the v8 from that as I'm unsure it will work from 3.0.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I can
It's rooted because it is a custom ROM with CWM Recovery 1.3.4 by Thor
Is it OK to flash the ICS Bootloader from HC 3.2.1 "Civato-FLEXSTRIKER-HC.3.2.1 R6-BASE"?
is their an "apx device" listed in hardware and printers or in your pc system tray?
do you get "acer apx mode" displayed on your tab?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes their is an "apx device"
and my tab shows "entering apx mode..." or something like that ! with ACER logo
go to the root guide in my sig and Make absolutely certain you do the first 4 steps in that guide.
d/l the latest apx Flash manager tool v 1.0.2 and use the bundle market in it to install bundle #17
OR
use civato's nvflash package instead as this requires your tab to be in apx mode (black screen/pwr lite on) to work AND will give you a more specific error if it fails.
Once the flash is complete BOOT STRAIGHT TO CWM and flash your cm10.1 rom
THEN Do a factory/data reset and enable wipe of /data/ media (in mounts/storage menu) wipe cache and dalvik cache too. Reboot to cm 10.1!!!
Please do all the steps in the order they are given -
If "it doesn't work" we will need you to tell us what is or isn't happening and where in the process it fails!!!
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"USB drivers from the Android SDK" on step 1 maybe that is what I need
So I'll give it a try and tell you what happens.
And again thank you for your help.

Well..
I followed your root guide and used Civato's nvflash package, lots of things happened.
file no 1 is the first result
then file no 2 , here is where I get stuck in apx mode again !!
errors i get :
error formating partition 4
error formating partition 6
The thing is, not every time I try to recover my tab it works
I succeed only once of every 15 tries to recover my tab.
so maybe some partitions are messed up or something.
One time, I tried to flash Civato's nvflash package again , and after few times the bootloader was flashed correctly, but the recovery wasn't !!
So, I tried to use fastboot to flash the recovery ... and it went O.K
After that, I restarted to recovery, formated data (factory reset) , cache , delvik cash, flashed the rom, rebooted the tab ...... but nothing happened !!
and i'm stuck here
I've done lots of searching around the forums and most of them recommend BabSector or tdv4_rollback_rom or EUUs .
only EUUs are working, and even that would work one time of around 10 to 20 tries.
do i have to flash the primery kernel via fastboot , and if so, how to get the kernel from the rom?
thanks in advance

haytham-88 said:
Well..
I followed your root guide and used Civato's nvflash package, lots of things happened.
file no 1 is the first result
then file no 2 , here is where I get stuck in apx mode again !!
errors i get :
error formating partition 4
error formating partition 6
The thing is, not every time I try to recover my tab it works
I succeed only once of every 15 tries to recover my tab.
so maybe some partitions are messed up or something.
One time, I tried to flash Civato's nvflash package again , and after few times the bootloader was flashed correctly, but the recovery wasn't !!
So, I tried to use fastboot to flash the recovery ... and it went O.K
After that, I restarted to recovery, formated data (factory reset) , cache , delvik cash, flashed the rom, rebooted the tab ...... but nothing happened !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boot to fastboot mode
Fastboot erase userdata, cache, system and flexrom - use separate command for each partition, note any write errors and post back.
Fire up apxflash tool....you MUST dump, save then use your tabs BCT when u get to that window - this should repair the bct error shown in the 2nd text file.
Also tick "show nvflash commands " this will show any read/write or partition errors..
If you get partition errors run babsector (d/l in the root guide) and follow the steps I posted there.
Boot directly to recovery and try flashing a rom again
I've done lots of searching around the forums and most of them recommend BabSector or tdv4_rollback_rom or EUUs .
only EUUs are working, and even that would work one time of around 10 to 20 tries.
do i have to flash the primery kernel via fastboot , and if so, how to get the kernel from the rom?
thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No u shouldn't have to flash a kernel its included in the rom.
A full and complete erase is required first
(If there are errors here like can't read/write or bad data....your tab is toast) if not,
The bct error must be repaired next, else your tab won't flash any rom at all, even if the tool says PASS
Then reset your partitions with babsector.far
(Any errors like those listed above....your tab is toast)
With all the errors you're having its pointing to a faulty chip, flashing should not be this problematic.
Be sure to follow the direct order of repair....otherwise you'll be compounding errors
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2

Sorry for my late reply
I didn't run apxflash tool I have try something before that I have flash a HC rom over the ICS bootloder "it is wrong I know" but it went OK and the tab boot to the rom!!!!!!!!!
So now I have ICS bootloader with HC rom. what is going on ??
I have a new long work "13 hour" and I can't spend alot of time with my tab but I want to understand what is wrong with my tab
I'm really thankful for your time.

haytham-88 said:
Sorry for my late reply
I didn't run apxflash tool I have try something before that I have flash a HC rom over the ICS bootloder "it is wrong I know" but it went OK and the tab boot to the rom!!!!!!!!!
So now I have ICS bootloader with HC rom. what is going on ??
I have a new long work "13 hour" and I can't spend alot of time with my tab but I want to understand what is wrong with my tab
I'm really thankful for your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, thats different!!!
Are you running stock HC or is it a custom one?
Which recovery are you using?
Download Acer Recovery Installer from the market, it will tell you your bootloader version. You will need root priveleges to run this

dibb_nz said:
Well, thats different!!!
Are you running stock HC or is it a custom one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A custom rom, Civato-flexstriker-hc.3.2.1 r6
Which recovery are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CWM Recovery v5.5.0.x(thor2002ro/digetx rev1.7.3)
Download Acer Recovery Installer from the market, it will tell you your bootloader version. You will need root priveleges to run this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader Version: 0.03.14-MUL
and i can acsses Skrilax_CZ's bootloader V8 bootmenu Mode and all of it's functions
i think that i did not understand the bootloader thing yet!!!

haytham-88 said:
A custom rom, Civato-flexstriker-hc.3.2.1 r6
CWM Recovery v5.5.0.x(thor2002ro/digetx rev1.7.3)
Bootloader Version: 0.03.14-MUL
and i can acsses Skrilax_CZ's bootloader V8 bootmenu Mode and all of it's functions
i think that i did not understand the bootloader thing yet!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok lets start with the bootloader and why we need it...
On most android devices your first step to flashing a custom rom is to root so you can flash a custom recovery....
With our Acer Tabs since HC 3.2 the bootloader is locked...meaning even having root access did not give us the ability to 'flash' a custom recovery - its just not possible....the only way to do it is with the "patched" bootloader - I don't know how the magic works, but the devs managed to find a way to 'trick' the system into allowing their version of "patched bootloader" to be installed which would allow the flashing of a custom recovery....and there is a very specific way of getting this patched or unlocked bootloader onto your tab....this is with a program called "nvFlash" which runs via "apx mode" or "acer download mode" using our tabs unique ID, the cpuid.....to make it even easier The devs created a "package" which will nvFlash the patched bootloader AND a custom recovery all in one go!! Once we'd done that all we needed to do was to boot straight to recovery and flash our desired ICS or JB rom!!!
In the beginning, way back in the day....some folks weren't at all comfortable going to these lengths just to have a custom rom, so some of the rom cooks gave us the choice to upgrade to the patched bootloader or to stick with the HC bootloader, by flashing a custom HC kernel after the bootloader flash....this is what you were alluding to earlier??
Most roms now only work with the patched bootloader i.e. skrilax_cz 3.14 MUL -v8
keep in mind these are ICS and JB roms...
I hope that provides a bit more understanding on the bootloader thing and why we need it...
Now back to your original problem, not sure why you cannot flash a JB rom, have you tried it again??? I just cannot think of anything that would prevent you from flashing anything except an HC Rom - You might wanna ask the question in the JB rom thread...there might have been specific steps you needed to take to downgrade from 4.2 (can't think what though) or others may have posted similar problems...sorry couldnt help you out ....
...but let us know how you get on, good luck!!

Finally I have moved from HC to JB and that is how :
- ubdating the bootloader from v8 to v9
- nothing changed trying to flash any rom I already have
- then and I don't know why I download an Android 4.3.1 from TegraOwners forums [WIP]A500/A501 JB-MR2(4.3.1) - V8t6
link http://forum.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1312
flash the rom and everything went OK !!!

Finally Fixed
Finally I have moved from HC to JB and that is how :
- ubdating the bootloader from v8 to v9
- nothing changed trying to flash any rom I already have
- then and I don't know why I download an Android 4.3.1 from TegraOwners forums [WIP]A500/A501 JB-MR2(4.3.1) - V8t6
link http://forum.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1312
flash the rom and everything went OK !!!

[Q] Got Stuck in installing Roms - Recovery Error

hi everyone
i'm explaining the problem that's getting me crazy!
I've got an a500 tab. it was HoneyComb 3.1 at first, I downloaded ICS 4.0.3 Stock Rom and installed it via SD Card, Power + Vol- button.
i've been using it a few monthes now i want to use a custom rom like tegraowners JB.
my current version of rom (ICS 4.03) can't be rooted with ICS Root for a500 because it's version is'nt supported.
so i decided to install a 3.1 HC Stock rom, root it and use custom roms.
i downloaded 3.1 stock rom, named it update.zip and copied it on a sd card.
inserted SD card in tab and turned it on with Power + Vol-. here is the problem!
first i see recovery mode loading then an android logo with a (!) sign on it.
cdn.gooyait.com/uploads/android-recovery-mode-600x276.jpg
and tab get's restarted...
any idea?

I don't know maybe i've downloaded the wrong rom.
if yes please link to the correct rom for thei version:
Kernel Version:
2.6.39.4+
Image Version:
Acer_AV041_A500_RV21RB01_WW_GEN1
Build Number:
Acer_AV041_A500_0.014.00_WW_GEN1
PLEASE!

AHashemi said:
hi everyone
i'm explaining the problem that's getting me crazy!
I've got an a500 tab. it was HoneyComb 3.1 at first, I downloaded ICS 4.0.3 Stock Rom and installed it via SD Card, Power + Vol- button.
i've been using it a few monthes now i want to use a custom rom like tegraowners JB.
my current version of rom (ICS 4.03) can't be rooted with ICS Root for a500 because it's version is'nt supported.
so i decided to install a 3.1 HC Stock rom, root it and use custom roms.
i downloaded 3.1 stock rom, named it update.zip and copied it on a sd card.
inserted SD card in tab and turned it on with Power + Vol-. here is the problem!
first i see recovery mode loading then an android logo with a (!) sign on it.
cdn.gooyait.com/uploads/android-recovery-mode-600x276.jpg
and tab get's restarted...
any idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock recovery probably isn't designed to flash anything other than ICS. (Or it can't go backwards?). As for rooting, the blackthud3r ICS root tool oughta get ya done. (There are 2 methods, search and find one. For your case I recommend number 2)
[Anyway, don't worry about rooting the stock ROM, on an A500 this doesn't help you get jellybean.]<- MAY BE WRONG. In order to install a custom ROM, you must install a custom bootloader and recovery. Here is a guidehttp://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425 Once you've gotten through that(and assuming you haven't died of heart attack), you can install a custom ROM. Just follow the instructions on said ROM's thread. My favorite(albeit, a bit buggy) one is here :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2239476&highlight=jellybean+rom&nocache=1. Good luck!:good:
EDIT:
You need a CPUID to flash your bootloader. I don't know if you need root to get that.

Install a custom bootloader
You shold read about custom bootloader, it isnt that difficult, you get root of your iconia, download a flex software it automaticly downloads the latest recovery I recommend TWRP, and from ther you could touch the option install and select you zip file

SOLVED - Iconia A500 unroot - no way

Hi, I'm trying to unroot my iconia.
I've tried blackthunder unroot tool, seems to work but doesn't (as stated elsewhere).
So I'm trying to flash a stock firmware.
I downloaded the same firmware I have on the tablet:
Acer_A500_1.031.00_WW_GEN1
renamed as update.zip, put it onto sd card, rebooted the tablet with vol down + power, the android appears, then falls down with a red triangle in.
So I've tried acer update decrypt, even if in the diagram was not contemplated, but I get an out of memory message.
Then I've tried to install a custom recovery, downloaded Acer Recovery Installer from the market, chose cwm, then when booting into recovery i get a red error message, recovery verified failed.
luckily the tablet still works, but I really need to unroot it, any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, cheers
edit: I followed this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25891744&postcount=44
and, with some issues, I think I was able to unlock the bootloader, in fact I could flash the stock rom.
many many thanks