My husbands Acer a500 screen froze when he was playing Zimga a poker game when this happened.
He believes he had ICS but he is not sure of anything speciffic.
He doesn't have any type of backup.
He never had it connected to the computer.
We tried the factory reset.
We tried the hard reset.
We cleaned the cache & whatnot...
Nothing helps.
I've tried to use the GUIDE: Recovering Recovery/Obtaining SKB
Of course we only option we have, because nothing was ever back up, connected to a computer. I downloaded unbumtu 12.04 and installed it onto my laptop.
The requirements:
-ubuntu 12.04
-micro USB cable
-paper clip ....
I also made sure I installed gcc, lsusb, libusb-1.0-dev, & libusb-1.0.x
I get it to show on the desktop ...
I type in: sudo su
Then: gcc apx.c -o apx -lusb-1.0
I end up with an errors.
If I remember correctly it says that line 4 and line 5 of EPPE code was in errors.
The another time it states...
Then it stats su: invalid option -- 'o'
I am by all no means a computer code writer, and hope someone will help me solve this issue.
I just can't afford sending the tablet back to Acer to be fixed.
I even tried flashing the information on the micro SD card, but I believe since his tablet wasn't connected ever to a computer things aren't running as smoothly as I would like.
I've downloaded nvFlash, blackthud3r, and many Roms.
I.ve even tried to flash a few with no luck. Mister Android has fallen and can't get up with the RED triangle and all.
I can get the tablet in Apx mode.
Also I can get the screen with the Fastboot...
I've tried all the tricks with the volume up and power button and toggle switch, AND/OR the volume down button and toggle.
But without the UIP or CPUID those items aren't doing me any good.
The tablet was only updated the old fashioned way. No customized anything.
Hubby mainly used it to get email and play pocker over the internet with it.
Not sure what other information you need, but I hope someone could get me out of this MISERY!
Been messing with it for over a week trying to read and get as much information about others having simular situations.
Thank you in advance & Hope to hear from you SOON!
We've even tried doing things in different computers...:crying:
radarbill said:
My husbands Acer a500 screen froze when he was playing Zimga a poker game when this happened.
He believes he had ICS but he is not sure of anything speciffic.
He doesn't have any type of backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, seeing it a stock tab, not a lot of options.
I would try this, here is a link where I gathered 4 500 ICS updates. Note that I named them with build numbers to keep things in order.
Rename one of the files to only "update.zip" (remove the build number in other words).
With the tab off, hold VOL+ and PWR until you see the update start to install, then release both.
Now, if one of them doesn't complete, then try the other. Hopefully one of them completes the install and boots the tablet.
Here's the link;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=31323893&postcount=8
MD
How to recover Acer a500 without any backup? Need Help?
Moscow Desire said:
Well, seeing it a stock tab, not a lot of options.
I would try this, here is a link where I gathered 4 500 ICS updates. Note that I named them with build numbers to keep things in order.
Rename one of the files to only "update.zip" (remove the build number in other words).
With the tab off, hold VOL+ and PWR until you see the update start to install, then release both.
Now, if one of them doesn't complete, then try the other. Hopefully one of them completes the install and boots the tablet.
Here's the link;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=31323893&postcount=8
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate you getting back so quickly.
I've already tried these.
I also tried most of these from this web page.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1816560
Nothing seems to work.
There was a couple of them that would install about 25% but then android would keel over and the red triangle of death took over.
I would appreciate if you had any other suggestions, or if anyone else did.
There has to something I can do?!?
Well, without having the UID number, I think NVFlash is out of the question. Usually we get these quite simply when the tab is operating.
There is a Linux solution, to get UID, but I'm not a linux guy. There's a thread about UID, I think in the dev section. In there are steps to get it through Linux I believe.
With the UID, I think we can run TimmyDeans rollback tool. But as far as I know, you have to have the UID number.
MD
radarbill said:
I type in: sudo su
Then: gcc apx.c -o apx -lusb-1.0
I end up with an errors.
If I remember correctly it says that line 4 and line 5 of EPPE code was in errors.
The another time it states...
Then it stats su: invalid option -- 'o'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please post the the commands you run and the exact result you get, it is hard to tell what went wrong without knowing exactly what you did and exactly what results you got.
Just a copy of the terminal buffer as it is would be good.
Moscow Desire said:
There is a Linux solution, to get UID, but I'm not a linux guy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have posted code for two Windows variants as well, one using libusb-win32 and one using the winusb driver delivered by Acer.
It can be found in the [GUIDE] Recovering Recovery/Obtaining SKB thread.
solved thankyou all
eppeP said:
Please post the the commands you run and the exact result you get, it is hard to tell what went wrong without knowing exactly what you did and exactly what results you got.
Just a copy of the terminal buffer as it is would be good.
I have posted code for two Windows variants as well, one using libusb-win32 and one using the winusb driver delivered by Acer.
It can be found in the [GUIDE] Recovering Recovery/Obtaining SKB thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well we ended up getting a new mobo and that did the trick. so thankyou one and all
Related
Hi - I'd really appreciate some help with trying to boot my A500.
I have spent hours over the last week trying to boot my A500, and am literally going mad, so thanks in advance for your time reading this - and all the incredibly useful posts that have got me this far.
About 2 weeks ago - my A500 froze on a webpage, and the screen was unresponsive.
I tried turning the unit off and back on again, and it just hung on the acer screen.
I did A LOT of reading around - and tried the following
- Paperclip in the reset hole
- trying to USB the tab to my PC. Windows doesn'tt recognize it. I have installed the Acer USB software.
- Volume up with power on and the toggle switch
- Volume down with power on
- emailing acer tech support, twice without a response other than the auto "You will receive a response within 24 hours"
When I do the volume down and power on - I get the Android icon with the exclamation mark, then the tab boots and I get to a screen asking for a password.
I have tried my google password without success. I have never set up a password to lock the tablet.
I have then downloaded what seems like a hundred ROM's copied to 3 different micro SD's with a variety of different formatting. Saving the files as update, update.zip, and their original file name, and unzipping them on the root of the micro sd card.
When I try the volume down and power - I still get the exclamation mark - and eventually directed to the password page again. I see the icon to show there is an SD card in the device at the bottom right of the screen.
I have also tried plugging in my wireless USB keyboard - doing the volume down power thing while pressing home on the keyboard.
I get the following options:
reboot system now
apply update from external storage
wipe data/ factory reset
wipe cache partition
I have tried them all. Reboot system takes me back the password prompt.
When I apply update from external storage - I get the following message:
E:unknown volume from path [/sdcard]
E:error opening /sdcard: No such file or directory
E: unknown volume for path [/sdcard]
It seems to me that the a500 isn't picking up the update.zip or recognizing the micro SD card.
Does anyone have a link to a stock ROM that they know to work (I have downloaded many - but get the above scenario every time)
Any advice on the password?
Any advice on flashing the ROM - why isn't the A500 picking up the micro SD card - when I know it has read these cards in the past?
I bought the device from a company called valuetech ltd through Amazon UK, who gave me a 3 month guarantee, which has recently expired. I have the box etc.
I haven't rooted the A500 at any point, and haven't installed anything other than the stock updates.
This is driving me demented, and I would genuinely appreciate any help. Thanks for your time reading this.
Dave
Well, seems a pickle you have yourself in.
Have you tried this?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1307539
You may have to download the Android SDK first, and then the google driver pack to get ADB working.
You might be able to get an ADB connection working. Maybe not. When your pc asks for drivers, let it search your system. It should tag the Android Debug Interface. You may have to manually select the driver, and ignore the warning.
Or it may not. But it's a good place to start.
It's extremely difficult to "hard brick" an Iconia tablet. Honestly, I have never seen it happen as long as there is life to it. It's just a matter of finding the correct method.
purrty much
Moscow Desire said:
Well, seems a pickle you have yourself in.
Have you tried this?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1307539
You may have to download the Android SDK first, and then the google driver pack to get ADB working.
You might be able to get an ADB connection working. Maybe not. When your pc asks for drivers, let it search your system. It should tag the Android Debug Interface. You may have to manually select the driver, and ignore the warning.
Or it may not. But it's a good place to start.
It's extremely difficult to "hard brick" an Iconia tablet. Honestly, I have never seen it happen as long as there is life to it. It's just a matter of finding the correct method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's definitely right... moscow is always right the acer basically cannot be bricked, unless you smash the thing or something. Look over my posts as well as the one moscow posted, I had a "brick" scare not too long ago and I had to figure that out. Should be able to guide you in the right direction.
So I am not quite sure what exactly fastboot is supposed to do. I know you can flash recoveries, bootloaders, etc with it but that is about it for my understanding.
I tried to get into fastboot (following instructions here on the forum) mode earlier today and while the tablet gives me the fastboot message in the upper left, windows says that fastboot failed. Is there a folder I am supposed to be running cmd prompt from?
Sorry, still new to this stuff and my understanding of some of these tools is limited at best.
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2
a friendly warning
CyaN1de said:
So I am not quite sure what exactly fastboot is supposed to do. I know you can flash recoveries, bootloaders, etc with it but that is about it for my understanding.
I tried to get into fastboot mode earlier today and while the tablet gives me the fastboot message in the upper left, windows says that fastboot failed. Is there a folder I am supposed to be running cmd prompt from?
Sorry, still new to this stuff and my understanding of some of these tools is limited at best.
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give me 30 mins got all the reading u gonna need b4 u make an attempt
if u fk up in here there is definitely NO WAY BACK in meantime you'll
Want to set adb as environmental variable in windows gonna make it
Helluva lot easier . Android sdk will too. f u don't know what I'm on About..
.best do some reading up on these as well.
Fast boot ain't something someone else can talk u thru and I doubt the devs will
Have any sympathy for anyone asking ....i bricked my tab pls help....
dibb_nz said:
Give me 30 mins got all the reading u gonna need b4 u make an attempt
if u fk up in here there is definitely NO WAY BACK in meantime you'll
Want to set adb as environmental variable in windows gonna make it
Helluva lot easier . Android sdk will too. f u don't know what I'm on About..
.best do some reading up on these as well.
Fast boot ain't something someone else can talk u thru and I doubt the devs will
Have any sympathy for anyone asking ....i bricked my tab pls help....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Running adb from its native folder is not an issue.....is fastboot the same way having to run cmd from folder that a file is located?
I prefer not to mess stuff that I do not fully comprehend (not that I fully comprehend ANY of this) but some of it makes more sense once you are into it rather than reading someone elses interpretation.
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2
CyaN1de said:
Running adb from its native folder is not an issue.....is fastboot the same way having to run cmd from folder that a file is located?
I prefer not to mess stuff that I do not fully comprehend (not that I fully comprehend ANY of this) but some of it makes more sense once you are into it rather than reading someone elses interpretation.
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeh just a group of extended adb commands that allow you to do some pretty awesome stuff - like really, really bricking your tab for instance, lol. I'm unsure as to whether all the fastboot commands are available to us - i havent had enough spare time to devote to heavy duty reading in the Dev Forums!!!! You can flash everything in here so its like a supercharger;;;;Sort of like going from timmydeans EUU root to Civ's nvflash unlocking bootloaders thing, if you know what i mean.......
But heres some reading, most of it tutorial step by step stuff, mostly for other devices which may not apply to our tab but definitely apply to fastboot. AS you know, there is alot of info in our own dev forum but its hard to find a flow as the devs actually speak a different language to us!!!! So the tutorials are quite good in that respect as they use noob-ite speak
the backup and restore tute is a goody, couldnt get it going on v3 so looking forward to giving it a go on v4 (when i can find a quiet 30 mins or so, that is)
anyways happy reading be interested in your thoughts and keep us posted about what you get around to trying
rgds
Full Phone Backup http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1420351
setup adb http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1249798
adb http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=879701
adb logcat http://droid-force.com/showthread.php?tid=150&pid=573#pid573
ics BL by Skrilax_CZ http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1514951
So I located Fastboot in D:\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools\Fastboot.exe
But putting tablet into fastboot mode yields the driver installer to report that "Device driver software was not succesfully installed".......Fastboot X Failed....is this normal? Will it run when I use cmd prompt from D:\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools?
I guess a little linux knowledge would go a long way.....too bad I can't get a grasp on that either.
Thanks for the links.....hopefully I can find time to give a read.
Set up adb/fastboot for noob-ites 101
CyaN1de said:
So I located Fastboot in D:\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools\Fastboot.exe
But putting tablet into fastboot mode yields the driver installer to report that "Device driver software was not succesfully installed".......Fastboot X Failed....is this normal? Will it run when I use cmd prompt from D:\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools?
I guess a little linux knowledge would go a long way.....too bad I can't get a grasp on that either.
Thanks for the links.....hopefully I can find time to give a read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
weird??? i kicked straight in to bl, fastboot drivers installed, never saw red x
u mean u arent cmd from platform tools???
in the cpuid guide I suggested extracting the just_adb.zip into C:\ so setting
up the env. var. would be easier I have been meaning to post the steps for
doing that, guess theres no time like the present
Set adb as Environment Variable or call adb direct from command prompt
............ first, copy the path to your install - in your case:
............ "Path to adb" = D:\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools
1. Click on the Start menu
2. Right click on Computer
3. Click on Advanced system settings
4. Click on the Environment Variables button
5. Look for Path in the System Variables section. Double click on it
6. Go to the end of the Variable value box and put in a semicolon ;
7. Now paste your "Path to adb" after the ;
8. it should look like this in your case ;D:\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools
9. Now test it out - start - run/search - cmd - in cmd window type: adb devices
10. If you've followed the steps you will see your device ID - voila!!!!
as you can see this makes trouble shooting so dam easy -
if you cant get a device id do not go any further in what u r doing
cos it aint gonna work....period!!!!! also since ICS has screwed
with getting our cpuid like this, for our purpose here, it is only important
that a device id is shown - not how right or wrong it is.....clear????
so getting back to it, check fastboot*.exe in same folder as adb.exe -
it came like this in my own setup not sure about the asdk setup -
remember too fastboot only has a few commands and i still havent
got round to trying them all out yet....
to anyone following this, I cannot say enough how dangerous this can be
please, please, please take a moment to read thru just one of the links i
posted earlier - they are tutorials and if you see the dev thread regarding
v4 unlock...you will not only learn something amazing but begin to
appreciate and respect the work done by these devs who laid the groundwork
that enabled civato and blakthund3r to produce what they have with the
unlocked bootloader - without this groundwork we would still be waiting
for a way to get full root access and cwm, custom roms, themes and mods......
Thanks for that
Seems my Windows skillz need brushing up on again too....LOL
C:\Users\username>adb devices
List of devices attached
11717XXXXXX device
CyaN1de said:
Thanks for that
Seems my Windows skillz need brushing up on again too....LOL
C:\Users\username>adb devices
List of devices attached
11717XXXXXX device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sweet m8 -
yeh whoever thought windoze would actually be useful!!!!
which i guess is freakn handy as having to go linux would spin me out....
what can i say??? I'm a child of windoze had no choice, forced-addiction
before i was born, lol - breaking the habit, but always go back, goddamit
OK....I get the adb ok.
But when I put tab into FB i get the driver error (see attachment). I suppose that I should not be getting this?
Trying just "fastboot reboot" (not wanting to go any farther until I get a grasp...HAHA) I get "waiting for device"
CyaN1de said:
OK....I get the adb ok.
But when I put tab into FB i get the driver error (see attachment). I suppose that I should not be getting this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont let windows install
choose let me choose where to install dunno exact wording
Does not give me a choice.
Driver is located at D:\Android\android-sdk\extras\google\usb_driver ???
This is making my head hurt....LOL
CyaN1de said:
Does not give me a choice.
Driver is located at D:\Android\android-sdk\extras\google\usb_driver ???
This is making my head hurt....LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yr head hurts????
Ive updated the cpuid guide u my wanna take 5 min timeout to read it, the answers r all in there
I don't use full sdk there's a link to mini sdk zip in that post just has ad and fast boot
I've never had to use google drivers
Just plugged my tab in and its just 'worked'
DL Acer drivers if u haven't already . These are the most important ones to have installed right.
Disconnect and reboot everything
Run Acer setup.exe
Plug USB in
Go into fast boot, win doze will want to install f/b drivers let win doze do it, but if they fail, then run again and choose let me install, blah, blah, blah
What OS u got? Vista/win 7 don't normally have any probs
Acer drivers have been installed and all relevant sdk packages installed and up to date AFAIK. (USB_Acer_1.06.1500_A30HA31H_A.zip)
Had no issues installing ICS Bootloader V.3 manually through APX (no auto script) via instructions so I know I can at least do that well.....LOL
Might have to try reinstalling USB drivers and see if that helps.
Thanks
EDIT: Reinstalled USB Drivers now I can't get adb working....F#@K!!!!!!!!!
EDIT II: Re-Re-Installed Drviers and ADB working again...yay...LOL
EDIT III: Used A500_Manager.exe, clicked on "Enter Fastboot" and windows installed and recognized drivers......DBL YAY!!!!
C:\Users\username>fastboot reboot
rebooting...
finished. total time: 0.165s
Now.......to Brick this puppy.....
Thanx for your help dibb_nz....looks like all I needed in the first place was a driver reinstall...HAHA.
Hek m8 for a second or two there, I was feeling ya pain, lol
Oh but the elation when it finally happens!!!!!
I dunno why those drivers act out like that, but it always the same....
Fail, reinstall, fail, reinstall u can understand why peeps get frustrated
Glad u got it m8
Help with executing commands in adb; stuck at ".../bin/sh...No such file..." error
I am out of all tricks now for reviving my Note which boots into download and recovery mode. I conclude that from what I have experienced, that factoryfs is the partition which fails to take any write commands when I odin a ROM, as it gets stuck at the factoryfs message. I have tried all the flashing of kernels and ROMs with no luck.
Working with adb seems to be the only option, to configure the partitions on my device manually. The big issue is that I am not able to execute "adb shell" command using Forest1971's guide.
So far, I have had no luck going beyond the "exec -/system/bin/sh...:No such file or directory...(2)" error message, when I type the "adb shell" command.
Can someone with the know-how of how to work through adb help with this? This is my last effort of trying to recover my Note, and if it fails, I will have no choice but to sent the device out of the US. I dread sending my phone out of the country for repairs, as I don't know just how long it will be before it gets fixed and is shipped back to me.
Please do not suggest any flash options, because as I said, I have tried all there is to do with flashing - nothing has helped.
First see if you have a /system filesystem. Looks to me that it doesn't exist. See if you can type
Code:
$ cd /system
or
Code:
$ cd /system/bin
If it complains then there's your problem - you don't have a functioning /system. Maybe type mount and show your filesystems.
I know you asked for no flash suggestions, but have you tried making the device do a hard reset - when powered off hold down home, volume up while holding down power on then release power button when screen shows life. May be worth a shot, but looking like another ICS firmware/emmc issue from here... good luck.
[edit]
should have read your post more closely. Looks like you have no /system/bin/sh at all so can't fire up a shell, so you can ignore my initial suggestion.
paulshields said:
First see if you have a /system filesystem. Looks to me that it doesn't exist. See if you can type
Code:
$ cd /system
or
Code:
$ cd /system/bin
If it complains then there's your problem - you don't have a functioning /system. Maybe type mount and show your filesystems.
I know you asked for no flash suggestions, but have you tried making the device do a hard reset - when powered off hold down home, volume up while holding down power on then release power button when screen shows life. May be worth a shot, but looking like another ICS firmware/emmc issue from here... good luck.
[edit]
should have read your post more closely. Looks like you have no /system/bin/sh at all so can't fire up a shell, so you can ignore my initial suggestion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Suggestion ignored. Any more?
Get an iPhone?
Look at this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26279833
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
paulshields said:
Get an iPhone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I won't go the route of laughing and mocking you for saying that. I do think it's a very well put together device, but it just doesn't serve my needs of a big screen, the ability to be free...etc. By the way, you asked me to ignore your suggestion, so I did - FYI.
zviki said:
Look at this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26279833
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in that thread, and the suggestions didn't help as it is too complex a process. I was hoping to pick up from scratch, so I created this thread.
incisivekeith said:
I won't go the route of laughing and mocking you for saying that. I do think it's a very well put together device, but it just doesn't serve my needs of a big screen, the ability to be free...etc. By the way, you asked me to ignore your suggestion, so I did - FYI.
I was in that thread, and the suggestions didn't help as it is too complex a process. I was hoping to pick up from scratch, so I created this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, please take a look to my post. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26350317#post26350317
Just flash that kernel from cmw, and you should be able to run commands on adb shell.
matiasg85 said:
Hi, please take a look to my post. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26350317#post26350317
Just flash that kernel from cmw, and you should be able to run commands on adb shell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the kernel, but it seems you didn't have much luck solving the issue, even after doing everything in adb correctly. Is that the case?
incisivekeith said:
Thanks for the kernel, but it seems you didn't have much luck solving the issue, even after doing everything in adb correctly. Is that the case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, unfortunatelly i did everything as stated on adb, but had no luck. If ssc don't replace it, i will try using the memory blocks used by the "internal sd card".
You must try it anyway, there were some users that succesfully unbricked the phone.
Did anyone try this mk2efs command with -c option ON ??
Sorry Incesivekeith
I was out of connection for past 2 days.
We have to pull Mr Forest1971 for doing this.
Let me sum up :
parted is not able to solve your issue.
mk2efs is another formating tool that comes with CWM
You are stuck up in executing commands.
Now the idea of flashing the cwm kernel is fine. Did u try that ??
Mr Forest1971 :
Did you see Dr Sumralls comments for this bug.
''He says that we have to go for a full wipe. I have a tool but I dont know I couldnt share it.''
incisivekeith said:
I won't go the route of laughing and mocking you for saying that. I do think it's a very well put together device, but it just doesn't serve my needs of a big screen, the ability to be free...etc. By the way, you asked me to ignore your suggestion, so I did - FYI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked you to ignore the initial suggestion as you've obviously not got any functioning recovery. You've not provided much info about how you got to this position, but in my similar situation I got out of it by successfully flashing a FULL WIPE factoryfs (LA4 in my case) and doing the factory reset as I mentioned in my first response. I lost a few GB of my eMMC storage but got a working device. May not help you, but may be useful info for others. Share and share alike. Good luck dude .
OK - total noobie here.
Bought my first tablet - Acer A500 off craigslist for $100. Worked like a charm for six months then went to brick status - locked on Acer Screen. BOO! HOO!
I've read and done the factory reset with the paper clip, and the Power Volume+, with no results.
Then I said to myself - "Hey, there's got to be a EASY way to do this. Probably download some software to my PC, plug in via USB, probably some sequence to boot from PC, and I'll be done!"
WRONG!
Apparently, I've got to know my CPUID - is that an acronym for Confused Person Undoubtably and IDiot - cause I got NO CLUE on that one.
And I've got to get an EUU - European United Union?
And I've got to get a Russian DeCrypter?
And.... well, you get the idea.
So, I've decided to exercise my capitalistic privileges!
IF SOMEONE THINKS THEY CAN FIX THIS DANG THING - I'LL PAY YOU!
I figure it'll take me days to figure out what I need to do and download and do it. Or, I can just ship this to someone who wants to make a few bucks and we'll both be happy.
So, if someone wants to help me do some additional diagnostics and make a buck or two in the process - email me at my public site of
rainbow 4 jd @excite. com (obviously no spaces there in the actual email address).
rainbow4 said:
OK - total noobie here.
Bought my first tablet - Acer A500 off craigslist for $100. Worked like a charm for six months then went to brick status - locked on Acer Screen. BOO! HOO!
I've read and done the factory reset with the paper clip, and the Power Volume+, with no results.
Then I said to myself - "Hey, there's got to be a EASY way to do this. Probably download some software to my PC, plug in via USB, probably some sequence to boot from PC, and I'll be done!"
WRONG!
Apparently, I've got to know my CPUID - is that an acronym for Confused Person Undoubtably and IDiot - cause I got NO CLUE on that one.
And I've got to get an EUU - European United Union?
And I've got to get a Russian DeCrypter?
And.... well, you get the idea.
So, I've decided to exercise my capitalistic privileges!
IF SOMEONE THINKS THEY CAN FIX THIS DANG THING - I'LL PAY YOU!
I figure it'll take me days to figure out what I need to do and download and do it. Or, I can just ship this to someone who wants to make a few bucks and we'll both be happy.
So, if someone wants to help me do some additional diagnostics and make a buck or two in the process - email me at my public site of
rainbow 4 jd @excite. com (obviously no spaces there in the actual email address).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh, personally we like to keep things in the forums, as other people may want to chime in and offer some steps others haven't thought of.
For some info, I'll try to explain a couple of things;
1. UID number. This is a number specifically assigned to your CPU. (CUID) which allows us (with a secure bootloader key, SBK) do a low level NVFlash of bootloaders. The issue, is that the bootloader (the first thing that loads) is secure and prevents us from flashing things. Pretty much locked. Unless you have your SBK. Then we can get into what we call APX mode which allows us to bypass security (in easy english terms). And yes, we have a tool that converts UID to an SBK.
If you do not have your UID number, all is not lost. Rumor has it that after ICS, the UID sometimes is the serial number you'll find on your Ext SD cover. Now some people confirmed this, and some say no. But it's worth a shot to use that number when trying to run an EUU file. If not, you will have to install Ubuntu on your PC and use the Linux method of getting it. More later.
2. Also, an EUU which is basically nothing more than an Acer maintenance rom which you run from your PC, requires this UID number because it uses NVFlash. That's why it's important to have it.
3. A Decrypter (not Russian I can assure you ) is sometimes required to install factory roms and updates, as Acer delivers these encrypted. You shouldn't have to worry about this yet, as most of the things we have posted are already de-crypted. For reference, you will find the tool in the Themes and Apps Forum.
For starters, I would like to know which bootloader version you currently have installed. You will find this in the upper left corner when you start the tablet. Should be a series of numbers and letters. Use a magnifying glass if you can't read it... :laugh:
Followup to a bricked Acer A500 - and if anyone can repair?
Moscow Desire said:
Eh, personally we like to keep things in the forums, as other people may want to chime in and offer some steps others haven't thought of.
For some info, I'll try to explain a couple of things;
1. UID number. This is a number specifically assigned to your CPU. (CUID) which allows us (with a secure bootloader key, SBK) do a low level NVFlash of bootloaders. The issue, is that the bootloader (the first thing that loads) is secure and prevents us from flashing things. Pretty much locked. Unless you have your SBK. Then we can get into what we call APX mode which allows us to bypass security (in easy english terms). And yes, we have a tool that converts UID to an SBK.
If you do not have your UID number, all is not lost. Rumor has it that after ICS, the UID sometimes is the serial number you'll find on your Ext SD cover. Now some people confirmed this, and some say no. But it's worth a shot to use that number when trying to run an EUU file. If not, you will have to install Ubuntu on your PC and use the Linux method of getting it. More later.
2. Also, an EUU which is basically nothing more than an Acer maintenance rom which you run from your PC, requires this UID number because it uses NVFlash. That's why it's important to have it.
3. A Decrypter (not Russian I can assure you ) is sometimes required to install factory roms and updates, as Acer delivers these encrypted. You shouldn't have to worry about this yet, as most of the things we have posted are already de-crypted. For reference, you will find the tool in the Themes and Apps Forum.
For starters, I would like to know which bootloader version you currently have installed. You will find this in the upper left corner when you start the tablet. Should be a series of numbers and letters. Use a magnifying glass if you can't read it... :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First - thanks for the reply - it was VERY NICE OF YOU.
And just so you know - I spent $100 on ebay and bought a replacement! So, now I can totally devote myself to learning what (if anything) can be done to unbrick my old one.
1. There is no external markings on this tablet AT ALL. No stickers, no nothing.
2. When I open up the SD card slot - I do get a SNID of 13001360415
3. When I do Power Volume+ slide - I get "erasing user data" and immediately below it "erasing cache"
4. It then goes to ACER logo screen and stops.
Logic tells me that A) the motherboard (or whatever passes for a motherboard on this tablet) might be bad. It's trying to go through its boot sequence and there's a physical fault or B) the motherboard could be good, but the inherent "boot disk" software is now corrupted - its locking up - and never getting to the OS software.
Or I could be wrong.
In either case - I feel like I have insufficient knowledge to properly diagnose AND determine if this is repairable at all. And that being said, IF someone has experienced this before, gone through the trial and error, and can say.... "Hey, I've fixed twenty of these, no problems" - I will happily defer to their experience.
Anyway - based on symptoms - if you think I have a fighting chance of salvaging this - I am game!
rainbow4 said:
First - thanks for the reply - it was VERY NICE OF YOU.
And just so you know - I spent $100 on ebay and bought a replacement! So, now I can totally devote myself to learning what (if anything) can be done to unbrick my old one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the comments!
$100... wow, I hate to say what I paid for my 501 new here in Moscow But now, I use my a701.
Typically, the a50x tablets have a reputation of being "bullet-proof", although lately, seems a rash of bricked tabs. Perhaps just due to old age.
You're correct about the motherboard, more specifically the emmc memory on it, is the likely culprit due to what you've stated. Or.... it could just be a corrupted file. Who knows until we investigate a little.
For starters, lets do some simple stuff first. Following is a link to some ICS update files. There are 4 of them. I have already de-crypted them. Now, download each to a individual folder on your PC. You will see they are numbered. This is to keep them separate so you know which is which.
Now, choose one of them (really doesn't matter which one, but maybe start with the highest number first). Rename it to "update.zip" (make sure it is not "update.zip.zip" as this is a common mistake. If your PC doesn't show the .zip extension, just rename it to update)
Now, copy it to your external SD card. Power on your tablet holding Vol+ (or minus) and PWR. Continue pressing until you see text about installing the update in the upper left corner, then release. We'll see if it installs all the way. If after 15 minutes it doesn't (it may stop at about 25%), then PWR off, and rename and copy the next update file, and try that one. Might have to try all 4, so make sure your tab is fully charged.
If none of these install all the way, then life becomes a little more difficult......
Links to my server (large files 300+mb)
http://d-h.st/Zf8
http://d-h.st/2cm
http://d-h.st/gw8
http://d-h.st/KXl
the JTiind
Moscow Desire said:
If you do not have your UID number, all is not lost. Rumor has it that after ICS, the UID sometimes is the serial number you'll find on your Ext SD cover. Now some people confirmed this, and some say no. But it's worth a shot to use that number when trying to run an EUU file. If not, you will have to install Ubuntu on your PC and use the Linux method of getting it. More later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I get in on this conversation? For three days, I've been trying to revive my brother's A500. It seems like every option I come across requires the sbk, or the cpuid. I don't have the cpuid and can't figure out how to retrieve it since the tablet appears to be stuck in apx mode. The power button is illuminated and nothing comes on the screen. Windows device manager displays Acer USB Boot-recovery driver.
I've tried using AfterOTA v1.09 to flash recovery and bootloader files, but not sure if I've chosen the correct files to flash. I found a zip file here on the forums that contained ics_boot_unlk_v6_500.bin and recovery_thor17_403.img that I've attempted to use. AfterOTA just hangs on [2/3] flashing recovery...
Not knowing this all important UID, where do I go from here? Can I hear more about this Ubuntu method? Will that help in this case?
Thank you!
holtsclaw said:
Can I get in on this conversation? For three days, I've been trying to revive my brother's A500. It seems like every option I come across requires the sbk, or the cpuid. I don't have the cpuid and can't figure out how to retrieve it since the tablet appears to be stuck in apx mode. The power button is illuminated and nothing comes on the screen. Windows device manager displays Acer USB Boot-recovery driver.
I've tried using AfterOTA v1.09 to flash recovery and bootloader files, but not sure if I've chosen the correct files to flash. I found a zip file here on the forums that contained ics_boot_unlk_v6_500.bin and recovery_thor17_403.img that I've attempted to use. AfterOTA just hangs on [2/3] flashing recovery...
Not knowing this all important UID, where do I go from here? Can I hear more about this Ubuntu method? Will that help in this case?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep.... UID is all important. Uses what we call "NVFlash" to install bootloader and recoveries when all else fails. You UID is specific to each tab. No 2 are alike (as far as we know). With it, we can convert it to an SBK (Secure Bootloader Key). The stuff acer don't really wanna give us. This allows the use of NVFlash via APX mode (which you have already discovered.
Here is a link to getting your UID via various methods. The ones you want to pay attention to, are the links using Ubuntu (halfway thru the guide) Note that you may have to look at links within links to get all the methods people have tried, as some change a bit of the scripts here and there, but you should be able to figure it out.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=25429111#post25429111
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1751978
also of use, is a tool called "babsector". This tries to repair/workaround physical sectors on some tabs. But you shouldn't need that yet. So read that guide and check the links in it for using Ubuntu.Never had to use it myself, so not a lot of further advice on the technical aspect.
MD
rainbow4 said:
First - thanks for the reply - it was VERY NICE OF YOU.
And just so you know - I spent $100 on ebay and bought a replacement! So, now I can totally devote myself to learning what (if anything) can be done to unbrick my old one.
1. There is no external markings on this tablet AT ALL. No stickers, no nothing.
2. When I open up the SD card slot - I do get a SNID of 13001360415
3. When I do Power Volume+ slide - I get "erasing user data" and immediately below it "erasing cache"
4. It then goes to ACER logo screen and stops.
Logic tells me that A) the motherboard (or whatever passes for a motherboard on this tablet) might be bad. It's trying to go through its boot sequence and there's a physical fault or B) the motherboard could be good, but the inherent "boot disk" software is now corrupted - its locking up - and never getting to the OS software.
Or I could be wrong.
In either case - I feel like I have insufficient knowledge to properly diagnose AND determine if this is repairable at all. And that being said, IF someone has experienced this before, gone through the trial and error, and can say.... "Hey, I've fixed twenty of these, no problems" - I will happily defer to their experience.
Anyway - based on symptoms - if you think I have a fighting chance of salvaging this - I am game!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OH MY GOSH - IT WORKED! YOU ARE THE HERO OF ALL MANKIND!!
It took me a bit of minor tweeking - in that I had to rename the file BEFORE copying it to the SD Card - because I was getting some copying errors.
The version that took was #3 - what I mean by that is.... it was the third one in the Windows Explorer naming sequence. I don't know what the name of it is now, because I obviously updated the name to be "update.zip"
So..... it "took" and started giving me a working Android Robot - whereas the others had given me a Dead Android with the Information icon.
I waited through the process - it loaded the operating system and prompted me to select language, country, wifi, log in with google, AND I WAS UP AND RUNNING!
I am going to post these results as a specific FIX and encourage everyone to try it who has a bricked tablet!
:victory::victory::victory::laugh::laugh::victory::victory:
So for Stock A500 users stuck at the Acer Logo, or maybe some other strange issue with the tablet not booting, you may want to try this method first before rolling up your sleeves and moving on to getting your UID, which involves the use of Linux for the most part.
Download these full ICS Update files for the A500 (501 owners can try this also, but you'll have a 500, but that might can be changed later)
These files are already "decrypted" and are named differently as to keep them separate. Download them all to a folder.
Now, select one of them, rename it to "update" (end result is a file called update.zip) copy it to SD card, boot tab and see if it installs. If it hangs on the install, delete it from SD card, and do the same with the next. Hopefully one of them might take. You may have to try all 4 of them before one works. It's hit and miss.
http://d-h.st/Zf8
http://d-h.st/2cm
http://d-h.st/gw8
http://d-h.st/KXl
Mega Links:
https://mega.co.nz/#!lM5iQYLZ!TKx3ZIsN1-L4-Lk2LveHhEjb-PejZ1ZNZPwdsBsuNZM
https://mega.co.nz/#!8R5X3T6C!D-j_EcGhkWyhG8nyprhimcic_uf2chA-rXlnqaLIe7k
https://mega.co.nz/#!sBwwVDQB!cDmVCNH63i-eAMnvtrro7rMGjXDMJPqJbgbXjzX6jDQ
https://mega.co.nz/#!MQhB1L5R!Dj06bqJVgXZ1JAnLGvX1CuUqNs3lXtg8NkxkfbU4osY
Hope this gets you going.
MD
Bricked Iconia A500 working again
Hi, after nearly 3 years my Iconia A500 bricked when I tried to play a viseo file via the usb port.
After reading the forum I tried the first update zip file from this thrread and BINGO it worked
Thanks guys for the good job done:good::good:
studioph said:
Hi, after nearly 3 years my Iconia A500 bricked when I tried to play a viseo file via the usb port.
After reading the forum I tried the first update zip file from this thrread and BINGO it worked
Thanks guys for the good job done:good::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How long does it take to load, how long should I wait to try the next one?
gonka95 said:
How long does it take to load, how long should I wait to try the next one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it is some weeks ago I can't remember how long it took to load but it was not extreme. I think all was done in 1 or 2 hours. But during the process you get already some info that the tablet is working "normally"
Good luck with trying, my tablet is still working fine
PH
I have try with all update.zip and my tab is always block on "Android" logo.. can u help me?
megoza said:
I have try with all update.zip and my tab is always block on "Android" logo.. can u help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of course, is that the file must be renamed to just "update.zip" and if you are doing this from a Windows machine, you may not see the ".zip" part. Do not be worried about that and just rename to "update". I copied each file, in turn, to the MicroSD card BEFORE renaming the file. That way, you retain the original and don't end up with "update", "update(1)", update(2), etc.
Have your Iconia A500 fully charged and powered off. Disconnect the power cable. Install the MicroSD, loaded with the "update.zip" file (the gold contacts side of the card face the screen side on the A500) into the card slot in the top of the Iconia A500. Holding the left side of the Volume Switch down, press and hold the Power Button down. When the tablet powers up, release just the Power Button. When you see the writing appear in the top left corner of the screen showing that it is loading the update file, release the Volume Switch. You should shortly see an Android figure with a spinning ball of triangles (not sure of the correct geometric term) in its belly. If the Android changes to laying down, with a red triangular exclamation, that version did not work. You should see a light blue thin progress bar if it is loading.
---------- Post added at 03:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:01 PM ----------
I tried the different files. The "41-124-01-update.zip" loaded, but the progress bar only got about 20% - 25% along the way before not progressing any further. I left it overnight, and in the morning, it was still the same. The ball of triangles is still spinning in the Android's belly, but no progress is happening. The first time this happened, after an hour, I manually powered down the tablet, and then powered it back up. I got the buzz and the ACER logo (constant brightness), but it went no further. It just hangs there. And yes, I tried the external Factory Data Reset, and no, it did not work either!
Any ideas on what might be stopping the progress bar, or how to get the update to completely load?
Has anyone had any luck installing an alternative bootloader and then installing a different image?
Is this a software or hardware issue?
NOTE: My A500 Iconia experienced the exact same issue regarding failure to boot that has been described by hundreds on various forums. I was hoping that I'd finally discovered a fix.
Hi do you mind upload these files again? They are no longer exist.....Thanks!
Aelliseu said:
Hi do you mind upload these files again? They are no longer exist.....Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just checked and all links are valid.
I'll try loading them to Mega if I get time. Dev Host has become really slow lately.
MD
Moscow Desire said:
Just checked and all links are valid.
I'll try loading them to Mega if I get time. Dev Host has become really slow lately.
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this valid also for A501 and, if not, where can I find the update.zip for A501? Thanks!
lahor said:
Is this valid also for A501 and, if not, where can I find the update.zip for A501? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, they will run on a 501, but you won't get 3g or GPS.
www.acer.ru has the 501 ICS update files. You will need to match the update to your current Operating System Build. The reason, is that they run "patch" updates. So if you've been running a custom ROM, you will need to roll back to a factory 3.x.x and use the matching update file.
Moscow Desire said:
Just checked and all links are valid.
I'll try loading them to Mega if I get time. Dev Host has become really slow lately.
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much!!!! You save my tablet!!!!:good: :good:
Aelliseu said:
Thank you so much!!!! You save my tablet!!!!:good: :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did?
I got no result with those 4 options. Tablet is stil dead. Do you have another option of file?
lahor said:
I got no result with those 4 options. Tablet is stil dead. Do you have another option of file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really, you will have to use Timmy Dean's Rollback Tool.
Basically it's an EUUS 3.2.1 ROM that will reset your partitions. The only advantage to running TD's tool, compared to a regular EUUS, is that TD's tool installs it "pre-rooted with a CWM recovery".
Either way, you are going to have to go back to 3.2.1. No way around it.
And... you will need your CPUID number to do it. I hope you had a custom recovery installed, as it should have this number. If not, you will need linux to get it. Neither tool will run without it.
MD
Moscow Desire said:
So for Stock A500 users
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used these update.zip's to upgrade my 4.0.2 to 4.0.3. Great, but I can't get adb to recognize the A500. Is there a trick to this?
My A 500 has not been modified, but I too had no result, or at least no positive result. Do I also need to use this Timmy Dean's Rollback Tool? I also don't have my CPUID number. I do have a laptop loaded with Ubuntu 14.04, so can I use that to get it?
rasmith3530 said:
My A 500 has not been modified, but I too had no result, or at least no positive result. Do I also need to use this Timmy Dean's Rollback Tool? I also don't have my CPUID number. I do have a laptop loaded with Ubuntu 14.04, so can I use that to get it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get your CPUID here, using Ubuntu.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1751978
Download the following Timmy Deans 3.2.1 rollback tool and extract to your PC;
https://mega.co.nz/#!FFoxzRLY!fSmY49VDxCdr-hwv6Tw7GPLIzUQNOzSgDzmzAspwmNc
Run the PBxxx.exe and use administrators rights, Wait till it gives the pop up to put your tab in apx mode and do it and connect. Enter uid number.
Hope it works. Remember that acer no longer has ota servers, for a year now, so you will have to do a manual update.
Thanks for the information MD. I will try this and report back here my results.
Moscow Desire said:
Not really, you will have to use Timmy Dean's Rollback Tool.
Basically it's an EUUS 3.2.1 ROM that will reset your partitions. The only advantage to running TD's tool, compared to a regular EUUS, is that TD's tool installs it "pre-rooted with a CWM recovery".
Either way, you are going to have to go back to 3.2.1. No way around it.
And... you will need your CPUID number to do it. I hope you had a custom recovery installed, as it should have this number. If not, you will need linux to get it. Neither tool will run without it.
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am back without results.
1. need linux- i have a linux (Ubuntu ) on my comp
2. I saw the instructions but:
He says: You need to install this: Install GCC, lsusb, libusb-1.0.x, libusb-1.0-dev . where can I find those files and how can I install this?Do you have one package for all files or some links?
I tried to get some file and I begin with gcc apx.c -o apx -lusb-1.0 , then I get on my terminal
[email protected]:/home/deni/Bureaublad# gcc apx.c -o apx -lusb-1.0
apx.c:1:31: fatal error: libusb-1.0/libusb.h: Bestand of map bestaat niet(this is dutch)
#include <libusb-1.0/libusb.h>
What I need to do in this case?
3 Tablet in APX mode? How can I know when my tablet in APX mode is?
4.With all erorrs I tried to type ./apx (rename the apx.c) but I get the message: acces denied??
[email protected]:/home/deni/Bureaublad# ./apx
bash: ./apx: Toegang geweigerd
I need a Help
lahor said:
I am back without results.
1. need linux- i have a linux (Ubuntu ) on my comp
2. I saw the instructions but:
He says: You need to install this: Install GCC, lsusb, libusb-1.0.x, libusb-1.0-dev . where can I find those files and how can I install this?Do you have one package for all files or some links?
I tried to get some file and I begin with gcc apx.c -o apx -lusb-1.0 , then I get on my terminal
[email protected]:/home/deni/Bureaublad# gcc apx.c -o apx -lusb-1.0
apx.c:1:31: fatal error: libusb-1.0/libusb.h: Bestand of map bestaat niet(this is dutch)
#include <libusb-1.0/libusb.h>
What I need to do in this case?
3 Tablet in APX mode? How can I know when my tablet in APX mode is?
4.With all erorrs I tried to type ./apx (rename the apx.c) but I get the message: acces denied??
root[email protected]:/home/deni/Bureaublad# ./apx
bash: ./apx: Toegang geweigerd
I need a Help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Moscow Desire Thanks!
I have know Jellytime 4.3 on my tablet.Need a 10 days to make this. In the beginnig everything was difficult but now it seems so simple and easy.
My description for more clarity:
1. UBUNTU last version
2. In this version you have a GCC but not libusb-1.0-dev. The best option is synaptic package manager. Install this from UBUNTU software center.
Open the synaptic and search the all files with libusb -you will get the list with the required files . Just install the all!
3.Make or download apx.c. If you have 32 bit you can use code from this site (something about printif changing). Make the folder APX on Dekstop and put file apx.c there .
4. Open the terminal ( if you can not find the terminal(no experience with UBUNTU , just in search type terminal).
5. In the terminal type dir or ls,. You can see the all folders and then type
cd Desktop/APX. If you get something strange or you get no result try to type sudo su for "refresh"
6. type gcc apx.c -o apx -lusb-1.0
7. If you get message with errors this mean that your libusb 1.0 dev is not installed. If you see a new file apx near your old file apx.c then is OK
8.type ./apx .....(if you get the message acces denied or cannot open device just type sudo su for refresh)and your CPUID is there.
9. then you need SBK
10. Download V8-UNL-ICS-HC-bootloader-MULTI-cwm.zip and unzip this
11.Make APX mode on your tablet ( push reset button(with needle) then power(with finger ) ) everything is black(that's good) and you are ready.
12. open the V8-UNL-ICS-HC-bootloader-MULTI-cwm with V8.bat file, and follow instructions. Use your SBK, choose option 2 and go next(two times). When you get PASS on your tablet your tablet is ready.
13. Download the jellytime 4.3 with GAPPS to your microsd. from
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2376662 or HC 3.2 for ( in my case) A501 from this forum
no need to change name to update.zip .
14. The next step: Volume down +power (you are going to the recovery mode) and folow the instructions
Boot in recovery mode to flash theJellytime or HC3.2.
First, don't forget to execute a 'Wipe Data/Factory reset'
Flash the Jellytime
Flash the Gapps
Do a 'wipe cache partition'
Reboot
15. That's it!
16. Enjoy!