[Q] How to revitalize A501/ICS ? - Acer Iconia A500

Hello,
I got a stock not-rooted A501 as a gift after a failed ics update (not able to boot any more, but already ics bootloader installed...).
I was not able to find a full a501 ics rom, so i tried an a500 ics rom to test whether the hw is ok at all.
Everything went fine, but the a500 image does not support 3G and the a501 gps. Which keeps anoying me...
But what to do ? Were can i find an image for a a501 with ics bootloader (stock, not rooted) ?
Or is it possible to install a hc image on top of an ics bootloader and update afterwards via regular OTA update...
(i tried images from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1816560 but they did not work)
Any alternatives ?
Thanks!
Mejd

mejdal99 said:
Hello,
I got a stock not-rooted A501 as a gift after a failed ics update (not able to boot any more, but already ics bootloader installed...).
I was not able to find a full a501 ics rom, so i tried an a500 ics rom to test whether the hw is ok at all.
Everything went fine, but the a500 image does not support 3G and the a501 gps. Which keeps anoying me...
But what to do ? Were can i find an image for a a501 with ics bootloader (stock, not rooted) ?
Or is it possible to install a hc image on top of an ics bootloader and update afterwards via regular OTA update...
(i tried images from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1816560 but they did not work)
Any alternatives ?
Thanks!
Mejd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe try A501 Evil Alex Unleashed ICS ver 4.0.3 Ver 2

patch on top of image - or ?!
ich23 said:
Maybe try A501 Evil Alex Unleashed ICS ver 4.0.3 Ver 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hm, as far as I understood that thread the attached zip from Alex is a patch for an Acer_AV041_A501_1.021.00_WW_GEN1 image.
But my research went fruitless, no Acer_AV041_A501_1.021.00_WW_GEN1 could be found.
Or am I missing something ?
Mejd (confused!?)

mejdal99 said:
hm, as far as I understood that thread the attached zip from Alex is a patch for an Acer_AV041_A501_1.021.00_WW_GEN1 image.
But my research went fruitless, no Acer_AV041_A501_1.021.00_WW_GEN1 could be found.
Or am I missing something ?
Mejd (confused!?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use a 3g dongle with the ppp widget (search the forum). it works fine

Tried a little bit further....
troufitos said:
Just use a 3g dongle with the ppp widget (search the forum). it works fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would be an option, but I am still thrilled by having 3g built-in w/o dongle...
Tried a little bit further, but made it worse... due to an unlocked bootloader.
Flashing of new images is impossible now, I am getting:
Booting recovery kernel image
Recovery verified failed
and all my trials with AfterOTA 1.09 full (delivers CPUID, SBK etc; but flashing does not work w/o error message) and V8-UNL-ICS-HC-bootloader-MULTI-cwm (with error message "USB device not found") did not work.
(booting into android still works)
Might WinXP 32bit (fully up to date) in VMWare Fusion (im working on a Mac) be a problem ? (The USB device is mounted, the ACER drivers are installed... the device not found is a little bit irritating).
Any further options to get back to a working bootloader? Manually with adb ?
(yes I read the forum, but honestly I am confused, there are many ways to Rome, some are quite old. I tried afterota and V8-UNL-ICS-HC-bootloader-MULTI-cwm, the others looked to sketchy.
Thanks
Mejd

Related

Cannot root A501 with factory shipped Android 3.2

Hi all! My A501 16 GB had already installed Android 3.2 when I bought it. Initially I was thinking that maybe somebody updated it before I got it but now I think the tablet was factory shipped with 3.2. I followed different guides on how to downgrade to 3.0.1 or 3.1. People are reporting that they are able to downgrade after a too quick update to 3.2 without root. But on my A501 nothing seams working. I can install rooms from A500 with Android 3.0.1 and 3.1 but after the update the tablet restarts and right after starting only a red error message "Boot verified failed …" with the ACER logo in front, I consider this a bricked. Some other rooms I can't even install, the process stops before installing on the message "Booting recovery kernel image".
I am always able to repair my A501 with the available room of Android 3.2, but without downgrade I am unable to root. I am very disappointed because one week before I bought an A501 32 GB for a friend and that one was shipped with 3.0.1 and there was no problem to root it.
Currently I am convinced that my new A501 has a different boot loader which is not allowing me to downgrade or rather start another version.
Any help would be much appreciated! Within these circumstances I could buy an I-Pad also!
hapid said:
Hi all! My A501 16 GB had already installed Android 3.2 when I bought it. Initially I was thinking that maybe somebody updated it before I got it but now I think the tablet was factory shipped with 3.2. I followed different guides on how to downgrade to 3.0.1 or 3.1. People are reporting that they are able to downgrade after a too quick update to 3.2 without root. But on my A501 nothing seams working. I can install rooms from A500 with Android 3.0.1 and 3.1 but after the update the tablet restarts and right after starting only a red error message "Boot verified failed …" with the ACER logo in front, I consider this a bricked. Some other rooms I can't even install, the process stops before installing on the message "Booting recovery kernel image".
I am always able to repair my A501 with the available room of Android 3.2, but without downgrade I am unable to root. I am very disappointed because one week before I bought an A501 32 GB for a friend and that one was shipped with 3.0.1 and there was no problem to root it.
Currently I am convinced that my new A501 has a different boot loader which is not allowing me to downgrade or rather start another version.
Far as I know their is know root help would be much appreciated! Within these circumstances I could buy an I-Pad also!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No root is available for stock 3.2 far as I know.
There is more A500 than A501 Users so I think there will a root for the 3.2 version after the official upgrade of the A500.
I have the same problem with my A500.
I tried to get back from the Official 3.2 back to 3.1 as I need root also but now have "boot verified failed" and can't load any other roms on there, including the Chinese one that everybody was using to un-brick their A500s.
a501 3.2
Hi,
There is no android 3.1 for the a501, only the stock 3.0.1 and then the latest 3.2
You need to downgrade to 3.0.1, root the a501 using iconiaroot and then install any of the various 3.2 roms out there.
You need to download Acer_A501_1.309.02_COM_GEN1_SD_update.zip
Just google it and you can get it from the filesonic link.
Rename it to update.zip, stick it on a microsd card and then restart the a501 holding volume up + the power button.
This should install the stock 3.0.1 and from there, as stated above, you should be able to use iconiaroot to get root access and then reflash with any of the various 3.2 roms.
Have fun.
firestorm2yk said:
...You need to download Acer_A501_1.309.02_COM_GEN1_SD_update.zip...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, your help is very apreciated. I downloaded the rom and was able to install it but I ended up as many times before with other romes. After start instantly the message appears "Boot verified failed ...". Since this is a GEN1 version I fear I need a CUS7. Any Idea where I could get 3.0.1 for CUS7? Thanks!
Ok,
Try updating to 3.2 again using Acer_A501_0.000.00_4.017.03_EMEA_CUS7 (you need to google it, i cant post links as im new).
Once you are successfully booted into HC3.2, factory reset the a501 by either going to privacy - personal data - factory reset.
Alternatively, you can try the other factory reset method where you:
1. Switch off
2. Press Vol-up + Power
3. If display goes on: Release power but hold vol-up
3. Toggle Lock switch (On>Off>On>Off)
Screen will display:
Erasing Userdata..
Erasing Cache..
Then get the Acer_A501_1.309.02_COM_GEN1_SD_update.zip file and rename it to update.zip, out it on the root of a clean microsd card and start up your a501 holding the power button + volume up to install the stock rom.
This is the process i used to downgrade when i upgraded to 3.2 and realised there was no root access and it works fine on my a501.
Let us know how it goes.
firestorm2yk said:
Let us know how it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed your advice but with the same outcome "Boot validated failed ...".
3.2 is using a new bootloader that itsmagic doesn't work with. For now, you'll have to stick with stock 3.2 (if it's still working for you). You cannot root these devices yet and you cannot downgrade them either.
FloatingFatMan said:
(if it's still working for you)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3.2 is working. I'm always able to reanimate with 3.2. Thanks anyway!
Solution
Finally the solution is here: [TUT] Revert OTA 3.2 back to 3.0.1

Stuck on "ACER" logo...won't boot & pc can't see it......Help Please

Stuck on "ACER" logo at boot...won't boot & pc can't see it.
If I go into recovery I get: Android Guy & Box with arrow then a triangle with explanation point.
I was running ICS Rooted OTA.
I was trying to return the tablet to stock ICS & Boot Loader, when I messed things up.
(Sold Tablet--Need to restore it to factory look & feel.)
If someone could please advise I'd GREATLY appreciate it.
Thanks,
Rob
rgenins said:
Stuck on "ACER" logo at boot...won't boot & pc can't see it.
If I go into recovery I get: Android Guy & Box with arrow then a triangle with explanation point.
I was running ICS Rooted OTA.
I was trying to return the tablet to stock ICS & Boot Loader, when I messed things up.
(Sold Tablet--Need to restore it to factory look & feel.)
If someone could please advise I'd GREATLY appreciate it.
Thanks,
Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried to restore HC boot loader on an ICS rom. Don't worry just download one of the update package from the following link. As you mentioned you were on ICS rom then try ICS update only as it will update boot loader back to ics. Decrypt the file using Acer decrypter on the same link. Place the update.zip on your externel SD and then boot in recovery. Let other recovery install the update file.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113878
Only Acer logo
Hi all,
i have the problem that the A500 does nothing else but show the Acer logo.
The only thing i can do is use TWRP.
What did i try:
I tried flashing some roms using TWRP, also some older ones but no luck.
I tried using an empty SD-card and then start with Volume - and Power but no luck
What can i do...i am stuck...
Anyone? Still have a non-working Iconia 500...boohoo
Is it an option to flash it with Clockworkmod / CWM, reboot, flash it with an Acer ROM ?
jan99 said:
Anyone? Still have a non-working Iconia 500...boohoo
Is it an option to flash it with Clockworkmod / CWM, reboot, flash it with an Acer ROM ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, telling us you've "tried some other ROMs" and have had "no luck" is pretty much telling us nothing at all.
What ROMs -exactly-?
What -exactly- do you do in TWRP?
What version of TWRP?
-Exactly- what error messages do you get?
What bootloader do you have? Sounds to me like you might have the HC bootloader when trying to install a stock ICS ROM. This is not going to work, period.
If you want help, you've got to provide enough info to help you.
Hi FloatingFatMan,
thanx for your answer.
I tried TWRP v2.1.0 with following roms:
Acer_A500_4.010.42_7.006.01_COM_GEN1
Acer_A500_7.014.14_041.203.01_COM_GEN1
cm-9-20120708-UNOFFICIAL-a500
recovery-ra-iconia-3.17-
gnm
Today i updated TWRP to v2.2.0 using openrecovery-twrp-2.2.0-picasso-signed and tried the cm-10-20120730-UNOFFICIAL-a500.zip rom. Same problem, after system reboot i only see the acer icon (permanent).
Also tried cm-9-20120708-UNOFFICIAL-a500.zip but same problem.
What can i do?
There are three main ingredients when customizing a device:
1) BOOTLOADER
2) RECOVERY
3) ROM/KERNEL
You provided answers to #2 and #3....what about #1??? What BOOTLOADER are you on?
Thanks for your reply.
I never changed my bootloader so that will be stock i think.
Finally i managed to get it going again. The trikck was to use a 3.0 stock rom. That worked.
From there i now use ICS (stock) which is fine at first. I had not seen anything but the Acer logo the past 2 weeks, so the Acer ICS will do perfectly now.
But for later on: can i use CM9 or CM10 with default bootloader + TWRP 2.2.0?
Rippster said:
There are three main ingredients when customizing a device:
1) BOOTLOADER
2) RECOVERY
3) ROM/KERNEL
You provided answers to #2 and #3....what about #1??? What BOOTLOADER are you on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll need the unlocked ICS bootloader. Civato made a great guide over in the DEV section.
jan99 said:
Thanks for your reply.
I never changed my bootloader so that will be stock i think.
Finally i managed to get it going again. The trikck was to use a 3.0 stock rom. That worked.
From there i now use ICS (stock) which is fine at first. I had not seen anything but the Acer logo the past 2 weeks, so the Acer ICS will do perfectly now.
But for later on: can i use CM9 or CM10 with default bootloader + TWRP 2.2.0?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK to explain for you.
ICS and JB require the ICS bootloader to run. They will not run on the HC bootloader unless specifically modified to do so. Also, no HC ROM will run on the ICS bootloader. This is why none of those ROMs were working for you.
Flashing stock ICS has updated your bootloader with the locked ICS one, so you probably won't be able to downgrade to any HC ROMs, or use any custom ROMs anymore. You can, however, use APX mode to install the unlocked ICS bootloader which will enable custom ROMs again.
I don't recommend trying to install ANY custom ROMs now until you'd flashed the unlocked bootloader. Instructions for this are in the Development section. Read VERY carefully before proceeding and if in doubt, don't proceed.
Hi FloatingFatMan,
thanks for the explanation.
I think i will stick to the stock rom at first. The APX way is not without risk...but maybe in the near future...
jan99 said:
Thanks for your reply.
I never changed my bootloader so that will be stock i think.
Finally i managed to get it going again. The trikck was to use a 3.0 stock rom. That worked.
From there i now use ICS (stock) which is fine at first. I had not seen anything but the Acer logo the past 2 weeks, so the Acer ICS will do perfectly now.
But for later on: can i use CM9 or CM10 with default bootloader + TWRP 2.2.0?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having the same "stuck on acer logo" issue. I am totally novice when talking about how to flash to ROM and stuff. Can you please direct to me a simple "dummy guide" on how to flash back to factory rom and fix my tablet. I tried the hard reset by holding down volume up and pwr button and on/off button, where i see the 'erasing..." but it still goes back to logo screen.
Please help me with my situation. Thanks in advance.
Have a look at this video
That is an example on how to do it.

[Q] Another A500 frozen on logo Acer...

Hello,
I've been searching for almost 2 weeks in forums how to fix my A500 frozen on logo Acer (following a crash when I was launching a game).
I've tried to boot on these 2 ics roms in recovery mode : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1699277, the install starts and then the Android man falls...
I've tried to flash (flash.dat) in apx and my computers disconnects the tablet...
I've tried to get my cpuid with windows ans ubuntu : didn't work...
Maybe someone here is going to have an idea to help me? There seem to be very competent members, here!
(I hope my english is good enough to make you understand me, sorry if it doesn't look very clear to you, but I'm French)
EASY
If you go to tegraowners forum and read/install one of the recoveries there - in the various topics it will explain how to "really format data-data/media"
From there you will once again be able to install roms etc.
freightyard said:
If you go to tegraowners forum and read/install one of the recoveries there - in the various topics it will explain how to "really format data-data/media"
From there you will once again be able to install roms etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. I went to tegraowners forums and the only post I found about really format data doesn't fit, because my tablet doesn't start properly and I can't go to a menu to choose options, I can only start in recovery mode... (but maybe I didn't watch the right thread, please tell me)
recovery
woukou said:
Thanks for your reply. I went to tegraowners forums and the only post I found about really format data doesn't fit, because my tablet doesn't start properly and I can't go to a menu to choose options, I can only start in recovery mode... (but maybe I didn't watch the right thread, please tell me)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's what you need the recovery
just get a tegraowners recovery and flash it with your recovery
BTW
what recovery do you have on your tab presently
freightyard said:
that's what you need the recovery
just get a tegraowners recovery and flash it with your recovery
BTW
what recovery do you have on your tab presently
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The tablet had no recovery on an sd card (no sd card at all before the crash!), so I've downloaded many different updates since the crash, and it doesn't work. Maybe it was not the good solution, though;.. Which recovery do you advise me to download?
recovery
woukou said:
The tablet had no recovery on an sd card (no sd card at all before the crash!), so I've downloaded many different updates since the crash, and it doesn't work. Maybe it was not the good solution, though;.. Which recovery do you advise me to download?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think maybe you misunderstand what recovery is
It is a low level program that is on an internal partition
you open it by holding volume- while pushing power button
when it opens if it just immediately tries to load from the sd card then it is stock
if it opens with a menu then it should also say somewhere what recovery it is.
It is also somewhat important to know what android you had on the tab and whether it was rooted and what bootloader version.
there is an A500 manager at tegraowners by blackthund3r that will update the bootloader install a recovery and root the tablet.
if it's an official acer rom the afterota will probably help fix it.
barring all that - if you sign up to be a tegraowner member and pm(private message) me I can dropbox you babsector as well.
suggested recovery would be the new twrp or the 1.7.3 cwm recovery
freightyard said:
I think maybe you misunderstand what recovery is
It is a low level program that is on an internal partition
you open it by holding volume- while pushing power button
when it opens if it just immediately tries to load from the sd card then it is stock
if it opens with a menu then it should also say somewhere what recovery it is.
It is also somewhat important to know what android you had on the tab and whether it was rooted and what bootloader version.
there is an A500 manager at tegraowners by blackthund3r that will update the bootloader install a recovery and root the tablet.
if it's an official acer rom the afterota will probably help fix it.
barring all that - if you sign up to be a tegraowner member and pm(private message) me I can dropbox you babsector as well.
suggested recovery would be the new twrp or the 1.7.3 cwm recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for these explanations, you're right , I was confused about all that!
To be clear about what you said : when I push volume- and power, there are a few lines written (erasing... sd car... booting recovery kernel...) then the Android fells down. so it is stock, isn't it?
The tablet wasn't rooted I believe because I never touched anything since I bought it ( october 2011) but I can't find on the box or notice which Android was on it...
But I don't understand your advice (I don't know a lot about tablets + foreign language : forgive me!) : do you advice me to try "an A500 manager at tegraowners by blackthund3r that will update the bootloader" or try "babsector" (don't know what it is...)
By the way I registered on tegraowners just now, as woukou.
Thanks a lot to take time for my problem
recovery
woukou said:
Thank you for these explanations, you're right , I was confused about all that!
To be clear about what you said : when I push volume- and power, there are a few lines written (erasing... sd car... booting recovery kernel...) then the Android fells down. so it is stock, isn't it?
The tablet wasn't rooted I believe because I never touched anything since I bought it ( october 2011) but I can't find on the box or notice which Android was on it...
But I don't understand your advice (I don't know a lot about tablets + foreign language : forgive me!) : do you advice me to try "an A500 manager at tegraowners by blackthund3r that will update the bootloader" or try "babsector" (don't know what it is...)
By the way I registered on tegraowners just now, as woukou.
Thanks a lot to take time for my problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are numerous methods to fix this
first login to tegraowners and pm me with
Did you get updates from acer and install them since you bought the tablet
Do you know if it was Ice Cream Sandwich or Honeycomb running on the tablet
do you have your cpuid or know what it is ?
Is your tablet an Acer A500 ,A501 or something other ?
freightyard said:
There are numerous methods to fix this
first login to tegraowners and pm me with
Did you get updates from acer and install them since you bought the tablet
Do you know if it was Ice Cream Sandwich or Honeycomb running on the tablet
do you have your cpuid or know what it is ?
Is your tablet an Acer A500 ,A501 or something other ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, I can't mp you because "We are sorry, but you are not authorised to use this feature. You may have just registered here and may need to participate more to be able to use this feature. ", maybe you can mp me and I will reply...
But I can answer you here:
- I only had 1 update since I bought the tablet (maybe 1 year ago) and it was the regular Acer update.
- I don't know at all if it was Ice Cream sandwich or Honeycomb on it (bought in october 2011, and I still have the box if it can help...)
- I don't have the cpuid, and I tried yesterday to get it through Windows (when the tablet appears in usb) and through Ubuntu (file called apx.c, etc...) and I didin't work unfortunately...
- My tablet is A500 Iconia tab
I hope that will help...
woukou said:
First, I can't mp you because "We are sorry, but you are not authorised to use this feature. You may have just registered here and may need to participate more to be able to use this feature. ", maybe you can mp me and I will reply...
But I can answer you here:
- I only had 1 update since I bought the tablet (maybe 1 year ago) and it was the regular Acer update.
- I don't know at all if it was Ice Cream sandwich or Honeycomb on it (bought in october 2011, and I still have the box if it can help...)
- I don't have the cpuid, and I tried yesterday to get it through Windows (when the tablet appears in usb) and through Ubuntu (file called apx.c, etc...) and I didin't work unfortunately...
- My tablet is A500 Iconia tab
I hope that will help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
without the cpuid there is little you can do
try reading through and running this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=26618772&postcount=1
freightyard said:
without the cpuid there is little you can do
try reading through and running this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=26618772&postcount=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to read it, thanks!
freightyard said:
without the cpuid there is little you can do
try reading through and running this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=26618772&postcount=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
I read the whole page, I downloaded the 2 files (1 big-1 tiny) and I guess I'm stupid, because I don't know how to use them...
Could someone help me? Thanks!
woukou said:
Hello,
I read the whole page, I downloaded the 2 files (1 big-1 tiny) and I guess I'm stupid, because I don't know how to use them...
Could someone help me? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like your in a similar situation to me.
IF your any good with Linux read up here to get your CPUID http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1751978
then your 1 step closer.
follow my thread here as well for things to read & try http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2729674
.
Still bricked...
Hello,
It's beeen a long time ( lot of work and not many time to spend on the tablet...) but I did try all tips you gave me, and I realize I can't go any further without that CPUID!
I tried methods to get CPUID that are described on this post :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=25429111#post25429111
- With A500 manager : my PC sees my connected "in APX" tablet, but it doesn't want to give me a serial number...
- With usb deview I can get the snid (that is also on the box) and that is only 11 characters...
- With Ubuntu : the PC doesn't recognize the tablet at all (normal or APX mode)
- Methods 4, 6 and 7 won't work because my tablet is stuck on Acer logo
And I have no idea how to use methods 2 and 5 (sorry...)
Are there any other methods to try with my PC (Windows 7- X64)
Can someone help me? I'm crazy about that tablet that starts but doesn't work!
Thanks in advance if you can!
Tried these too:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2755126
Nothing...
Hurra! and Noooo
Hello,
I managed to bring my tablet to life! (with getting my cpuid with Ubuntu and updating with EUU)
BUT now I want to get a real update and I can't! When I launch it, the tablet says "you wifi is too unstable, try later" I tried at a neighbour's, and it's the same : it comes from the tablet!
What would you suggest?
woukou said:
Hello,
I managed to bring my tablet to life! (with getting my cpuid with Ubuntu and updating with EUU)
BUT now I want to get a real update and I can't! When I launch it, the tablet says "you wifi is too unstable, try later" I tried at a neighbour's, and it's the same : it comes from the tablet!
What would you suggest?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just for info, it seems Acer has shut down it's update servers. I have an a501 (recently bricked forever), and an A701. Neither can get updates. Usually, I get the message "Network coverage is poor, try a different location". So it seems these are messages generated from the tablet. More than likely as a triggered response from their old servers.
I'm on direct wifi
Also, acer has been deleting their available update ROMs from their support servers. I grabbed some a couple days ago, and now today they are gone!
Pretty sure Acer is getting out of the tablet business, or at least they act like it.
Ok thanks for the information, it's not only my tablet that can't update!
But, what do you think would be the best (and most simple!) solution to run ICS like it used to do?
Every link I found to get an update for 3.0.1 are dead...
I'm not a specialist, and all tutorials for rooting and install ICS (rom or custopm) seem complicated and risky!
Thanks in advance for your advice
woukou said:
Ok thanks for the information, it's not only my tablet that can't update!
But, what do you think would be the best (and most simple!) solution to run ICS like it used to do?
Every link I found to get an update for 3.0.1 are dead...
I'm not a specialist, and all tutorials for rooting and install ICS (rom or custopm) seem complicated and risky!
Thanks in advance for your advice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, there are a couple of methods to update manually. The key, is getting the correct match of 3.x.x to 4.x.x. Sometimes the ICS updates will use a "patch" install, and it's very specific to which current ROM is installed.
Tell you what, remind me again which tablet (500 or 501) you have, and I'll take a look at what I have on my own servers, and maybe we can get you upgraded manually. Pretty simple really.
Moscow Desire said:
Well, there are a couple of methods to update manually. The key, is getting the correct match of 3.x.x to 4.x.x. Sometimes the ICS updates will use a "patch" install, and it's very specific to which current ROM is installed.
Tell you what, remind me again which tablet (500 or 501) you have, and I'll take a look at what I have on my own servers, and maybe we can get you upgraded manually. Pretty simple really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
I tell you all what I know and can read on the tablet:
Acer Iconia tab A50016GB Wifi
Android version 3.0.1
Kernel version 2.6.36.3-00001-gf991e5d
Build number ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1
I hope it's enough, thanks again!
woukou said:
Thanks!
I tell you all what I know and can read on the tablet:
Acer Iconia tab A50016GB Wifi
Android version 3.0.1
Kernel version 2.6.36.3-00001-gf991e5d
Build number ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1
I hope it's enough, thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try those full ICS updates in the first thread of this forum. I believe they are full a500 ICS updates. There are 4 of them, and you may have to try them all. One of them may work. Not sure if they will update from 3.0.1 though.
I'm mobile right now, and can't personally check them.

[Q] help with upgrading a501 from 3.2 to 4.0.3

hi xda-ders
this is my first post , and i've been re-directed here to ask questions about my acer a501. so i've had my a501 for 20 months, before it suddenly developed the well documented issue of mainboard memory failure which cannot be fixed by software. i returned my a501 to acer nz to be repaired under warranty, and they replaced the mainboard. unfortunately this mainboard was also faulty with no wireless, so i had to return it again for another round of repairs.
i finally got my a501 back on friday, and realised that the mainboard replacement was on android 3.2. previously i had upgraded to android 4.0.3 using the acer iconia tab update app, but this doesn't seem to work anymore.
1. when i do a settings - about tablet - system update check, i get the message "network coverage is currently poor. please move to a location with better coverage to continue." googling this i find that acer no longer does OTA updates and have shut down their servers so i can't do it this way.
2. i called acer nz for support on upgrading to 4.0.3. they directed me to the acer nz support website where apparently i can download the update.zip and install it manually. following the instructions exactly, i can't get this to work and keep ending up with the android robot with a yellow ! icon.
can somebody help me with the steps needing to update android 3.2 to 4.0.3 manually? i've tried searching the web and xda but many of the threads are quite old from 2 years ago when ics was first released. thank you
my tablet info:
model number = A501
android version = 3.2
baseband version = Cust:R3C01 Config:R3S/3 Conf:R3C01 Protocol:R3B01 App:R3C01
kernel version = 2.6.36.3+
build number = Acer_A501_4.031.24_COM_GEN1
Did you try to update with a 2gb micro sd? The standard recovery doesn't recognize "big" micro sd., from what I saw.
One thing: I'm not 100% sure you can update your tablet without updating recovery too. Just in case, retrieve the cpuid of your tablet, it could be helpful if it goes in boot-loop!!
Same request but different scenario
So I have Acer A500 currently running Honeycomb version installed by tool "tdv4_rollback_rom". This tool helps you to get on with valid cwm recovery and rooted honeycomb rom. I assume this brings me to HC bootloader, which is not compatible with any ICS ROM. So if I understand correctly, I will have to upgrade to unlocked V8+ ICS Bootloader and from that point on flash ICS ROM (Lightspeed or Tabooney...). If my understanding is right, I am following correct guides to get unlocked ICS Bootloader on tab using AUTOMATED A500APXFlash tool. Everything goes fine and I do get PASS screen at end. After reboot, I boot in Skrilax V8 bootloader and then boot into recovery to flash ICS ROM. After flashing any ICS ROM, I am expecting my tablet to boot into corresponding ROM but after booting into primary kernel message, I am stuck at boot logo (acer, green droid based on ICS ROM I picked). No matter what I do, I can't pass this splash screen.
So far, I have tried bunch of things,
- tdv4_rollback_rom tool
- Afterota (to flash custom recovery and bootloader)
- APXManager to get unlocked ICS Bootloader V9 on tablet (Automatic and Manual as well). This has ran successfully (PASS message) multiple times, while there were times where it got stuck in second stage of uploading.
- At end, I have tried BabSector, "a501 A.bat" ran successfully, Booted in recovery formatted System (twice), While running "a501 B.bat" (in APX Mode) as following step, I got error message "bootloader status: Bct Write Failed (code: 22) message: nverror:0x42008 (0x6042008) flags: 0"
Anytime, when I am stuck in APX mode (while doing any of the above mentioned steps), I run back to tdv4_roolback_rom tool to get proper recovery and HC rom running on tablet.
So is it partially bricked or I am following some wrong steps?
Any suggestions to fix this issue? Or I should keep HC running on tablet? I am open to run pure ICS stock as well with stock recovery and bootloader, but darn thing won't pass the boot logo.
Thanks
omniastrider said:
Did you try to update with a 2gb micro sd? The standard recovery doesn't recognize "big" micro sd., from what I saw.
One thing: I'm not 100% sure you can update your tablet without updating recovery too. Just in case, retrieve the cpuid of your tablet, it could be helpful if it goes in boot-loop!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually i tried updating with a 1gb microsd but it didn't work. i have 2gb and 16gb cards at hand, but neither of them works so i don't think it's the microsd that is the problem.
how do i update recovery? i'm happy to use other types of recovery if i can get to 4.0.3 but so far all my reading hasn't showed any full factory acer rom that i can flash. :crying:
tildespace said:
actually i tried updating with a 1gb microsd but it didn't work. i have 2gb and 16gb cards at hand, but neither of them works so i don't think it's the microsd that is the problem.
how do i update recovery? i'm happy to use other types of recovery if i can get to 4.0.3 but so far all my reading hasn't showed any full factory acer rom that i can flash. :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the old times (a couple of years ago) I managed to update my Acer A500 from 3.2 to 4.0.3 (the leaked one from Acer) without installing another recovery, but maybe for the A501 the things are a little different.
omniastrider said:
In the old times (a couple of years ago) I managed to update my Acer A500 from 3.2 to 4.0.3 (the leaked one from Acer) without installing another recovery, but maybe for the A501 the things are a little different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in the old times on my previous tablet, i updated my a501 using the OTA check update app from within the tablet. i assume that is directly from acer, however it seems the servers have been shutdown and therefore i can't use that method anymore. hence why i'm asking if anyone here on xda has the full 4.0.3 that i can use to overwrite 3.2 version.
tildespace said:
in the old times on my previous tablet, i updated my a501 using the OTA check update app from within the tablet. i assume that is directly from acer, however it seems the servers have been shutdown and therefore i can't use that method anymore. hence why i'm asking if anyone here on xda has the full 4.0.3 that i can use to overwrite 3.2 version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I know, no more OTA from Acer. Have you taken a look here? There's a leaked ICS rom there...
omniastrider said:
I know, I know, no more OTA from Acer. Have you taken a look here? There's a leaked ICS rom there...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cool thanks for that link. i have downloaded the ICS rom and opened up the zip file, it doesn't look like a normal update.zip? what does leaked rom mean, not original from acer?
i'm worried that i might brick my tablet since i'm new at this flashing thing.
tildespace said:
cool thanks for that link. i have downloaded the ICS rom and opened up the zip file, it doesn't look like a normal update.zip? what does leaked rom mean, not original from acer?
i'm worried that i might brick my tablet since i'm new at this flashing thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Leaked" means that it comes from Acer, but it's not official (maybe it was a beta, maybe not, I don't know). From what I read, you only have to follow this flow chart in order to install it. Remember to save your data before flashing, and if you're not sure, don't flash!!

[Q] Android Stock Dead after rooted Rom

Please Help,
Two days ago my A500 freezes!
Had to force a shutdown, at start got stuck on Acer logo!
Tried the 4 official updates everyone talked about with no luck!
The only one that solved my problem was the original 3.x Honeycomb ROM:
SD_Acer_A501_Android 3.2.1_4.066.29_COM_GEN1
That Solved!
Then I downloaded a suposed Acer A500 Stock Rom to update from 3.2 to 4.0.3. Didn't notice was a rooted one, update completed then got an error.
ROM used: Acer_A500_Stock_ROM_v1.054.00_ww_gen1_rooted_4.0.3 _ICS
Now I can not even load stock recovery (vol-+ power), only power light turns on and off as i press power. No vibrate, no acer logo only a black screen!!
Can anyone help? Ideias?
PS: The A500 always was stock, no root, no special recevory, etc.
Thanks,
PereiraMan.
update
:fingers-crossed:
For the record it seams that my A500 is in APX mode.
After using a fresh install of Windows 7 with th Acer drivers, the fantastic OTA Tool: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1675939
Detected my A500 as in APX mode, and has an advanced feature specific for those like I stuck on APX mode that let's us Install Bootloader and Recovery.
First try didn't work: I downloaded and tried to install TWRP recovery and ICS Bootloader, it was stuck on FASE 2 (flashing recovery).
Will try this night with A500_Thor_Recovery_1.7.3.a500apx. :fingers-crossed:
Thanks,
PereiraMan.
No luck yet
Not giving up... no yet!
On the Windows Device Manager it detects tha A500 like "Acer USB Boot-recovery Driver"
The other night a think it was different, something like APX...
Any way in the system tray on the USB devices always shows APX device.
APX Tool and OTA Tool detect the A500 in APX mode, but none of them can flash a recovery... Windows Drivers issue?
Because ADB via command prompt doesn't detect the device!
The tools use ADB commands, right? And ADB shoud detect the device in APX mode, right?
Any APX expert?
More info:
in the driver details I have this values: "USB\VID_0955&PID_7820\5&24FD8A70&0&1"
Read somewhere the last digits are the CPUID... calculated the SBK. Hope is correct.
Thanks,
PereiraMan.
ok, first of all we need the patched bootloader to be able to flash a recovery and a custom ICS+ Rom. But to do that, you need to root first, using the ICSRoot tool, see the root guide in my sig for the download.
Then while you are there download the babsector.rar file - this file will install the patched bootloader and a recovery, but more importantly it will output an error if your tab is one of those which has a faulty memory chip. If this is the case then nothing you do will fix this issue
Put your tab into APX mode(do not use otatool or a500 manager to do this for you, you need to do it manually via the buttons) click the a.bat file and follow the onscreen instructions.
IF the bat file runs without error...congratulations, you now have the patched bootloader and recovery. But what you do not have yet is a workable rom...You must now boot DIRECTLY TO RECOVERY (PWR VOL DOWN).
The patched bootloader does not work with HC Roms which is what you still have at the moment, even tho you tried flashing ICS previously. So, flash one of the custom ICS+ roms.
The best thing to do though is wipe all your userdata first before you flash the rom. You can try and get away without the wipe but its not best practice!!!!
Once the rom is flashed you can reboot.
Just a couple of things to note - the a500 is very old now, and so are alot of the roms. You may still have trouble, altho you will have a running system, it may not run as you might want!!! I have not used my tab for this very reason...it freezes or takes along time to do anything like surf the net, emails etx...even using it as a media player seems to be too much for it,lol - I have not tried any of the JB roms, the tab is still on one of the "Flex" series of roms.
But anyway good luck with everything, feel free to ask if you have any issues
rgds dibb
Thanks dibb,
I will try to root, but don't I need the CPUID/UID for that? Everyone tells me that without it I can do nothing...
I'm stuck in APX (my A500 only turns on in apx I have nothing else) and have no CPUID... (i'm installing a Linux right know on a secondary laptop to solve that issue)
Also ICSroot link is not working!
About the A500, I bought it almost 4 years ago it had already ICS update available OTA that I apply in the first day... True it's a litle slow now when loaded with apps... A couple days ago when recovered from the "acer logo" symptom with acer recovery and honeycomb ROM I was susprise how fast it was (and yes without any apps). I was thinking about a light costum ROM or Cyanogen UnOfficial stable (version 10 i think) when i recover it.... Hope so! :fingers-crossed:
Thanks,
PereiraMan.
will try to root, but don't I need the CPUID/UID for that? Everyone tells me that without it I can do nothing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES YOU DO NEED CPUD!! Sorry, did not realise you did not have that. NONE of the auto tools will work without'!-This changes everything.
You are limited to a couple of choices to retrieve your UID
Hope your PC has stored it by you previously having Tabconnected to Pc via USB- there's a tool in my CPUIDGuide,1 forget nowwhat it is called.EDIT: USBdeview
OR
installing Linux.
I am pressed for time right at this minute will await
your reply as to this development
dibb
Success!!!
Finally Got my uid via Linux, was hard to install Linux, all my old CD's where broken, had to create a usb pen!
Anyway, my A500 UID: 0x37001474420a157
But that 17 digits, so realized the leading 0x is not part of the UID!
Flashed Bundle 17 with APX Flash Utility!
Now going to try some ROMs...
Thanks dibb!
PereiraMan
CyanogenMod
Hi dibb!
Just for the record ended up with cyanogen 12 tegraowners ROM (android 5.0.2)!
And did a litle CPU overclock with Thor Recevory from 1ghz to 1.2ghz..
I'm now a happy user of a Acer A500 with 4 years and a new life!
Thanks,
PereiraMan.
PereiraMan said:
Hi dibb!
Just for the record ended up with cyanogen 12 tegraowners ROM (android 5.0.2)!
And did a litle CPU overclock with Thor Recevory from 1ghz to 1.2ghz..
I'm now a happy user of a Acer A500 with 4 years and a new life!
Thanks,
PereiraMan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats awesome news my friend, glad to help

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