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I tried to upgrade my A500 to Ice Cream Sandwich and ended up with a non-bootable tablet. I uploaded a recovery partition and can boot into it, but every attempt to flash a new ROM after formatting doesn't correct the problem. The flash completes, but it doesn't get past the Acer prompt on startup. I see many web pages promising solutions, but I'm sort of lost here. Can anyone help?
Evan Jones
scoopjones said:
I tried to upgrade my A500 to Ice Cream Sandwich and ended up with a non-bootable tablet. I uploaded a recovery partition and can boot into it, but every attempt to flash a new ROM after formatting doesn't correct the problem. The flash completes, but it doesn't get past the Acer prompt on startup. I see many web pages promising solutions, but I'm sort of lost here. Can anyone help?
Evan Jones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well Evan, this is going to depend on exactly where you were when you started, and where you are now. So a little more info from you is needed.
1. What OS were you running when you started. HC? Stock?
2. Exactly what did you install? Was it an OTA? Or a rooted ICS build?
3. You said you uploaded a recovery partition. How and what did you do?
4. When you boot, do you see text in the upper lt corner about a mod bootloader version?
Note, that if you have an ICS Bootloader, you can no longer run HC Roms in most cases. And keep in mind there are a couple different versions of custom ICS Roms. 1 for HC bootloader tabs, and 1 for ICS UL bootloader tabs.
At this point, without knowing any other info, I would probably do the NVFlash of the unlocked Ver2 ICS Bootloader & Recovery from this thread. Understand you MUST Have your UID number and follow the link to convert it. If you didn't write it down before, you should be able to get it from your Nandroid Recovery backups on your Ext SD card when you did previous recovery backups before.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1522384
Remember, I didn't say to DO this, it's only a suggestion based on a lack of specific information. When you ask for help in this manner, it is better to provide all the information that is relevant. There are different fixes for different problems, and the more info we have, the better able to help you.
Unable to boot
Ok, I'll try to answer your questions. I'm really more familiar with Linux than Android, so I hope I understand what you're asking.
I had a rooted version of Taboonay 2.0 installed before (3.2, I think). I downloaded the Ice Cream Sandwich and tried to flash it. That's when it would no longer boot. I downloaded a recovery image (RA-ICONIA-3.16-getitnowmarketing), and that simply changes the Android system recovery menu. From there, it's possible to format and flash ROMs, but nothing will boot.
Is that close to what you were asking?
Unable to boot
Incidentally, the adb won't connect to my laptop, but I can use the ext SD card to copy files into it if necessary.
scoopjones said:
Incidentally, the adb won't connect to my laptop, but I can use the ext SD card to copy files into it if necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you have to get adb working before you can fix anything, see my guide here start from no.3 - hopefully that will do it. sometimes the drvers get a bit screwy after goin into apx mode and require reinstalling but lets just start with the adb
I bought it and it appears to have ICS because the Android version is 4.0.3 but that is all I really know right now. I expect that it was never updated OTA though because the guy I bought it off had it for 2 months and he was not the one who rooted it. I was going to leave it as is because I bought it for my 10 year old daughter...but the camera takes very blurry, kind of grainy looking pictures.
I am not afraid to root because I had a Samsung Fascinate and I loved the custom roms I downloaded to it. It had been over a year since i had the Fascinate so i am a little rusty when it comes to all if this. My problem is not knowing where to start with this A500 because I am unsure what has already been done to it.
The guy who sold it to me said he did a factory restore, but when I ran the check root app it does state that it's rooted and I figured it was because there is a app called superuser on the device. I don't know what kernal it has. I don't know if it has a bootloader and/or the version number. I don't know if it has CWM and/or the version. number.
What is the best way to proceed? By the way, the tablet is very clean with absolutely no scratches anywhere. Not a bad buy for $175 with a leather case...
Setting > About tablet. That should tell you quite a bit of info about it no?
download the acer recovery app , it will tell you what Bootloader you have and what recovery
Thanks for the replies! When I get home I will check. I don't want to brick the thing. I ordered a micro SD today and I will get it in 2 days so there is no hurry for me to proceed. Is it worth it to keep it rooted? Is the OTA ICS good enough? I don't think my daughter cares if the tablet is overclocked but if the roms are much better than stock than I would keep it rooted and then download a preferred rom.
Vintage144, in another post you specified that there is a Acer recovery beta...will I need that or would I just get the one from google play? Also when I find out which version of recovery and bootloader I have...I am not sure what to do with the information. Could AfterOta help me accomplish what I want if my goal is to try and fix her camera issue...either by going back to stock or updating the kernal and rom.
I don't want to seem like a noob but my only rooting experience was with my Fascinate which I did everything from stock. Now that I am not coming from stock, I am unsure where to go with what I have. It's like trying to get to a goal but not sure what step to start at. If I was starting from stock I could follow some of the threads here but it's not stock.
What info will I need to post here to let you guys know what is in my A500? I know that the Android version is 4.0.3 , what else will I need to post?
well the beta copy I believe is at thors tegra forum , but its by euclids brother (thats his name on xda) anyway if you've upgraded your BL it will tell you version you have and might give you accurate Recovery as well, if the device is only for your daughter and she's too young to really do anything I would stick with a stock rom and realistically I would upgrade the boot loader , why be left behind?
Theres no reason to root if you dont plan on doing anything major with it,that being said you wont be able to get a newer Boot Loader or custom recovery without it, and custom recovery is well worth the effort!
You guys are the pros so I will take your advise. I don't mind it being rooted and if there are some really nice roms I expect my daughter would like the different looks...it would seperate hers from others.
Android
4.0.3
Kernel version
2.6.39.4+
Image version
Acer_AV041_A500_RV16RB02_WW_GEN1
Build number
KJY2010lcylicious
Anything else I will get when I get home.
I would like to know how to get through all this in case I decide to get myself a A500 it's a really nice tablet.
Okay
Recovery Version: Revamped for Iconia 3.16
Bootloader Version: 3.01
With all the above information what would be my next step?
Sorry
Recovery Version: RA Revamed for Iconia 3.16
Damn auto correct!!!
You're already running an older custom rom...
You have root - your words not mine...
You can download another custom rom, put it on the sd card/ internal memory and reboot into recovery. You need to wipe cache, dalvik cache and do a data wipe(factory reset) after which you can install zip from sd card. Go to the rom zip file you put there and install...
Wait until it boots...
I don't know if you're running the new ICS bootloaders or not.
BEFORE FLASHING - make a nandroid backup. If things go bad then you can go back and restore the tab to before the flash...
It's worth getting your CPUID and keeping it safe somewhere and you might think about installing the ICS bootloaders (I'd do it just to be sure I have them) but thats you're choice...
Good luck...
ultramag69 said:
You're already running an older custom rom...
You have root - your words not mine...
You can download another custom rom, put it on the sd card/ internal memory and reboot into recovery. You need to wipe cache, dalvik cache and do a data wipe(factory reset) after which you can install zip from sd card. Go to the rom zip file you put there and install...
Wait until it boots...
I don't know if you're running the new ICS bootloaders or not.
BEFORE FLASHING - make a nandroid backup. If things go bad then you can go back and restore the tab to before the flash...
It's worth getting your CPUID and keeping it safe somewhere and you might think about installing the ICS bootloaders (I'd do it just to be sure I have them) but thats you're choice...
Good luck...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably want to hold off on flashing roms a second.
He's running an HC Bootloader. I'm 99% sure of this. Reason, RA Revamped 3.16 doesn't work with ICS Bootloaders. So you can install an ICS Rom, but, it has to be an ICS Rom for the HC Bootloader. And the performance under HC BL is not near as good as ICS BL.
I would do like UltraMag mentioned as far as install steps and such. It's how we install roms.
Check this thread;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425 (steps 1-6)
, and install an unlocked ICS Bootloader and a CWM 7 or 7.2 recovery. Then install one of the Roms made for the ICS Bootloader.
I know AfterOTA will do some of this for you. But this thread gives a good idea of what's going on.
Thanks for your help. I will be getting my micro sd card on Friday. In the mean time I will do a bunch of reading about the things you guys told me to do...again thanks a lot. I really appreciate the help.
I am the kind of person that really wants to know what I am doing...I don't expect all the answers, I just don't want to brick this device.
Forstir9,
Moscow Desire is a great dev on this board, his information about updating the bootloader is dead on. I recommend reading the entire OP in that thread, and then re-read section listed as Automated Flashing Tools, it really helps tremendously if you are a person familiar with root, but not extremely dynamic with making these changes.
I've rooted several BN Nooks and my A500 many many times and love it. I had the Honeylicious ROM that you listed prior to what I'm currently running. KYJ had a great HC ROM with that one! Personal preference currently for me on the ICS ROM is FLEXREAPER from Civato, poster of the referenced article from MD above, you can find that ROM info here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=22964651&postcount=1 Lots of cool features and step by step directions, which are what UltraMag69 listed in their post. There are many many different options though and I recommend reviewing several and then settling in on one when you find the one that fits your (or your daughter's) preferences best.
If you enjoy doing this and playing with the tablet your daughter may not keep it and may end up getting something different, because you may have too much fun with it...good luck, have fun, don't be scared to try things and ask questions (after you read first), and most importantly BACKUP BACKUP BACKUP...
Good luck,
-DB
Let me get this straight then.
1) boot into recovery and make a nandroid backup.
2) within that backup I should be able to find the CPUID on my sdcard...I will want to write this down and the write it down again somewhere else...out this number on my phone and computer...pretty much don't lose this number.
3) follow steps 1-6 from the link that Moscow Desire posted.
I am going to go with the Flexreaper rom...should I go with the extreme one or is there another Flexreaper rom that isn't extreme?
4) I think the 6 steps above will install a ICS bootloader
5) find and install the newest recovery
I only have 2 questions
How many of these steps does the Afterota app get Rid of?
Should I use the Acer recovery app to install the bootloader and/or the recovery?
forstir9 said:
Let me get this straight then.
1) boot into recovery and make a nandroid backup.
2) within that backup I should be able to find the CPUID on my sdcard...I will want to write this down and the write it down again somewhere else...out this number on my phone and computer...pretty much don't lose this number.
3) follow steps 1-6 from the link that Moscow Desire posted.
I am going to go with the Flexreaper rom...should I go with the extreme one or is there another Flexreaper rom that isn't extreme?
4) I think the 6 steps above will install a ICS bootloader
5) find and install the newest recovery
I only have 2 questions
How many of these steps does the Afterota app get Rid of?
Should I use the Acer recovery app to install the bootloader and/or the recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off. Thanks for thinking I am the "God" of the 501". Yeah, I know it pretty well.
Second, Ultramag, is is one of my right hand men. So I suggest you heed his advice well. I always trust his judgement. Am sure he has puled my arse out of the wringer a few times. Well, maybe not, but you get the picture. Some of us on XDA, support each other. That's how it is. I just noticed the bootloader version, And being one who likes flashing experimental code, well, I noticed.
So;
1. ALWAYS make a recovery backup. Then, restore it to make sure it works. (lots of people don't do this and they get fubar'd later).
2. UID. Seriously. Ok, the link on the many ways to get it. You don't want to get it, well... your;e pretty much fubar'd
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624645
3. He has the normal, and one with a kernel you can overclock. Your choice. Really, if you don't OC, then you run the same as the original. Please don't ask me the names of Civatos roms. The extreme will be fine for you. Just don't overclock it if you don't want to. Only difference is the kernel. Not the OS.
4. Yes.
5. For recovery, I would say CWM 1.7.2. Should work for you. 1.7.0 is also ok. Publick recovery is ok too.
6. Never ran After OTA. But hear it is good when you already have ICS.
Forget AcerRecovery. You will already have bootloaders and recovery installed.
MD
Know I'll probably get a bashing out of this but there's a V1.7.3 recovery on the site that must not be named (cough, tegraowners, cough) that supports the Aroma installer - on Thor's ICS rom anyway...
Just thought I'd throw that in too...
I am ready to do a backup...it's asking me what I want to backup...it has a (X) next to the following...
Boot
System
Data
Cache
Flexrom
Is this correct the way it is?
EDIT: ignore this post I didn't see page 2 -_-
Sorry that I didn't post this in Friday...but I really want to thank everyone for their help. It went very easy and it want too much different than my fascinate.
The camera still takes grainy pictures and a few apps has sounds issues but she really likes the rom a lot.
Thanks again for the help.
Hi all, I'm running a rooted A500 (Android 3.1 build number Acer_A500_4.010.13_COM_GEN2) using the 2.6.36 Honeyvillian 1.0 kernel (so I could OC) and would like to upgrade to a rooted ICS. But since I changed from the stock kernel I get a little confused trying to follow other threads on what to do. The threads seem to start out on topic but tend to drift and for somebody like me, that can make it very hard to understand. I'd like to stay away from a custom ROM, no insult to the hard working dev's intended. You guys have saved alot of my devices from ending up on the top shelf of the closet. I'd like to upgrade to a "stock" rooted ICS with proper bootloader, kernel, etc. If I decide later to try a dev's ROM then I'll always have that option, but since I've never messed with ICS...stock may do all I need. I'd like to root for OC because some of the things I do seem to run better if the device is OC'd. So, what I need are a clear set of instructions on what to do. OTA's dont work, I'm guessing thats because of the root and kernel. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
There are 2 threads with Stock rooted ICS roms in the developer section. Read each and choose the one that suits you. Also, you may need to separately update the bootloader. To do this there is a new tool in the developer section called afterota 1.02. This will help automate the process for you.
Thanks Cruise, but thats where the problem comes in. I've read over the threads you mentioned and I get lost. Because the threads are a generic install method and cant be refined to match my exact situation I dont know where to start. I dont know if I need to return to stock kernel before I do anything else or if I can flash the new stuff the way it is. Do I need to flash the bootloader first or the ROM and what about flashing recovery? Thats why I asked for a clear step by step, the Dev threads tend to be a little hard to follow for somebody with my novice knowledge.
realityrat said:
Thanks Cruise, but thats where the problem comes in. I've read over the threads you mentioned and I get lost. Because the threads are a generic install method and cant be refined to match my exact situation I dont know where to start. I dont know if I need to return to stock kernel before I do anything else or if I can flash the new stuff the way it is. Do I need to flash the bootloader first or the ROM and what about flashing recovery? Thats why I asked for a clear step by step, the Dev threads tend to be a little hard to follow for somebody with my novice knowledge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to go completely stock (stock kernel, non-rooted), then you need only to install one of the Stock ICS Roms. This set's your bootloader back to a stock condition. So that's simple enough. You can do this through CWM
You said you're on Honeyomb right now. So my suggestion, is to follow these steps to upgrade your a500 to ICS.Go Here and read the steps;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
Pay attention to step 4. You have a choice. Stock Rom with Full Root, or (in small print (stock rom no root).
If you decide to install Stock Rom No Root, then skip steps 5 and 6. Just copy the file to your EXT SD Card, boot to your recovery (pwr & Vol-) and install Zip From SD. It'll be a done deal. Recovery gone, ICS Stock bootloader and rom.
I have you do steps 1-3 because I want you to write down your UID!!!!!! It's the only thing that will save you if something messes up.
Then you can decide if you want to root and install some custom stuff later.
MD
MD, can you run setCPU w/o Root? I didn't think so. Since this OP requests the ability to OC specifically I think that the steps listed would all need to be followed in Civato's post.
RR, Here are the steps I recommend, it's an opinion, and I think the best route to take as a fairly novice rooter, I've done my A500 many times and BN Nooks, but nothing else and am not a DEV, but have professionally been in IT for 20 years...so I use novice loosely here...
First, know why you're getting your CPUID:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=25429111#post25429111
Don't forget to BACKUP!!
Second, select which ROM you want on your tab, I recommend putting a couple on the MicroSD card so that you can test them. DON'T INSTALL ANYTHING, JUST PICK A COUPLE OF ROMS AND PUT THE ZIPS ON THE SD.
Don't forget to BACKUP!!
Third, follow the steps in the post that MD listed, read twice, run once...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
Don't forget to BACKUP!!
Fourth, flash one of the ROMs you chose previously while in recovery. Can't give you steps on this because they are all different unless you're just using the option in step 4 of the above post (stock w/ root)
Don't forget to BACKUP!!
Fifth, not sure if you can OC the stock w/ root or not, but if not pick a custom ROM and test several, they're all great, and see what fits your needs best. I use Flexreaper Extreme and love it, posted below, but look at ALL of them and find the one you like best, they're all GREAT! We have great DEVs here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=22964651&postcount=1
Don't forget to BACKUP!!
Good Luck, Have fun, and did I mention to make sure you Backup before each step so that you can get back to that point if you run into issues, and make sure you write down or put in a text file on a different device your CPUID...both very important.
Good luck again!
-DB
Thanks everybody for the info but I think I'll be staying on HC for now. The linked threads are the problem I mentioned in the OP. If you look at those threads with novice eyes they are incredibly hard to follow. Not sure why I cant find simple instructions but I do appreciate everyone's help. Maybe somebody will come up with a guide for dummies. Until then I guess I'm stuck with HC. Thanks again for the info.
Mate, it can be daunting even to experienced flashers...
My advice, go to this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
This has been cleaned up to make it easy to understand...
I use the manual method to go to apx mode but each to their own...
Now, follow each step. Make sure each step has been followed EXACTLY. Don't skip ahead or you will regret it, sooner than later...
If you have a doubt, go back a step.
Good idea to read through to the end first, especially the bit about checking you sdk...
Good luck....
Step 1: Install Acer drivers. DONE
Step 2: Get cpuid. DONE used afterota, got cpuid and SBK.
Step 3: Get SBK. DONE (see Step 2) I guess I could verify my cpuid and SBK
using the link in this step.
Step 4: Place ROM's on SD card. DONE
Steps 5 & 6: Enter APX mode and Installing ICS bootloader. NOT DONE
I downloaded the apx utility tool and the V7 flash package. The flash package does NOT contain an .a500apx file. The utility tool instructions say to select the .a500apx file NOT the .zip. Where do I find the correct .a500apx flash package? The last step in the Automated Flashing Tools section says to turn off the tablet and power on. I've read you're supposed to flash a ROM before turning off the tablet. Which one is correct? Can I do this with my current configuration as described in the OP or do I need to return my kernel to stock? And last...is ICS really worth the trouble? Thanks again for everybody's input. I do appreciate everybody taking the time to help out.
realityrat said:
Step 1: Install Acer drivers. DONE
Step 2: Get cpuid. DONE used afterota, got cpuid and SBK.
Step 3: Get SBK. DONE (see Step 2) I guess I could verify my cpuid and SBK
using the link in this step.
Step 4: Place ROM's on SD card. DONE
Steps 5 & 6: Enter APX mode and Installing ICS bootloader. NOT DONE
I downloaded the apx utility tool and the V7 flash package. The flash package does NOT contain an .a500apx file. The utility tool instructions say to select the .a500apx file NOT the .zip. Where do I find the correct .a500apx flash package? The last step in the Automated Flashing Tools section says to turn off the tablet and power on. I've read you're supposed to flash a ROM before turning off the tablet. Which one is correct? Can I do this with my current configuration as described in the OP or do I need to return my kernel to stock? And last...is ICS really worth the trouble? Thanks again for everybody's input. I do appreciate everybody taking the time to help out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to the written steps., you have to download the flash package you want to use from here;
http://a500bootloaderflash.tk/bundles/20120527/
Save then to the same directory you unzipped the tools.
Just checked and everything is in order, so looks like you missed a step
Actually, you really don't have to flash a rom before restarting. If you have a ICS rom installed, more than likely it will boot. (I hope) However, most custom roms have kernels altered to work with the unlocked bootloader. But I would try with your current ICS configuration. If you have any issues, then you can install the custom ICS rom that you saved on your SD Card.
Is it worth it? I think so. Eventually, all support for HC based roms will end. It's the nature of the beast. Most people will be on ICS, and if you have issues with HC, you may not get any recent support.
It's like having a Froyo rom, and trying to get support when most are on Gingerbread and moving to ICS.
You will get responses like "upgrade your device". I will in the near future, end all support for my HC based roms.
MD
Moscow Desire said:
According to the written steps., you have to download the flash package you want to use from here;
http://a500bootloaderflash.tk/bundles/20120527/
Save then to the same directory you unzipped the tools.
Just checked and everything is in order, so looks like you missed a step
Actually, you really don't have to flash a rom before restarting. If you have a ICS rom installed, more than likely it will boot. (I hope) However, most custom roms have kernels altered to work with the unlocked bootloader. But I would try with your current ICS configuration. If you have any issues, then you can install the custom ICS rom that you saved on your SD Card.
Is it worth it? I think so. Eventually, all support for HC based roms will end. It's the nature of the beast. Most people will be on ICS, and if you have issues with HC, you may not get any recent support.
It's like having a Froyo rom, and trying to get support when most are on Gingerbread and moving to ICS.
You will get responses like "upgrade your device". I will in the near future, end all support for my HC based roms.
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response MD but I still get confused on the step to download the flash package. When I save the file to my computer it no longer has .a500apx in the file name or extension. for example, "a500-icsv6-pubrecovery0.2.a500apx" (from the index of bundles) is downloaded and saved as "a500-icsv6-pubrecovery0.2.zip" so do I extract it and select that file when asked by the utility tool? The guide for the tool says not to select the .zip but to select the .a500apx file. but I dont see one to select.
Also, you said I didnt have to worry about flashing the ROM before restarting. I am currently running HC 3.1 so will an ICS bootloader boot to a HC ROM.
Again, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. It is really appreciated.
realityrat said:
Thanks for the response MD but I still get confused on the step to download the flash package. When I save the file to my computer it no longer has .a500apx in the file name or extension. for example, "a500-icsv6-pubrecovery0.2.a500apx" (from the index of bundles) is downloaded and saved as "a500-icsv6-pubrecovery0.2.zip" so do I extract it and select that file when asked by the utility tool? The guide for the tool says not to select the .zip but to select the .a500apx file. but I dont see one to select.
Also, you said I didnt have to worry about flashing the ROM before restarting. I am currently running HC 3.1 so will an ICS bootloader boot to a HC ROM.
Again, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. It is really appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, the link I sent you, is an index of all apx files. It should download as an apx file (I just now checked, and it downloaded and saved as an apx.)
Not sure why they are saving as zips on your system, as none of them are in a zip format. Try doing a "file save as"
Sorry for confusion about rom. I forgot you have an HC rom. I'm running several threads right now for folks with issues. Downlaod an ICS rom to your SD card, so you can install it after you update your bootloader.
MD
EDIT: If you still have issues getting the apx files, let me know, and I'll re-package them in a real zip file and upload it for you.
Moscow Desire said:
Ok, the link I sent you, is an index of all apx files. It should download as an apx file (I just now checked, and it downloaded and saved as an apx.)
Not sure why they are saving as zips on your system, as none of them are in a zip format. Try doing a "file save as"
Sorry for confusion about rom. I forgot you have an HC rom. I'm running several threads right now for folks with issues. Downlaod an ICS rom to your SD card, so you can install it after you update your bootloader.
MD
EDIT: If you still have issues getting the apx files, let me know, and I'll re-package them in a real zip file and upload it for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks MD, trying to download the apx files doesnt work for me. Not sure why but .zip is the only option I'm given even if i use "save as". So if you could upload the files for me I'd appreciate it. Also, since I will have to disconnect the tablet from the PC after flashing the bootloader can I just power it off, disconnect from PC, reboot into recovery and then flash the new ICS ROM? I also want to be sure that coming from a stock (but rooted) HC rom with a custom kernel wont affect anything. Thanks again for all your help.
realityrat said:
Thanks MD, trying to download the apx files doesnt work for me. Not sure why but .zip is the only option I'm given even if i use "save as". So if you could upload the files for me I'd appreciate it. Also, since I will have to disconnect the tablet from the PC after flashing the bootloader can I just power it off, disconnect from PC, reboot into recovery and then flash the new ICS ROM? I also want to be sure that coming from a stock (but rooted) HC rom with a custom kernel wont affect anything. Thanks again for all your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I zipped 4 apx packages for your 500. They have the ICS Booltoader and different recoveries. Unzip them to the same folder as your installation package.
http://www.4shared.com/zip/9TE6rTH-/500Bootloader_package.html
Yes, after you finish the bootloader/recovery installation process, turn tablet off. Press and hold Vol- and PWR till you see 2 lines of text in upper left corner, then release both. This will be your recovery menu. From here, you need to follow the instructions from the Rom page where you got your new Rom for the installation. Pretty simple really.
Also, I can't advise you on which recovery to use. I haven't tried the public recovery or TWRP yet.
MD
Thanks MD. Got the files downloaded. I'm gonna read over the threads a few times and make sure I havent missed anything and I also want to research some of the ROM's available. I'll probably give it a try in the next few days. Thanks again for all your help.
**UPDATE**
After reading the threads multiple times and following the instructions carefully I am now running ICS 4.0.3 with updated bootloader!! Everything went fine with only a couple problems that I was easily able to overcome. I'd like to address those problems so if anybody else has problems, 1: when entering the sbk its important to note that the spaces between the sets of numbers ARE needed, and the 0x at the beginning of each set has to be typed with a lowercase "x". 2: I used ezterry ICS 1.031.00stock- full root with busybox, and more tweaks and a500 public recovery. Following the instructions for this ROM I used the "clean up tablet" option in recovery. This DOES NOT do a full data wipe. So first boot had my custom boot animation and all my other apps and settings still there. ICS didnt like this and kept forcing reboots. I had to do a full data wipe and all is good now. I'm on ICS rooted stock and OC'd and loving it. Thank you all for your help, without your input I dont know if I would've tried this but I'm glad I did and I really appreciate everyone taking time out of their busy schedules to help some guy in NY get some ICS love. Thank you all again!
So i have a Acer a501 I got a few months back and I wanted to get Jellybean on it (or at least ICS) so I started looking around and found out that I would need to root it and install a custom rom as Acer decided not to release the ICS update for the a501. So I set out on the journey to root my tablet. Seemed easy enough following a guide I found here on the forums. And it worked! or so I thought. Turns out the rooting process installed a a500 rom on my tablet thereby disabling 3g and gps capabilities. I ignored this cause I figured I could just upgrade to a ICS rom for the a501 and I would get that functionality back. Well to do that I needed to install an ICS bootloader, another guide, this time asking for the SKB which wasn't mentioned in the previous tutorial. So I wanted to go back to stock HC and start over, another guide, the last guide telling me to how to get back to stock involved downloading a rom, decrypting it, wiping the device, and formatting the /system directory (RED FLAG) but being trusting I tried it anyway. Now I am left with a a501 tablet that stays on the "android" screen when booting normally and can get into the CWM recovery menu that was installed during the original root guide.
I have searched the forum all day and cannot find anything that can get me back to stock or even just onto a custom rom. So can someone please point me in the direction of a "noob-proof" guide or something that will step by step tell me what my options are and how to accomplish this? Alot of guides seem like they will work out but then all of the links to "REQUIRED" programs are dead. I need something current that can get this tablet working again be it on Honeycomb like before or on ICS (preferred).
Recovery I have is "ClockworkMod Recovery v5.0.2.3(thor2002ro rev1.5"
Have a try afterota on a500 development section, try to flash the skrylax v8 bootloader first and reflash the ics rom
Sent from my HTC Desire VC
I never did any software changes to my phone, because of this whole warranty talking, but today my warranty is over, so this finally the time for some upgrade . Currently I have B138 ROM and I want something with android 4.0+ for google hangouts, and much more apps that are based on API level 14. So my first question: is CM11 stable enough for every day use? I don't have second phone, and I have to be on line most of the time.
Assuming that it is, I did prepare a little todo list:
Install stock rom through dload (Second question: will B518 be good enough, becouse if anything goes wrong I will still have pink screen; Third question: Should I wipe data and/or cache? It would be wiped anyway, or not?)
Root the phone using [U8800] [How To] Root, Install ClockworkMod + Remove Bundled Apps from Official 2.3.5 (link to SuperOneClick inside this thread is dead, but I found it elsewhere)
I'm rooted so I can backup my IMEI thanks to [Helpful][Tutorial][Caution] IMEI backup & Flash your IMEI
I still have stock recovery, [RECOVERY] ClockworkMod Recovery [v6.0.4.6]
If answer for second question will be “You should use latest official, B528”, I will have to get my PINK screen back (in this tut Blefish recommended 5.5.0.4 recovery, 6.0.4.6 installs on top of it, so I will rather stay with 5.5.0.4)
If CM11 is stable enough partitioning is required: [PARTITION] BlePart [v2.x].
[ROM][07.09.2014] Unofficial Cyanogenmod 11.0 [4.4.4]. This ROM is rooted out-of-the-box, isn't it?
[GAPPS][4.4.x] OFFICIAL Up-to-Date PA-GOOGLE APPS (All ROM's). And here it goes a little messy. A lot of different packages, replacement of stock apps, Titanium Backup required (?), I don't know how to install, update, remove them...
Anyway, see guys how much have you done for anyone who has u8800, it's everything right here and only thanks to you I was able to make above list .
Is everything in right order? Is there anything important that I didn't found and read before posting this?
EDIT: If anyone will need this in the future:
Second step didn't worked, SuperOneClick freezed in "Step 7", I found [URL="http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23565074]this[/URL] tutorial and it rooted my phone (I had to use included adb drivers).
CWM 5.5.0.4 wasn't able to install CM11, with error "E:Error in /sdcard/cm-11-... .zip (Status 7) Installation aborted", with CWM 6.0.4.6 I had no problems.
/system partition from BlePart allows only for micro PA-gapps
It's good decision to Flash Custom ROMs as there is no good original FW for this good phone. It's a "Do It Yourself" phone! :fingers-crossed:
But there are more than one CM11 versions like there are more than one CM10 versions, etc. You should better read their forum pages and then decive yourself which one to use...
ROMs which need re-partitioning is one step further than classic Custom ROMs. For this case you should better try firstly some ROMs which don't need partition. For e.g. Aurora will be a perfect option for that.
You can get Aurora v5 Update 20 and 21 (which I have used very long time) from its topic:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1492957
Then you can do partitioning. I personnally suggest Forumber's partition file.
After partitioning you can try Aurora SP+ Update 2 which I am currently using. You can get from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2295318
Next step is Blefish currently developping ROM. After trying Aurora SP+ you can go one step further and flash Blefish. You can even participate to the topic with the issues you may face in this still developping ROM. Get it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49579659
Thanks for reply, I'm using CM two days from now and I'm amazed what this phone is capable of To be honest I didn't choose Aurora ROM because of 800 pages topic to read . I wasn't shure from where start reading, so I read the whole topic about 4.4.4. And I didn't even thought about leaving stock partition schema. In 2.2 I had problems with lack of space for applications.
But you advise in just one answer to try 3 different ROMs. And I belive many people do so - they change ROMs weekly, monthly to find the best one for their needs. My question is: how to restore everything, everytime when new soft is flashed? Google can restore phonebook. Titanium Backup SMS, and apps. But app data? Saved games? Saved progress in books? And we talking here about jumping between two kernels (.32 and .35), and many API levels. How do you do it?