Database Users

going from Thor to Stock

Hello,
I have an A500 with 8GB, bought in USA nov 2011.
it is currently running Thor/TegraOwners ICS ROM v164 (with CWM recovery)
my back-facing camera stopped working and I would like to go back to stock to send the tablet in for repairs.
I got the full stock firmware from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113878 (Acer_A500_0.000.00_4.010.10_COM_GEN2_1310535068614_9b84abb1)
unfortunately, I'm not having much luck flashing this :| ... I decrypted the zip and extract the update.zip and put it on the sdcard.
-tried applying update.zip through CWM ... no luck (it extracts but nothing happens)
-tried installing stock recovery using 'acer recovery installer' ... no luck (i get the android with exclamation mark when i try to go into recovery)
acer recovery installer shows bootloader version 3.01
any ideas ?
thanks

Fadius said:
Hello,
I have an A500 with 8GB, bought in USA nov 2011.
it is currently running Thor/TegraOwners ICS ROM v164 (with CWM recovery)
my back-facing camera stopped working and I would like to go back to stock to send the tablet in for repairs.
I got the full stock firmware from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113878 (Acer_A500_0.000.00_4.010.10_COM_GEN2_1310535068614_9b84abb1)
unfortunately, I'm not having much luck flashing this :| ... I decrypted the zip and extract the update.zip and put it on the sdcard.
-tried applying update.zip through CWM ... no luck (it extracts but nothing happens)
-tried installing stock recovery using 'acer recovery installer' ... no luck (i get the android with exclamation mark when i try to go into recovery)
acer recovery installer shows bootloader version 3.01
any ideas ?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, get your UID number just in case you need it. You can get it in the Dev forum (sticky). Always have your UID written down somewhere.
Then go to the "all files" Sticky thread in the Dev forum. Where they have all the Acer roms and updates.
Download 2 or 3 of the a500 ICS Update files. These are full update files.
Decrypt them if needed, then pull the update.zip out. Copy to EXT SD Card, and boot holding Vol+ and PWR till you see the text about installing, then release.
Might have to try more than one, but eventually one should install. These are full update roms, not patches.
Should give you a stock ICS. Hey, check your camera, might start working again
MD

[Q] No way to get "Unlocked BL V8"

I'm not able to flash V8 UNL BL and I don't know why.
I will describe every step I made:
My PB G100W was on stock HC 3.2.1 - stock HC BL so:
- Downgraded to unstable 3.0.1 Acer, rooted, installed recovery (1.7) by Acer Recovery Installer v3.03, backed up by TB and Full Nandroid Backup
- Downloaded both tools (AfterOTA & Blackthunder's tool), first try by AfterOTA, got all info (CPUID&SBK), started with "Bootloader ICS V8&Recovery Thor 1.7.3", ok it does its things, but stucks at "3/4 Recovery ...", no way to carry on. 5,10,15 minutes, no way. Aborted.
- Tried with the second tool, all done following the instructions, APX mode it's ok, but stops at "Flashing Bootloader (EBT) stage two - uploading image...", and no keep on.
- Tried with BT's tool, adding just BL file (Skrillax's site download) , now it's about 30 minutes that it's working and nothing.
What is wrong with the tab?
Please help me
EDIT: I think that I'm in the wrong section..

MadMav88 said:
I'm not able to flash V8 UNL BL and I don't know why.
I will describe every step I made:
My PB G100W was on stock HC 3.2.1 - stock HC BL so:
- Downgraded to unstable 3.0.1 Acer, rooted, installed recovery (1.7) by Acer Recovery Installer v3.03, backed up by TB and Full Nandroid Backup
- Downloaded both tools (AfterOTA & Blackthunder's tool), first try by AfterOTA, got all info (CPUID&SBK), started with "Bootloader ICS V8&Recovery Thor 1.7.3", ok it does its things, but stucks at "3/4 Recovery ...", no way to carry on. 5,10,15 minutes, no way. Aborted.
- Tried with the second tool, all done following the instructions, APX mode it's ok, but stops at "Flashing Bootloader (EBT) stage two - uploading image...", and no keep on.
- Tried with BT's tool, adding just BL file (Skrillax's site download) , now it's about 30 minutes that it's working and nothing.
What is wrong with the tab?
Please help me
EDIT: I think that I'm in the wrong section..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check this thread... I think it will help you. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425

Yep, I know, that was the starting-point, but no way to figure out how solve my problem.
Already tried few methods...

MadMav88 said:
Yep, I know, that was the starting-point, but no way to figure out how solve my problem.
Already tried few methods...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent you a PM about running an RUUs file.
Other methods to try.
1. Make sure you have a good USB cable. They are not all created equal.
2. Try using a different USB port (use one connected to the PC mainboard).
3. Disable anti-virus on the PC.
4. Seems Win 7 gives the most consistent results. XP is also good.
MD

How to install any of the JB rom's?

A very simple question, how to install any of the JB roms? Just because i can't find any good simple guide. And i am not familiar with this device, i know how to flash with CWM and such. (I have experience with other devices) But i see that there is someting with a CPUID and a SBK or something? Please explain how to install those roms.

I did some research and is it sufficient to install the acer recovery app to get cwm on your tablet, (3.x) and then install this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1930672 or this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1935582
WITHOUT patching the unlocked ICS bootloader?

It's important to get your CPUID # and save it on .txt file on PC somewhere.
ALL ICS + JB Roms have Different Bootloader then older HC.
It is best to go to to Unlocked ICS Bootloader. Do lots of reading.
A great method to use is APX, then later once on you can change your Recovery to CWM, TWRP, etc
But either way you'll Need your CPUID.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
Run a SBK Generator, enter in your CPUID #, and then Get your own SBK Code.
Later when using APX, enter your info.

ktmdave7 said:
It's important to get your CPUID # and save it on .txt file on PC somewhere.
ALL ICS + JB Roms have Different Bootloader then older HC.
It is best to go to to Unlocked ICS Bootloader. Do lots of reading.
A great method to use is APX, then later once on you can change your Recovery to CWM, TWRP, etc
But either way you'll Need your CPUID.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
Run a SBK Generator, enter in your CPUID #, and then Get your own SBK Code.
Later when using APX, enter your info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oke, so i should use that blackthunder program and get my cpuid and sbk. then i can use that program to flash my tab in APX mode? And is it dangerous to flash the bootloader? i mean, if your bootloader gets stuck on a galaxy tab or something it needs to be repaired.

I'm trying to explain it the best way I know (might be slightly Politically incorrect with terms) TRY to get the Knowldege as a whole...
-"ICS Unlocked Bootloader 0.03.14-MUL" is for Acer A500 Tablet (it's custom for our tab's) I would NEVER put another Tab's "Bootloader" on our tab.
- I think you meant Flashing another BASED ROM on tab...That is OK.
*** Example Thor2002 HC 14.2 is based on ASUS's ROM, but has CODE for ACER...
*** All Acer A500 JB ROM's (will be BASED on a LEAK from another source (AOKP, ACER A700 ?), then DEV adds/changes in some Acer A500 code to make them work)
-Fact (to my knowledge) : ACER A500 has not had a JB Leak, cus they have never Made a JB ROM
-Maybe a DEV would Use a ACER A200, A501, A700, etc ROM (which sounds more close to ours) then they USE it's JB (if there is a LEAK'd ROM out)
-Dev has to take into Consideration that Bigger ACER ROMS, Might not have Tegra 2 (Dual Core 1000 Mhz stuff) (One Had Tegra 3, some have 1200 Mhz (more Mhz probably doesn't matter) A501 has 3G (so DEV would make Custom ROM with only Wi-Fi , Rip out 3G stuff or change Code lines)
Back to your Question :
1a. I already have flashed a few of the JB roms on Acer a500 and can Flash to Any other JB or ICS Roms (Without changing BOOTLOADER)
1b. I only changed to my ICS Unlocked Bootloader ONCE. Never have to change again, (Unless I want to goto a HC ROM -then I would have to change to older HC Unlocked bootloader)
2a. Some Flash different RECOVERY's (but keep same Unlocked Bootloader)
2b. Current Versions Flash Recovery (for ICS Unlocked Bootloader) : TWRP-2.3.1.0, Thor2002ro-1.7.3 , A500PubRecovery-0.2, AmonRA-Iconia-3.17
***AmonRA v3.16 is for HC, AmonRA v3.17 is for ICS
Awesome ICS ROM: Lightspeed 4.8 (Acer 1.031 based). His ROM checks to see if u have HC, or ICS bootloader, then install the correct HC, or ICS (Kernel or boot.img).
The Way I Understand It is...
1. ICS Bootlader = ICS, JB Roms, Older HC Bootloader=HC ROMS
2. If you Start with any ICS, or JB ROM (the DEV had removed bootloader.blob + Recovery) so you can keep your Bootloader, and Recovery in tack.
3. if you are 100% STOCK Acer A500 ROM ({NO ROOT SuperSU or Superuser}, Stock Bootloader (which is LOCKED), Stock Recovery (can't change, or flash ROM's)
4a. In past on HC ROM's, many would get Stuck on locked bootloaders, and have to REVERT back to HC 3.01 methed, which means install a very unstable HC 3.01 rom just long enough (like 3 minutes) to get Acer Recovery (from market), ROM manager, CWM recovery...so you could flash Superuser.zip and eventually be on HC 3.2.1 with Stable ROM (or anything)
4b.***(NOW, we have to change out bootloaders to goto to ICS (for the most part) or JB {Exception example: Lightspeed 4.8 is ICS ROM (that will accept older HC Bootloader, I'm sure few others ICS have it}
More info here on stuff : Post #5

I got the bootloader but what now?
ktmdave7 said:
I'm trying to explain it the best way I know (might be slightly Politically incorrect with terms) TRY to get the Knowldege as a whole...
-"ICS Unlocked Bootloader 0.03.14-MUL" is for Acer A500 Tablet (it's custom for our tab's) I would NEVER put another Tab's "Bootloader" on our tab.
- I think you meant Flashing another BASED ROM on tab...That is OK.
*** Example Thor2002 HC 14.2 is based on ASUS's ROM, but has CODE for ACER...
*** All Acer A500 JB ROM's (will be BASED on a LEAK from another source (AOKP, ACER A700 ?), then DEV adds/changes in some Acer A500 code to make them work)
-Fact (to my knowledge) : ACER A500 has not had a JB Leak, cus they have never Made a JB ROM
-Maybe a DEV would Use a ACER A200, A501, A700, etc ROM (which sounds more close to ours) then they USE it's JB (if there is a LEAK'd ROM out)
-Dev has to take into Consideration that Bigger ACER ROMS, Might not have Tegra 2 (Dual Core 1000 Mhz stuff) (One Had Tegra 3, some have 1200 Mhz (more Mhz probably doesn't matter) A501 has 3G (so DEV would make Custom ROM with only Wi-Fi , Rip out 3G stuff or change Code lines)
Back to your Question :
1a. I already have flashed a few of the JB roms on Acer a500 and can Flash to Any other JB or ICS Roms (Without changing BOOTLOADER)
1b. I only changed to my ICS Unlocked Bootloader ONCE. Never have to change again, (Unless I want to goto a HC ROM -then I would have to change to older HC Unlocked bootloader)
2a. Some Flash different RECOVERY's (but keep same Unlocked Bootloader)
2b. Current Versions Flash Recovery (for ICS Unlocked Bootloader) : TWRP-2.3.1.0, Thor2002ro-1.7.3 , A500PubRecovery-0.2, AmonRA-Iconia-3.17
***AmonRA v3.16 is for HC, AmonRA v3.17 is for ICS
Awesome ICS ROM: Lightspeed 4.8 (Acer 1.031 based). His ROM checks to see if u have HC, or ICS bootloader, then install the correct HC, or ICS (Kernel or boot.img).
The Way I Understand It is...
1. ICS Bootlader = ICS, JB Roms, Older HC Bootloader=HC ROMS
2. If you Start with any ICS, or JB ROM (the DEV had removed bootloader.blob + Recovery) so you can keep your Bootloader, and Recovery in tack.
3. if you are 100% STOCK Acer A500 ROM ({NO ROOT SuperSU or Superuser}, Stock Bootloader (which is LOCKED), Stock Recovery (can't change, or flash ROM's)
4a. In past on HC ROM's, many would get Stuck on locked bootloaders, and have to REVERT back to HC 3.01 methed, which means install a very unstable HC 3.01 rom just long enough (like 3 minutes) to get Acer Recovery (from market), ROM manager, CWM recovery...so you could flash Superuser.zip and eventually be on HC 3.2.1 with Stable ROM (or anything)
4b.***(NOW, we have to change out bootloaders to goto to ICS (for the most part) or JB {Exception example: Lightspeed 4.8 is ICS ROM (that will accept older HC Bootloader, I'm sure few others ICS have it}
More info here on stuff : Post #5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed the unlocked bootloader and wanted to load up the recovery, but it gives a yellow exclamation sign in an android logo. Also when i try to go into recovery mode with a500manager it loads up Honeycomb. When i check my bootloader it is the unlocked CZ bootloader V8. Also i can't enter fastboot with a500 manager. It seems that i do not have a recovery. So i downloaded the acer recovery installer but it requiers root wich i don't have. i already tried different bootloaders like the standard revcovery and the thor 1.7.3 but nothing works. When i load up the tab there is something like CZ Skrillax bootloader v8 Loading primary kernel image.
Do you know why i can't enter recovery?
P.S sorry for bad english.

XFXXFX said:
I installed the unlocked bootloader and wanted to load up the recovery, but it gives a yellow exclamation sign in an android logo. Also when i try to go into recovery mode with a500manager it loads up Honeycomb. When i check my bootloader it is the unlocked CZ bootloader V8. Also i can't enter fastboot with a500 manager. It seems that i do not have a recovery. So i downloaded the acer recovery installer but it requiers root wich i don't have. i already tried different bootloaders like the standard revcovery and the thor 1.7.3 but nothing works. When i load up the tab there is something like CZ Skrillax bootloader v8 Loading primary kernel image.
Do you know why i can't enter recovery?
P.S sorry for bad english.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you try to enter recovery? "CZ Skrillax bootloader v8 Loading primary kernel image" indicates that you push just the power button. That commands the tablet to boot to whatever OS you have installed. You should hold volume down then push power until the device vibrates. Then you release power while holding still volume -. After a second or two, the "CZ Bootloader V8" would appear along with "loading recovery" on the second line. Then release volume.
Another way, and I've been able to replicate this numerous times on mine, is while the screen is showing "loading primary kernel image" to tap power and release it quickly. MIne would go into recovery that way.

graphdarnell said:
How did you try to enter recovery? "CZ Skrillax bootloader v8 Loading primary kernel image" indicates that you push just the power button. That commands the tablet to boot to whatever OS you have installed. You should hold volume down then push power until the device vibrates. Then you release power while holding still volume -. After a second or two, the "CZ Bootloader V8" would appear along with "loading recovery" on the second line. Then release volume.
Another way, and I've been able to replicate this numerous times on mine, is while the screen is showing "loading primary kernel image" to tap power and release it quickly. MIne would go into recovery that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already tried that but it did not help at all. It just show the android logo with exclamation sign. I update the tap with the OTA ICS update and root it and install acer recovery and reflash the bootloader and see what happens. Do you have another idea?

XFXXFX said:
I already tried that but it did not help at all. It just show the android logo with exclamation sign. I update the tap with the OTA ICS update and root it and install acer recovery and reflash the bootloader and see what happens. Do you have another idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The original question from you was how to install JB Roms. But you keep insisting on installing ICS stock (OTA). What are you really trying to do? I'd suggest that you help yourself by reading the relevant threads in here first before asking for more help. For example, are you aware that mixing unadulterated ICS stock with V8 is a no-no?

XFXXFX said:
I already tried that but it did not help at all. It just show the android logo with exclamation sign. I update the tap with the OTA ICS update and root it and install acer recovery and reflash the bootloader and see what happens. Do you have another idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u r running stock rom and its overwriting yr custom recovery.....this is all explain ed in the OP of the bootloader guide....reflash bootloader/cwm
1. if u r stock ics then root it
2. delete boot.p file
3. nvflash bootloader/cwm
4. boot to cwm flash jb rom
done...
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Fixed
Sorry for late response.
I updated the tab with OTA ics, and used the blackthundr program to root, then i saw a option to remove the recovery protection. So i used that, and reflashed the unlocked bootloader. Everything worked! I could boot into recovery and installed JB. Everything's fine now. Thx for advice!
Thread may be closed.

XFXXFX said:
Sorry for late response.
I updated the tab with OTA ics, and used the blackthundr program to root, then i saw a option to remove the recovery protection. So i used that, and reflashed the unlocked bootloader. Everything worked! I could boot into recovery and installed JB. Everything's fine now. Thx for advice!
Thread may be closed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since your problem has been solved, you might want to edit the title of your thread and add the word "SOLVED" so other members know you don't need help anymore.

[Q] Stuck on 3.2 , Cant get 3.2.1 or 4.0.3

Hello Everyone
Thanks for the XDA to help me bring my Dead A500 back to life
after getting my uid in ubuntu and obtaining skb and formatting the whole Device and partitioning it, i am finally on stock 3.1
But I cant find an Official OTA that could get me to stock 3.2.1, and in xda site, i searched and i found the only OTA stock 4.0.3 , when i try to flash the ota stock 4.0.3 using stock recovery ie (volume down + power + update.zip in SD) After flash, i end up with a dead tablet.
tried some other ICS rooted roms and all the same, they get me to a dead tablet.
only 3.x versions will boot after flashing.
My a500 is a 16gb Gen1 , it was on the Official stock 4.0.3 , it suddely bricked for NO reason, after using V8 i got nvflash error and pointed to Root 3.2.1 ,, 3.2.1 gave me several unsuccessful tries, but suddenly one of that tries worked, successfully installed root 3.2.1 but thought i could go for ICS, after flashing ICS , i ended up with a bricked tablet.
So I again flashed stock 3.1 and luckily my tablet boots into the OS . Acer A500 4.010.40.com.gen1
What should i do. what rom should i use to go to stock 3.2.1 (or what should i do to go to stock 4.0.3 or non-stock 4.0.3)
only these two roms work for me after Stock recovery flashing:
Here are two Gen 1 roms provided by dibb_nz . Please say thanks to her.
Original thread :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1839313&highlight=thank+her
HC_3.2_Gen_1_OTA_update.zip (i am currently on this firmware... )
HC 3.1_Gen_1_FULL_update.zip
thanks

the_hurricane_master said:
Hello Everyone
Thanks for the XDA to help me bring my Dead A500 back to life
after getting my uid in ubuntu and obtaining skb and formatting the whole Device and partitioning it, i am finally on stock 3.1
But I cant find an Official OTA that could get me to stock 3.2.1, and in xda site, i searched and i found the only OTA stock 4.0.3 , when i try to flash the ota stock 4.0.3 using stock recovery ie (volume down + power + update.zip in SD) After flash, i end up with a dead tablet.
tried some other ICS rooted roms and all the same, they get me to a dead tablet.
only 3.x versions will boot after flashing.
My a500 is a 16gb Gen1 , it was on the Official stock 4.0.3 , it suddely bricked for NO reason, after using V8 i got nvflash error and pointed to Root 3.2.1 ,, 3.2.1 gave me several unsuccessful tries, but suddenly one of that tries worked, successfully installed root 3.2.1 but thought i could go for ICS, after flashing ICS , i ended up with a bricked tablet.
So I again flashed stock 3.1 and luckily my tablet boots into the OS . Acer A500 4.010.40.com.gen1
What should i do. what rom should i use to go to stock 3.2.1 (or what should i do to go to stock 4.0.3 or non-stock 4.0.3)
only these two roms work for me after Stock recovery flashing:
Here are two Gen 1 roms provided by dibb_nz . Please say thanks to her.
Original thread :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1839313&highlight=thank+her
HC_3.2_Gen_1_OTA_update.zip (i am currently on this firmware... )
HC 3.1_Gen_1_FULL_update.zip
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i reset my iconia to factory Honeycomb , did software updates in tablet setting but it wouldnt let me install I.C.S. (kept telling me device was uptodate .
Downloaded " Iconia Tab Update Enhancement" from play store and was then able to get I.C.S.
Hope this helps

[Q] Got Stuck in installing Roms - Recovery Error

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

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

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

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