How to restore bricked A501? - Acer Iconia A500

Hello everyone, i have a Iconia Tab A501 and i can't get it to work.
When i power it up it just hangs on the Acer logo. I can enter in recovery, but any rom (i tried 3 of them) that i try to flash doesn't work. The green android with the rotating 3d-thing is there but after a few seconds it's gone and at his place there is another android with the open belly and the red warning symbol.
I can't flash it because i don't have the cpuid. The bootloader is locked. What can i do?

edocod said:
Hello everyone, i have a Iconia Tab A501 and i can't get it to work.
When i power it up it just hangs on the Acer logo. I can enter in recovery, but any rom (i tried 3 of them) that i try to flash doesn't work. The green android with the rotating 3d-thing is there but after a few seconds it's gone and at his place there is another android with the open belly and the red warning symbol.
I can't flash it because i don't have the cpuid. The bootloader is locked. What can i do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry if this is a bit late. I'm not sure if this will work for a Iconia A501(I have A500), but you can try a hard reset.
To do this, power off, hold down volume UP(not down like to enter recovery), power up, then toggle the screen lock switch back and forth (I believe you can release the power button while doing this, just keep holding to volume control) This should equate to a factory reset(I've never done it, so I'm not sure). If it doesn't work try it again(apparently it takes a few tries)
Hope this helps!

CurtisMJ said:
Sorry if this is a bit late. I'm not sure if this will work for a Iconia A501(I have A500), but you can try a hard reset.
To do this, power off, hold down volume UP(not down like to enter recovery), power up, then toggle the screen lock switch back and forth (I believe you can release the power button while doing this, just keep holding to volume control) This should equate to a factory reset(I've never done it, so I'm not sure). If it doesn't work try it again(apparently it takes a few tries)
Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't work. It turns on showing the acer logo and hangs.

It's probably done the same as mine, died permanently. Nothing you can do about it. It's most likely that the mmc is broken or has become unsoldered. Sorry but I suspect it's toast.
Sent from my GT-N8000 using Tapatalk HD

edocod said:
It doesn't work. It turns on showing the acer logo and hangs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How long did you wait? It takes some time to boot up first time. If you still have issues you can try force it into APX mode and flash the bootloader and recovery again, then reflash the stock ROM in recovery. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1619913
Or it could be completely dead like zardoz99 says. That would seriously suck.
EDIT:
Read again. Y U HAVE NO CPUID!?

CurtisMJ said:
How long did you wait? It takes some time to boot up first time. If you still have issues you can try force it into APX mode and flash the bootloader and recovery again, then reflash the stock ROM in recovery. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1619913
Or it could be completely dead like zardoz99 says. That would seriously suck.
EDIT:
Read again. Y U HAVE NO CPUID!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I waited all the night.
The tablet isn't mine so i don't have the CPUID. However, it enters in APX mode and in recovery.

edocod said:
I waited all the night.
The tablet isn't mine so i don't have the CPUID. However, it enters in APX mode and in recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, being even in APX mode you can't do anything without your CPUID. Sorry, but the only thing I can think of now is to send it in to Acer to repair.

CurtisMJ said:
Sorry, being even in APX mode you can't do anything without your CPUID. Sorry, but the only thing I can think of now is to send it in to Acer to repair.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get the CPUID in APX mode, see [GUIDE] Recovering Recovery/Obtaining SKB.

eppeP said:
You can get the CPUID in APX mode, see [GUIDE] Recovering Recovery/Obtaining SKB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I should do my research next time Once you got the SBK you should be set to flash:good: Good Luck!

Related

[Q] Can't reboot into recovery in VegaComb 3.2 Build 7

i have some issues with a vegacomb 3.2 in a booting into recovery. my device is Viewsonic Viewpad 10s. in first i'm update to bluetooth fixed problem. everything work fine untill i update and get some issues
1.WiFi can't connect at all , all of it. no secure , WPS , PEAP , WPA WPA2
2.can't recovery with CWM or power button
i can't do anything with that all so i try to factory reset and i get it ****ed up .. OTZ
so. i want to reflash to build 7 and update to build 8. can i fix this or my viewpad 10s become a toilet paper now ?
To enter in recovery mode, use RomManager.
puertocastilla said:
To enter in recovery mode, use RomManager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can't use ROM Manager to recovery too. WiFi can't connect and when it appear allow a superuser. a program become idle and didn't do anything
Sounds like a bad flash. I'd reflash modded stock v2, then boot to recovery and wipe user data/cache/dalvik and then reflash the full 8.1 ROM. This should make sure you have a working CWM and probably fix your wifi issue too.
puertocastilla said:
To enter in recovery mode, use RomManager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO! If you are using VC 3.2 you should avoid using the ROM manager provided recovery as it is for the wrong tablet (g tablet i think) and it WILL soft-brick your Vega.
I've soft bricked my vega using this exact method!
How do I unbrick please?
John
truxntrax said:
I've soft bricked my vega using this exact method!
How do I unbrick please?
John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
anyone?
How should I enter recovery in VC, with the apk?
I'm using viewcomb btw.
robuser007 said:
anyone?
How should I enter recovery in VC, with the apk?
I'm using viewcomb btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say "soft bricked", what exactly does the tab do when you turn it on??
Best way to recover is to power down tab, attach tab to computer with usb cable. Make sure tab is charged, or plugged in at the time. hold down the back button (top of tab, next to power button), then press and hold the power button for 2 seconds, then release it while you continue to hold the back button another 2 seconds, then release back button. Your screen should flash once quickly, then stay off.
Now, if everything worked, click on the Mod Stock icon on your computer. and after a little time it will start writing files to the tab. If it says device cant be found, you are not in recovery mode, try again the power/back button instructions, it may take a few times before you get tab into recovery.
There are more precise booting into recovery instructions if needed, just Google "rooting Advent tablet"
I'm assuming you already have the usb drivers, and the roms on your computer, and know how to use them.
evophonehome said:
When you say "soft bricked", what exactly does the tab do when you turn it on??
Best way to recover is to power down tab, attach tab to computer with usb cable. Make sure tab is charged, or plugged in at the time. hold down the back button (top of tab, next to power button), then press and hold the power button for 2 seconds, then release it while you continue to hold the back button another 2 seconds, then release back button. Your screen should flash once quickly, then stay off.
Now, if everything worked, click on the Mod Stock icon on your computer. and after a little time it will start writing files to the tab. If it says device cant be found, you are not in recovery mode, try again the power/back button instructions, it may take a few times before you get tab into recovery.
There are more precise booting into recovery instructions if needed, just Google "rooting Advent tablet"
I'm assuming you already have the usb drivers, and the roms on your computer, and know how to use them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This works offcourse, but I want to install VegaICE updates, which needs recovery acces in vegacomb (which is not possible for me).
robuser007 said:
This works offcourse, but I want to install VegaICE updates, which needs recovery acces in vegacomb (which is not possible for me).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have exactly the same issue! I have Vegacomb and wanted to go to HoneyIce as my son can't get skype to work BUT i can't get into Recovery in order to update. Rom Manager just reboots and all i see is the 'Warning about free software' then it just boots into VegaRom.
Would love someone to help if possible?
Thanks in advance

[Q] I need help

Well I am pretty sure I brick my asus transformer, my tablet is stuck in a boot loop all i see is the asus screen and all it does is keep refreshing that screen(boot loop). I am unable to get to clockwork or bootloader when i try to make it go into bootloader or clockwork(power Plus up button) it will freeze on the part where you have to hit up to continue. So i am thinking clock work was erased and maybe bootloader Boot loop started after wife hit the over the air update is there anything I can do to get my tablet back to working or is it just a paper weight?
Thanks for help if anyone still reads this forum
to get into recovery is
Vol down plus power
When you see words at top left corner Vol up within 5 sec.
(not Vol up + power button, that put you in APX mode)
I think I try that do you think APX mode will work for me and maybe i can push a rom that way? I will check again when i get home about recovery mode.
Thanks for the answer
doomah69 said:
I think I try that do you think APX mode will work for me and maybe i can push a rom that way? I will check again when i get home about recovery mode.
Thanks for the answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a B60 or prior (some B70) you can use nvflash (in APX mode) to restore a ROM.
I have a B50 so it should work but when i went to the link in android development forums it won't let me Download but I will keep trying thanks again for the help I hope this works

Acer a501 not booting only power light on and off

I really need help if anyone can help out.
I followed guide at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
to the T with no errors all looked good until it got hung for 3.5 hrs on this message
Flashing Recovery (SOS) stage one - formatting partition..
I try cmd and adb to see if i can see my devices still listed and it was not. I waited a bit more. than reboot the tablet and to my bad luck only the power button light up. nothing on the screen, even tried to do rest via the reset button, no go, held down the vol button with the power still not luck.
Anyone have a fix for this ??????
Rob
rdukes said:
I really need help if anyone can help out.
I followed guide at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
to the T with no errors all looked good until it got hung for 3.5 hrs on this message
Flashing Recovery (SOS) stage one - formatting partition..
I try cmd and adb to see if i can see my devices still listed and it was not. I waited a bit more. than reboot the tablet and to my bad luck only the power button light up. nothing on the screen, even tried to do rest via the reset button, no go, held down the vol button with the power still not luck.
Anyone have a fix for this ??????
Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your light is on, and the display is black, you are probably stuck in APX mode. Long press the power button and it should go off.
I would also plug into a charger if I were you, before doing anything else.
You will probably need to NVFlash the bootloader and recovery. If it didn't work well the first time, then you should probably be checking drivers. With the tablet in APX mode (hold pinhole button, press and hold PWR, count to 3 seconds, release PWR, then 1 more second and release pin hole.). Tablet should have black display with lit pwr button.
Plug into USB, and make sure windows recognizes it as a Recovery Device. If not, load the right drivers (I use Google USB Android drivers). Might have to load them manually.
Now, I know you wrote down your UID number somewhere, as you will need it.
I uploaded an old ver3 NVFlash package;
http://www.4shared.com/zip/Lgp9DhiH/NVFLASH_Blackthund3r_3bootload.html
Open a CMD window in the directory you extracted, and type run_all
Make sure you get your tab in APX mode, and windows recognizes it. Then follow the prompts. At the end, if good, it should say "Pass"
It doesn't require USB Debugging. If you can get into APX mode, it may work for you. If not, you might post in the bootloader threads.
Link to converting your UID to SBK is found in the guide you posted earlier.
Good Luck!
MD
download at the top afterota and there should be a get out of apx mode, but in apx mode you hold down the power and the light will go of then you hold it again and it will boot
AFTEROTAhttp://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1675939
Moscow Desire said:
If your light is on, and the display is black, you are probably stuck in APX mode. Long press the power button and it should go off.
I would also plug into a charger if I were you, before doing anything else.
You will probably need to NVFlash the bootloader and recovery. If it didn't work well the first time, then you should probably be checking drivers. With the tablet in APX mode (hold pinhole button, press and hold PWR, count to 3 seconds, release PWR, then 1 more second and release pin hole.). Tablet should have black display with lit pwr button.
Plug into USB, and make sure windows recognizes it as a Recovery Device. If not, load the right drivers (I use Google USB Android drivers). Might have to load them manually.
Now, I know you wrote down your UID number somewhere, as you will need it.
I uploaded an old ver3 NVFlash package;
http://www.4shared.com/zip/Lgp9DhiH/NVFLASH_Blackthund3r_3bootload.html
Open a CMD window in the directory you extracted, and type run_all
Make sure you get your tab in APX mode, and windows recognizes it. Then follow the prompts. At the end, if good, it should say "Pass"
It doesn't require USB Debugging. If you can get into APX mode, it may work for you. If not, you might post in the bootloader threads.
Link to converting your UID to SBK is found in the guide you posted earlier.
Good Luck!
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey MD,
I didn't get that file from you still, but i got my tablet to shwo the logo and the white text again by running the a500apflashtool\nvflash.exe but still not luck with passing Flashing Bootloader (EBT) stage one - formatting partition...
I would love to get more info on how to get pass this.
Robert
rdukes said:
Hey MD,
I didn't get that file from you still, but i got my tablet to shwo the logo and the white text again by running the a500apflashtool\nvflash.exe but still not luck with passing Flashing Bootloader (EBT) stage one - formatting partition...
I would love to get more info on how to get pass this.
Robert
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IF yr recovery drivers have loaded when you are in apx and yr cpuid is correct
then u may have a tab that has issues with the "bct"... the devs are working on a fix for this....
most of us with this issue rolled back to HC using timmydeans EUU then reflashed the bootloader from there with no probs...go figure???
EDIT: the EUU is for a500 you will not have 3g but its just to get back to HC with - when it comes to flashing the bootloader again be sure to
flash yr chosen ics rom first...
as far as more info take a look at civs b/l or F/R extreme rom threads (last 5-6 pages) - the flash itself should take no more than a minute
or two, i use nvflash as it provides a bit of feedback to you if things aren't quite right
you will need td's EUU link in my sig
and jazzyjames tutorial on how to rollback to HC
you will lose ALL your data not only b/c the EUU wipes it but also
ics system apps dont take kindly to being dragged back to HC so make sure you do a full wipe and format any chance you can
for running a glitch-free ICS
rdukes said:
Hey MD,
I didn't get that file from you still, but i got my tablet to shwo the logo and the white text again by running the a500apflashtool\nvflash.exe but still not luck with passing Flashing Bootloader (EBT) stage one - formatting partition...
I would love to get more info on how to get pass this.
Robert
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heck, I e-mailed it to you also earlier.
Well, Dibb's is pretty good on this stuff, so I'll pass it to him. Try his steps. He's pretty good on unbricks also.
For me, it's a bit late. Work tomorrow mate.
Also, make sure you are using a good USB cable. You can't always use phone cables. The newer HTC USB cables work for me. This has been known to make things go wonky.
MD

cant get past bootmenu mode

went through the motions to install skrilax_cz's v8 bootloader. rooted tablet before install. now i cant get past bootmenu mode. tried each option and nothing happens. i hope i didnt f my tablet up. can it be fixed? also tried to get into apx mode by pressing/holding reset then power for 3 seconds and releasing reset. power light stays on but screen is black. please help!
Did you flash a recovery? Can you get into recovery using PWR+vol down?
Rippster said:
Did you flash a recovery? Can you get into recovery using PWR+vol down?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flashed thor 1.7.3 when it asked what i wanted to flash. doesnt load revovery when i do the pwr+vol down
1986aw11 said:
went through the motions to install skrilax_cz's v8 bootloader. rooted tablet before install. now i cant get past bootmenu mode. tried each option and nothing happens. i hope i didnt f my tablet up. can it be fixed? also tried to get into apx mode by pressing/holding reset then power for 3 seconds and releasing reset. power light stays on but screen is black. please help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The screen is supposed to be black in xpx mode.
shaun298 said:
The screen is supposed to be black in xpx mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why doesnt my computer and the apx flash tool see my tablet? i probably shouldnt have messed with this thing. anyone in atlanta area want a crack at it? i can pay ya a little! haha
1986aw11 said:
why doesnt my computer and the apx flash tool see my tablet? i probably shouldnt have messed with this thing. anyone in atlanta area want a crack at it? i can pay ya a little! haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i can get it to flash in apx mode. works just wasnt showing it was connected. if i to the power+down vol it just shows the little andoid gut and says at the top of the screen
"skrilax_cz's bootloader v8"
"booting primary kernel image"
volume up+power gets me into bootmenu mode

[Q] Bricked?

I have a a501, it was on alexandria III and it was taking forever to boot so I figured i'd update the firmware with ICS out.
I installed http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1619913 via CWM/recovery menu ver 5.5 or so and rebooted, power + volume up didn't give me a menu so I tried to reinstall the ICS bootloader, it installed like the time before except I got messages from my recovery menu like it couldn't write logs to disk (thought that was fine - thought it was being overwrote) so restarted my tablet and... nothing was unresponsive (black screen no blacklight) so I held the power button down until it shut down.
I've tried power/volume up, tried using the reset button to get into APX mode - didn't see the tablet on my computer(But I may have been impatient), tried power/volume down repeatedly, unplugged the battery and rebooted - nothing.
After I shut it down it's responsive like it's functioning somewhat, it'll turn on and off but no blacklight and nothing on the screen or vibrations.
USB debugging is on, I don't know my id
Anyone with similar problem? How did you fix it? :\
edit: apx mode is indeed working
Marforius said:
I have a a501, it was on alexandria III and it was taking forever to boot so I figured i'd update the firmware with ICS out.
I installed http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1619913 via CWM/recovery menu ver 5.5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"This bootloader can only be flashed using nvflash. You can use the guide here http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1622425"
This is from the OP of the thread you linked to...and is the reason you have ended up "bricked?" If you had followed the guide you would have saved yourself alot of grief....You cannot, I repeat, cannot flash the bootloader or an ICS rom via cwm
I've tried power/volume up,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is "fastboot mode" only available on the unlocked bootloader
tried using the reset button to get into APX mode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to get into APX MODE use a paper clip to press and hold the reset button,
then press and hold the power button for 3 secs and release it - after another second release the reset button.
Your tab screen will be black and the power light will be on
- didn't see the tablet on my computer(But I may have been impatient),
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, impatience can cause alot of problems - to fix this you must have the acer drivers installed and the USB drivers from the android sdk
I don't know my id
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you must get this to have any hope of recovering your tab - go to the cpuid link in my sig - theres a guide there by "srbeen" on how to retrieve your cpuid with linux - the only other way i know for someone in your position is "usbdeview" - that is in the same post,
Anyone with similar problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup, recently the forum is full of posts like yours
How did you fix it? :\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Patience and following instructions to the letter!!! You must use nvFlash to fix this - I have given you enough info for you to recover your tab BUT you cannot do anything without your cpuid - so I suggest you begin by reading the cpuid guide thoroughly first - everything you need is in there...
As Dibbs informed, when you update your bootloader to V8, you can only do this via NVFlash.
For those of us who installed all Skirlax_CZ bootloaders, the CWM function did not arrive till Version 4 of the bootloader. Only then could you CWM the bootloaders. But..... you had to be on a version 4 bootloader "First", before you could CWM the subsequent versions of the bootloader.
If you are just starting out, then you must use NVFlash to initially install any version of the bootloader.
MD

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