[Q] soft-bricked? my acer iconia a500 please help! - Acer Iconia A500

Ok, I seem to be making things worse and worse, so I've come here to beg for help.
TLDR:
my acer iconia a500 was running skrilax_CZ's bootloader V8, I screwed it up (I think) by trying to install ClockworkRecovery.
I was still able to boot into Tegraowners_JB-MR1_ROM_v11t4
I messed a BUNCH more stuff up. a bunch!
Now, I can still see the internal and external SD but when i try to use blackthund3r's tools to root/recovery/custom-mod
it gets stuck when trying to enter APX mode. "No APX devices detected"
I do have the CPUID and the SBK
Longer explanation and details:
I installed Acer's USB drivers: USB_Acer_1.06.1500_A30H_A
I rooted the device using: ICS_rooting_A10x_A5xx --> runit-win.bat
I used blackthund3r's tools: A500APXFlash.exe and A500Manager.exe
I installed a custom bootloader rom: V8-Thor_1.7.3_recovery.a500apx
I installed Tegraowners_JB-MR1_ROM_v11t4 and gapps-jb-20130301-a500-v2
I was happy as a clam for 2 days playing with my fancy tablet.
I installed Superuser App
I made a nandroid backup at least once from the v8 bootloader.
I made a batch Titanium backup
I then tried installing clockwork recovery mod, and I think that's when i screwed myself.
Suddenly the power on + down_volume switch just led to a screen that said "Skrillax_CZ's bootloader V8"
"Booting recovery kernel image" and then it would hang there forever.
I could still boot into Tegraowners_JB-MR1_ROM_v11t4 so I tried to run a restore from Titanium Backup,
it froze halfway through with the message "superuser access denied"
I rebooted, and suddenly most of the widgets/apps are gone, and the back/home/and application navigation
button that are usually on the bottom left corner are also gone!
then I did a bunch of crazy/desperate stuff with blackthund3r's tools, (something involving trebuchet?)
and I finally blacked out amidst tears and despair around 5 am this morning.
so
now, when I use A500APXFlash.exe and A500Manager.exe it tries to put the tablet into APX mode, and the
tablet goes to a blackscreen, with a white LED on the power button, but I get the error "No APX devices detected"
I also tried inserting a paper clip then turning the power on, same result.
I do have the CPUID and the SBK
Please help if you can, and please dumb down your explanations if possible, this is my first tablet and
i'm totally new to android, etc.
Thanks for your time
-Joel
couple more details, it boots to the point where you swipe to unlock it, but when i do, i get a popup that says Trebuchet has stopped,
and when i click ok, it just comes back infinitum
oh, and when i use A500 Manager.exe it says that it's connected and usb debugging is ON, but I have no way of getting into the settings
to confirm that?
I don't want to come across as lazy, I literally have 8 tabs open from xda-developers and 3 from tegraowners. I also just tried afterotav_109 but that didn't do anything.
I found
the following files in
Computer\Acer Iconia Tab A500\Internal Storage\0\.AcerRecoveryInstaller
(see attached picture)
I'm guessing I can't rename recovery.old to recovery, or something easy like that?

small update, installed android SDK and adb shell
when I launch adb shell I can see the various directories on the tablet internal and external SD. I'm in the process of scouring the forums for info about how to use the adb tool to fix my problem, am I even on the right track?
thanks for any feedback y'all can provide
-Joel

j8ner said:
Ok, I seem to be making things worse and worse, so I've come here to beg for help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to reply to each part of your post, just in case someone else is having the same probs...
Longer explanation and details:
I installed Acer's USB drivers: USB_Acer_1.06.1500_A30H_A
I rooted the device using: ICS_rooting_A10x_A5xx --> runit-win.bat
I used blackthund3r's tools: A500APXFlash.exe and A500Manager.exe
I installed a custom bootloader rom: V8-Thor_1.7.3_recovery.a500apx
I installed Tegraowners_JB-MR1_ROM_v11t4 and gapps-jb-20130301-a500-v2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TBH installing T/O's rom you should really be asking on their forum - their roms are a little different to the ones on xda - like, you don't need the v8 unlocked bootloader you can run it on HC or ICS Bootloaders.
android adb/usb drivers?? you dont mention them are they on your PC?
I then tried installing clockwork recovery mod
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didnt you already have cwm 1.7.3?
How did you try to install it? and yeh this is probably where you went wrong.
You must install custom recoverys using either fastboot or an appropriate flashable zip
Suddenly the power on + down_volume switch just led to a screen that said "Skrillax_CZ's bootloader V8"
"Booting recovery kernel image" and then it would hang there forever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For future reference what you should have done here is run the 1.7.3.apx with apxflash tool.
I could still boot into Tegraowners_JB-MR1_ROM_v11t4 so I tried to run a restore from Titanium Backup,
it froze halfway through with the message "superuser access denied"
I rebooted, and suddenly most of the widgets/apps are gone, and the back/home/and application navigation
button that are usually on the bottom left corner are also gone!
then I did a bunch of crazy/desperate stuff with blackthund3r's tools, (something involving trebuchet?)
and I finally blacked out amidst tears and despair around 5 am this morning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it gets like that sometimes dont panic its fixable!
so
now, when I use A500APXFlash.exe and A500Manager.exe it tries to put the tablet into APX mode, and the
tablet goes to a blackscreen, with a white LED on the power button, but I get the error "No APX devices detected"
I also tried inserting a paper clip then turning the power on, same result.
I do have the CPUID and the SBK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If thats the error it means the drivers are screwed up. Completely uninstall the acer drivers, reboot and reinstall. But w8 theres more....
Make sure you got the adb/fastboot drivers here
Please help if you can, and please dumb down your explanations if possible, this is my first tablet and
i'm totally new to android, etc.
Thanks for your time
-Joel
couple more details, it boots to the point where you swipe to unlock it, but when i do, i get a popup that says Trebuchet has stopped,
and when i click ok, it just comes back infinitum
oh, and when i use A500 Manager.exe it says that it's connected and usb debugging is ON, but I have no way of getting into the settings
to confirm that?
I don't want to come across as lazy, I literally have 8 tabs open from xda-developers and 3 from tegraowners. I also just tried afterotav_109 but that didn't do anything.
I found the following files in Computer\Acer Iconia Tab A500\Internal Storage\0\.AcerRecoveryInstaller
(see attached picture)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Acer recovery installer? OK so I assume you used that to try and flash a recovery? This app works best on HC Bootloader - the only way to use it with ICS is IF you already have the v8.
Also, you must make sure you run the correct recovery for whatever version of ROM you are wanting to flash. So check the OP of your chosen rom for which recovery you need. Most of the ics/jb custom roms here on xda work with cwm 1.7.3, TWRP or public recovery. BUT these wont work on HC
I'm guessing I can't rename recovery.old to recovery, or something easy like that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use an appropriate recovery.img and flash via fastboot
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OK so lhow do we get you fixed???
You need to do a complete FORMAT (factory data reset) of your system to get it back to a state where you can use the tools.
Install the adb drivers first!
Lets see if fastboot mode is available.
As long as you see skrilax_cz v8 bootloader on your screen connect yr micro usb cable - power down and boot up holding VOLUME UP button...you should see the fastboot menu now follow the instructions here on using the fastboot commands to WIPE userdata and cache
THEN if you have the correct recovery.img you can flash this too (see that post) if not run the apxflash tool again using cwm 1,7,3.apx file.
Now, once you have run it BOOT DIRECTLY to recovery and flash your rom. (Doesnt matter which one as long as its ICS or JB...)
This is important...if you try and boot yr tabs OS, you'll get either booting primary kernel error or be stuck on the acer logo -
IF fastboot is not available then run the apxflash tool to install recovery instead then using that same post it shows you how to do a full format wipe, with cwm.
I hope this isnt too over the top for you...I've tried to explain things so you can understand a bit better - but I may have to 'dumb' things down a bit more, let me know
good luck with it
dibb

thank you so much for replying, i'll get right on this
Dibb thank you very much, as soon as I get back I'm going to go through your directions step by step.
I really appreciate your help, and I'll post an update later tonight.

in fastboot, please advise
dibb_nz said:
Acer recovery installer? OK so I assume you used that to try and flash a recovery? This app works best on HC Bootloader - the only way to use it with ICS is IF you already have the v8.
Also, you must make sure you run the correct recovery for whatever version of ROM you are wanting to flash. So check the OP of your chosen rom for which recovery you need. Most of the ics/jb custom roms here on xda work with cwm 1.7.3, TWRP or public recovery. BUT these wont work on HC
You can use an appropriate recovery.img and flash via fastboot
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OK so lhow do we get you fixed???
You need to do a complete FORMAT (factory data reset) of your system to get it back to a state where you can use the tools.
Install the adb drivers first!
Lets see if fastboot mode is available.
As long as you see skrilax_cz v8 bootloader on your screen connect yr micro usb cable - power down and boot up holding VOLUME UP button...you should see the fastboot menu now follow the instructions here on using the fastboot commands to WIPE userdata and cache
THEN if you have the correct recovery.img you can flash this too (see that post) if not run the apxflash tool again using cwm 1,7,3.apx file.
Now, once you have run it BOOT DIRECTLY to recovery and flash your rom. (Doesnt matter which one as long as its ICS or JB...)
This is important...if you try and boot yr tabs OS, you'll get either booting primary kernel error or be stuck on the acer logo -
IF fastboot is not available then run the apxflash tool to install recovery instead then using that same post it shows you how to do a full format wipe, with cwm.
I hope this isnt too over the top for you...I've tried to explain things so you can understand a bit better - but I may have to 'dumb' things down a bit more, let me know
good luck with it
dibb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DIBB IS TEH AWSEOMEMEMEST!!!!!!!
fastoot mode worked!
one thing that threw me off is that I had to figure out that I needed to type
Code:
fastboot.exe flash [B]recovery[/B] recovery_thor17_403.img
the guide here
doesn't specify which partition to use so I got an error message until I guesstimated I wanted the boot partition.
Anyway, once you fixed my bootloader, I restored the full system from a backup I had made on the first of the month.
thank you thank you for your awesome help!
now I can break it again and again!
made a minor edit, changed boot --> recovery in the "code" section above

j8ner said:
DIBB IS TEH AWSEOMEMEMEST!!!!!!!
fastoot mode worked!
one thing that threw me off is that I had to figure out that I needed to type
Code:
fastboot.exe flash [B]recovery[/B] recovery_thor17_403.img
the guide here
doesn't specify which partition to use so I got an error message until I guesstimated I wanted the boot partition.
Anyway, once you fixed my bootloader, I restored the full system from a backup I had made on the first of the month.
thank you thank you for your awesome help!
now I can break it again and again!
made a minor edit, changed boot --> recovery in the "code" section above
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad u got it
Not sure why you had to use fastboot.exe as the command tho? but as long as it worked and you're up and running, that's the main thing!
happy flashing
dibb
Edit: have edited guide to show recovery partition - thank for picking that up
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Related

[Q] fastboot - no boot or img file

hey guys i'm having some trouble. i just got the nexus (it's my first smartphone, ever) and i've tried to hit the ground running. here's what i've done to the phone so far.
i got all the drivers running on my win7 machine and also installed the android SDK folder onto C: as was described in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=878786
i then unlocked the bootloader using the above guide as well. when I power on the phone using UP+POWER it says UNLOCKED.
I then proceeded to follow this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=875875
i used ADB to flash the clockwork crespo recovery. i then used fastboot to install Superuser.
at that point i had an unlocked bootloader, clockword recovery image and superuser permissions.
i then saw that the 2.3.1 update had been released. i wanted to learn how to tackle that so i started reading up. i noticed that people were using ROM Manager and Titanium. I got titanium and installed the BusyBox addon and it allowed me to do a full Batch Backup of all my programs, etc. i've got the 50MB or so backup folder on my PC now.
anyway, i then messed with Rom Manager. I installed the 3.0.0.0 ClockworkMod Recovery and everything went smoothly. now this is where my troubles begin.
when i go to Download ROM all i get is a Free Stuff area.
when i go to Check for ROM Updates it tells me my device isnt set up for OTA updates.
those are just minor issues.
this is the big and scary issue i have:
when i click on reboot to recovery, it takes me to the same screen that i go to when i power on with VOLUME UP+POWER. it doesnt take me to the recovery screen that i see in various youtube videos. instead, i'm at the main screen where it says UNLOCKED and i have 4 choices (reboot bootloader, recovery, reboot, power off). and on the very top in RED letters it says fastboot - no boot or img file. <-- this is the part that makes me nervous. If i manually power down the phone and boot to fastboot and click recovery, it just goes back to this same screen and says fastboot - no boot or img file. when i first rooted the phone, clicking recovery actually took me to a different screen where i was able to load up superuser.zip and install it.
did i accidetnally delete something that i wasnt supposed to? did installing ROM manager mess something up? i typically dont do anything until i confirm that i am supposed to. i think the problem is that i dont yet know how one thing i do on the phone affects another. i'm guessing when i used rom manager to update the CWmod it changed some folders/files? i dunno!
otherwise, the phone works fine and there are no glitches or hiccups or crashes. So if someone can please take a moment to just explain to me what i did wrong or what i failed to do i'd really, really appreciate it.
you don't have a recovery partition. Either flash one over manually using fastboot, or boot up and try to use ROM Manager to flash CWR.
when you say flash one over using fastboot, do you mean put my phone using VOLUME UP + POWER, connect usb cable, then use command line to do this:
fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-crespo.img
?
kramer987 said:
when you say flash one over using fastboot, do you mean put my phone using VOLUME UP + POWER, connect usb cable, then use command line to do this:
fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-crespo.img
?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, just follow the examples in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=875875
kramer987 said:
when you say flash one over using fastboot, do you mean put my phone using VOLUME UP + POWER, connect usb cable, then use command line to do this:
fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-crespo.img
?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, 'cept it will be "fastboot flash recoveryrecovery-clockwork-3.0.0.0-crespo.img" without the quotes now.
But does it say that you're missing a boot.img or recovery.img?
Also, the "not set up for OTA" thing isn't for official OTAs. Some developers have made their custom ROMs capable of being updated that way.
unremarked said:
Yes, 'cept it will be "fastboot flash recoveryrecovery-clockwork-3.0.0.0-crespo.img" without the quotes now.
But does it say that you're missing a boot.img or recovery.img?
Also, the "not set up for OTA" thing isn't for official OTAs. Some developers have made their custom ROMs capable of being updated that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you luxferro and unremarked. i did it and it works perfectly. i am now able to access clockworkmod recovery 3.0.0.0. next step is backup my existing ROM and also to figure out how to put the OTA 2.3.1 on and restore all my data
oh and unremarked: it basically said no boot or img file and thats it after i would click on recovery or reboot to recovery trhough rom manager. it was just in red at the top. but now it takes me to the ClockworkMod Recovery

Can't get into recovery mode after changing bootloader

I got an Acer A501 tablet and installed lightspeed 4.8. Everything was working fine but for some reason I decided to update the bootloader to Skrillax_CZ's unlocked bootloader which was recommended. Since updateing the bootloader the tablet randomly reboots itself and shut down. I also can no longer get into recovery mode. I tried using Clockwork mod and also with the volume+- buttons manually but all that happens is it hangs at "booting recovery kernel". Does anyone know how to change the bootloader without entering recovery mode?
guitarguy6 said:
I got an Acer A501 tablet and installed lightspeed 4.8. Everything was working fine but for some reason I decided to update the bootloader to Skrillax_CZ's unlocked bootloader which was recommended. Since updateing the bootloader the tablet randomly reboots itself and shut down. I also can no longer get into recovery mode. I tried using Clockwork mod and also with the volume+- buttons manually but all that happens is it hangs at "booting recovery kernel". Does anyone know how to change the bootloader without entering recovery mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Make sure you have the Android SDK installed to your PC.
2. Boot the tab to fastboot using PWR and Vol+
you should get a menu
Select Fastboot Mode. Should say it at the top center when in fastboot
3. Download your CWM image file and copy it to your C:\Program Files\Android\Android-sdk\platform-tools folder. (might be in Program Files (x86).
in that folder you will see a file called "fastboot.exe"
Wait, plug your tab in.
4. Open a command window in that folder (shift + right mouse click)
in the window, type fastboot flash recovery nameofyourrecover.img (where nameofyourrecovery is what the recovery image file is named.
5. Hit Enter
Should flash your CWM recovery image back. I advise you use the latest CWM recovery. 1.7.2 or 1.7.3 you can get at tegraowners site
MD
If I don't have a recovery image am I SOL? Can I download one from somewhere?
guitarguy6 said:
If I don't have a recovery image am I SOL? Can I download one from somewhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tegraowners.com is one place.
The other recovery, is PublicRecovery which you can find in the Dev Forum.
Both are good recoveries. Albeit the CWM one is notorious for not revealing source code on his kernels. Non-GPL, which is why he is not allowed to post his kernels or roms at XDA. Might be sending your usernames and login's for all anyone knows,
The CWM "is" GPL compliant. So no needs to worry.
The "search" button, is such an easy thing to use.
MD
Thank you for the help. I found an app in the play store called "Acer Recovery" and used it to flash clockwork recovery. I was able to get into recovery mode after that and install the Tegra Owners ICS rom I wanted to try. I won't forget to do a nandroid backup ever again lol.
guitarguy6 said:
Thank you for the help. I found an app in the play store called "Acer Recovery" and used it to flash clockwork recovery. I was able to get into recovery mode after that and install the Tegra Owners ICS rom I wanted to try. I won't forget to do a nandroid backup ever again lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, keep forgetting about that one. But, just make sure the Recovery you installed is a recent one. Not sure how often that app gets updated.
Some of the older versions have issues with ICS sometimes, especially TWRP. So check versions.
MD

[Q]Can't mount tablet as USB Storage Device, ums lunfiles issue

Hello folks,
To start, the tablet is an a500. It's running the ICS bootloader V8 with Thor's 1.7.3 recovery.
On my Nexus S, I was able to mount the device as USB mass storage from the recovery, drop a new rom on it from the computer and flash as usual. I can't do that with the a500 because it gives me the "Unable to write to ums lunfile" error. Thinking back, the recovery has always given me this error, but I've gotten around it by successfully mounting it from the booted tablet instead of from the recovery - I can't do that this time because booting hangs on the Tegra Owners screen and doesn't continue any further.
Things I'm wondering about
-Am I on the right recovery for the V8 bootloader? this indicates that I should switch to this
-Can someone point me to how to properly flash recoveries/roms via adb/fastboot?
-What can I do to be able to mount the a500 through the recovery?
I've tried to do some more research and I think my data might be pooched again. A few posts mentioned that formatting the data enabled them to mount their tablet as a USB device to load roms onto it. When I was still running the HC bootloader, I was able to successfully format the data using the hardware reset (power, volume+, screen lock). I'm trying to do that again, but it just boots straight into the V8 bootloader.
1) rotate lock set to the locked position
2) hold volume+
3) hold power until tablet vibrates, then release power and switch the rotate lock to the unlocked position
... but instead of giving the Formatting Data text, it boots straight into the bootloader menu. BLAST!
Wermut said:
Hello folks,
To start, the tablet is an a500. It's running the ICS bootloader V8 with Thor's 1.7.3 recovery.
On my Nexus S, I was able to mount the device as USB mass storage from the recovery, drop a new rom on it from the computer and flash as usual. I can't do that with the a500 because it gives me the "Unable to write to ums lunfile" error. Thinking back, the recovery has always given me this error, but I've gotten around it by successfully mounting it from the booted tablet instead of from the recovery - I can't do that this time because booting hangs on the Tegra Owners screen and doesn't continue any further.
Things I'm wondering about
-Am I on the right recovery for the V8 bootloader? this indicates that I should switch to this
-Can someone point me to how to properly flash recoveries/roms via adb/fastboot?
-What can I do to be able to mount the a500 through the recovery?
I've tried to do some more research and I think my data might be pooched again. A few posts mentioned that formatting the data enabled them to mount their tablet as a USB device to load roms onto it. When I was still running the HC bootloader, I was able to successfully format the data using the hardware reset (power, volume+, screen lock). I'm trying to do that again, but it just boots straight into the V8 bootloader.
1) rotate lock set to the locked position
2) hold volume+
3) hold power until tablet vibrates, then release power and switch the rotate lock to the unlocked position
... but instead of giving the Formatting Data text, it boots straight into the bootloader menu. BLAST!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hard reset will not work this way on v8, u need to use fastboot...
Boot to fastboot pwr/vol UP
Connect to pc via micro USB cable
Open cmd prompt type:
fastboot devices
U should see a ?
Type:
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cache
fastboot reboot
It might pay to reflash your recovery while you're there
Grab your chosen recovery
(I used cwm1.7.3 that came in civatos nvflash v8 pckge and renamed it recovery.img)
and copy it to the fastboot folder
Fastboot erase recovery
Fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
Fastboot reboot
Yes, v8/cwm 1.7.3 should work fine, not sure why u have errors mounting....someone else maybe able to help with that...
good luck
dibb
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2
This is a super helpful post. Many thanks!
I'll try this in the next couple of days and report back.
Hello Dibb, thanks again for trying to help.
Using fastboot, I successfully:
-erased user data
-erased cache
-erased recovery
-reflashed the 1.7.3 recovery.
I didn't have any luck mounting the tablet in windows, so I tried the above steps again, but this time flashing the TWRP 2.1.3.
The recovery booted OK, so I know I did that correctly, but still no luck mounting.
Next, I tried redoing the bootloader/recovery using Blackthund3r's A500 APX Flashing utility back to the Bundle 17 (A500 and A501 BL v8 / Thor Recovery 1.7.3, ICS Unlocked / Skrilax Bootloader v8 and Thor Recovery 1.7.3 for the A500 and A501) to maybe get a fresh start. I rebooted into the recovery, but still no luck mounting the tablet.
I think I need to try pushing a rom straight onto the tablet using either fastboot or adb, but I'm not sure how to do it. I did some research and came up with the following cmd code:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
All of the roms that I've ever downloaded come in zips that you flash straight from the recovery, they're not .img files. Is there a way to push zips onto the SD card using adb/fastboot? I see a boot.img inside these zips, but I feel that if I flash that after extracting it from the rom zip, I'm not going to be getting any gapps or any of the other potentially important stuff in that zip. Do you mind explaining that, and maybe including some more awesome instructions on how to push a rom onto the tablet from windows, without having to mount the SD?
Thanks in advance!
K, lets back up a bit.....a quick question first
Are u just wanting to flash a custom rom via recovery?
As long as you have the unlocked bootloader (which you do) just flash via "install from zip" option from either
internal or external storage.....or am I missing something?
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2
Yep, that`s exactly what I want to do.
My problem is that there's nothing on the internal disk (I have no SD card for the a500) and I can't put anything on the SD card because it won't mount to show up in windows for me to drag a zip onto it.
Roger that then
And no card reader either I take it?
Edit: what rom are u running right now
That's right, no card reader either. I do have a USB key, maybe I can put a new rom on that and mount the usb key in recovery?
I'm not sure what rom I'm on right now, it's been so long since the tablet successfully booted into a rom. The last one I think was Thor's JB v17 from tegraowners.
Yeh try the USB key first....
I didn't realise you couldn't boot your OS, thought you meant the recovery screen, no matter...
do you have your cpuid backed up somewhere....anywhere....pleeeaasssee say you do!!!
I'm just writing up a post now in case the USB key won't work...
Yep, I've got the CPUID, drivers, sdk, adb and fastboot work too.
I'm going to try the USB key method.
Wermut said:
Yep, I've got the CPUID, drivers, sdk, adb and fastboot work too.
I'm going to try the USB key method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awsum that's great:highfive::good:
adb push name-of-your-rom.zip /sdcard
I'm sure you will still need to mount it tho but this is not my speciality.....
If the key won't mount I'd strongly suggest you download timmydeans v4 - it does not require an sdcard. http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?fo4wqjeald4s3rj
This will downgrade you back to stock HC3.2.1 which is pre-rooted and comes with cwm....this will wipe everything and reset yr tab, that will deal with yr boot issue - and hopefully the mount issues too....
Holy**** the USB key worked, just installed CM10-FLEX_V6Supercharged_Rev2.3c.
Lets hope I don't have any SOD issues, which is what led me to upgrading my bootloader, which is what started all of this!
I searched the rom that you have in your sig, (I suppose you think it's pretty stable?), but I didn't manage to find it. Throw a link? Does it come with a kernel?
Thanks so much!!
Phew!!
Ive been using the v6 supercharge cm10 JB rom for a week or so and its fantastic http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1935582
The one in my sig is ics but u know us tinkerers we have to have the latest and greatest.lol...
I never go too far from civato's roms - I'm a big fan! So can't offer feedback for anything else....
You should have no probs with SOD...mainly an issue with hc bootloader/ics rom and not wiping....thing of the past these days!
Well I'm pleased you got sorted without too many probs - happy tabbing
rgds dibb
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Bricked a500- stuck on boot menu.

Yes I am a noob, but a noob in need of help.
I recently decided to root my Acer Iconia a500 16gb WIFI version, running on stock ICS. I realised i had to unlock my bootloader to install CWM etc. So I followed a tutorial, and used blackthund3rs A500 APX Flash Utility v0.4. I used the flash package "Skrilax_CZ's bootloader V8".
So I thought all was going well, however when rebooting it, it just sits on "Skrilax_CZ's bootloader V8: Booting primary kernel image". I'm assuming its bricked, as it doesn't go beyond this point. I can get a few other options by doing the "PWR+VOL" combination and it opens boot-menu mode with the options:
-Reboot
-Fastboot Mode
-Boot Primary Kernel Image
-Boot Secondary Kernel Image
-Boot Recovery
-Set Boot secondary Kernel Image
-Set debug mode off/on
-Wipe Cache
The only option that does the slytest thing is putting it in fastboot mode. When putting it in this mode, it registers in "A500MANAGER" (when connected to my pc via USB) as the device being in fastboot mode. But I dont know what to do from there.
I've looked at multiple threads and cant find anything to fix this problem.
Please Help! Thanks!
boxyJ said:
Yes I am a noob, but a noob in need of help.
I recently decided to root my Acer Iconia a500 16gb WIFI version, running on stock ICS. I realised i had to unlock my bootloader to install CWM etc. So I followed a tutorial, and used blackthund3rs A500 APX Flash Utility v0.4. I used the flash package "Skrilax_CZ's bootloader V8".
So I thought all was going well, however when rebooting it, it just sits on "Skrilax_CZ's bootloader V8: Booting primary kernel image". I'm assuming its bricked, as it doesn't go beyond this point. I can get a few other options by doing the "PWR+VOL" combination and it opens boot-menu mode with the options:
-Reboot
-Fastboot Mode
-Boot Primary Kernel Image
-Boot Secondary Kernel Image
-Boot Recovery
-Set Boot secondary Kernel Image
-Set debug mode off/on
-Wipe Cache
The only option that does the slytest thing is putting it in fastboot mode. When putting it in this mode, it registers in "A500MANAGER" (when connected to my pc via USB) as the device being in fastboot mode. But I dont know what to do from there.
I've looked at multiple threads and cant find anything to fix this problem.
Please Help! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like the A500 manager didn't do something right. Happens sometimes.
Here is what I would do. I assume you don't have the Android SDK installed. No need to, as some of the bootloader/CWM packages have the necessary files needed.
1. Boot to the bootloader, select the option "Fastboot Mode"
2. Make sure you have downloaded to PC a CWM package for ICS/JB. Usually the manual packages have the necessary files, such as the CWM image, fastboot.exe, adb, and some dll files. Unzip them to your PC. (Also helps to download a custom ICS or CM10 rom to your sd card first)
3. Open a command window in the same folder you have the files.
4. type "fastboot flash recovery xxxxxxxx.img" (xxxxxxxx is name of cwm recovery img file, do not put the " in) then hit enter.
5. After completion, immediately boot tablet into recovery. I believe holding Vol- and PWR does this. Or, Vol+ and PWR boots to the bootloader menu. Either way.
In recovery, do your wipes and or formats as per ROM installation instructions.
Install ROM
Enjoy. If you have problems locating one of those packages, give a shout back.
MD
Thanks for the fast reply,
I am a noob, so could you perhaps link me a CWM package for ics to download?
Thanks
boxyJ said:
Thanks for the fast reply,
I am a noob, so could you perhaps link me a CWM package for ics to download?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I'll post a link in awhile.
MD
Files
Ok, so here are your files.
Unzip the contents of the zip file to a folder on your PC
Boot your tab to the bootloader menu, select Fastboot.
Connect tab to PC, then wait 30 seconds or so (windows has to recognize it)
Then, go to that folder. Hold "Shift" + "Right Mouse Click".
Select "Open Command Window"
Type in the following;
fastboot flash recovery recovery_thor17_403.img
and hit enter. Should transfer good.
When finished, boot tablet to recovery like I mentioned earlier. DO NOT boot to the system. Or you'll be doing this all over again.
Install ICS or CM10 rom following the instructions on the ROM post. I suggest starting out with Civato's ICS Flex****** rom first, or one of the stock rooted ones.
Should be good...... I hope.
MD
Thanks again.
I did the fastboot recovery thing. But when I go to reboot, I have to turn it on and select "Boot Recovery", when I do its stuck on the screen "Skrilax_CZ's bootloader v8: Booting recovery kernel image"
Is this whats supposed to happen or am I supposed to see a different screen?
boxyJ said:
Thanks again.
I did the fastboot recovery thing. But when I go to reboot, I have to turn it on and select "Boot Recovery", when I do its stuck on the screen "Skrilax_CZ's bootloader v8: Booting recovery kernel image"
Is this whats supposed to happen or am I supposed to see a different screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shut down the tab. Reboot holding V- and PWR release when you see the text. Should reboot to recovery.
If not, your partitions are probably hosed.
Then it's Timmy Deans Rollback tool time. Will have to turn you over to dibs_nz for that one.
MD
Moscow Desire said:
Shut down the tab. Reboot holding V- and PWR release when you see the text. Should reboot to recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That brings me to the screen "Skrilax_Cz's bootloader V8: Booting recovery kernel image." But it doesn't go any further?
Well crap.
Sounds like some partitions are messed.
Try this NVFlash package;
http://d-h.st/32X
It's a version 3 bootloader using NVFlash. Might work.
Put your tab in APX mode (I believe you press and hold the pinhole reset, then PWR. After 3 seconds, release PWR, 2 seconds later release pinhole. Might have to reverse it, don't remember)
Plug tab in. PC should recognize.
Unzip to a folder, open a command window, and run the batch file (type it into the command window, xxxxxxxx.bat then hit enter)
If there's an error, it should show in the command window.
Here is a link to Timmy Deans roll back package;
http://d-h.st/0x7
The issue here, is you need a UID number, which I HOPE you wrote down when you did the V8 bootloader!
MD
Well I cant manually put it into APX mode, tried a few times. Also there is no bat file in that download... as for Timmy Deans roll back package, is it a simple method taht should work? At this point I just want to get my tab working again . And yes I do have my UID number.
Ok,ok.
So this morning I tried to fix it again. And I think i managed to put it in APX mode. Also, I started up APX flash tool and all, did that. Suddenly a cmd window opened and started doing stuff. And now the tablet says in the top right corner "Acer Iconia APX mode", and a yellow glowing 'acer' title in the middle (which is different from what I've been seeing). Another cmd window opened by itself saying "Nvflash started [resume mode]. Where do i go from here??
Thanks!
So I think I've gotten a better understanding of how this all works today. I've tried multiple ways of flashing recovery imgs ect, flashing the bootloader and all that stuff. And all the times I've done this, it always stops at "Nvflash started [resume mode]" and doesn't go any further.
So I'm not really sure what else there is to do.
Please, I need guidance. (below is my last attempt, and what It said in the cmd window).
Flashing bootloader: bootloader_v8.bin ...
Nvflash started
[resume mode]
Formatting partition 4 please wait.. Command Execution failed cmd 13, error 0x12
0002
FAILED!
command failure: format partition failed (bad command)
bootloader status: unknown operation (code: 1) message: flags: 0
Nvflash started
[resume mode]
Please let us know if/how you fixed this problem! Some of us are in the same boat.
timmytutone said:
Please let us know if/how you fixed this problem! Some of us are in the same boat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U guys need to run the babsector.rar file to reset yr tabs partitions and you must have yr cpuid/sbk.
The file and instructions to use it are in post 2 of the root guide in my sig.
If u get any errors you must post the output. You may have a faulty memory chip. If that's the case, a new motherboard is the only fix.
dibb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4
EDIT: Link to post2 (babsector.rar file)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=35500589
dibb_nz said:
U guys need to run the babsector.rar file to reset yr tabs partitions and you must have yr cpuid/sbk.
The file and instructions to use it are in post 2 of the root guide in my sig.
If u get any errors you must post the output. You may have a faulty memory chip. If that's the case, a new motherboard is the only fix.
dibb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4
EDIT: Link to post2 (babsector.rar file)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=35500589
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the reply. I gave up this afternoon and just flashed the ota 4.0.3 version from Acer and it seems to be running really good. The only reason I was looking to flash something new is because the update from honeycomb to ics didn't take very well and I've always been dealing with problems from it. If the flashed version is still running well I might not try a different Rom again. I'll be putting your tip in my notes in case I do. Thanks again.
dibb_nz said:
U guys need to run the babsector.rar file to reset yr tabs partitions and you must have yr cpuid/sbk.
The file and instructions to use it are in post 2 of the root guide in my sig.
If u get any errors you must post the output. You may have a faulty memory chip. If that's the case, a new motherboard is the only fix.
dibb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4
EDIT: Link to post2 (babsector.rar file)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=35500589
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I rooted and then flashed a Custom Recovery Image. Then I followed the instructions under the babsector portion of your post. I got to this part: Go back into apx mode and run 501 B.bat, Reboot into recovery and do the wipes, Reboot!!!
I wasn't sure what "do the wipes" referred to so I did ALL the wipes. Cache/Dalvik/Battery/ and Data(?) When I rebooted it went back to the green screen and says in yellow: "Invalid primary (LNX) image." and has the same menu as when I rebooted after 501 A.bat
Now what?
EDIT:
So I was sitting there with the green screen/yellow error and decided to boot into recovery again. I then reflashed my custom rom, and did a normal reboot. Everything is working now! My FIRST custom rom after owning android devices since the ancient Motorola i1 way back in the day. I'd still like to know if what I did was right or what happened, so I can detail it in my instructions for my next custom rom project.
timmytutone said:
So I rooted and then flashed a Custom Recovery Image. Then I followed the instructions under the babsector portion of your post. I got to this part: Go back into apx mode and run 501 B.bat, Reboot into recovery and do the wipes, Reboot!!!
I wasn't sure what "do the wipes" referred to so I did ALL the wipes. Cache/Dalvik/Battery/ and Data(?) When I rebooted it went back to the green screen and says in yellow: "Invalid primary (LNX) image." and has the same menu as when I rebooted after 501 A.bat
Now what?
EDIT:
So I was sitting there with the green screen/yellow error and decided to boot into recovery again. I then reflashed my custom rom, and did a normal reboot. Everything is working now! My FIRST custom rom after owning android devices since the ancient Motorola i1 way back in the day. I'd still like to know if what I did was right or what happened, so I can detail it in my instructions for my next custom rom project.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude I know it's been 4 years since you wrote that but I just wanted to say you really saved my life, THANK YOU!!!
About 2 months ago I tried to unlock my tablet's bootloader but I gave up after reading different articles and obviously ended up with a really bad headache. Last night I realized Android 3 is really old and I almost can't install anything on it. So basically I gave it another shot and been reading and downloading different files for almost 3 hours. Today I managed to unlock bootloader and use your short instruction (more likely a walk-thru that how you fixed your problem) and it worked!!! I owe you man... I owe you
I even took it to so many different mobile centers about 3 weeks ago but they said its files are not anywhere/we can't do it/it's too risky/it's not possible deal with it
Happy to help!

Windows A500 NVfash Bootloader Script

Hi Everyone
A while back I was having all sorts of problems trying to flash a patched bootloader to my Acer A500 So that I could install a custom recovery, Custom ROMS , etc...
Well thanks to some help from this awesome site, and a member here that pointed me to an NVFlash archive (Bab-Sector) with a script in it and it worked perfect. The Script however was using the V8 bootloader instead of V9, and I wanted to go with the V9 Bootloader 03.14-EXT So I updated the scripts to install the bootloader to SkrilaxCZ v9 Patched for Acer A500, and I also added Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 touch, instead of 1.7. 1.7.3 works a whole lot better
*****************************IMPORTANT**************************
Before using these tools make sure to back up your tablet first, and have a good ROM ready to install once you have your patched bootloader installed. Using this tool to Install the patched bootloader will render your current ROM unusable. You will have to install a new ROM as soon as your finished. This will also fix all the partitions on your tablet, so that they are all correct, but in doing it destroys your current install.
So any way here is a quick guide to flash the patched V9 bootloader file on your Acer A500:
Before you Continue:
You will need to know your SBK
And you need to have all the proper Acer USB drivers installed.
Plus you will need this file: A500-Bootloader-V9_Babsector
Extract the contents to some folder, and open the folder.
Now power off the tablet, and while it is connected to your PC via USB take a paperclip and press the reset button (located on the side next to the full size USB port, a small hole) and the power button, slowly count to 3 then release the power button, count one more to 4 and then release the reset button. Now your tablet is in APX download mode.
Open the folder where you extracted the bootloader and tools. Double click the file a501 A.bat. Enter your SBK.
The bootloader will be flashed, and Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 Custom Recovery will be installed, upon completion the screen will say PASS.
Now hold down the power button until the tab turns off, then hold the vol down button along with the power button to boot into CWM. Once in CWM navigate to the mounts and storage menu, then format system partition twice. Now go back to the power menu, and power off the tablet.
Now you need to boot APX download mode again, take a paperclip and press the reset button and the power button, slowly count to 3 then release the power button, count one more to 4 and release the reset button. Now your tablet is in APX download mode again.
Back to the folder where you extracted the bootloader and tools again. Now double click the file a501 B.bat.
The bootloader will be flashed again, and Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 Custom Recovery will be reinstalled, upon completion the screen will once again display PASS. You are finished, and you have a good custom recovery, along with the best patched bootloader for the A500.
Now you are ready to install custom ROMS from Thor2002ro CWM Touch.
If you decide that you no longer want to have the patched bootloader you can restore your A500 to complete stock ICS4.0.3 with this ROM: Stock ROM Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1
You can flash this ROM with CWM or rename it to update.zip and place on root of external SD and the stock recovery will install it also. after the ROM has installed the tablet needs to reboot and the bootloader will be installed, then the tab will reboot, and you are back to 100% stock Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1. You will not have root, and the bootloader will also be stock. This is the file you need if for some reason you should ever need to have your tablet sent to Acer, to be worked on. under warranty for example, or if you just want to have the tablet returned to stock.
I really hope this little guide helps someone, I know that a few months ago this would have helped me out when I could not flash my bootloader from windows with either the Black Thund3rAPX tool or AfterOTA, both of which are excellent tools, but for some reason they just would not work with my tab until after I had flashed my bootloader with NVFlash the way I explain here.
Also I need to point out that the scripts and tools included in the bootloader archive are originally the Bab-Sector tools. I just updated the bootloader files to SkrilaxCZ V9 Bootloader, with the green Acer logo, and the Custom Recovery to Thor2002ro CWM Touch 1.7.3
Thanks
- Kaiji
Omg! Thank you!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I've been trying for two days to get a custom recovery to install. I too used Blackthund3r's tools, but nothing was working. I think my partition table was screwed. It took me forever just to get the drivers to recognize APX mode. Google's generic driver's > Acers! Again thank you so much.
KaijiKun said:
Hi Everyone
A while back I was having all sorts of problems trying to flash a patched bootloader to my Acer A500 So that I could install a custom recovery, Custom ROMS , etc...
Well thanks to some help from this awesome site, and a member here that pointed me to an NVFlash archive (Bab-Sector) with a script in it and it worked perfect. The Script however was using the V8 bootloader instead of V9, and I wanted to go with the V9 Bootloader 03.14-EXT So I updated the scripts to install the bootloader to SkrilaxCZ v9 Patched for Acer A500, and I also added Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 touch, instead of 1.7. 1.7.3 works a whole lot better
*****************************IMPORTANT**************************
Before using these tools make sure to back up your tablet first, and have a good ROM ready to install once you have your patched bootloader installed. Using this tool to Install the patched bootloader will render your current ROM unusable. You will have to install a new ROM as soon as your finished. This will also fix all the partitions on your tablet, so that they are all correct, but in doing it destroys your current install.
So any way here is a quick guide to flash the patched V9 bootloader file on your Acer A500:
Code:
Before you Continue:
You will need to know your SBK
And you need to have all the proper Acer USB drivers installed.
Plus you will need this file: http://www.4shared.com/zip/dbt1DsjT/A500-Bootloader-V9-Nvflash.html
Extract the contents to some folder, and open the folder.
Now power off the tablet, and while it is connected to your PC via USB take a paperclip and press the reset button (located on the side next to the full size USB port, a small hole) and the power button, slowly count to 3 then release the power button, count one more to 4 and then release the reset button. Now your tablet is in APX download mode.
Open the folder where you extracted the bootloader and tools. Double click the file a501 A.bat. Enter your SBK.
The bootloader will be flashed, and Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 Custom Recovery will be installed, upon completion the screen will say PASS.
Now hold down the power button until the tab turns off, then hold the vol down button along with the power button to boot into CWM. Once in CWM navigate to the mounts and storage menu, then format system partition twice. Now go back to the power menu, and power off the tablet.
Now you need to boot APX download mode again, take a paperclip and press the reset button and the power button, slowly count to 3 then release the power button, count one more to 4 and release the reset button. Now your tablet is in APX download mode again.
Back to the folder where you extracted the bootloader and tools again. Now double click the file a501 B.bat.
The bootloader will be flashed again, and Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 Custom Recovery will be reinstalled, upon completion the screen will once again display PASS. You are finished, and you have a good custom recovery, along with the best patched bootloader for the A500.
Now you are ready to install custom ROMS from Thor2002ro CWM Touch.
If you decide that you no longer want to have the patched bootloader you can restore your A500 to complete stock ICS4.0.3 with this ROM
Code:
Stock ROM Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1
http://www.4shared.com/zip/R6Wn2rFJ/A500-Stock.html
You can flash this ROM with CWM or rename it to update.zip and place on root of external SD and the stock recovery will install it also. after the ROM has installed the tablet needs to reboot and the bootloader will be installed, then the tab will reboot, and you are back to 100% stock Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1. You will not have root, and the bootloader will also be stock. This is the file you need if for some reason you should ever need to have your tablet sent to Acer, to be worked on. under warranty for example, or if you just want to have the tablet returned to stock.
I really hope this little guide helps someone, I know that a few months ago this would have helped me out when I could not flash my bootloader from windows with either the Black Thund3rAPX tool or AfterOTA, both of which are excellent tools, but for some reason they just would not work with my tab until after I had flashed my bootloader with NVFlash the way I explain here.
Also I need to point out that the scripts and tools included in the bootloader archive are originally the Bab-Sector tools. I just updated the bootloader files to SkrilaxCZ V9 Bootloader, with the green Acer logo, and the Custom Recovery to Thor2002ro CWM Touch 1.7.3
Thanks
- Kaiji
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice guide Kaiji...a quick question. Do u know why babsector requires u to run both bat files. A few folks have just run the first one, done the formats then flashed their rom. Seems no one had any problems. Could u explain ( to a noob like me how babsector actually works? ??
rgds dibb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4
dibb_nz said:
Nice guide Kaiji...a quick question. Do u know why babsector requires u to run both bat files. A few folks have just run the first one, done the formats then flashed their rom. Seems no one had any problems. Could u explain ( to a noob like me how babsector actually works? ??
rgds dibb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
Actually both of those batch files are identical, I believe that the original writer wanted to be sure that any corrupted data, and or partitions were repaired. And that is exactly what they do.What happens is after the tab is in apx mode a temporary rw bootloader image is uploaded, and then the file correctly maps out and create the partitions needed for you tablet, then it uploads the bootloader, and recovery images. now with your new patched bootloader you can boot to custom recovery, install custom ROM's, and you could even install a second OS and set up a dual boot scenario, Skrilax_CZ has some really great tutorials on this here. You will also find that Blackthund3r's tools will also work now too.
- Kaiji
dibb_nz said:
; Nice guide Kaiji...a quick question....... Could u explain ( to a noob like me how babsector actually works? ??
rgds dibb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you
I am very happy that you, a senior member, actually thinks the guide is good. It really does mean a lot ( to a noob like me
I have actually just been poking around, and learning alI I can. I have always been a big fan of the Linux system, and the fact that it is now, in its Android form so huge world wide, on smartphones, and tablets everywhere is awesome!!
Any way I do really love that Android is based on the open source Linux code, and since it is, it's 100% customizable, hackable, & rewritable, sweet!!.
Oh yeah, To continue on a bit more about babsector, from my last post. The way that babsector actually works is this, while the tablet is is the NVidia APX download mode, the program NVFlash can then upload the special temporary APX mode bootloader image with rw abilities so that NVFlash can then set the partitions, and upload you patched bootloader. At least I believe that is how it all works. As I said I am just poking around, hehehe, an old linux user trying to learn all I can and then pass it on so everyone can enjoy the full potential of their devices.
- Kaiji
Not Working
KaijiKun said:
Hi Everyone
A while back I was having all sorts of problems trying to flash a patched bootloader to my Acer A500 So that I could install a custom recovery, Custom ROMS , etc...
Well thanks to some help from this awesome site, and a member here that pointed me to an NVFlash archive (Bab-Sector) with a script in it and it worked perfect. The Script however was using the V8 bootloader instead of V9, and I wanted to go with the V9 Bootloader 03.14-EXT So I updated the scripts to install the bootloader to SkrilaxCZ v9 Patched for Acer A500, and I also added Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 touch, instead of 1.7. 1.7.3 works a whole lot better
*****************************IMPORTANT**************************
Before using these tools make sure to back up your tablet first, and have a good ROM ready to install once you have your patched bootloader installed. Using this tool to Install the patched bootloader will render your current ROM unusable. You will have to install a new ROM as soon as your finished. This will also fix all the partitions on your tablet, so that they are all correct, but in doing it destroys your current install.
So any way here is a quick guide to flash the patched V9 bootloader file on your Acer A500:
Before you Continue:
You will need to know your SBK
And you need to have all the proper Acer USB drivers installed.
Plus you will need this file: A500-Bootloader-V9_Babsector
Extract the contents to some folder, and open the folder.
Now power off the tablet, and while it is connected to your PC via USB take a paperclip and press the reset button (located on the side next to the full size USB port, a small hole) and the power button, slowly count to 3 then release the power button, count one more to 4 and then release the reset button. Now your tablet is in APX download mode.
Open the folder where you extracted the bootloader and tools. Double click the file a501 A.bat. Enter your SBK.
The bootloader will be flashed, and Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 Custom Recovery will be installed, upon completion the screen will say PASS.
Now hold down the power button until the tab turns off, then hold the vol down button along with the power button to boot into CWM. Once in CWM navigate to the mounts and storage menu, then format system partition twice. Now go back to the power menu, and power off the tablet.
Now you need to boot APX download mode again, take a paperclip and press the reset button and the power button, slowly count to 3 then release the power button, count one more to 4 and release the reset button. Now your tablet is in APX download mode again.
Back to the folder where you extracted the bootloader and tools again. Now double click the file a501 B.bat.
The bootloader will be flashed again, and Thor2002ro CWM 1.7.3 Custom Recovery will be reinstalled, upon completion the screen will once again display PASS. You are finished, and you have a good custom recovery, along with the best patched bootloader for the A500.
Now you are ready to install custom ROMS from Thor2002ro CWM Touch.
If you decide that you no longer want to have the patched bootloader you can restore your A500 to complete stock ICS4.0.3 with this ROM: Stock ROM Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1
You can flash this ROM with CWM or rename it to update.zip and place on root of external SD and the stock recovery will install it also. after the ROM has installed the tablet needs to reboot and the bootloader will be installed, then the tab will reboot, and you are back to 100% stock Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1. You will not have root, and the bootloader will also be stock. This is the file you need if for some reason you should ever need to have your tablet sent to Acer, to be worked on. under warranty for example, or if you just want to have the tablet returned to stock.
I really hope this little guide helps someone, I know that a few months ago this would have helped me out when I could not flash my bootloader from windows with either the Black Thund3rAPX tool or AfterOTA, both of which are excellent tools, but for some reason they just would not work with my tab until after I had flashed my bootloader with NVFlash the way I explain here.
Also I need to point out that the scripts and tools included in the bootloader archive are originally the Bab-Sector tools. I just updated the bootloader files to SkrilaxCZ V9 Bootloader, with the green Acer logo, and the Custom Recovery to Thor2002ro CWM Touch 1.7.3
Thanks
- Kaiji
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Kaiji,
I tried your trick but it is not working for me. Could you please help me to solve this issue?
When i run first a501A file my tablet vibrate and went to download mode. I have attached file what exactly i get (file no. 1) and when i try to run the batch file again while tablet in download mode i get result (file no. 2). Please direct me what exactly i need to do?
Thanks
jd4r said:
Hi Kaiji,
I tried your trick but it is not working for me. Could you please help me to solve this issue?
When i run first a501A file my tablet vibrate and went to download mode. I have attached file what exactly i get (file no. 1) and when i try to run the batch file again while tablet in download mode i get result (file no. 2). Please direct me what exactly i need to do?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I wonder what the problem could be.... I would say for starters, try reinstalling the drivers, reboot, and try the script again. making sure to runit as Administrator. Also do you have AfterOTA? send me a PM after you try reinstalling your drivers, and if you are still having trouble tomorow, I will PM you my phone # and I will do my best to help you solve this over the phone.
I will be online tomorow around 12:00 noon EDT and will look for your PM and/or a reply
- Kaiji
Thanks.
KaijiKun said:
Hmm, I wonder what the problem could be.... I would say for starters, try reinstalling the drivers, reboot, and try the script again. making sure to runit as Administrator. Also do you have AfterOTA? send me a PM after you try reinstalling your drivers, and if you are still having trouble tomorow, I will PM you my phone # and I will do my best to help you solve this over the phone.
I will be online tomorow around 12:00 noon EDT and will look for your PM and/or a reply
- Kaiji
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response. I appreciate it. My problem got resolved after running Acera500 flash tool.
Thanks again for your help.
jd4r said:
Thanks for your response. I appreciate it. My problem got resolved after running Acera500 flash tool.
Thanks again for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem , I am very glad your problems were resolved. And, if you don't mind, I have a few questions for you.
1. What exactly went wrong in your situation?
2. Which tablet are you using?
3. And, how did you solve your problems exactly?
The reason I ask is that each tablet/software combination may each be a little unique, and the details of your experience can be very helpful to others as they encounter their own situation, and most of all we can always learn more from everyones different case, and apply that knowledge to improving the ability to help in the next case. Also, please try to be as detailed as possible, if you decide to answer the questionsI asked.
Thank you very much for your input
- Kaiji
KaijiKun said:
Hi Everyone
I really hope this little guide helps someone, I know that a few months ago this would have helped me out when I could not flash my bootloader from windows with either the Black Thund3rAPX tool or AfterOTA, both of which are excellent tools, but for some reason they just would not work with my tab until after I had flashed my bootloader with NVFlash the way I explain here.
Also I need to point out that the scripts and tools included in the bootloader archive are originally the Bab-Sector tools. I just updated the bootloader files to SkrilaxCZ V9 Bootloader, with the green Acer logo, and the Custom Recovery to Thor2002ro CWM Touch 1.7.3
Thanks
- Kaiji
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it got me from only booting to APX mode to having a bootloader, but I'm still having problems. I ran the script and got the PASS screen. Now it boots to the bootloader but I'm no longer able to use the reset button to get to the APX mode. Even when I hold the reset button while powering on, it just goes to the bootloader. It also does this just powering on without press the -vol button. I'm assuming this was because I was also getting an error message say the Lnx kernel was invalid.
So I went ahead and flashed the A500-stock.zip and no longer get the invalid kernel message but it still boots to the loader menu with the options Primary (LNX), Recovery and Fastboot. But when I choose the first option it hangs on the first screen saying "Booting Android Image from LNX partition..." Revovery takes me to the recovery menu and Fastboot connect me to my PC in ADB mode.
Any suggestion about where I go from here?
4929york said:
Well it got me from only booting to APX mode to having a bootloader, but I'm still having problems. I ran the script and got the PASS screen. Now it boots to the bootloader but I'm no longer able to use the reset button to get to the APX mode. Even when I hold the reset button while powering on, it just goes to the bootloader. It also does this just powering on without press the -vol button. I'm assuming this was because I was also getting an error message say the Lnx kernel was invalid.
So I went ahead and flashed the A500-stock.zip and no longer get the invalid kernel message but it still boots to the loader menu with the options Primary (LNX), Recovery and Fastboot. But when I choose the first option it hangs on the first screen saying "Booting Android Image from LNX partition..." Revovery takes me to the recovery menu and Fastboot connect me to my PC in ADB mode.
Any suggestion about where I go from here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got APX mode working again. I had to fall back to Win 7. In Win 8 it couldn't find tthe APX driver.
So, I started from scratch and ran the A501.A bat, then formatted the /system twice. Then rebooted into APX and ran the a501.B script and got this error. "Formatting partition 2 BCT please wait... FAILED!" What now????? PLEASE HELP!!!!!
jd4r said:
Hi Kaiji,
I tried your trick but it is not working for me. Could you please help me to solve this issue?
When i run first a501A file my tablet vibrate and went to download mode. I have attached file what exactly i get (file no. 1) and when i try to run the batch file again while tablet in download mode i get result (file no. 2). Please direct me what exactly i need to do?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im having the same problem as u were having with the attachments on the error codes u got can u share some light to me on the solution u was told to use
Im about at my wits end and gonna make a paper weight out of this thing I guess. I had recovered it with the Timmy Dean tool once already, and was on HC for about a week. I wanted to upgrade to ICS. So I tried to flash to bootloader but somehow got to where I can only boot into APX mode. I keep hanging on every tool I use. Here is a screen shot of the error when using the babsector in this thread. As far as I know I have the correct drivers from Acers site, but not sure about the adb drivers. I have them, but they don't "install" like the acer drivers did. How do I know they are correct? See my error attached photo. Is it possible to have something so messed up that even though apx mode works, it still wont flash itself out of the problem?
Need help with running A501 A.bat
Hi there. I put my tablet into APX mode by following the instructions above. However, when I run the A501 A.bat script, it reports that "USB device not found"
I have my tablet connected to my desktop via a USB-miniUSB cable. The connection works fine when the tablet is on, but it doesn't register it when the tablet is in APX mode
Any suggestions? Thanks!
romUser1365 said:
Hi there. I put my tablet into APX mode by following the instructions above. However, when I run the A501 A.bat script, it reports that "USB device not found"
I have my tablet connected to my desktop via a USB-miniUSB cable. The connection works fine when the tablet is on, but it doesn't register it when the tablet is in APX mode
Any suggestions? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a couple suggestions, I would start by making sure you have a known good micro USB cable, make sure it's plugged into a USB 2.0 port directly connected to you motherboard and not a USB hub or a USB 3.0 port as those can cause problems. The last thing I would recommend is to use Windows 7. Windows 10 may or may not work with this method as this tablet is pretty old. You can use a virtual machine to run Windows 7 and it should work fine. Hopefully this helps a bit.
turnert said:
Just a couple suggestions, I would start by making sure you have a known good micro USB cable, make sure it's plugged into a USB 2.0 port directly connected to you motherboard and not a USB hub or a USB 3.0 port as those can cause problems. The last thing I would recommend is to use Windows 7. Windows 10 may or may not work with this method as this tablet is pretty old. You can use a virtual machine to run Windows 7 and it should work fine. Hopefully this helps a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am unable to connect directly to the motherboard, as my PC is actually a laptop, and I don't really want to try and open it up. I did manage to use a vm and try this on Windows 7 with no luck . If anyone has any other suggestions I'm all ears. The only thing that I think might be causing these issues is that I'm using a USB 3.0 port (My laptop doesn't have 2.0 ports), so I'll update this reply once I find a computer that has usb 2.0 ports.
Also, do I need to install a custom recovery before running the A500 A and A500 B scripts? Are there tutorials on how to do that? I think I ran into issues last time I tried because I hadn't unlocked my bootloader (tablet wouldn't enter recovery mode). But, if I understand it correctly, the instructions for this thread tell you how to unlock the bootloader, but it also requires the custom recovery or else you lose your stock rom. It's quite a catch 22
romUser1365 said:
I am unable to connect directly to the motherboard, as my PC is actually a laptop, and I don't really want to try and open it up. I did manage to use a vm and try this on Windows 7 with no luck . If anyone has any other suggestions I'm all ears. The only thing that I think might be causing these issues is that I'm using a USB 3.0 port (My laptop doesn't have 2.0 ports), so I'll update this reply once I find a computer that has usb 2.0 ports.
Also, do I need to install a custom recovery before running the A500 A and A500 B scripts? Are there tutorials on how to do that? I think I ran into issues last time I tried because I hadn't unlocked my bootloader (tablet wouldn't enter recovery mode). But, if I understand it correctly, the instructions for this thread tell you how to unlock the bootloader, but it also requires the custom recovery or else you lose your stock rom. It's quite a catch 22
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you need to unlock your bootloader before you can get a custom rom or a custom recovery. But to do that you need root first. Also when I said connect your USB cable directly to your mother board I meant just any USB port on your motherboard.
turnert said:
Yes you need to unlock your bootloader before you can get a custom rom or a custom recovery. But to do that you need root first. Also when I said connect your USB cable directly to your mother board I meant just any USB port on your motherboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would still involve opening up my laptop, no? Also, I don't think that the USB cable is the issue, as I am able to connect just fine when the tablet is powered on, but not in APX mode. Also, I have tried rooting it before with a couple methods, both of which failed in one way or another. I'm open to trying out some other method(s) if you have a suggestion
Hi!
I have a similar problem like other users. Ive try many metods and I cant unbrik my A500. I dont know witch BL etc it has. Ive tried many update.zips but always without result. I can enter in apx mode but no more...
When I run A501A the I have this problem.
* Reboot your tablet into APX mode *
Generate your SBK with your CPUID from here :
Enter your SBK:0x58244C00 0x6309C006 0x2B432404 0xB0512103
Nvflash started
rcm version 0X20001
System Information:
chip name: t20
chip id: 0x20 major: 1 minor: 3
chip sku: 0x8
chip uid: 0x038892484340e057
macrovision: disabled
hdcp: enabled
sbk burned: true
dk burned: true
boot device: emmc
operating mode: 4
device config strap: 0
device config fuse: 0
sdram config strap: 0
sending file: flash.bct
- 4080/4080 bytes sent
flash.bct sent successfully
odm data: 0xb00d8011
downloading bootloader -- load address: 0x108000 entry point: 0x108000
sending file: bootloader.bin
| 714409/714409 bytes sent
bootloader.bin sent successfully
waiting for bootloader to initialize
bootloader downloaded successfully
setting device: 2 3
creating partition: BCT
creating partition: PT
creating partition: APP
creating partition: EBT
creating partition: GP1
creating partition: SOS
creating partition: LNX
creating partition: CAC
creating partition: MSC
creating partition: FLX
creating partition: AKB
creating partition: UDA
creating partition: GPT
failed executing command 12 NvError 0x120002
command failure: create failed (bad data)
bootloader status: fatal failure to read / write to mass storage (code: 9) message: nverror:0x8 (0x19000008) flags: 0
Presione una tecla para continuar . . .
-------------------------------------------------------
I cant solve it. Can you help me please.

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