Database Users

[Q] unbricking selfbricked stock A500

My colleague brought his stock A500 to me in a bricked condition last week.
I need a way to restore it. If I try to do a wipe it will say bootloader error if i try the recovery the droid falls down with the red sign with the exclamation mark.
This tablet has never been rooted, my colleague is not in to such things, it's lived its life with ordinary acer otas and the occational very young human (5 year old) trial wich it has survived.
He has installed all the OTAs he ever got on the tablet and this is in Sweden so it would probably be a 4.0.3 acer stock on it now.
I'm guessing it has died during a OTA or something. if i turn it on it will sit at the acer logo indefinitly.
I Bricked my A500 during a rooting atempt resulting in me needed to flash a stock rom to get it working again, but i cant find the thread i read to un-brick my A500.
Please Help!

try this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1839313

dibb_nz wrote:
try this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1839313
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that thread seems to hold all i need, although i can't do a full wipe. when i do the flipswitch wipe procedure it halts with bootloader error
Im hoping to just be able to flash the stock rom from the link you gave me. Is it entirely necessary to do the wipe prior to flash? can i wipe it afterwards?

Hogbola said:
Well that thread seems to hold all i need, although i can't do a full wipe. when i do the flipswitch wipe procedure it halts with bootloader error
Im hoping to just be able to flash the stock rom from the link you gave me. Is it entirely necessary to do the wipe prior to flash? can i wipe it afterwards?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
we're assuming the tab is full stock and currently on ICS...
and we're assuming he never tried to 'fix' his tab by flashing one thing or another...
the bootloader error worries me...what exactly does it say...
Yes the wipes are really important!! and not being able to use the button method to do so is concerning...
what happens with the Over The Air (OTA) updates is its just that...an update...it leaves all your settings/data intact. When you OTA from one build to another, like Gingerbread 3.0 to Honeycomb 3.1/2 and then to ICS 4.0 - you drag all your apps and settings with you and of course some things that work with 3.2 will not work under ICS....fjor instance, lots of folk had trouble with wifi disconnects, once they got to ICS - or they had apps force closing and other 'glitches'. This is why everyone tells you to do the wipes - as this fixes these things! In the case of stock ICS my gmail would f/c all the time no matter how many times I wiped/formatted....So for a smooth running tab - flash a custom rom!!!!!!
But getting back to you...
From that link i gave you...download the 3.1_Full.zip....its decrypted so just extract it and get the "update.zip" from it..
This "update.zip" is not an incremental "update" but the full stock rom....
once installed you'll be on GB you will need to root it with iconia root and then use acer recovery installer to flash cwm....(get these from the playstore)
do a backup or adb devices so you can get your CPUID....this is important...if anything goes wrong at any stage this is the only thing that will get you unbricked....see the cpuid link in my sig for more on this, please take the time to read it, even if it doesnt make much sense to you, read it anyway....
AFTER you have retrieved your cpuid, you can nvflash the patched bootloader/recovery pkg which means you are able to flash ICS/JB custom roms
they cannot be flashed via cwm like normal...you must use nvFlash to do it....
OR
take the OTA route to ICS...this takes a bit of time...I did it last week and it was a good 6-7 hours to go from GB to ICS
there are pre-rooted stock roms if you wanna stay stock see civato's stock rom thread for that here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1633907
official stock rom list by blackthund3r are here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1816560
civs guide to flashing the unlocked bootloader here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425

I am in a similar situation. Push the power button and it goes to a screen with white acer on black and stays there. Totally stock ICS, no root. I tried the update.zip thing and after automatically rebooting it says "Boot verified failed...". I don't have my cpuid, or have installed previously CWM or anything like that. I can get into APX mode. This guy here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1751978 could only get into APX with no cpuid as well, but i don't understand all of the ubuntuu and command line stuff. I would love for someone to be able to walk a dummy like me through this mess. Thanks for any help.

if u got boot verified fail error you need nvFlash to repair that....as u know, with nvflash you need yr cpuid....wot about usbdeview? if you've never plugged yr tab into yr PC - then it won't work and the ONLY other way is Linux....
might be best to start yr own thread with a descriptive title, not just a help I'm bricked no uid, thread there are hundreds of those....the more effort u put into the title the more likely you will attract the attention of someone who can actually help...and remember you just don't need a bit of help but a blow by blow description of what to do and how....this will be very time consuming....at the very least get ubuntu installed, maybe just try a few things, anything to show you are capable of at least giving it a go yourself..
there are others who would like 2 know how to do this as well...having a specific thread of its own would be great
good luck
dibb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Actually, I have connected it to my PC before. Only for transferring media though. If I've done that, is the some way to retrieve my cpuid from the PC?

yup...usbdeview.zip see the bottom of the OP in the cpuid guide in my sig

Thanks alot for your help. I used usbdeview and got my cpuid. Now I should use nvflash? Know where a good step by step is for that one?

you could try the one in my sig??

dibb_nz said:
you could try the one in my sig??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. Sorry, I didn't notice that before. Thanks again for your direction.
"To install one of these roms you will need a custom recovery and to get that you must flash the patched bootloader FIRSt - once its patched you can install a recovery any old way you like"
Looking at that guide, would you please tell me what a custom recovery is and how to get one? Btw, I don't plan to do a custom ROM yet, I just want to get the damn thing working first. Was thinking of using the HC EUUs from the firmware files list. However there are two files, a .rar and a .exe listed. Which do i use?

NvigR8 said:
Right. Sorry, I didn't notice that before. Thanks again for your direction.
"To install one of these roms you will need a custom recovery and to get that you must flash the patched bootloader FIRSt - once its patched you can install a recovery any old way you like"
Looking at that guide, would you please tell me what a custom recovery is and how to get one? Btw, I don't plan to do a custom ROM yet, I just want to get the damn thing working first. Was thinking of using the HC EUUs from the firmware files list. However there are two files, a .rar and a .exe listed. Which do i use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The .rar EUU is for an A500, the .exe is for the A501, which do you have?

I've got the a500. However, I decided to go with a custom ICS rom after all. I managed to put a new bootloader and custom recovery on using the a500apx flash tool. That part went fine. I flashed this rom:
Acer_AV041_A500_1.054.00_WW_GEN1-FULL-ROOT (original odex)
and that appeared to go well according to twrp, but after rebooting, it just shows the bootloader again and stops there. Not sure what i did wrong.
I renamed the rom update.zip. Should i not have done that?

well congrats for getting thru the flash process with no probs!!!
as far as renaming to update.zip that was not such a good move...hopefully things havent been screwed up too much
just go back into recovery and do a FULL wipe/format
then to flash use the option "install from zip file" not sure where that is in TWRP but it will have one

Okay. I will reflash the rom after completely wiping again. Thanks.
On a different note, why do roms require particular bootloaders?
Also different, how do you like your SGS3? If i can manage to fix this thing, perhaps I'll root my phone...

NvigR8 said:
Okay. I will reflash the rom after completely wiping again. Thanks.
On a different note, why do roms require particular bootloaders?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock ICS BL is encrypted - more or less - the only way to 'flash' a recovery or rom is to have the "key" that "unlocks" - it more or less - if you dont use the right key then the OS will not boot - the 'key' is based on your cpuid which is why everyone is forever telling you to save it somewhere safe....
Also different, how do you like your SGS3? If i can manage to fix this thing, perhaps I'll root my phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I enjoy the big screen, took awhile to get used to it in my hand, kept dropping it....then I ran it over with my 44tonne truck after 3 days and munted it!!!!
I have a case for it now, and its gr8 - I havent installed a rom on it yet...the forums over there are jampacked and I have no idea what I'm doing, lol - its the first android device I've had that I've left stock for so long...but it does what I want...the camera is awesome -burst mode is the bomb - BUT do I think it was worth the money???? Still on the fence about that one.....

Ouch. Sorry to read about running over your phone. That would kill me. I really like my SGS3. I think I'll look into rooting it just to be able to back it up and get rid of the bloatware. I did that on my Captivate and prior to today, thats all I've ever done modding wise to an android device.
So, I managed to get my tab up and running again. Yay! I reflashed the rom w/out changing the name and worked like a charm. Now If only I knew why this happened in the first place... Thanks for all your help.

NvigR8 said:
Ouch. Sorry to read about running over your phone. That would kill me. I really like my SGS3. I think I'll look into rooting it just to be able to back it up and get rid of the bloatware. I did that on my Captivate and prior to today, thats all I've ever done modding wise to an android device.
So, I managed to get my tab up and running again. Yay! I reflashed the rom w/out changing the name and worked like a charm. Now If only I knew why this happened in the first place... Thanks for all your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeh sometimes happens with the tab for some reason - thank your lucky stars it didn't get stuck in apx mode...if that happens its normally a hardware fault so theres not alot u can do...I'm just pleased you got sorted without too much drama and it was as easy as reflashing the zip....so now you have the v8 BL - you're gold!!!

dibb_nz said:
we're assuming the tab is full stock and currently on ICS...
and we're assuming he never tried to 'fix' his tab by flashing one thing or another...
the bootloader error worries me...what exactly does it say...
Yes the wipes are really important!! and not being able to use the button method to do so is concerning...
what happens with the Over The Air (OTA) updates is its just that...an update...it leaves all your settings/data intact. When you OTA from one build to another, like Gingerbread 3.0 to Honeycomb 3.1/2 and then to ICS 4.0 - you drag all your apps and settings with you and of course some things that work with 3.2 will not work under ICS....fjor instance, lots of folk had trouble with wifi disconnects, once they got to ICS - or they had apps force closing and other 'glitches'. This is why everyone tells you to do the wipes - as this fixes these things! In the case of stock ICS my gmail would f/c all the time no matter how many times I wiped/formatted....So for a smooth running tab - flash a custom rom!!!!!!
But getting back to you...
From that link i gave you...download the 3.1_Full.zip....its decrypted so just extract it and get the "update.zip" from it..
This "update.zip" is not an incremental "update" but the full stock rom....
once installed you'll be on GB you will need to root it with iconia root and then use acer recovery installer to flash cwm....(get these from the playstore)
do a backup or adb devices so you can get your CPUID....this is important...if anything goes wrong at any stage this is the only thing that will get you unbricked....see the cpuid link in my sig for more on this, please take the time to read it, even if it doesnt make much sense to you, read it anyway....
AFTER you have retrieved your cpuid, you can nvflash the patched bootloader/recovery pkg which means you are able to flash ICS/JB custom roms
they cannot be flashed via cwm like normal...you must use nvFlash to do it....
OR
take the OTA route to ICS...this takes a bit of time...I did it last week and it was a good 6-7 hours to go from GB to ICS
there are pre-rooted stock roms if you wanna stay stock see civato's stock rom thread for that here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1633907
official stock rom list by blackthund3r are here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1816560
civs guide to flashing the unlocked bootloader here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When i do the wipe it says
Code:
Erasing userdata...
Code:
Unrecoverable bootloader error (0x19000008)

Unrecoverable bootloader error (0x19000008)
Hogbola said:
When i do the wipe it says
Code:
Erasing userdata...
Code:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I googled your error - the consensus from what I read is a corrupt OS due to running OTA updates...
Some had luck with rebooting. Others had to send it to Acer.
Did you run the update.zip? so what happens when you run the update.zip
Are you able to get into "apx mode"? If you can, hook up to your PC and see if your tab is recognised as an "apx device" - check "Hardware, Printers in win7"
Thats all I can suggest atm - if your tab does get into apx mode OK then you can find your cpuid by running Linux -
Maybe ask the guy if he's ever had the tab hooked up to his PC like to transfer files and stuff - get him to download "USBdeview" to his PC -
this will show every single device thats ever been connected to the PC and it will show the "cpuid"...
Even if we do get the uid theres no guarantee it will fix the bootloader error - but we may as well explore all the options we can....
dibb_nz said:
USBDeview will only work when you have previously plugged your tab into the PC WHILE you were running HC Rom and BL
1. If you haven't plugged your tab into this pc before, do so now, before you run the program. HC ROM/BL ONLY
1a. Run the exe and you will be presented with a window of all the USB devices you have ever plugged into your computer.
2. Click on "VendorID" column along the top to sort them
3. Look for the number "0502" under Vendor ID AND "3325" Product ID
4. In the serial number column will be a 15-digit number this is your device ID.
5. Write the number down and put a 0 in front of it and now you have your CPU ID!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Not new to root, new to iconia

Ok, here is what i have , I have a IConia a500 rooted with, link for forum and files, using ICS Root
(came with 3.1, ran all the iconia updates, to 4.0)
everything went fine, now... i am familiar with flashing roms, i have had a few android phones and have rooted them, and flashed custom roms on them. that is what i want to do with this, after doing over 4 hrs of reading, I have confused the crap out of myself. there is a lot of talk about things that i dont know much about..
-CPUID's
-ICS recoverys (bootloaders?)
Basically, all i want to do is add the CM Jelly time mod, but im not 100% on how i go abouts that? what do i need? i have the files and gapps, etc., i know i need a full wipe, but what recovery do i use? CWM? do i temp flash it or, pernament? after watching a few videos, i still dont think im ready, i diont want to brick this thing. i just want it to work with that rom. thanks any help and clarity is severly appriciated!
j

1. get yr cpuid and save it multiple places open a file explorer and go to /sys/firmware/fuse/acer_cpuid
2. then go to /system and rename/delete recovery-from-boot.p file - this will prevent your custom recovery being overwritten with the stock recovery.
3. have your custom rom on yr ext SD card, ready to flash ONCE you've flashed the unlocked bootloader
4.To flash the v8 bootloader you need to use nvFlash and there are a couple ways if going about that...
a) manually by using the guide in the OP of civato's BL thread
b) using one of the auto tools like afterOTA or apxFlash - links also in that same post...
c) you'll also get to pick a custom recovery and it will be flashed at the same time - cwm 1.7.3 is recommended until you're running stable
d) From yr cpuid - generate yr sbk - how to do that is in the same OP
5) once flashed, boot straight to recovery
6) Do a nandroid backup then the wipes
7) Flash the rom
8) Reboot to recovery and wipe again
9) Job Done!
notes:
Everything you need to do this is in civato's BL OP - sorry can't post the link but its stickied in the Dev Forum
the afterOTA tool,
- saves all yr uid details etc in a txt file
- flashes v3 bootloader -
- it also installs the needed drivers too
- its pretty good at what it does...
seems some are having wifi issues with jellytime but the dev is working on this
you've done the right thing by asking questions before attempting anything, wish everyone was like you...if my post isn't clear then please let me know....for those of us used to the way things work with our Acer, its hard to remember how difficult it seemed when we were new!!
good luck
dibb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

dibb_nz said:
1. get yr cpuid and save it multiple places open a file explorer and go to /sys/firmware/fuse/acer_cpuid
2. then go to /system and rename/delete recovery-from-boot.p file - this will prevent your custom recovery being overwritten with the stock recovery.
3. have your custom rom on yr ext SD card, ready to flash ONCE you've flashed the unlocked bootloader
4.To flash the v8 bootloader you need to use nvFlash and there are a couple ways if going about that...
a) manually by using the guide in the OP of civato's BL thread
b) using one of the auto tools like afterOTA or apxFlash - links also in that same post...
c) you'll also get to pick a custom recovery and it will be flashed at the same time - cwm 1.7.3 is recommended until you're running stable
d) From yr cpuid - generate yr sbk - how to do that is in the same OP
5) once flashed, boot straight to recovery
6) Do a nandroid backup then the wipes
7) Flash the rom
8) Reboot to recovery and wipe again
9) Job Done!
notes:
Everything you need to do this is in civato's BL OP - sorry can't post the link but its stickied in the Dev Forum
the afterOTA tool,
- saves all yr uid details etc in a txt file
- flashes v3 bootloader -
- it also installs the needed drivers too
- its pretty good at what it does...
seems some are having wifi issues with jellytime but the dev is working on this
you've done the right thing by asking questions before attempting anything, wish everyone was like you...if my post isn't clear then please let me know....for those of us used to the way things work with our Acer, its hard to remember how difficult it seemed when we were new!!
good luck
dibb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, thanks !
i have used the afterOTA and it would let me select the recovery i wanted to boot, is this permanent or temp? right now on my phone its the cwm, but i remember on my Nexus S, they recomended just pushing it, that way it was super hard to brick.. basically i just need to know if i need to run the afterOTA tool everytime i wanna boot into recovery? thats why i like my CM 10 for my Galaxy Nexus, i can choose to boot into it,
I think the hardest part of these simple tasks, is that there a 20 steps to something totally new, I used to unlock iphones for a living, I never knew what i was doing exactly, i had a rough idea, but i did know how to cut and paste. even going from my NS to GN its always been a few hrs to root/unlock, Being familiar with a lot of the steps, theres more with this tablet! EI, CPUID, APX? tons of warnings! the other things are the abriviations, they can be confusing.. soo
this is the only thing i didnt understand, does the OP dumb it down, or can you??
d) From yr cpuid - generate yr sbk - how to do that is in the same OP
what is sbk, and why do i need it?
thanks again, i really appriciate it!
also, what is a LEAK? leaked rom?

jerkwagon said:
ok, thanks !
i have used the afterOTA and it would let me select the recovery i wanted to boot, is this permanent or temp? right now on my phone its the cwm, but i remember on my Nexus S, they recomended just pushing it, that way it was super hard to brick.. basically i just need to know if i need to run the afterOTA tool everytime i wanna boot into recovery? thats why i like my CM 10 for my Galaxy Nexus, i can choose to boot into it,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no m8, once you've 'flashed' via the tools its permanent -
there are flashable zips around (for recovery) but again, you need the unlocked bootloader first....once you have it then you can flash anything, anyhow you like. Even Acer Recovery Installer will work fine and you can flash a rom from there too, though that may require the paid version from memory.
the only time you will 'lose' the unlocked bootloader/recovery is if you need to rollback to HC - specifically 3.2 -
I think the hardest part of these simple tasks, is that there a 20 steps to something totally new, I used to unlock iphones for a living, I never knew what i was doing exactly, i had a rough idea, but i did know how to cut and paste. even going from my NS to GN its always been a few hrs to root/unlock, Being familiar with a lot of the steps, theres more with this tablet! EI, CPUID, APX? tons of warnings! the other things are the abriviations, they can be confusing.. soo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeh I'm hearing you - this thread is a perfect example!!! I'd love to be able to say...root it, then flash cwm and the unlocked bootloader IF you want it, lol
Acer locked this baby down tight as - and if it werent for the work done by alot of the devs here, we'd still be stuck on factory stock.....The success these devs had is proved by the fact that there are still so many new folks coming here looking for info and help
this is the only thing i didnt understand, does the OP dumb it down, or can you??
d) From yr cpuid - generate yr sbk - how to do that is in the same OP
what is sbk, and why do i need it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sbk = secure boot key....as you've discovered 'root' just isnt enough to flash anything...to flash anything you need nvididas nvFlash program PLUS the key to unlock the encryption which is hardwired into the ROM of the memory chip itself -(haahhhaa I think thats right) - The CPUID is unique to every tab (and this too may be hardwired into the chip as well) the sbk is a hex number based on the uid. there are a couple of generators around to do this for you, blackthund3er has one and so does vache....you've used afterOTA so this does the genration for you automatically - you can see it in the text file you saved
thanks again, i really appriciate it!
also, what is a LEAK? leaked rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeh back in the day before acer released ics, 'someone' got hold of a leaked ics version, and this is where alot of the work was done on unlocking the bootloader...by the time acer got round to releasing ics - we had a more stable version than they ever had
So now you're unlocked and rooted, have all your ID's backed up and done a nandroid you can quite happily flash to your hearts content!!!!:good::good::good:
rgds dibb

dibb_nz said:
no m8, once you've 'flashed' via the tools its permanent -
there are flashable zips around (for recovery) but again, you need the unlocked bootloader first....once you have it then you can flash anything, anyhow you like. Even Acer Recovery Installer will work fine and you can flash a rom from there too, though that may require the paid version from memory.
the only time you will 'lose' the unlocked bootloader/recovery is if you need to rollback to HC - specifically 3.2 -
yeh I'm hearing you - this thread is a perfect example!!! I'd love to be able to say...root it, then flash cwm and the unlocked bootloader IF you want it, lol
Acer locked this baby down tight as - and if it werent for the work done by alot of the devs here, we'd still be stuck on factory stock.....The success these devs had is proved by the fact that there are still so many new folks coming here looking for info and help
sbk = secure boot key....as you've discovered 'root' just isnt enough to flash anything...to flash anything you need nvididas nvFlash program PLUS the key to unlock the encryption which is hardwired into the ROM of the memory chip itself -(haahhhaa I think thats right) - The CPUID is unique to every tab (and this too may be hardwired into the chip as well) the sbk is a hex number based on the uid. there are a couple of generators around to do this for you, blackthund3er has one and so does vache....you've used afterOTA so this does the genration for you automatically - you can see it in the text file you saved
yeh back in the day before acer released ics, 'someone' got hold of a leaked ics version, and this is where alot of the work was done on unlocking the bootloader...by the time acer got round to releasing ics - we had a more stable version than they ever had
So now you're unlocked and rooted, have all your ID's backed up and done a nandroid you can quite happily flash to your hearts content!!!!:good::good::good:
rgds dibb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok after OTA generated my sbk and all that info, saved it to my computer... how do i unlock the bootloader? i want to install CWM, do i just need to download a file then use the advanced tab?, from cwm im sure i can get around, also, i dont know what apx mode is, ill do some more searching, thanks again.
ok this is really hard to do with windows8, my god, i have to do a lot of running around, i think im just going to give up, now, APX drivers are nto working, fml
had to manualy add the drivers, it was a pain the ass, now its all donw, hopefully i can get it going now!

s**t. use the last option ics v3.14.8 standard tab
jerkwagon said:
ok after OTA generated my sbk and all that info, saved it to my computer... how do i unlock the bootloader? i want to install CWM, do i just need to download a file then use the advanced tab?, from cwm im sure i can get around, also, i dont know what apx mode is, ill do some more searching, thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
standard tab choose first option...keep an eye on the status bar while its flashing..should not take longer than 10mins.
You must then boot straight to recovery and flash yr rom from yr USB key
don't have to worry bout apx mode but yr tab should display.either Acer apx mode.or Acer download.mode at stage 3 of 4 in tool status bar.
if u.muck.up you'll learn all u ever wanted.to know about apx.mode
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
EDIT: the last option on the Standard Tab
DON'T FLASH THE FIRST ONE!!!!!!!

[Q] Unbricked & rooted 3.0.1 - can't update to ICS or JB.

Ok here goes. Sorry for the long post but I want to give as much info as possible so I don't leave any of you in the dark about anything. Been working on / researching this for four days now to no avail.
My A500 which was running ICS 4.0.2 just randomly bricked itself one night, so I downloaded EUUs_SBK_Acer_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1 from here. It worked, but I really don't want to stay on HC 3.0.1 so I decided to go through the updates. It updated great, HC 3.1...3.2...then when the ICS update came along BAM it bricked itself again (stuck on Acer loading screen)
So, I decided I might as well root it, since I've always wanted to. Ran EUUS again to reset to HC 3.0.1 then ran gingerbreak. Installed Acer Recovery Installer and used Thor's recovery 1.7 I believe it was. Booted into recovery and tried to install update.zip from the STOCK Acer_A500_7.014.16_041.206.01_COM_GEN1.zip I downloaded and BAM bricked again...my tablet doesn't like ICS now all of a sudden? Strange...
I then downloaded NVFLASH from here and installed skrilax's V8 bootloader w/recovery. Booted into recovery great, wiped the partitions etc. and tried to install the same ICS update.zip. BRICKED again!!!! Back to the drawing board...run EUUS...3.0.1 again...
So after days of working on this I decided maybe my Tab hates ICS now for some reason unbeknownst to me. Not very rational (lol) but anyway. I saw the JB ROM that's been put up http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2239476&highlight=rom+ics and figured heck, why not, maybe the ICS ROM I have is corrupt. So I used NVFLASH, Skrilax's V8, and flashed the ROM...bricked again
I think the only thing I haven't tried is
I think I'm going to go crazy now.
Please help, I'm at wit's end.
More info:
I have acquired mmcblk0 (renamed to mmcblk0_start), my CPUID, and my SBK
I enable USB Debugging and Unknown Sources every time.
I have Windows 7, but also have UBUNTU installed on a Virtual Machine if the need arises.
Oh and I've booted into fastboot mode and run Babsector as well which did not help.
Hope I didn't miss anything. My brain is tired from working on this for so many days. I really want my A500 back! Either JB or ICS & rooted if possible!!!

Pareeeee said:
Ok here goes. Sorry for the long post but I want to give as much info as possible so I don't leave any of you in the dark about anything. Been working on / researching this for four days now to no avail.
My A500 which was running ICS 4.0.2 just randomly bricked itself one night, so I downloaded EUUs_SBK_Acer_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1 from here. It worked, but I really don't want to stay on HC 3.0.1 so I decided to go through the updates. It updated great, HC 3.1...3.2...then when the ICS update came along BAM it bricked itself again (stuck on Acer loading screen)
So, I decided I might as well root it, since I've always wanted to. Ran EUUS again to reset to HC 3.0.1 then ran gingerbreak. Installed Acer Recovery Installer and used Thor's recovery 1.7 I believe it was. Booted into recovery and tried to install update.zip from the STOCK Acer_A500_7.014.16_041.206.01_COM_GEN1.zip I downloaded and BAM bricked again...my tablet doesn't like ICS now all of a sudden? Strange...
I then downloaded NVFLASH from here and installed skrilax's V8 bootloader w/recovery. Booted into recovery great, wiped the partitions etc. and tried to install the same ICS update.zip. BRICKED again!!!! Back to the drawing board...run EUUS...3.0.1 again...
So after days of working on this I decided maybe my Tab hates ICS now for some reason unbeknownst to me. Not very rational (lol) but anyway. I saw the JB ROM that's been put up http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2239476&highlight=rom+ics and figured heck, why not, maybe the ICS ROM I have is corrupt. So I used NVFLASH, Skrilax's V8, and flashed the ROM...bricked again
I think the only thing I haven't tried is
I think I'm going to go crazy now.
Please help, I'm at wit's end.
More info:
I have acquired mmcblk0 (renamed to mmcblk0_start), my CPUID, and my SBK
I enable USB Debugging and Unknown Sources every time.
I have Windows 7, but also have UBUNTU installed on a Virtual Machine if the need arises.
Oh and I've booted into fastboot mode and run Babsector as well which did not help.
Hope I didn't miss anything. My brain is tired from working on this for so many days. I really want my A500 back! Either JB or ICS & rooted if possible!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow I thought I was the only one who had this issue. My A501 was working fine on Evil-A V2 (4.1.2) for many months and decided one night to crash and now stuck on V8 boot screen. Ive tried everything however I can get it to boot up on a 3.2 update.zip file.
The only recoveries I can get to work are TWRP 2.5.0.0 (on secboot)
Now I cant get it to flash anything other than 3.2.
It is formatted with ext4 partitions
whenever I try to flash it reboots to ACER download screen but the flashers wont get any further than that. (loads Acer boot recovery driver ok)
Any ideas?

Nice to know I'm not the only one. I hope we get some answers!!
*sigh* My situation has gotten worse. Now TDv4/EUUS won't roll back my device and my tab won't go past the recovery bootscreen (Just says "TEAMWIN" on the screen) That is the ONLY recovery that NVFLASH will flash to my device now, for some reason none of the other recoveries will go back onto it.
My stress level has gone up 800% from working on this. I don't have the money to buy a new tab. I really need to get this one working again.
:crying:

Pareeeee said:
Nice to know I'm not the only one. I hope we get some answers!!
*sigh* My situation has gotten worse. Now TDv4/EUUS won't roll back my device and my tab won't go past the recovery bootscreen (Just says "TEAMWIN" on the screen) That is the ONLY recovery that NVFLASH will flash to my device now, for some reason none of the other recoveries will go back onto it.
My stress level has gone up 800% from working on this. I don't have the money to buy a new tab. I really need to get this one working again.
:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you tried lightspeed v8 bootloader and rom? that's the only thing that worked for me. then I could updatw to twrp and jb.
Sent from here

LPMatt said:
have you tried lightspeed v8 bootloader and rom? that's the only thing that worked for me. then I could updatw to twrp and jb.
Sent from here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think my MB is failing/has failed. Either that or something I flashed to it was badly corrupted.
Now my tab has stuck itself in apx mode, bootloader won't load, recovery won't load, every program I have (nvflash, TDv4, EUUs, Babsector, etc) fails. Babsector gives me the fatal error "command 12 NvError 0x120002" and "setting device: 2 3" which I've read means that the tab is shot. Adb.exe tells me the device is not detected, even though all the drivers are installed correctly.
I'm pretty bummed because I don't have the money to buy another tab at the moment, and I used it ALL the time, took it everywhere with me.
On the up-side, I've done some research and it seems if you disassemble your tab and sell the working parts (things like the screen, metal back panel, internal speakers - obviously NOT the MB though!) individually on eBay you can make a bit of your money back.
Can anyone direct me to some good links/video tutorials for dis-assembly?

whoops... I just started a new thread with a very similar issue... My tab also just involuntarily bricked itself... I've made some progress but it's still in bad shape... I don't know about you guys but I had been running at a steady 50% overclock; do you think that could have led to this?

Sorry Man
No @rwilpstra....my a500 is overclocked to 1504 ghz and it runs just fine......as for you pareeeee....Sorry man.....your device is gone....no apx...no fastboot....no recovery.....it's beyond minor corruption....it's like you somehow managed to corrupt every single part of the memory and every partition that there was on your device....you're better off disassembling it.:crying::crying:

HELP

while trying to root and unlock bootloader on acer a500, somehow i screwed things up and had to finally flash a euu file to get it working again, now im rooted unlocked, i guess, im able to flash roms but my storage has been reduced to 128mb. , no matter what i flash or try no change, not enuff room to restore any apps.. question is any chance or anything i can do to recover that space? thank you...

athack said:
while trying to root and unlock bootloader on acer a500, somehow i screwed things up and had to finally flash a euu file to get it working again, now im rooted unlocked, i guess, im able to flash roms but my storage has been reduced to 128mb. , no matter what i flash or try no change, not enuff room to restore any apps.. question is any chance or anything i can do to recover that space? thank you...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, you might have screwed the pooh on this one.
Did you install the V8 or 9 Unlocked bootloader?
Ok, for starters, WHICH EUU and what is current operating system?
Did you flash a custom Recovery (in this case CWM)? If so, what version?
But BEFORE you do anything else, you should get your UID number from Civato's sticky thread or one of the others. Very important. So check the sticky threads, there's a simple app to get your UID. Save it somewhere in like Notepad.
Then report back.

ok let me say ive been rooting my ohones since the OG droid, its been 5 or 6 diff since then but this tablet has me stumped... can you please tell me how i can find which version bootloader? the euu file i got off of tegra forum owners, ive got cwm based recovery v5.5.0.x 9thor2002ro rev 1.7) and as far as operating system ive flashed 3 diff roms so far the 1 im on now is flex resurection rev1...4.0.4 android version, ive tried 4.0.3, and jb... i have cpuid if thats the same as uid#...? if you could help in any way its much appreciated...
Moscow Desire said:
Wow, you might have screwed the pooh on this one.
Did you install the V8 or 9 Unlocked bootloader?
Ok, for starters, WHICH EUU and what is current operating system?
Did you flash a custom Recovery (in this case CWM)? If so, what version?
But BEFORE you do anything else, you should get your UID number from Civato's sticky thread or one of the others. Very important. So check the sticky threads, there's a simple app to get your UID. Save it somewhere in like Notepad.
Then report back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

when i run recovery bootlader version says 03.11 custom mode????

athack said:
ok let me say ive been rooting my ohones since the OG droid, its been 5 or 6 diff since then but this tablet has me stumped... can you please tell me how i can find which version bootloader? the euu file i got off of tegra forum owners, ive got cwm based recovery v5.5.0.x 9thor2002ro rev 1.7) and as far as operating system ive flashed 3 diff roms so far the 1 im on now is flex resurection rev1...4.0.4 android version, ive tried 4.0.3, and jb... i have cpuid if thats the same as uid#...? if you could help in any way its much appreciated...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha ha, no mate. No doubt you are a bit familiar. Phones is different than tabs though.
Ok,, when you start your tab normally, you should see the bootloader version. Upper left corner.
There's only a couple EUU files, and I believe both are Honeycomb.
CWM ver is ok.
But if you are running ICS or JB roms, on a HC bootloader, than that's not OK.
So, I need current ROM and version, and current bootloader version. Civato has several roms.
Just wanna see where exactly you are at right now.
MD

EUUs_SBK_Acer_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1 Bundle (Stock 3.0.1 if I remember correctly) ...... FLEX-Resurrection_Rev1-Aroma-Public....0.03.11 ICS bootloader custom mods...
Moscow Desire said:
Wow, you might have screwed the pooh on this one.
Did you install the V8 or 9 Unlocked bootloader?
Ok, for starters, WHICH EUU and what is current operating system?
Did you flash a custom Recovery (in this case CWM)? If so, what version?
But BEFORE you do anything else, you should get your UID number from Civato's sticky thread or one of the others. Very important. So check the sticky threads, there's a simple app to get your UID. Save it somewhere in like Notepad.
Then report back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

athack said:
when i run recovery bootlader version says 03.11 custom mode????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3.11 sounds like an HC bootloader, or one of Skrilax_cz's initial bootloader. If you try running ICS or JB based roms, you're gonna get a lot of screwy stuff going on, Like display glitches and stuff.
You need to goto Civato's Bootloader thread in the Dev forum, and try running the apps listed there to get you to Skirlax_cz's unlocked bootloader for ICS. Works for CM JB.
@dibb_nz also has a thread there, explaining things about UID and stuff.
Then, after you get the unlocked bootloader NV flashed, throw CWM on there. I use 1.7.3 I believe. In mounts and storage, there is an option to format your internal SD. Select the option, then do your wipes and formats. Then flash the rom.
Think you'll be okay then.

recovery also says thor kernal v1.16mini running itsmagic that is on the screen when i run a backup....
athack said:
EUUs_SBK_Acer_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1 Bundle (Stock 3.0.1 if I remember correctly) ...... FLEX-Resurrection_Rev1-Aroma-Public....0.03.11 ICS bootloader custom mods...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

athack said:
recovery also says thor kernal v1.16mini running itsmagic that is on the screen when i run a backup....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's magic is no longer needed for unlocked bootloader and ICS/JB.
If you boot holding PWR and Vol -, you should boot into the V8 bootloader menu. If you don't, there's an issue.

ok i got that set up right now, its magic is no longer needed it says... everything is working fine but still only 128 mb of storage wiped mounted unmounted formatted everything, nothing is changing it....
Moscow Desire said:
It's magic is no longer needed for unlocked bootloader and ICS/JB.
If you boot holding PWR and Vol -, you should boot into the V8 bootloader menu. If you don't, there's an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Well, sounds like the emmc memory is hosed. As you read in the threads, it happens sometimes.
However, as a last chance, there is a thing called "bab sector". I've never used it before. Supposedly helps recover bad memory blocks. I've tried searching for it here in the forums, but must not be using the right search parameters . Found discussions on it in @Skrilax_CZ bootloader thread. It's labeled for the a501 but doesn't matter as partitions are the same I believe. He knows more about the memory partitions, so may want to post the issue in his bootloader thread.
But, I do happen to have one of the zips on my Dev Host server.
http://d-h.st/iQX
If I remember correctly, there are 2 variants of this repair file. @dibb_nz might know more about it.
Also on my server. is an HC roll back tool. If not mistaken, it may have a different variant of EUU. Might wanna run it and see if it resets partitions. As it seems like things screwed up when you ran an EUU.
http://d-h.st/0x7
At any case, I would run the EUU again. Can't hurt, and maybe will reset partitions.

thank you that bab sector file how would i go about installing that? flash with the a500 apx flash tool ? and the euu i believe get done that way also?
Moscow Desire said:
Well, sounds like the emmc memory is hosed. As you read in the threads, it happens sometimes.
However, as a last chance, there is a thing called "bab sector". I've never used it before. Supposedly helps recover bad memory blocks. I've tried searching for it here in the forums, but must not be using the right search parameters . Found discussions on it in @Skrilax_CZ bootloader thread. It's labeled for the a501 but doesn't matter as partitions are the same I believe. He knows more about the memory partitions, so may want to post the issue in his bootloader thread.
But, I do happen to have one of the zips on my Dev Host server.
http://d-h.st/iQX
If I remember correctly, there are 2 variants of this repair file. @dibb_nz might know more about it.
Also on my server. is an HC roll back tool. If not mistaken, it may have a different variant of EUU. Might wanna run it and see if it resets partitions. As it seems like things screwed up when you ran an EUU.
http://d-h.st/0x7
At any case, I would run the EUU again. Can't hurt, and maybe will reset partitions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

athack said:
thank you that bab sector file how would i go about installing that? flash with the a500 apx flash tool ? and the euu i believe get done that way also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, never run the Bab tool before. But looking at it, you have to be in APX mode just as you would to run NVFlash, as it operates the same way.
With the Bab tool, if it errors out writing any of the partitions, it should at least generate an error message. Now, you'll have to search to find out how to manually get into APX mode. But if I'm not mistaken, it's tab off. Hold PWR and Reset button. Then count to 3 or 5, release reset, then 2 counts later release PWR. But please do not quote me on this. Been some time, and primarily I work on the A701 now. But it's pretty close.
Then, run the bat file in the zip via a command window. Note I have never had to use this before.
The rollback/EUU works just like any other EUU. Has an exe file in it to run (make sure USB debugging is on, and remember to get your UID.
I also have an ATT EUU handy. Not sure which version it installs, but will be HC.
I still say to post a note in the Bootloader thread. Skrilax_cz knows more about the 50x partitions than even Acer.

flashed the bab file thru cmd promots device said pass reboot... rebooted to booloade mode saying error invalid primary lnx kernal image.. wont d...o anything but reboot to this same screen... also the other file euu is a rar file wont let me do anything with it when i flashed the other file euu i used the a500 tool and it found the euu file, how do i extract the euu from the roll back rom?
Moscow Desire said:
Ok, never run the Bab tool before. But looking at it, you have to be in APX mode just as you would to run NVFlash, as it operates the same way.
With the Bab tool, if it errors out writing any of the partitions, it should at least generate an error message. Now, you'll have to search to find out how to manually get into APX mode. But if I'm not mistaken, it's tab off. Hold PWR and Reset button. Then count to 3 or 5, release reset, then 2 counts later release PWR. But please do not quote me on this. Been some time, and primarily I work on the A701 now. But it's pretty close.
Then, run the bat file in the zip via a command window. Note I have never had to use this before.
The rollback/EUU works just like any other EUU. Has an exe file in it to run (make sure USB debugging is on, and remember to get your UID.
I also have an ATT EUU handy. Not sure which version it installs, but will be HC.
I still say to post a note in the Bootloader thread. Skrilax_cz knows more about the 50x partitions than even Acer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

thanks i found the tool in the rollback rom to redo my tab it restored my tab to full storage your a genius... thank u for all your help truly appreciate it...

athack said:
thanks i found the tool in the rollback rom to redo my tab it restored my tab to full storage your a genius... thank u for all your help truly appreciate it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ehhhh.... sometimes MD is just lucky I guess
CCR... I Put a Spell on You.... (what I'm listening to now) on a Viper4Android tricked out A701 running Evil Alex Purgatory V2 for the 701 :good:
Damn glad you got it going Mate!
Rock On!
MD

[Q] Android Stock Dead after rooted Rom

Please Help,
Two days ago my A500 freezes!
Had to force a shutdown, at start got stuck on Acer logo!
Tried the 4 official updates everyone talked about with no luck!
The only one that solved my problem was the original 3.x Honeycomb ROM:
SD_Acer_A501_Android 3.2.1_4.066.29_COM_GEN1
That Solved!
Then I downloaded a suposed Acer A500 Stock Rom to update from 3.2 to 4.0.3. Didn't notice was a rooted one, update completed then got an error.
ROM used: Acer_A500_Stock_ROM_v1.054.00_ww_gen1_rooted_4.0.3 _ICS
Now I can not even load stock recovery (vol-+ power), only power light turns on and off as i press power. No vibrate, no acer logo only a black screen!!
Can anyone help? Ideias?
PS: The A500 always was stock, no root, no special recevory, etc.
Thanks,
PereiraMan.

update
:fingers-crossed:
For the record it seams that my A500 is in APX mode.
After using a fresh install of Windows 7 with th Acer drivers, the fantastic OTA Tool: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1675939
Detected my A500 as in APX mode, and has an advanced feature specific for those like I stuck on APX mode that let's us Install Bootloader and Recovery.
First try didn't work: I downloaded and tried to install TWRP recovery and ICS Bootloader, it was stuck on FASE 2 (flashing recovery).
Will try this night with A500_Thor_Recovery_1.7.3.a500apx. :fingers-crossed:
Thanks,
PereiraMan.

No luck yet
Not giving up... no yet!
On the Windows Device Manager it detects tha A500 like "Acer USB Boot-recovery Driver"
The other night a think it was different, something like APX...
Any way in the system tray on the USB devices always shows APX device.
APX Tool and OTA Tool detect the A500 in APX mode, but none of them can flash a recovery... Windows Drivers issue?
Because ADB via command prompt doesn't detect the device!
The tools use ADB commands, right? And ADB shoud detect the device in APX mode, right?
Any APX expert?
More info:
in the driver details I have this values: "USB\VID_0955&PID_7820\5&24FD8A70&0&1"
Read somewhere the last digits are the CPUID... calculated the SBK. Hope is correct.
Thanks,
PereiraMan.

ok, first of all we need the patched bootloader to be able to flash a recovery and a custom ICS+ Rom. But to do that, you need to root first, using the ICSRoot tool, see the root guide in my sig for the download.
Then while you are there download the babsector.rar file - this file will install the patched bootloader and a recovery, but more importantly it will output an error if your tab is one of those which has a faulty memory chip. If this is the case then nothing you do will fix this issue
Put your tab into APX mode(do not use otatool or a500 manager to do this for you, you need to do it manually via the buttons) click the a.bat file and follow the onscreen instructions.
IF the bat file runs without error...congratulations, you now have the patched bootloader and recovery. But what you do not have yet is a workable rom...You must now boot DIRECTLY TO RECOVERY (PWR VOL DOWN).
The patched bootloader does not work with HC Roms which is what you still have at the moment, even tho you tried flashing ICS previously. So, flash one of the custom ICS+ roms.
The best thing to do though is wipe all your userdata first before you flash the rom. You can try and get away without the wipe but its not best practice!!!!
Once the rom is flashed you can reboot.
Just a couple of things to note - the a500 is very old now, and so are alot of the roms. You may still have trouble, altho you will have a running system, it may not run as you might want!!! I have not used my tab for this very reason...it freezes or takes along time to do anything like surf the net, emails etx...even using it as a media player seems to be too much for it,lol - I have not tried any of the JB roms, the tab is still on one of the "Flex" series of roms.
But anyway good luck with everything, feel free to ask if you have any issues
rgds dibb

Thanks dibb,
I will try to root, but don't I need the CPUID/UID for that? Everyone tells me that without it I can do nothing...
I'm stuck in APX (my A500 only turns on in apx I have nothing else) and have no CPUID... (i'm installing a Linux right know on a secondary laptop to solve that issue)
Also ICSroot link is not working!
About the A500, I bought it almost 4 years ago it had already ICS update available OTA that I apply in the first day... True it's a litle slow now when loaded with apps... A couple days ago when recovered from the "acer logo" symptom with acer recovery and honeycomb ROM I was susprise how fast it was (and yes without any apps). I was thinking about a light costum ROM or Cyanogen UnOfficial stable (version 10 i think) when i recover it.... Hope so! :fingers-crossed:
Thanks,
PereiraMan.

will try to root, but don't I need the CPUID/UID for that? Everyone tells me that without it I can do nothing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES YOU DO NEED CPUD!! Sorry, did not realise you did not have that. NONE of the auto tools will work without'!-This changes everything.
You are limited to a couple of choices to retrieve your UID
Hope your PC has stored it by you previously having Tabconnected to Pc via USB- there's a tool in my CPUIDGuide,1 forget nowwhat it is called.EDIT: USBdeview
OR
installing Linux.
I am pressed for time right at this minute will await
your reply as to this development
dibb

Success!!!
Finally Got my uid via Linux, was hard to install Linux, all my old CD's where broken, had to create a usb pen!
Anyway, my A500 UID: 0x37001474420a157
But that 17 digits, so realized the leading 0x is not part of the UID!
Flashed Bundle 17 with APX Flash Utility!
Now going to try some ROMs...
Thanks dibb!
PereiraMan

CyanogenMod
Hi dibb!
Just for the record ended up with cyanogen 12 tegraowners ROM (android 5.0.2)!
And did a litle CPU overclock with Thor Recevory from 1ghz to 1.2ghz..
I'm now a happy user of a Acer A500 with 4 years and a new life!
Thanks,
PereiraMan.

PereiraMan said:
Hi dibb!
Just for the record ended up with cyanogen 12 tegraowners ROM (android 5.0.2)!
And did a litle CPU overclock with Thor Recevory from 1ghz to 1.2ghz..
I'm now a happy user of a Acer A500 with 4 years and a new life!
Thanks,
PereiraMan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats awesome news my friend, glad to help