Database Users

In real need of some guidance if someone could help me out

So here it is, pretty long winded.
Basically I'm a little out of my element here so bare with me. I wanted to hook my brother up with a nice new custom ICS rom for his A500, he had a Stock 3.2.1 rom. So I followed the procedure to the letter and rolled it back to 3.0.1 using the unsecure update.zip, then once I got root I flashed TeamWin Recovery and Thor Rom 14.2. At that point everything was fine.
As the owner of a GNex I was pumped to find out there was an AOKP release for this device, the catch was that I had to flash a patched ICS bootloader. So I followed the instructions for using Blackthund3r's APX Flasher. I read it a good 4 or 5 times thoroughly, did everything right like CPUID to SBK, downloaded the v8ICS-TWRC.a500apx file. No matter what I try or what I do this thing will NOT flash. It always hangs.
I tried everything, I tried the software I tried the manual method in the guide. After literally 3 hours with no success I decided to try a new approach. I wanted to put the A500 to stock. So I tried a couple of decrypted update.zip files from the file dump all of them failed saying (bad) as the error on recovery.
As a final resort I tried to flash the unsecured update.zip again so I could just do OTA to bring it back, this was a terrible idea. Now it boots android but it keeps force closing the launcher preventing me from doing anything, and there's a stock recovery so I can't just restore the old one. Can someone please give me some guidance? I just want to put a custom ICS rom on this tablet..
Thanks in advance

ThatNexusGuy said:
....
As a final resort I tried to flash the unsecured update.zip again so I could just do OTA to bring it back, this was a terrible idea. Now it boots android but it keeps force closing the launcher preventing me from doing anything, and there's a stock recovery so I can't just restore the old one. Can someone please give me some guidance? I just want to put a custom ICS rom on this tablet..
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeh the buggy rom is a bugger!!! this is needed only to gain root and cwm - but that can be easier said than done.....
ok....
First up, u need yr cpuid while you are still on HC - easiest way is from adb
(- if you are familiar with this then its gonna be a whole lot quicker and easier getting u to the patched BL and ICS, cos we can do it from where u are now)
run adb and enter command "adb devices" it should return your cpuid - looks like this 12345678912345 - run that thru the sbk generator and save them to a file on yr pc.
You also need the Acer drivers and adb/usb drivers installed.
This is really important - these drivers must be installed correctly b/c the BL flash works from apx mode which requires the Acer USB Boot-recovery driver and may require a manual install.
You can check this b4 running the flash by entering apx mode manually and checking device manager on yr pc under usb controllers
until you get up and running i suggest you use the v8 bootloader and cwm 1.7.3 - which u get from the apxFlash tool itself
heres a summary of what u are about to do!!!
Step 1 Get yr cpuid and generate yr sbk
Step 2 Get the drivers installed
Step 3 Fire up yr tab and connect yr data cable to the PC
Step 4 Run apxFlash, enter yr sbk and head to the bundle market and grab bundle 17
Step 5 back out to the main window again, browse to the folder you d/l the .apx bundle, choose the default bct option and then the automatic option to flash
step 6 once u get the PASS on yr tab reboot straight into cwm
step 7 Do all the wipes and flash your rom
step 8 reboot to your new ics custom rom and unlocked BL
step 9 enjoy!!!
If u need further guidance with apxflash theres a walkthru in my sig....
The 2 most important things are yr cpuid and the drivers - if these arent right then the flash just dont wont happen as it should!!!
good luck!

And make sure your USB cable works, Lord how many times I have heard this, and in the end, the crappy USB cable was the culprit.
I use my HTC cable. Never let me down. Other cables, from cameras, cheap ones from the stores, they will give you issues. Has to do with Data IO pins on the cables,
MD

Moscow Desire said:
And make sure your USB cable works, Lord how many times I have heard this, and in the end, the crappy USB cable was the culprit.
I use my HTC cable. Never let me down. Other cables, from cameras, cheap ones from the stores, they will give you issues. Has to do with Data IO pins on the cables,
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and make sure you're using the mini-usb port too
Sent from my A500 using xda premium

How to install custom rom/recovery for Acer a500?

I just rooted my Acer iconia tab a500. I am on the official ics 4.0.3. Can anyone provide step by step guide how to install custom rom for this tablet? Also which custom rom that you recommended? I thanks
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Please, me too. I just bought mine too and is rooted, but my cell phones were much easier than the tablets. Either that or I just don't have the patients anymore. Maybe a dummies way to install custom rooms on a500? Lol.
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app

fe1ixs said:
I just rooted my Acer iconia tab a500. I am on the official ics 4.0.3. Can anyone provide step by step guide how to install custom rom for this tablet? Also which custom rom that you recommended? I thanks
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
slayinu said:
Please, me too. I just bought mine too and is rooted, but my cell phones were much easier than the tablets. Either that or I just don't have the patients anymore. Maybe a dummies way to install custom rooms on a500? Lol.
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi guys welcome to the weird and wonderful world of the acer tab!!!!
Things are very different with this device, whats 'normal' for other android devices is not 'normal' for our tab!!!!
So first of all, dont try installing cwm or a rom the 'normal-this-is-the-way-I-did--it-on-myphone', you will end up with a brick!!!
2nd, you both have working systems at present, so we'll try to keep it that way.
Open up a file explorer and navigate to this:
/sys/firmware/fuse/acer_cpuid
One of the first things that are different is this: acer_cpuid
It should look something like this:
288424344009597 - now u need to add a 'zero' to the front:
0288424344009597 - this is your cpuid, back it up in multiple places if need be, just dont ever lose it - IF anything 'goes wrong' at any time you will NEED this number to save your tab from eternal brickdom!!
3rd once you do get your 'cpuid' go to the 'sbk generator' here.
This generates your 'sbk' or secure boot key and will give you something like this:
0x93588800 0x33CE8901 0x0BED6D03 0x30737899.....
OK then, now you have your cpuid/sbk you can start thinkning about what rom you want to install on your tab.......
Read the OP(Original Post) of your desired rom. This will tell you EVERYTHING you need in order to flash it - remembering always that 'Acer' does not do things the 'normal' way!!!!!!
Most of the custom ICS/JB roms on here all require the 'patched / unlocked bootloader'... In fact, even installing a custom recovery, cwm, twrp or public recovery, for the first time....will require the BL to be 'patched' first....and yes, even flashing this is not done the 'normal' way....tho the process can be complicated there are PLENTY of guides and auto tools to make it easier for you....
The 'patched bootloader flash' will also include a 'custom recovery' too, and you can choose from 3-4 options....amazing but i'd advise to use cwm 1.7.3, until u get up and running, after that you can go crazy flashing anything you like!!
So basically there are 5 main steps to getting a custom rom installed.
1. Install the Acer Drivers and the android_sdk drivers
2. Get your cpuid and generate your 'sbk'
3. Your desired rom is on your external sd card
4. Put your tab in 'apx mode' which allows u access to download mode
5. Install the patched v8 bootloader/recovery - either manually using nvFlash or using the auto tools.
Personally I prefer the manual nvFlash method, if you get an error it will at least give you an error message...the auto tools will just get 'stuck'
Check the 'bootloader' thread OP for a guide to manual nvFlash and the patched bootloader package here
There is also a step-by-step in my sig!!!
If you want to use the auto tools then apxFlash tool, or afterOTA tool you can find both in the 'bootloader' thread. And a step by step for apxflash tool also in my sig....or this excellent one here by user jdgM3NT4L here...
please be sure to read these posts very carefully and if there is something you do not understand then please dont hesitate to ask , there are plenty on here who will help you thru the process....AND its easier to offer help at this point rather than trying to do so when you've bricked it.....
As far as roms are concerned, you cant go past 'civato's FLEX roms' very stable and no issues i'm on cm10 and havent had a problem with it.....Of course it depends on what you require but I'd start with one of the flex ones.
Most peeps here have no trouble with this process, those that do, usually try things the 'normal' way, then find out they need their cpuid/sbk to get out of trouble and of course they dont have it....this makes things most difficult.... there are a few tabs with motherboard issues that have needed to be sent to acer....other than that, he only other issue you may have are driver related, check out the cpuid thread for anything driver related and lots of other background info too....theres also a zip file there that has a mini-sdk kit, to save u downloading the full android-sdk....
i think thats all i can think of at the moment, sorry for the long post and all the caps and bold text - just trying to save you alot of unnecessary grief...
Good luck with it all and remember....in this forum things are not 'normal' :laugh::laugh:

Wow, a lot of stuff to do just to flash a from huh. Lol
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app

Lol, as always preparation determines the success of the final outcome....and yeah with the tab 95% of yr time and energy is spent preparing!!! The actual flashing process takes only a few minutes...
Of course u could revert to hc 3.1 where everything is 'normal' i.e. one click root, flash cwm, flash rom, done....
Gosh, even hc 3.2 was locked down and unrootable....
So in the grand scheme for us to even be able to have stable ICS roms, let alone cm10 on the a50x.is.purely down to those wonderfully clever devs we have here..who were never gonna let a.locked bl, get in their way..
OK its complex I'll admit, but stock ICS is c**p and the lives of our tabs extended past wot Acer ever thought....and guys like gersma and.blackthund3r have built auto tools to make things easier
Anyways, its.well worth the
effort and is actually alot simpler to do than it is to describe how to do it...think of.trying to explain how to ride a bike and writing all those steps out....much easier to help them thru it by just getting them on the darn thing and doing it....dontcha think??
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah, I hear ya loud and clear. I wouldn't mind goin back to stock 3.1 , I kinda liked the hc. Ohwell
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 07:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:21 PM ----------
But as soon as I get home on my PC I'll start trying out this method. Hopefully I don't end up with a paper weight. Lol. Thank you very much for your response on this subject.
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app

Well, I could give u a a d/l link for 3.1 if u really do wanna go back....but I think gersma's afterOTA tool can do it too, tho I've Neva used it for that so can't really comment....
Oh, one other thing, you'll wanna back up all yr personal stuff, music, photo's and wot not especially going from one build to another, and most of the custom ROMs require a complete wipe and format of yr data partition too before install, just so u know!!
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah ,I'll take the link, I liked it better than 4.0.3 is it an original , or a rooted
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app

slayinu said:
Yeah ,I'll take the link, I liked it better than 4.0.3 is it an original , or a rooted
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its factory stock but easy to root and get cwm installed, will have to w8 till i get home 2nyt to upload....
oh there myt be one in blackthund3rs stock rom thread in dev forum...i think
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

wow dibb, thank you so much for a helpful response!! Really enlightened me about how far off I was about the update process (compared to updating phones) and yet close enough to what I had to go thru for the Viewsonic GTab.
I'm currently on stock 4.0.3 rooted for A500. I have obtained my cpuid and SBK. When I go to recovery mode, I see a droid with triangle and exclamation mark. I tried flashing twrp but I still saw the same droid. I now know that I need to flash a different bootloader with recovery included.
My question is that if I flash the new bootloader which will allow me to put a custom recovery, during that process will my current ROM be removed or wiped out? If so, what do you recommend for backing up the app in the current stock ROM? Titanium Backup? BTW, I don't have an external SD card; all I'm using is the internal 8GB
Thank you for your help!!

def need external SD , it will help out alot
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app

artbybart said:
wow data, thank you so much for a helpful response!! Really enlightened me about how far off I was about the update process (compared to updating phones) and yet close enough to what I had to go thru for the Viewsonic GTab.
I'm currently on stock 4.0.3 rooted for A500. I have obtained my cpuid and SBK. When I go to recovery mode, I see a droid with triangle and exclamation mark. I tried flashing twrp but I still saw the same droid. I now know that I need to flash a different bootloader with recovery included.
My question is that if I flash the new bootloader which will allow me to put a custom recovery, during that process will my current ROM be removed or wiped out? If so, what do you recommend for backing up the app in the current stock ROM? Titanium Backup? BTW, I don't have an external SD card; all I'm using is the internal 8GB
Thank you for your help!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes u need the v8 bootloader to get a recovery installed...
Always check the original post of the rom you install for special instructions regarding bootloaders.....this applies to all custom Roms even stock pre rooted ones.
Yup TB to back up yr apps and data - dont restore immediately...make sure everything is stable first.
If u dont have an ext. SD card, the EUU method doesn't require one, and as slayinu said, it would make it easier if u had one especially for the update.zip methid

Im sorry...
I have the a500 running ota 4.0.3....well from the official app. I have it rooted and running superuser yet I downloaded the Acer recovery installer app from the market and get the recovery verified failed message when booting into any custom recovery and the dead android with the exclamation mark....I know I need a patched or an unlocked boot loader but I cannot find one I downloaded the afterota but it doesn't do anything on my computer...idk what to do the frustration is gonna make me break this thing and just go buy a newer tab running jb ....help please!

famousnerd1 said:
I have the a500 running ota 4.0.3....well from the official app. I have it rooted and running superuser yet I downloaded the Acer recovery installer app from the market and get the recovery verified failed message when booting into any custom recovery and the dead android with the exclamation mark....I know I need a patched or an unlocked boot loader but I cannot find one I downloaded the afterota but it doesn't do anything on my computer...idk what to do the frustration is gonna make me break this thing and just go buy a newer tab running job....help please!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems weird afterota "doesn't do anything"...did you install the drivers?? Did it give u yr cpuid/sbk you cannot do anything without this AND if u muck things up its the only thing that will get u unbricked? Are u using a micro USB cable? Do u have USB debug enabled?
If u go to the root guide in my sig you'll find d.load links and all the guides to help u install the v8....take special note of the boot.p file u need to rename or delete in /system....
For more info on getting yr cpuid/sbk see the cpuid guide in my SIG or the sticky in dev forum...
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

obviously..
I'm too dumb to figure this out...idk how to get my cpuid none of the ways in your "where's my cpuid"guide worked.I don't want to stay stuck on ota 4.0.3 but apparently I have to..thanks for your time and your advice,unfortunately I wasn't able to use it properly.

Well, it seems it's not just you being dumb ...
I tried the same - original OTA 4.0.3 and rooted my A500. Now tried to use the 'AfterOTA'-Tools, but getting stuck in step 3 of 4 (maybe i just need to insert a SD-Card in the Tab?).
Just got no idea, what to do now - the only thing i know is: before flashing, i need a open bootloader, but i've got no idea how to do that. The Guide linked in this posts: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425 is just confusing me more and more
After a reading a few times, it seems to me, that MY next step should be:
"Automated flashing tool" (STEP 5= Going into APX mode see Q&A or use A500 manager)
-1-Reboot your tablet and make sure on your tablet: "Settings" -> "Applications" -> "Development" -> "USB debugging" switch on.
[...]
-It will ask if you are ready (click yes if you are)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it correct, that THIS will help me to patch/open the bootloader?
Or do i just have to follow this as a next step to create a patched bootloader:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25891744&postcount=44 ?

voodoo441 said:
Well, it seems it's not just you being dumb ...
I tried the same - original OTA 4.0.3 and rooted my A500. Now tried to use the 'AfterOTA'-Tools, but getting stuck in step 3 of 4 (maybe i just need to insert a SD-Card in the Tab?).
Just got no idea, what to do now - the only thing i know is: before flashing, i need a open bootloader, but i've got no idea how to do that. The Guide linked in this posts: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425 is just confusing me more and more
After a reading a few times, it seems to me, that MY next step should be:
"Automated flashing tool" (STEP 5= Going into APX mode see Q&A or use A500 manager)
Is it correct, that THIS will help me to patch/open the bootloader?
Or do i just have to follow this as a next step to create a patched bootloader:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25891744&postcount=44 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi voodoo, no, neither of you are being dumb!!! It CAN be a complicated procedure, we try to make our guides 'simple' but theres ALOT that can go wrong
Yes the last link you posted will flash the patched bootloader!!!
- but basically this is what SHOULD happen
Note: The only way to get a custom ICS rom on your tab is with the v8 bootloader by skrilx_cz. This must be flashed via nvFlash/apx mode.
Note:The only way to install a custom recovery like cwm or twrp etc is with v8 bootloader.
Note: You cannot use Acer Recovery Installer unless you have the v8 installed.
Note: Rom Manager does not support our Acer Tabs...please don't use it to flash 'anything'!!
OK heres an overall view of the process:
1. Install Acer and adb/fastboot drivers
2. Retrieve your CPUID...
3. ...and use it to generate your SBK
4. Download your ICS or JB rom and copy to your sd card (internal or external)
5. Enter apx mode to begin the flash!!! or use apxFlash tool
5. Use balckthund3rs apxFlash tool and follow the instructions: hint: dump and save your bct!!!
5. If using civato's manual nvFlash method - Put your tab in apx mode and run the .bat file
5. AfterOTA Tool is only for those tabs which have OTA'ed to ICS!!!
The main issues you will have with the actual flashing process itself is a partitioning error or a bct error - and both of these are easily fixed...UNLESS your tab in one of the few with a hardware fault which only a new motherboard can remedy
Once you get the big white "PASS" on your tab, boot straight to your new custom recovery, do the FULL WIPES and flash your new rom....DONE!!!

Well ... i now used AfterOTA - but not in a virtual machine - now just natively installed on my macbook via bootcamp (windows). Worked. I now have a V8-Bootloader (the tab shows me this when iam booting it up).
Whats the next step to flash a new ROM? Iam ready to do that? Or is there any other step needed by now?
Regards, Tom
Edit:
I now just tried flashing a custom rom - so i copied the *.zip to my USB-Stick (FAT32) - because i read, i can use an USB-Stick as an micro-sd card.
Tried booting into recovery-kernel - worked for me, but the only thing i can see: a lying android with an red sign ("!").
Did i something wrong?

Oh dear....if u had a stock rom on there then its overwritten
your newly flashed recovery....you need to delete or rename
the "boot.p file" in /system..then reflash the v8...
The very next step should be to enter recovery and flash your
desired rom....

So, it now just works everything.
Used Acer Recovery-Manager to re-flash the recovery - worked fine for me.
But: i tried several 4.1 and 4.2-ROMS ... is it correct, that there's no Google Marketplace anymore on 4.1 and 4.2?

[Q] Honeylicious to Jelly Bean

Hi all
Thanks for viewing my thread
I need help from all experts here
Currently my Iconia is using Honeylicious firmware
I've tried to search most of the thread but not really understand the method to upgrade from Honeylicious (Honeycomb) to Jelly Bean
Can someone teach me proper way to upgrade
I really appeciate any help from u all
Thanks in advance

bazsh said:
Hi all
Thanks for viewing my thread
I need help from all experts here
Currently my Iconia is using Honeylicious firmware
I've tried to search most of the thread but not really understand the method to upgrade from Honeylicious (Honeycomb) to Jelly Bean
Can someone teach me proper way to upgrade
I really appeciate any help from u all
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@bazsh.....This is only a thought for you to consider. You say you are using Honeylicious which was a specialised ROM designed, developed and published by an Iconia developer who used the name kjy2010. If you are using this ROM it implies that you have installed a specialised "Recovery" such as CWM by ClockWorkyMod or TWRP by TeamWin and that is how you installed Honeylicious onto your Tab. If this is the case the easiest thing to do is search the "Developer" thread until you find a "JB" ROM you would like to use.....download it onto your ext_sd then use your "Recovery" program to flash it to your Tab. My own personal preference is for the JB-4.1.2 ROM by "civato" but to each his own. Don't forget to read the installation instructions regarding what to "wipe" before you flash.

metpolds said:
@bazsh.....This is only a thought for you to consider. You say you are using Honeylicious which was a specialised ROM designed, developed and published by an Iconia developer who used the name kjy2010. If you are using this ROM it implies that you have installed a specialised "Recovery" such as CWM by ClockWorkyMod or TWRP by TeamWin and that is how you installed Honeylicious onto your Tab. If this is the case the easiest thing to do is search the "Developer" thread until you find a "JB" ROM you would like to use.....download it onto your ext_sd then use your "Recovery" program to flash it to your Tab. My own personal preference is for the JB-4.1.2 ROM by "civato" but to each his own. Don't forget to read the installation instructions regarding what to "wipe" before you flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an HC Rom so flashing via recovery won't work until you've installed the patched bootloader. i.e skrilax_cz v8+ ... Doing the wipes is imperative as @metpolds said.....as is the CPUID.
Guides are in my Sig.
Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk

metpolds said:
@bazsh.....This is only a thought for you to consider. You say you are using Honeylicious which was a specialised ROM designed, developed and published by an Iconia developer who used the name kjy2010. If you are using this ROM it implies that you have installed a specialised "Recovery" such as CWM by ClockWorkyMod or TWRP by TeamWin and that is how you installed Honeylicious onto your Tab. If this is the case the easiest thing to do is search the "Developer" thread until you find a "JB" ROM you would like to use.....download it onto your ext_sd then use your "Recovery" program to flash it to your Tab. My own personal preference is for the JB-4.1.2 ROM by "civato" but to each his own. Don't forget to read the installation instructions regarding what to "wipe" before you flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for ur reply
Yes I am using kjy2010 ROM
But he stopped developing new custom ROM for quite some time
After he quit I've tried to search the method to upgrade but it seems quite difficult for me coz im quite noob
Anyway what is the proper method that i can use so that i can install civato's ROM
It's good if u can give me an outline what to
I'll try to read on each thread after that
Tq

@dibb_nz..... Many thanks for bringing up the important point I forgot.....the bootloader!! I have been using skrilax_cz's v8 for so long now that I completely forgot about it.(face/slap)

dibb_nz said:
It's an HC Rom so flashing via recovery won't work until you've installed the patched bootloader. i.e skrilax_cz v8+ ... Doing the wipes is imperative as @metpolds said.....as is the CPUID.
Guides are in my Sig.
Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks you for ur suggestion
Can u give me outline what to do so that I can get my bootloader patched?
Once my bootloader patched, can I install any ROM I like?
Tq

@bazsh.... @dibb_nz can answer your questions better than I, but look at the attached post/link which is by @civato it will tell you how to install the new botloader, provided you can understand what he is saying.
NO insult intended.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425

None taken
1. Retrieve yr cpuid see guide in my Sig
2. Head to civato's guide for the bootloader.
3. Flash skrilax_cz bootloader /recovery
4 enter recovery and wipe all
5 flash jb rom
Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk

Thnks for the outline
Will try to do it

I've read through the thread to get the CPUID
Which method is the easiest for newbie like me to proceed?
Is AfterOTA is the best method to retrieve my CPUID?
Im using Honeylicious ROM for the moment
What bootloader am I using? Supposedly HC bootloader right?
Can I just flash my tablet without getting CPUID & flash skrilax bootloader?

bazsh said:
I've read through the thread to get the CPUID
Which method is the easiest for newbie like me to proceed?
Is AfterOTA is the best method to retrieve my CPUID?
Im using Honeylicious ROM for the moment
What bootloader am I using? Supposedly HC bootloader right?
Can I just flash my tablet without getting CPUID & flash skrilax bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cpuid displayed on recovery screen or Nandroid backup
No afterOta only for stock Rom
Cpuid mandatory!

dibb_nz said:
cpuid displayed on recovery screen or Nandroid backup
No afterOta only for stock Rom
Cpuid mandatory!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im trying to use usbdeview on my windows laptop
Which one is my cpuid?
is it the 15 digits at the serial no?
something like 37c61...

I already read Civato's & Skrilax thread but still confused
I've downloaded Skrilax V9 patched bootloader, CWM update, APX Flash, SBKTest
How do I flash my bootloader?
Using APX Flash or NVMflash?
And it says that it will patch ICS bootloader but am I using HC bootloader currently?
Is it safe to flash on HC bootloader?
OMG...too many jargon words for me
Any experts please help

bazsh said:
I already read Civato's & Skrilax thread but still confused
I've downloaded Skrilax V9 patched bootloader, CWM update, APX Flash, SBKTest
How do I flash my bootloader?
Using APX Flash or NVMflash?
And it says that it will patch ICS bootloader but am I using HC bootloader currently?
Is it safe to flash on HC bootloader?
OMG...too many jargon words for me
Any experts please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use manual nvFlash it's best since yr tab is not booting.
Yes it's ok to flash from HC b/l.
The jargon side is a bit tuff but u just need to do take one step at a time. Don't be in a rush and you'll be fine. If something doesn't seem to be working then STOP. Don't carry on. Or hope it will be ok. Just come back here and ask.
The sbk test is a good start, if that runs ok then u shouldn't have any probs with the actual b/l flash!!
Good luck!!
Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk

dibb_nz said:
Use manual nvFlash it's best since yr tab is not booting.
Yes it's ok to flash from HC b/l.
The jargon side is a bit tuff but u just need to do take one step at a time. Don't be in a rush and you'll be fine. If something doesn't seem to be working then STOP. Don't carry on. Or hope it will be ok. Just come back here and ask.
The sbk test is a good start, if that runs ok then u shouldn't have any probs with the actual b/l flash!!
Good luck!!
Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the motivation
I tried to test my CPUID using SBK test but seem it wont run (no cmd command box)
When i tried to connect my iconia there is no problem for the laptop to recognize my tab
I can browse the tablet memory but why is inside A500 manager it says "No A500 connected"?
can somebody help me?

bazsh said:
Thanks for the motivation
I tried to test my CPUID using SBK test but seem it wont run (no cmd command box)
When i tried to connect my iconia there is no problem for the laptop to recognize my tab
I can browse the tablet memory but why is inside A500 manager it says "No A500 connected"?
can somebody help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Becoz there are 2 sets of drivers required. One for 'browsing tablet memory' and the apx driver for 'nvflash' to work
This is why the cmd window never popped up with sbk test.
So u have a driver issue to solve.
Which OS is yr pc running, 64bit and win8 are dodgy. Win7 an xp are best.
You won't get any further till u get this sorted.
There's a mini guide for correct driver installation in the first post of the cpuid guide, near the bottom.
Stick with the manual method, it's easier for us to pin your issues.
May pay to check out my root guide too if u want mo're detail than civato's guide. There are no problems you will face that have not been solved here many times over.
As I said b4, take things slowly and one step at a time. We don't want to end up talking u thru how to unbrick!!

dibb_nz said:
Becoz there are 2 sets of drivers required. One for 'browsing tablet memory' and the apx driver for 'nvflash' to work
This is why the cmd window never popped up with sbk test.
So u have a driver issue to solve.
Which OS is yr pc running, 64bit and win8 are dodgy. Win7 an xp are best.
You won't get any further till u get this sorted.
There's a mini guide for correct driver installation in the first post of the cpuid guide, near the bottom.
Stick with the manual method, it's easier for us to pin your issues.
May pay to check out my root guide too if u want mo're detail than civato's guide. There are no problems you will face that have not been solved here many times over.
As I said b4, take things slowly and one step at a time. We don't want to end up talking u thru how to unbrick!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will look at ur CPUID guide & find the missing driver 1st
I'll try to do it step by step
Dun want to brick my device
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I already go through your thread regarding CPUID
Under driver headings :
1) APX/Fastboot/Recovery drivers - it leads me to Acer website but have error 404 "page not found"
2) adb_fast.zip
Which one do i need to download?
I downloaded adb_fast.zip & extracted it but how do i use it?

I just able to install USB driver
I think my problem ealier is because I dont turn on USB debugging
Now A500 Manager able to recognize my tablet
And I already tested with SBK test & I think I have the correct SBK
From here where should I proceed?
I've 2 ways to patch the bootloader
1 is via APX Flash tool & another one is by doing manually
Which one is the easiest & recommended for me?
Next question is....which bootloader should I choose?
Skrilax_CZ V8 or the latest version V9?
And I dont understand because there are 3 choices with different names
Which one should I choose?
Thanks in advance...really need help

bazsh said:
I just able to install USB driver
I think my problem ealier is because I dont turn on USB debugging
Now A500 Manager able to recognize my tablet
And I already tested with SBK test & I think I have the correct SBK
From here where should I proceed?
I've 2 ways to patch the bootloader
1 is via APX Flash tool & another one is by doing manually
Which one is the easiest & recommended for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if sbk test has given you the cpuid, then use the manual flash method now, just run the v8.bat file and you'll be done.
Next question is....which bootloader should I choose?
Skrilax_CZ V8 or the latest version V9?
And I dont understand because there are 3 choices with different names
Which one should I choose?
Thanks in advance...really need help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
v8 or v9, doesn't matter. Once you've run the bat file THEN
boot direct to recovery, complete the wipe procedure and then
flash you ics or jb rom (you should have this on your ext sd card now, ready to go)
The v8/9 flash will take 2-3 mins at most.

[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

A500 Stuck on Dead Android and can't find Recovery files

I got this from work and I'm not sure it's worth fixing but here is where I am with it. Recovery mode just shows the dead Android. I can get into APX mode but that's it. I have the SBK number and Blackthund3r APX Flash tool and I believe the recovery is what I need to flash. It seems all of the links to APX recovery files are broken. Please help me with the files I need to unbrick this thing. I believe if I can get into recovery, I'll be OK. Let me know if I need anything else.
Thanks,
Chris

chris1379 said:
I got this from work and I'm not sure it's worth fixing but here is where I am with it. Recovery mode just shows the dead Android. I can get into APX mode but that's it. I have the SBK number and Blackthund3r APX Flash tool and I believe the recovery is what I need to flash. It seems all of the links to APX recovery files are broken. Please help me with the files I need to unbrick this thing. I believe if I can get into recovery, I'll be OK. Let me know if I need anything else.
Thanks,
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made a thread with some links to roms and some files to unlock the bootloader without blackthunders tool. Hopefully it helps I think you may need to be rooted to get it to work. https://forum.xda-developers.com/iconia-a500/general/2018-a500-upgrade-threaddownloads-to-t3832293

Thanks. I tried it but no joy yet. Maybe 32-bit Win7 won't work so I'll try later with the laptop.. I don't necessarily need root but I would like KitKat or newer.

chris1379 said:
Thanks. I tried it but no joy yet. Maybe 32-bit Win7 won't work so I'll try later with the laptop.. I don't necessarily need root but I would like KitKat or newer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why doesn't it work on windows 7? What happens when you try and do it?