First thanks to Skrilax_CZ (unlocked bootloader) , jm77 (for his guide), strra(tools and bat file) Zatta for modded script , blackthund3r for APX flashing tool & gersma (for otatool)
You need to understand that this can brick your tablet and going back to HC roms is not possible or you need to reflash your tablet again with this
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WHAT IS THIS V8UNLOCKED multi ICS BOOTLOADER
You can install the ICS bootloader using cwm if you are on V4 or V5 , see in this link for the updates and cwm packages.
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PLEASE FOLLOW TO THE LETTER AND READ TWICE , don't be drunk , don't watch sports (we are men and can only do one thing at a time), don't take advice from your wife , girlfriend or whatever you need to feel loved , this is not like shopping for a bike or car!!! This is probably the most boring thing you are going to do in your life!
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Option 1 use Afterota for A500/G100W IF YOU ARE ON OTA ICS and follow this thread
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Option 2 , keep reading.... don't be a chicken , just do it !!.
-STEP 1=Install the USB drivers from Acer on PC ( Acer's). NOTE: If you got stuck or can't get into APX mode please make sure you reinstall the usb drivers first and you got the latest ones.
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Click to collapse
STEP2=First before you do anything else make sure you got your "cpuid". How see Q&A , bottom of this thread.
Or you use the Blackthun3er V0.4 APX flasher (see in the section "automated flashing tool") , this tool will give and fill in your SBK automaticly if you used it before.
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-STEP 3=Now goto get your SBK or use this tool you find here
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-STEP 4=Make sure you got a ICS rom on your tablet to flash after you installed the ICS bootloader the first time .
-FLEXREAPER
-LIGHTSPEED
-TABOONAY (with this make sure you flash the Kernel for ICS bootloader after you installed the rom , you find it in the Taboonay thread)
-ezterry ICS 1.031.00stock- full root with busybox, and more tweaks
-A501 Alexandra IV ICS ver 4.0.3. (for A501 users)
-FULL-STOCK-FULL-ROOT
-Or you can flash the full leaked version of 1.031.00 405MB but then you need to get root so you can delete "recovery-from-boot.p" from /system before you flash the unlocked booloader and custom recovery.
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Good time to check your SBK number , see Q&A section
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STEP 5= Going into APX mode see Q&A or use A500 manager
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STEP 6 INSTALLING ICS BOOTLOADER
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Automated flashing tool
USING blackthund3r ATX flash tool , It makes it all a little easier !
You need help on this ! Here is a walk thru!
-download the APX-FLASH-Tool & Manager
-Download one of the V8 unlocked bootloader apx flash packages combined with a recovery of your choise.
V8-pubA50._public_recovery.a500apx
V8-Thor_1.7.3_recovery.a500apx
V8-TWRP_2.1.3_ICS_recovery.a500apx
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- Firts you do the Steps 1-2-3- 4 of the main guide !!
-1-Reboot your tablet and make sure on your tablet: "Settings" -> "Applications" -> "Development" -> "USB debugging" switch on.
-2-Now start the "A500APXFlash.exe" , the tool will start .
-3-When it askes for your SBK you need to type it in , the v0.4 APX flash tool will give your SBK automaticly !!
-4-Now you select "Use an A500 APX Flash Tool Package.(.a500apx)
-5-Select the package that you want,(you click on the right arrow to continue)
-6-Now you can select "Manual Method" or "Automatic Method". (I always pick Automatic)
-7-Click on "Enter APX Mode" (now it will do his thing)
-8-When it says "Done! press to run again" (even if it says on the bottom of the app "no apx mode devices are connected") you click on the right arrow to continue.
-It will ask if you are ready (click yes if you are)
-Let the app do his thing and wait !!!!!! Until it says "Done! Press and hold power to switch off then power back on!"
[FONT="]Optional A500MANAGER
What does it do : [/FONT]
· [FONT="]One-click APX Mode entry[/FONT]
· [FONT="]One-click Recovery Mode entry[/FONT]
· [FONT="]One-click fastboot entry for patched bootloaders[/FONT]
· [FONT="]Instant logcat viewer[/FONT]
· [FONT="]Instant dmesg Viewer[/FONT]
· [FONT="]Function which dumps the dmesg to a text file on the desktop[/FONT]
· [FONT="]Serial number extraction to make SBK calculation exponentially easier[/FONT]
· [FONT="]Links to ICS Root, A500 APX Flash Tool and two download links (Acer and my mirror) for USB Drivers[/FONT]
· [FONT="]Shows what mode the tablet is in at the bottom[/FONT]
BIG THANKS TO blackthund3r
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Manual flashing
Open cmd (command prompt) on the extracted folder "V8-UNL-ICS-HC-bootloader-MULTI-cwm".
(Tip how to open cmd on any folder you want
Windows Vista/7 : Simply hold down the Shift key and right-click a folder. The context menu will contain an entry, ‘Open command window here.” )
Or you if you extracted the folder in c:\nvflash you type in cmd "cd c:\nvflash"
-FOR A500/A501/G100W:
For the ICS bootloader and multi custom recovery's you type in cmd : v8 (enter) (or you open the folder and click on this "v8.bat")
Now you get 4 choises of V8 with a different recovery , select one.
-TWRP recovery
-PubA500 recovery
-Thor1.7
-Thor1.7.3
If for any reason you want to go back to HC bootloader:
For the HC bootloader and recovery you type in cmd : a500-hc (enter) if you have a A500 or a G100W (or open the folder and click on this "a500-hc.bat")
For the HC bootloader and recovery you type in cmd : a501-hc (enter) if you have a A501 (or open the folder and click on this "a501-hc.bat")
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-Your SBK is asked : you put that in and press enter. (right click on cmd titlebar gives option to copy/paste it)
-The process should begin. If you recieve a USB write error, your SBK is incorrect. (Lot of stuff going on in the cmd and then it stops)
-Windows command prompt will read "Press any key when your A500/501/G100W is in APX mode". Do not continue until the tablet is in "Acer Iconia A500/501 APX Mode" (look at the screen of your tablet).
-Once the tablet reads "Acer Iconia A500/501 APX Mode", you are in bootloader mode. You can proceed and it will begin formatting the various partitions and installing the recovery.
-Once the process completes, it should say PASS (on the screen of your tablet) in big letters and in small red letters "Reboot the device" (Top left corner still says "Acer Iconia A500/501 APX Mode" that is normal) . You can then power off the tablet and power it back on again.
If you get the message = secure boot : image LNX checksum fail ! , No problem just reboot the tablet.
-Make sure your tablet boots.
Power the tablet down and attempt to launch CWM via Power+VolDown.
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You Are on the ICS Unlocked bootloader and want to install a different CWM the easy way !
Put it on your tablet and install with CWM
-Ezterry's BareBones Recovery :CWM-install-A500PubRecovery_v0.2.zip
-TWRP 2.1.3-ICS (touch recovery) :CWM-install-TWRP-2.1.3-ICS.zip
(modded by civato for ICS only , no more messed up screen on booting into recovery)
-Thor 1.7 touch recovery (repacked to work on ICS) :CWM-install-recovery_thor1.7.zip
-Thor 1.7.2 Multi bootloader (HC , ICS) touch recovery :CWM-install-recovery_thor1.7.2.zip
(But for some this doesn't work)
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Q&A:
How to get my CPUID ?
On HC Rom or HC bootloader (3.01) or you got a old nandroid backup do this to get your cpuid
-You can find your "cpuid" in one of your "nandroidbackups" that you made with cwm (look on your external SD/clockworkmod/backup=uid.txt ). It's the uid text you are looking for.
-Or when you connect your tablet and type in adb devices in cmd you get your cpuid
-Or usbdeview see more info here , thanks to dibb_nz
ON ICS ROM or ICS booloader (0.3.11 or 0.3.12) do this to get your cpuid:
Or you Install and launch Android terminal app on tablet. Run the following command: dmesg>/mnt/external_sd/dmesg.txt
Open up dmesg.txt (will be stored on your external SD) and look for androidboot.serialno. That is your CPUID.
Or try the following to get your cpuid (thanks to japinder)
-Reboot the Tab & just use the command 'dmesg | grep androidboot.serialno' (without quotes).
It displays the cpuid there & then. No extra lines, no need to save to file & then search. If the Tab hasn't been rebooted in a while, then the line containing 'androidboot.serialno' entry is lost/overwritten, so it won't even be there in the 'dmesg' output. Running the above command after a fresh reboot will always yield the result in an easier way.
OR SEE GUIDE HERE , WHERE IS MY CPUID AT
Checking your SBK
Go into APK mode (step 5 or use A500 manager) and open cmd on SBK-test (download this first) folder and type in something like this:
nvflash --bl bootloader.img --sbk (your SBK) --sync]
In my case = nvflash --bl bootloader.img --sbk 0x3DA61E00 0x7899AA01 0x97D04E03 0x1E092103 --sync (enter)
If your SBK is good you get your system information and you will see your chip uid with some more stuff.
If your SBK is wrong, you'll get this:
rcm version 0X4
Command send failed (usb write failed)
STOP HERE AND DON'T PROCEED if your SBK is not correct!!!!!!!!!
(Tip how to open cmd on any folder you want
Windows Vista/7 : Simply hold down the Shift key and right-click a folder. The context menu will contain an entry, ‘Open command window here.” )
Going into APX MODE manualy
You enter APX mode by holding down the Reset button(with paper clip). Do not release it. Hold down power for 3 secs and then release it. After another second, release the reset button.
Your Windows PC should then detect your device and install the APX driver. You should then have an APX USB device installed. If you do not have an APX USB device listed in your system tray, you cannot proceed.
The screen of your tablet is black.
Linux users see here
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Great guide Mr. Civ (as always all your works).
I shall try it.
Many thanks
Weird. But I can't find serialno in the file generated. Thoughts?
Sent from my A500 using XDA
Will the cpuid ever change? I only found it on a really old Nandroid. It was blank in a more current one
Sent from my A500 using XDA
blcklab said:
Will the cpuid ever change? I only found it on a really old Nandroid. It was blank in a more current one
Sent from my A500 using XDA
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Always test your SBK to be sure , see guide.
SBK doesn't change.
Also, you can recover your tablet with fastboot when you flash HC ROM (which is NOT reflashing the BL), which is more convenient.
Skrilax_CZ said:
SBK doesn't change.
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Was what I was thinking , I used the uid from my first nandroid backup when it was still a PackardBell HC 3.0.1 rom from the G100W.
But still want them to test there SBK before they complain it got stuck.
civato said:
Was what I was thinking , I used the uid from my first nandroid backup when it was still a PackardBell HC 3.0.1 rom from the G100W.
But still want them to test there SBK before they complain it got stuck.
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when at the point of getting to download mode. my tablet screen just says "entering acer download mode" and has a acer logo but nothing else? is this IN download mode i ask becuase the screen hasnt changed from "entering acer download mode"
edit: ok so i got to PASS and rebooted tablet and it rebooted but once i tried to reboot recovery i got Recovery verified failed... what should i do now?
edit: fixed by running nvflash again
warfenix said:
when at the point of getting to download mode. my tablet screen just says "entering acer download mode" and has a acer logo but nothing else? is this IN download mode i ask becuase the screen hasnt changed from "entering acer download mode"
edit: ok so i got to PASS and rebooted tablet and it rebooted but once i tried to reboot recovery i got Recovery verified failed... what should i do now?
edit: fixed by running nvflash again
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It happened to me too, but I got a pass on the second try. You should run step 6 again.
Remember this line of the guide
You can also flash the full leaked version of 1.031.00 but then you need to get root so you can delete "recovery-from-boot.p" from /system before you flash the unlocked booloader and custom recovery.
If you flashed the full leak version you need to delete "recovery-from-boot.p" from /system if you don't do that recovery will be replaced everytime you reboot your tablet.
Is there any point in this apart from gaining fastboot ?
I'll give it a go. Just pulled the gen2 ics update and I'll see if I can modify it to install after doing this.
10507 said:
It happened to me too, but I got a pass on the second try. You should run step 6 again.
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Same thing happened with me. Did the exact same steps the 2nd time (verified by checking the command history), but the first time didn't take and redoing step 6 did.
blcklab said:
Weird. But I can't find serialno in the file generated. Thoughts?
Sent from my A500 using XDA
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Click to collapse
Exported and did search and could not find mine either.
How long does it take on Nvflash started?
BTW, it is bootloader.bin not bootloader.img
It simply does not go anywhere on my tablet, sits there for hours on Nvflash started, no error, just nothing.
Excuse the silly noob question, but I am drawing a blank today.
If I complete this whole process in OP, will this give me root on the ICS released today (4/27) and ability to flash future rooted ICS releases? Thanks.
dawgpoundfan said:
Exported and did search and could not find mine either.
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If you have HC 3.01 bootloader I don't think your UID will show in the dmsg file. You can get it from an old backup or adb devices.
golfgirl606 said:
If you have HC 3.01 bootloader I don't think your UID will show in the dmsg file. You can get it from an old backup or adb devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on 3.01 and had to find on my oldest nandroid.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA
aben2amu said:
How long does it take on Nvflash started?
BTW, it is bootloader.bin not bootloader.img
It simply does not go anywhere on my tablet, sits there for hours on Nvflash started, no error, just nothing.
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Click to collapse
I have the same question. I am only at 5 mins with just "Nvflash started", but how long should that be displayed before I should see the "Press any key when your A500 is in bootloader mode". Also, My tablet screen is still black.
I did not receive a USB write error, and I did the sync command to check my SBK before running Nvflash and it showed my CUID correctly.
Could the tablet go into sleep mode while in the APX mode?
Can I just reboot the tablet and start again?
Ok, I have the words "Entering Acer Download Mode" on my tablet. Is that what I am looking for or should there be another entry that says it is actually in download mode?
Confirmed CPU ID
blcklab said:
I'm on 3.01 and had to find on my oldest nandroid.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confirmed CPU ID
. HC Bootloader - clockworkmod/backup - adb devices - usbdeview (attached)
. ICS Bootloaders - dmesg android.serial no
Use this to Rollback Official / Leaked ICS OS + Bootloader back to Rooted HC 3.2.1, HC bootloader and working accelerometer.
WARNING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS | YMMV | WARNING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
Original Post by jazzyjames
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1516012
WARNING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS | YMMV | WARNING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
jazzyjame's tutorial How to rollback from ICS leak
***THIS WILL WIPE YOUR DATA***
What you need:
EUU from Timmydean of 3.2.1 V4
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1307539
Your CPUID
Your CPUID was probably changed when you flashed the ICS leak.
Your SBK
How you can find CPUID in the ICS leak
Download and install a terminal emulator from the market and enter in the following.
dmesg > /mnt/external_sd/dmesg.txt
Copy that file to your computer and open it or open it in a text editor on your A500
Look for androidboot.serialno= and the number is listed is your CPUID.
Your SBK can be acquired by using this tool Vache's SBK generator
(Refer to just below Step 3 of Civato's V3BOOTLOADER tutorial on how to validate the CPUID and SBK are correct)
***DO NOT PLUG TABLET INTO COMPUTER UNTIL STEP 8******
1. Download and extract root-3.2.1-V4 from Timmydean
2. Run PBJ20upgrade.exe (right click and run as administrator).
3. Click Ok on Make sure your ICONIA TAB is not connected to a computer. If a "New Hardware Wizard" window appears, click "Cancel".
4. Click Next
5. Let it install the USB drivers
6. Click Next and Go to Settings/Applications/Development on your TAB to enable "USB debugging"
7. It will try and scan for the current image version and new image version, this will take about 5 minutes.
8. A dialogue should have appeared on the screen detailing the manual method for putting the tablet into APX mode. Ignore the dialogue for now and go to step 9
9. Enable debugging on your tablet (Settings>Developer>USB Debugging)
10. Use the USB cable to connect ICONIA TAB to the PC
11. Download and run Blackthund3er's awesome A500 management tool to automatically start your tab in APX mode.
Run the .exe as administrator, and choose to "Enter APX MODE".
When the "Enter APX MODE" button return to its original state, it means the tab should be in APX mode with a black blank screen.
Download Blackthund3er's tool:
Blackthund3er A500 management tool
(thanks civato for letting me know about it)
(POINT OF NO RETURN, CONTINUE FURTHER AND YOU MAY BRICK YOUR TAB)
12. Click Yes on the EUU flashing tool dialogue with the manual instructions to place the HC 3.2.1. image and bootloader back onto your tab.
13. Type in your CPUID in the EUU flashing tool, click next.
THIS WILL WIPE YOUR DATA
This will reset your tablet to a Rooted 3.2.1 with WORKING ACCELEROMETER. Once it boots up you can install Acer Recovery installer from the market and install CWM recovery and restore your ROM or flash a new one.
-----------------------------------------
Once done you should have Rooted Honeycomb back on the tab with the old stock HC bootloader and a functional autorotate.
After ICS 4.0.3 OTA update, I could not unlock the bootloader, following the ICS bootloader guide to the letter. Never could get CWM to stick, deleting boot.p in system folder, no results, therefore, I decided to rollback to HC 3.2.1., w/ Thor CWM 2002, of which was successful, however, I attempted to unlock the bootloader and flash ICS bootloader and the flashtool does not recognize the Tab in APX mode. USB connection is good and is recognized in normal mode. I also attempted to flash custom rom with HC bootloader and the tab still glitches on screen, I restored from backup back to 3.2.1 HC.
Any ideas here? I would like to get the bootloader unlocked so I can take advantage of all the works available. If I could get the APX flash working again, I think I may be able to.
G
Install your Google Drivers. Google.... USB Drivers Android. Should be first result.
With tablet in APX Mode, goto Windows Device manager, Update the driver for your listed device (probably says unknown). Do it manually, not automatically.
You can try the new afterota tool in the development section, it is suppose to automate all the tasks for you to unlock the bootloader and install recovery.
So I've installed Acer Iconica drivers, then downloaded A500Manger so I can get the CPUID, then the SBK,
I click "get serial number/cpuid" and the button changes to "starting adb server..." then "extracting serial number" and "killing abd server" then back to "get serial number/cpuid" but there's no number showing.
This is frustratingly difficult/annoying just to put CWM onto my phone so I can custom flash ROM's.
Can anyone give me any pointers/tips/advice?
Or should I just stick with the ROM that's on the device?
The most surefire way I've been able to get the cpuid was to use adb. Put the device into usb debugging mode and type adb devices into a prompt. The automated tools work great if you have root and grep already to go... otherwise just use the adb tool and do it manually.
I recently rooted my device and I haven't done anything major but somehow I can't access my bl. I tried AR and reinstalled the stock recovery or the CWM but it would just say failed to load or something. It's strange. Any suggestion would be much appreciated..
Not sure if this will help, but
Important to Have your CPUID #...
If you have your CPUID or SBK #, you can use "Tool - AcerA500 APX Flash Tool v0.4 (by blackthund3r)"
A SBK Generator, uses CPUID Info to give you your SBK #
and you could flash any xxxxx.a500apx