yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Acer Iconia A500] xenon2000:
FYI, I didn't say I couldn't do the OTA 3.2 update from 3.1 stock while rooted. I choose to unroot before doing the OTA 3.2 update. But then I wasn't able to root 3.2.1 that I was on. And all the instructions I found online said I had to downgrade to 3.1, root, and then use an already rooted 3.2.1 rom. Which meant wiping out my apps, etc. I didn't feel like doing that.

So now that I am on 4.0.3, it is awesome that rooting is available without having to use a pre-rooted rom and wipe my data. But I would like to keep that path open. I just like the idea of being able to undo something without wiping. If possible.

---------- Post added at 09:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:33 PM ----------

Thanks, I would really appreciate that effort and time. If I was more confident that I could backup my image and recovery my A500 in case the unrooting went badly, I would try it myself and report back. So thanks again for being willing to try this out for me and possibly others that read XDA as non-members.
[Acer Iconia A500] Vintage144:
well finally after the third try it works! Would've worked first try if I looked , my adb drivers werent quite there, finally I noticed and reinstalled , then without a hitch , I havent had a stock rom in a long time , so this might be interesting! It appears my bootloader has changed as well :

0.03.12-ICS
[Acer Iconia A500] sxm2:
Would it be OK, if I update my Busybox using the BusyBox app by Stephen (Stericson)?
[Acer Iconia A500] Vintage144:
it appears Ive lost recovery again , when I try to open it ,it starts then goes to a dead droid with the door open and red triangle exclamation mark?
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Yep
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Install a bootloader/CWM package - see civato's dev thread for a guide on using my a500 apx flash tool :)
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Note to you all: this tool does NOT touch the OTA apps. It should not, therefore, affect OTA on ICS (AFAIK).

To unroot simply remove the files which ICS Root adds (I.e. remove busybox, its symlinks, su, Superuser.apk,Remounter.API,sysro & sysrw :)
[Acer Iconia A500] ryryrocco:
This tool worked perfectly after I updated my usb drivers on the acer site.

Tried 3x last night. Got the root was sucessful message but the tablet did not reboot.

got home from work just now, updated drivers, ran the tool as admin in windows took about 2 minutes or so. Very happy.

all my favorite root only apps work so far except for any of the ad blockers on any of the browsers. Any suggestions. Just curious if anyone found one that works on ICS.
[Acer Iconia A500] gammaRascal:
I thought ad blockers only blocked ads in apps - not the browser. Those are server side and would require a browser plugin/extension.

I could be wrong though.
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
blocking ads in apps can be done but it requires making modifications to the APKs which can be considered warez (as not only is it reverse engineering but it's also stopping the dev making a living). Therefore I can't help you at all on that here. Although if that's what you want to do it can be done but nobody on XDA will help you for the simple reason that you can get banned for it.
[Acer Iconia A500] gammaRascal:
Blocking ads in apps can be done with ad blocking apps from Google Play. And who's asking for help to do anything? Certainly not me.
[Acer Iconia A500] toastthemost:
Can anyone tell me if this installs CWM on stock OTA w/ stock bootloader? I saw some reports there that it failed to do so.
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
There's apps for it? O.o this I gotta see :D
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
This does not install CWM. That is done by the A500 Flash Tool
[Acer Iconia A500] gammaRascal:
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=ad+blocker&c=apps
[Acer Iconia A500] toastthemost:
Are you sure? From the APX flash tool page:

"This is a tool I have been working on to allow an A500 owner to easy flash: ...Recovery Image such as ClockworkMod or RA (REMEMBER: You still need to delete /system/recovery-from-boot.p file to flash CWM on ICS (I'm not sure about Honeycomb). ICS Root can do this even if you're not currently rooted (it can use mempodroid to temporarily gain root to rename the file on Ice Cream Sandwich))"
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
yes, he's sure...he wrote and built it:)

What its saying is ....to remember to delete the file that boots the Stock Recovery....and allows a custom recovery to boot instead....

....ICS Root can do this (delete the file) but it does not put the recovery there,

thats what apxflash tool does.....

hope thats a wee bit clearer....:)
[Acer Iconia A500] toastthemost:
I'm stupid. Thanks!
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
no I wouldn't say that m8 - did provide a bit of smile tho' - you're all good:):):)
[Acer Iconia A500] rcraig617:
I click root and it just says "extracting files" after 10 mins i deleted my drivers and reinstalled them so I know that isn't the problem
[Acer Iconia A500] luck_shawn:
root trouble

reinstalled drivers thru links in a500manager.exe and got root. post can be removed by mod
[Acer Iconia A500] ryryrocco:
That's what I was trying to say in my post about ad-blockers not working in ICS for me so far.

On GB and HC i used ad block and ad free android and they block all the ads in the browsers and in apps.

I am currently using them on my 2 droid eris, droid incredible, droid incredible 2 and my acer when it was honeycomb and all adds are totally blocked. Not on ICS though. Yet.
[Acer Iconia A500] sxm2:
if you used this one click root tool, try using a500 remount and mount system before you use ad blockers.
[Acer Iconia A500] ThatGeekGuy:
Easy, squeezy, lemon peasy. Thanks for doing this!:D
[Acer Iconia A500] ryryrocco:
Last week I did the one click root method. Worked perfectly. Last night tried to install the unlocked bootloader and custom recovery. The bootloader flash worked but not the install of custom recovery. It said it was successful but I still have the broken recovery. Not sure what went wrong. Anyone have any suggestions to install cwm. Do I run the tool again to install recovery or is there another way to flash. Thanks.
[Acer Iconia A500] gravyplaya:
no go on linux

$ ./root.sh -r -a -s

ICS Root Linux V1.1 (Functionally Equivalent to Windows version 5.1)

Welcome to blackthund3r's Linux A500 Root Tool for the leaked releases of Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.3

Supported leak ve rsions:

*0.019.00

*0.022.00

*1.031.00

~~~~~~~~~

WARNING: I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOU OR YOUR EQUIPMENT WHILST USING THIS TOOL!

Press any key to run! Running in 5 seconds

5

4

Ready...

Set...

Go!

Running!!

[+] Killing all old adb processes

[+] Starting ADB Server

* daemon not running. starting it now on port 5037 *

* daemon started successfully *

[+] Listing Devices

List of devices attached

11402140615	device

Is your device listed? (y/n) y

[+] Uploading exploit

1077 KB/s (37273 bytes in 0.033s)

[+] Uploading busybox

1256 KB/s (821340 bytes in 0.638s)

[+] Setting permissions

[+] Creating directories

[+] Uploading files...

./root.sh: line 161: [: ==: unary operator expected

542 KB/s (22364 bytes in 0.040s)

1292 KB/s (843503 bytes in 0.637s)

0 KB/s (40 bytes in 0.040s)

533 KB/s (21584 bytes in 0.039s)

12 KB/s (519 bytes in 0.041s)

./root.sh: line 282: syntax error: unexpected end of file

$
[Acer Iconia A500] ryryrocco:
edit to my post above:

just got home from work and noticed civato had updated his guide to include the option to install an earlier flash package of CWM because 1.7.2 wasn't working for some (I guess this was my problem).

Ran the tool and flashed this:

-A500-V4-CWM1.7.a500apx

(I had been trying -A500-V4-CWM1.7.2.a500apx with latest CWM-1.7.2 , but for some this recovery won't work). For those having problems I suggest you try this.

Your tool worked like a charm tonight after getting frustrated last night trying 4 times with no success. Now I have root with unlocked bootloader and custom recovery :)

THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL THAT YOU DO
[Acer Iconia A500] gravyplaya:
This worked for me first time. NO issues.
[Acer Iconia A500] apiznina:
hi.. can i root my acer a500 ics 4.0.3 use macbook?
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Either use windows / bootcamp or get the Linux rooting tool and swap the ADB binary for a Mac binary of adb (Google around or install the sdk).
[Acer Iconia A500] apiznina:
can tell me how to root it? i don get it.. =(.. pls help me..
[Acer Iconia A500] dincdoes.me:
At first this didn't work then I plugged my a500 into a differentUSB port then it was fine thank you works awesome
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Glad it worked for ya :)
[Acer Iconia A500] heiNey:
i have the stock OTA ICS update and tried this tool, but it says "No A500 with USB Debugging Detected!" when i launch the program. I have USB debugging checked in developer options already. does this not work with the OTA version? I clicked "Do it" anyway, and it went through all the rooting steps, but it doesn't look like it actually did anything

My system says 4.0.3 and Kernel 2.6.39.4+

If it doesn't work with this version, what is the easiest way to root?

EDIT: looks like i need to install acer's usb drivers. the links to it on acer's site is dead. anyone have other links?

EDIT 2: nevermind, found them. tool worked perfectly. thanks blackthund3r!
[Acer Iconia A500] edhrah:
root tool worked with exceptions

blackthund3r,

Thank you for your hard work and devotion to this effort.

I was able to root my A500 ICS4.03 successfully. I am able to remount f/s's as R/W. However when using the get UID or get Bootloader version tools, I receive a message that it is getting UID or bootloader version but returns no data. I have rerun the ICS root tools a second time with no change observed. Is there something that I am missing or doing incorrectly? Also and help on the Enter APX mode. This also simple does a shutdown when selected.
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Try rebooting then running the tool again. Sometimes it disappears from the dmesg.

The APX entering is in fact working. APX Mode is a black screen. Ensure you have the USB cable in whilst entering APX ans you'll be able to use nvflash
[Acer Iconia A500] dibblebill:
No A500 with USB Debugging Detected!

I have a Windows 7 x64 PC with USB 2.0 ports (for this purpose) in use. I have plugged in my tablet, enabled developer's debugging, and also moved the USB port it is plugged into. The application still reports that "No a500 with USB Debugging Detected!" error, and will not root my tablet. I'm not sure how to fix it, have you got any ideas?

PRE-POST EDIT: I downloaded the USB driver found at Acer's site, and that fixed it. If you wish to use this fix on Windows, make sure you have these drivers, they enable the a500's ADB connection. The default Windows driver does not.

PRE-POST EDIT 2: I can't LINK that since I don't have any posts ;) Google for "Acer a500 USB Drivers" and the first link is the Acer Support Page. You want the driver dated in October 2011. The tablet's rebooting now, will edit in if successful.

EDIT 3: Success! Make sure you have the above drivers.
[Acer Iconia A500] florwing:
Did not restart after doing ics root7

Hi,

My tablet is an official ics. When the ics root 7 was done, it didn't restart and no superuser installed. I have installed the newest acer driver from acer support.

Can anyone help me?

Thank you
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Check device manager. Also make sure USB Debugging is enabled
[Acer Iconia A500] dibblebill:
Like the other guy said, check the device manager. Make sure there is an Acer ABD device, and double-check the USB debugging. Also, reboot both the tablet and the PC, and try a different USB port.
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
If it doesn't work after that then I'm confuzzled =P
[Acer Iconia A500] florwing:
Thank you for helping. I got it rooted.
[Acer Iconia A500] kheery:
Great Work

I joined XDA just to say thanks for putting this together. The status bar was reading "No A500 With USB Debugging Detected!!", but I went for it anyway, and it worked fine.

Build: Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1

Also, I tested the ICS UnRoot after performing a root only, which also worked.
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
O.o I'm glad the unroot worked ;D I've never tried it lol

Thanks for the feedback :) the check isn't perfect but it isn't bad :)
[Acer Iconia A500] chafamexxx:
working on stock ics?

I updated my tablet with the acer official rom, will this work on it?
[Acer Iconia A500] LazySmerf:
From about Page 7 post 62 or 63 and forward ...
[Acer Iconia A500] dibblebill:
It did for me. My tablet was never rooted and it worked fine on the stock ICS ROM.
[Acer Iconia A500] Anstar:
Kids like you restore my faith in the tech community. Your work speaks for itself. I'm happy to report that my A500 is now rooted, thanks to your work. Nicely done. :)
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Thanks so much for your kind words and I'm glad the tool helped you :)
[Acer Iconia A500] comptonassjoe:
I used acer recovery and used the CWM 1.3.4 by thor2002 for ics and mine is working fine.
[Acer Iconia A500] Erek0se:
I received the ICS update for my A501 today and couldn't wait to root it using your tool.

Everything went fine until the point saying "rebooting"

The tablet keeps running and when manualy initiating a shutdown/restart it seems that nothing has happened, both titanium backup & superuser check reporting that root access isn't activated

Could it be that the mempodroid exploit is fixed in the new version release from Acer ?

versions that I get from settings - system - about

Model Number A501

Android Version 4.0.3

Baseband version Cust:R3C01 Config R4B01 Conf R3C01 Protocol R3B01 App R3C01

Kernel 2.6.39.4+

Image Version acer_AV041_A501_RV20RC05_WW_GEN2

Build number ACER_AV041_A501_1.021.00_WW_GEN1

Hope these informations can get us closer to a fix
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Hmm you're the second person I've seen with this issue today. The kernel version is the same and the vulnerability is on the kernel. I have an idea for a fix but it will require APX Mode. I'll see what I can but together on my tablet today :)
[Acer Iconia A500] Shaleena:
Hello there! I recently rooted my Acer Iconia a500 with your root tool. I've tried to unroot it with your unroot tool, but it won't unroot. I've gone through and read all of the comments about unroot, and tried all of those too. How can I unroot my a500, nothing else is working? Thanks! :)
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Flash a stock ROM :)
[Acer Iconia A500] vetteguy112233:
I'm just reporting to say it worked perfectly on my A500. I had it rooted before the OTA ICS update, which obviously killed root. Due to the complexity of gaining root (downgrading.....), I decided not to bother with root. When I saw this I decided to give it a try and it works perfect, no problems what so ever.

THANKS!!!
[Acer Iconia A500] Booboo64:
I'm also attempting to go back to full stock, but cannot. Perhaps a hand?

I copied the latest OTA version of ICS to a MicroSD card (empty) and renamed the file update.zip. The file is unencrypted, so I can open and ready without issues. I then reboot into recovery (Vol Down + Power) and the Iconia attempts to load the update.zip. However, I get the lying down Android with the exclamation mark.

Any ideas?
[Acer Iconia A500] Booboo64:
To let you know, it appears the zip file I downloaded is somehow corrupted. I used this one: Acer_AV041_A500_1.054.00_WW_GEN1.zip (and renamed update.zip) and all is well.
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Glad yo got it fixed :)
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Very welcome :)
[Acer Iconia A500] pmassey31545:
Custom Rom Install-Unroot

2 things. 1)Has anyone found a way to unroot, and 2)-could someone please tell me how to flash a custom ROM? I have installed Acer Recovery and flashed every one of the recovery images but each time I try to enter Recovery I get the "Recovery verified failed" message. Only when I flash back to stock Rec do I get the Android man lying down. But I can't do a Nandroid or anything.

Ideas?? Help?
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
1) flash a stock ROM from stock recovery

2) Flash a patched bootloader and clockworkmod with my flash tool :)
[Acer Iconia A500] pmassey31545:
OK. So I can't find my exact build number anywhere. Would that make a difference? Mine is Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1.

Also, what I really want to do is flash a custom ROM but my bootloader (I guess) is what is keeping me from doing so. The BL version is 0.03.12-ICS. Does that make any sense?

Just trying to get some help here for a not so noob but definitely not experienced. I've flashed phones over and over and SBF'ed them as well. Flashed from SD and so on. But this tablet is just whipping me.
[Acer Iconia A500] lynx2k50:
Hey.

Do I have any chance to root this firmware: Acer_AV041_A500_1.049.00_TWN_GEN1. Everytime I tried it with your tool, nothing happend.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1897598

Thank you for your help.
[Acer Iconia A500] scooter421:
Took me a minute to figure this out but it went quick when I did. I had to reboot my computer and disable antivirus before this would work . It took about 5 min total.
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Try the alternative root method on xda dev section
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Glad it worked for you :)
[Acer Iconia A500] artbybart:
It Works!!

Thank you so much for your rooting method. The One-click ver. 7.1.1 worked on the tablet!! I haven't tested the unrooting method but will do so later on!! I also installed your A500 manager script which is GREAT as well!! Though for some reason, when going into recovery I only see the droid with the triangle and exclamation mark in it. I don't see the TWRP which i had installed. In any case, I'll look it up further and see what is it I'm doing wrong ;)!!! A big Thanks once again!

Device Info which was rooted (in case anybody is wondering):

Model Number = A500

Android Version = 4.0.3

Kernel Version = 2.6.39.4+

Image Version = Acer_AV041_A500_RV05RC01_PA_CUS1

Build Number = Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1

Keep up the good work!
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Glad it helped! The unroot tool is rubbish by the way - just ignore it ;P

If you want recovery you need to unlock your bootloader using something like my APX Flash Tool. Find a bundle which has a recovery installed too :)
[Acer Iconia A500] artbybart:
Thanks for the heads up about the unroot method!

I was considering twrp since I use it on my phone, but I'm leaning more towards Thor's 1.7.3 cwm. What I'm unsure about is if I unlock the bootloader bundled with recovery, will that wipe out my current rooted stock ROM?

Thanks.
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Welcome :)

Thor's recovery is best if you're gonna flash any ROMs with aroma installers as that is the most compatible recovery. Unlocking the boot loader and installing recovery formats only those partitions. It does not touch your ROM, although some (mostly HC-based) ROMs are incompatible with the ICS / unlocked BL
[Acer Iconia A500] artbybart:
Going into APX mode

Hello,

I'm having a hard time flashing thor's cwm thru the apx tool. I followed dibb_nz step-by-step instructions. In the APX Tool using the automatic route, I get to the point saying Press to enter APX Mode, at the bottom of the window I see "No APX Mode Devices are connected". When I click the right arrow to continue the tablet's screen goes blank with the power light lit up. I see message saying Starting ADB driver, etc.

When I click on the right arrow again, the tablet screen says Acer in the middle and "Acer Iconia APX Mode" in the top left. A windows comes up asking if the tablet is in bootloader mode and I click "Yes", but I don't see any activity on the screen and eventually on the PC I see the software stuck at "Flashing Bootloader (EBT) stage two - uploading image". BTW, I went into Devices and Printers and saw an icon with APX there.

FWIW, I'm only looking to flash a custom recovery since I don't have any kind of recovery right now plus I would like to have the ability to flash custom roms later on. I checked to see if I did (by pressing power PLUS -volume) but all I get is 3 lines on the top left saying something about recovery and update.zip and then it flashes away then I eventually see a droid laying down with an exclamation mark inside of a triangle inside of it. In addition, for testing purposes I tried using your A500 manager and tried going into APX mode and all I see is the blank screen with power button lit up. I don't see any message in the top left saying "Acer Iconia APX Mode".

Thoughts about what I'm doing wrong? Are the steps incorrect or perhaps in the wrong order? Thank you for your time.
[Acer Iconia A500] RamboGre:
Roots this morning no hitches, nice one!:thumbup:
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
OK, blackthunder3r. Thanks.

Some apps don't run on a rooted tablet (Orange o.c.s, for instance).

Many people ask how to un-root after having rooted their tablet with your tool and it's the first time I read an answer to this question.

Suppress these files sounds logical.

But how to suppress them? They're read-only files.

What do you suggest? To use adb?

Could you suggest some codes? Thank you.

EDIT:

Ok, I found how to do it. This is the method (very simple)

- connect the tablet to the PC (usb debugging must be on !)

- open the adb commands tool and enter these commands:

adb shell

su

mount -o remount,rw /system

rm /system/xbin/busybox

rm /system/app/Superuser.apk

rm /system/bin/sysro

rm /system/bin/sysrw

rm /system/bin/su

Done...
[Acer Iconia A500] mmauri:
I rooted my A500 using the ICS Root 7.1.1. All was fine and after the reboot at the end of the procedure running the A500 Root Tool it worked and showed me the CPUID -> Get UID and bootloader version using the other button.

I played with Root Explorer that finally is able to write my external USB key.

All nice :highfive:

Playing again I pushed the "enter APX Mode". The screen was blacked and after some seconds that nothing appeared I decided to switch off and on again the tablet. :angel:

The Problem!

It reboot correctly and works fine

but in A500 Root Tool if now I ask Get UID or bootloder version appears the small black msg box saying "getting UID" but the number don't appear any more above the button

.

For the UID is not a big issue because I already have it but, if it's possible I like to fix the problem.

Does someone has any suggestion/solution? :confused:

Thanks in advance
[Acer Iconia A500] dragogt05:
After messing with (Re)root for several hours this worked straight out the gate for me. Thanks..
[Acer Iconia A500] uscpsycho:
Well, it's been nearly a year since the last time someone posted in this thread but I want to say thanks. I just rooted my old, clunky, stock A500 using this method and it went very smoothly.

I don't know if this is going to help anyone at this point but when you try to install ICS Root using Internet Explorer, even if you turn all your anti-virus off it will not download because of the false virus alert. You have to go to the gear icon -> safety -> Turn off SmartScreen Filter, then it will allow you to download.

Also, there are a lot of options when you run ICS Root, if you don't understand them here is an explanation of each one: http://forum.tegraowners.com/viewto...hilit=remove+stock+recovery+protection#p35963

And finally, if you need the Windows USB drivers here is a direct link to download them: http://global-download.acer.com/GDF...NIA A&Step3=A500&OS=ALL&LC=en&BC=ACER&SC=PA_6

I've been wanting to root this thing for a long time so I can uninstall the bloatware that came with it. If anyone is out there, is there a list of apps that are safe to remove? Thanks!
[Acer Iconia A500] IbtihajT:
Stuck

Hey brother thanks for the support i just am having a bit of problem. My tab has entered the apx mode and the command window on my pc is Stated as "Nvflash Started [resume mode]" and the flash tool is saying Flashing Bootloader (EBT) stage two-uploading image...

Now its been like 2 hours like this and it is not going further.

Please i need your help dude.

Thanks﻿