yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Acer Iconia A500] Diablo67:
Sorry guys im not real familiar with fastboot,i just installed your ICS bootloader and the TWRP recovery and i created a custom blob,using your tool,but danged if i can figure out how to flash it,any help will be much appreciated.

EDIT:Sorry for the posts,i did get it figured out,this is some great guides you have here,thanks.Heres the bootlogo i made..

Not sure if anyone wants,but i can make you guys some custom flashable bootlogos if anyones interested.Just post a background you want and ill make it,if this goes well,ill start a thread in themes.I can also post some of my own creations,if anyones interested.Heres a video i made...

[YOUTUBE]4OcidP1JjFg[/YOUTUBE]

I decided to go ahead and start a thread in themes.... http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2044398
[Acer Iconia A500] Diablo67:
Thanks Skrilax_CZ,i did a little more reading and learned something new today.Had a problem figuring out fastboot,now i bloody got it i believe,hahaha.
[Acer Iconia A500] mixednuts:
Not quite sure what you mean by that... use the recovery to flash, no?
[Acer Iconia A500] Diablo67:
No i mean most of the mods,if not all,require fastboot.
[Acer Iconia A500] mixednuts:
Just curious, what mods in particular?
[Acer Iconia A500] Diablo67:
Dual boot and boot logo,but i noticed there are other methods and i did a little research and found some fastboot commands,i can use,im finally getting the hang of this stuff over here,lol,i'm soo used to doing everything on my phone,everythings completely different,its been over a year since i've messed with my Acer,so a few things have changed,lol.
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
the v8 bootloader has a menu which you u access via pwr/vol up buttons -

you'll need the fastboot drivers which are in the sdk if you have it - if not theres

a "adb_fastboot.zip" in my cpuid post (see my sig)

connect your tab to your pc and open a command prompt on that folder and use it just like adb...i.e

type in:

fastboot devices

and it should return a ?

if it does you're good to go - check out the help file for commands

EDIT: lol, you got it then?? just as I finished typing this up

Edit2; yes the tab is like no other android device you have used before - bit of a learning curve in regards to how things are done!
[Acer Iconia A500] Diablo67:
Yea,after i read a little longer,im finally figuring this stuff out,i do appreciate you guys helping me,like i said before alot has changed since i messed with my tablet last.
[Acer Iconia A500] dogbots159:
So just to make sure, once i switch to the second boot partition in recovery, I can then install something else (another rom or linux) and then i can switch back and forth? Thanks for you help so far!
[Acer Iconia A500] meduza:
That will be grat, but not yet... :(

Linux might work other ROM not.

m.
[Acer Iconia A500] dogbots159:
So what you are saying is that there is no real use for the dual boot option yet? That's too bad. I was hoping it would be like my Bionic.
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
It's intended to dual boot Android + Linux, not 2 Android ROMs (which would have to be both patched for proper support).
[Acer Iconia A500] blackthund3r:
Only one would have to be patched if they shared their /data. Otherwise screw the cache and use that as /data for a second ROM. Fuse Mount ROM #1's /data/media as /sdcard and bingo ;) either way surely 49. #1 could be vanilla?
[Acer Iconia A500] meduza:
Happy holidays,

when I remember correctly, a while ago you wanted to start a project with the target to install two different ROMs. So it didn't work out?

m.
[Acer Iconia A500] fguy:
Please patch this version of the bootloader (A501 1.021/1.023) only for removal of blocking of change of a kernel and recovery.

It contains too many changes with V8.
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
The booltoader still version states 0.03.14-ICS, but there seem to be some changes in it. Does it come from a newer firmware?
[Acer Iconia A500] fguy:
yes - this bootloader from last update for a501 1.021 and 1.023

Rom 1.023 works unstably with old versions of bootloaders
[Acer Iconia A500] dibblebill:
One question. The boot logo. Is the image 268x72 or "1268x720"?
[Acer Iconia A500] mixednuts:
1280x800
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
In attachment, but I haven't tried. I've renamed the BL to 0.03.15-ICS and forced unlock mode. I might make a rebase V8 over that if it makes significant change, but that will take time (majority of the V8 is built from source, there is ~ 700 bytes patched in the asm). Also, flash via nvflash only.
[Acer Iconia A500] mixednuts:
Re: [BOOTLOADER][DUALBOOT + RECOVERY][BOOTMENU] Patched ICS bootloader V8 (07/06/2012

This is a port of the new bootloader from a501, correct? For testing purposes, should I try with my a500?
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
Yes it's the new one. A501 users reported issues with the current one. No need to test on A500 for now, I haven't seen a single issue with V8 on there.
[Acer Iconia A500] macia10:
How big are chances for bricking my a501? ;]
[Acer Iconia A500] meduza:
Well, we all here and our machines are o.k. :)

Read carefully and be careful with what you doing and everything will be good.

m.
[Acer Iconia A500] macia10:
Re: [BOOTLOADER][DUALBOOT + RECOVERY][BOOTMENU] Patched ICS bootloader V8 (07/06/2012

I ment the new test bl for a501 couple of posts up.
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
None, if it doesn't boot, just nvflash V8 back (turn it off, hold RESET + POWER for cca 3s to enter nvflash mode manually).
[Acer Iconia A500] Collinl:
I havn't updated in a while and I figured I would update my bootloader along with my rom to jellybean.

I was just double checking, if i am already on v7 can i just boot to the recovery menu and install update.zip from there without any problems?

Thanks.
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
errr....no, there is no update.zip for JB, but you can download a rom zip and install it via cwm "install zip from sdcard" or "ext sd" option...just backup, factory data reset and the cache wipes and you should be good!!
[Acer Iconia A500] Collinl:
no, you misunderstand.. im on the v7 and i want to update to v8 before hand... can i do this through recovery?
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
not at all, you asked if you could flash an update.zip for JB thru cwm and the answer is no! There is no update,zip for JB. You have to use a JB rom zip and flash it just how I said to?? and the answer to your other question is no, you don't need the v8, you'll be fine with v7:good:
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
For the question about the BL, yes, you can flash the Update.zip with the bootloader from recovery.
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Well had no idea we had an update.zip for JB???
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
It's not related to ICS / JB. Just flashes the BL and nothing else.
[Acer Iconia A500] Vintage144:
One thing I like about xda , is the last post might sound bad and something could be wrong (this is for those who never read other than the last post) , go back!!! Go back as far as it takes to see you dont need the update, otherwise it could be failure!
[Acer Iconia A500] macia10:
Re: [BOOTLOADER][DUALBOOT + RECOVERY][BOOTMENU] Patched ICS bootloader V8 (07/06/2012

Hi,

Flashed new a501 bl and seems fine. One thing it corrected is a messed kernel screen in thors bootlogo. Cant see any other difference.
[Acer Iconia A500] dibblebill:
I have an a500, and I've been using the v8 bootloader for nearly 6-8 months now (I believe I flashed it last April, when ICS came out). Lately, its started doing this thing whree it'll flicker and get distorted during the bootloader sequence. Sometimes, it hangs while it is flickering. Should I reflash my bootloader?
[Acer Iconia A500] draelee:
Ok I am at my wits end and frankly i want to give up, but the tech in me won't let me. I need some help with trying to fix a friends tablet. he apparently tried to root it and did not do it properly and so therefore he screwed up the bootloader or something. It will not load an update.zip no matter how many different ones I try. It does go into APX mode. with some serious digging I learned how to find the CUPID through ubuntu and now i have that and the sdk number (i think that's what its called). I found the bootloader resivor page and tried an HC boot loader and an ICS bootloader. no matter which one i use with blackthunders flash tool, none of them get past stage 2. it just freezes and sits there. So I restart and try again and again and frankly i am getting frustrated. It took me a long time just to get to this point and I would really just like to get this thing up and running. It will not boot into the stock rom since he messed it up. so when i do power it one, it just shows the acer logo and that is it. I am learing this as I go so I am not 100% sure of all the terminology, but like I said I figured out the CUPID and the sdk number. Any help is appreciated.
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Re: [BOOTLOADER][DUALBOOT + RECOVERY][BOOTMENU] Patched ICS bootloader V8 (07/06/2012

It should have given u an error of some sort...there's a pictorial in my sig for apxflash tool, go thru that. If its partition error see root guide in my sig for solution. If its bct error, run tool again dump and use saved bct.

Don't use hc bootloader with ICS ROM

Might wanna use civato's nvflash method, will give more detailed error message.

I know its all very complex, there's alot of stuff u need to get right before attempting the flash.... hang in there:) oh PS nvflash commands can be run in Ubuntu as well some folks have found it a lot easier...
[Acer Iconia A500] draelee:
i think I have looked at almost all of your threads lol. i never got an error on the a500 nvflash thing. nor on my tablet. It just sat there. I thought I may have been using the wrong bootloader so I went to HC bootloader i think its v3 .bin file. i have no idea what rom was even on this tablet...Like I said he gave it to me messed up and asked if I can solve it. I almost thought about running it in ubuntu too since getting my UID was easy there. From what i read there is no recovery on this tablet except stock, since all I get is the robot with the diagram on its belly spinning lol. I can do the wipe cache by flicking the rotation toggle switch. and that's about it. I have tried using market bundles that I thought would work as well. still no go..I do not get an error on the tablet or the apx500 apx flash tool.
[Acer Iconia A500] macia10:
Re: [BOOTLOADER][DUALBOOT + RECOVERY][BOOTMENU] Patched ICS bootloader V8 (07/06/2012

Hi,

Is there any chance for new a501 bl with dual boot and menu?
[Acer Iconia A500] draelee:
so i used timmys tdv4 because i got a partition error when doing the nvflash....timmys tpj upgrade tool thingy didn't work. so I used babsector to try and fix partitions. I got the following message

Formatting partition 2 BCT please wait.......FAILED

command failure: create failure <bad data>

bootloader status: specified partition is invalid or does not exist <code. 7> message: nverror: 0x42008 <0x6042008> flags:0

so once again I am stuck????

im almost positive i did timmy dean wrong
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Re: [BOOTLOADER][DUALBOOT + RECOVERY][BOOTMENU] Patched ICS bootloader V8 (07/06/2012

Bct error read my post again
[Acer Iconia A500] draelee:
ijust got that error using nvflash as you had told me to do....before i was using blackthunder and I didnt get an error it just froze at the 2 stage...uploading image...oh and I thought I tried that once before, but i will try again (the dumping of the bct). question...in order to dump bct don't the tablet need to boot all the way or am I missing something? I have the apxflash tool up now and I am at the dump screen, but the tablet isn't hooked up yet do i need to put that in apx mode before I do this?
[Acer Iconia A500] Pakobis:
Hi Guys,

on my A500 i have Flexreaper R14 and ICS Bootloader V3.

To pass from V3 to V8, i have to do all steps of THIS thread?
[Acer Iconia A500] mixednuts:
Re: [BOOTLOADER][DUALBOOT + RECOVERY][BOOTMENU] Patched ICS bootloader V8 (07/06/2012

From what I can remember, only from version 5+ can you flash newer boot loaders using recovery... did you read the OP and the guides available? :rolleyes:
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Either that or use fastboot commands to flash just v8

OR apxflash tool custom option
[Acer Iconia A500] Homar80:
Re: [BOOTLOADER][DUALBOOT + RECOVERY][BOOTMENU] Patched ICS bootloader V8 (07/06/2012

Hello can someone convert for me that picture to CWM bootloader please
[Acer Iconia A500] civato:
Here you go , install with cwm (only if you are on V4 and higher)

And the next you can do yourself with the easy tool from the OP , it is not that hard.
[Acer Iconia A500] Homar80:
Re: [BOOTLOADER][DUALBOOT + RECOVERY][BOOTMENU] Patched ICS bootloader V8 (07/06/2012

Thanks Civato i try but im not so good like you.
[Acer Iconia A500] micky387:
Re: [BOOTLOADER][DUALBOOT + RECOVERY][BOOTMENU] Patched ICS bootloader V8 (07/06/2012

Thanks civato

Envoyé depuis mon GT-N7100 avec Tapatalk
[Acer Iconia A500] macia10:
Re: [BOOTLOADER][DUALBOOT + RECOVERY][BOOTMENU] Patched ICS bootloader V8 (07/06/2012

Sorry for repeating myself but it would be really great if newest a501 bl could have multiboot.
[Acer Iconia A500] frischeis:
I have a a501 with v7 bootloader.

My question is: Does it make sense update to v8?

Or is it not necessary?

I read some posts before it gives some troubles?!!
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
If you want custom ics/jb roms or recoverys, u must flash the v8 first.

The only troubles you will have is not following the steps to install it....see civato's guide or those in my sig.

First retrieve yr cpuid to get yr sbk.

Ensure the drivers are installed correctly.

Take yr time, complete each step before moving on to the next.

Good luck!
[Acer Iconia A500] frischeis:
I get the tab from a friend.

I have allready installed recovery and custom rom.

The bootloader is v7 and the question is make it sense to install the higher version?

For me its just `playing` and i want the tab up to date ;).

Or is it better to let the fingers of it?

Thanks for help!
[Acer Iconia A500] Moscow Desire:
No, I used version 3 for a long time.

The unlocked bootloader changes had more to do with

Bootloader image change

App for bootloader image change

Menu system

Dual kernel boot.

V7 should be just fine
[Acer Iconia A500] frischeis:
Mhm, the things you are listed are very interesting.

I want to try.

Are there any bad experience with the a501 when make you the update?
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
The only problems you will have are the ones I've previously posted....There is only one other issue and that's the faulty memory chip on some tabs. You won't know you have it until you try to flash the v8....If u do, then a replacement motherboard can be got from Acer if u you're under warranty still or from EBay 50$ US
[Acer Iconia A500] randomblame:
can anyone think of a way to get out of this situation:

skrilax bootloader v8

tablet has a bad flash primary kernel is nonfunctional

volume buttons are not working - the tab that holds the external rocker came off so I opened it and placed it back in there now no volume buttons at all even if I push them with the case open with a screwdriver

no adb when it boots to primary kernel

no way to get it to boot to fastboot mode or recovery because bad buttons

Can a keyboard substitute volume buttons this early? I know it works in recovery but I don't think it works until the kernel kicks in by which time it should be too late to direct the bootloader.

I think I'm gonna be stuck buying a new mainboard for it good news is they're cheap bad news is that I'm broke
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
Flash via nvflash then (hold POWER + reset).
[Acer Iconia A500] frischeis:
Okay, it's better that I stay with the v7.

It does not make sense to update and then my tab is bricked... :silly:

Many thanks for the info!! :good:
[Acer Iconia A500] randomblame:
forgot about nvflash - only it's not working

randomblame@Ferocious:~$ nvflash --bl ~/Desktop/bootloader_v8_blue.bin --go

Nvflash started

rcm version 0X4

Command send failed (usb write failed)

then it disapears from lsusb till I reenter apx mode

randomblame@Ferocious:~$ nvflash --setboot 6 --go

Nvflash started

rcm version 0X4

Command send failed (usb write failed)

I added the usb device id into udev rules not sure what I'm missing
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
Bad command. Missing BCT, odmdata and missing SBK. See http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1622425.
[Acer Iconia A500] randomblame:
Sbk is unubtainable can't get Adb to get cpuid and my backup of it seems to be lost I'm digging for old dmesg logs but I think I'm screwed oh well gotta replace the board to get volume buttons back anyways

Anyone know if there is a serial console out on this thing that might get me some info
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
I think if you supply actually bad SBK but with all arguments (i.e --sync instead of --go), nvflash will print some info, which contains the CPUID - it somehow definitely obtainable was this way, but I don't remember how.

Anyway, w/o SBK there is no fun. If you get to fastboot someday, make sure you run "fastboot oem sbk" command - it will print it.
[Acer Iconia A500] randomblame:
I'll screw with it more then thanks

- ok I give up lol new board is on the way. I ordered a 501 mainboard
[Acer Iconia A500] macia10:
That is bad and sorta good news. Bad is that you were not able to fix your mb and goog are for a501 users like me :) btw are you able to post a photo of your mobo with volume buttons? I'm a bit curious if they are really that broken :P
[Acer Iconia A500] randomblame:
They don't seem to be physically broken on the board its likely something shorted out

*edit

Today I got the a501 board in the mail complete with the at&t display software fun
[Acer Iconia A500] Sashtheflash:
maybe you can help me. i was on bootloader 3.01 with 4.0.3 rom and wanted to install new JB rom 4.2.2. so i flashed this bootloader v8 with Twrp 2.1.3 via apx flasher. seems that it has worked. but i dont get any rom to boot? the cm10.1 hangs on thy cyanogenmod bootlogo and flexreaper doesnt go further than booting kernel1.... pls help me i dont know what to do now.. fastboot and adb are working!
[Acer Iconia A500] meduza:
...are you sure, the ROM isn't on the other kernel... ? Did you try to boot from it?

Are you able to boot in to recovery?

m.
[Acer Iconia A500] Sashtheflash:
I am able to boot in every mode besides android. Yes I tried from both kernels. I have absolutely no idea what I should do now. pls help me :(

Gesendet von meinem HTC One mit Tapatalk 2
[Acer Iconia A500] meduza:
...if you could boot in to CWM recovery, I could probably help you installing a JB 4.2.2 ROM...

m.
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Think I'd be doing a Full wipe of data and cache via fastboot and reflash rom.. .not completely sure how u got 4.0.3 rom working on the 3.0 1 bootloader, doesn't quite sound right but however. ..do the wipes a couple of times to be sure
[Acer Iconia A500] Sashtheflash:
it was a rom from th.... who shouldnt be named ;) and it was meant to work with old bootloader. thats a long time ago so it did work i dont know. i have the recovery on i have the v8 bootloader and that rom on my sd: [ROM][A500][Jellybean 4.2.2 | CM10.1][2013/15/05]

it stays after flashing at the Cyanogen boot animation. i went through the bootloader flash now the 3rd time and it always said PASS so that should have worked.

---------- Post added at 12:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:09 AM ----------

now i did fastboot erase cache and fastboot erase data.

fastboot erase cache gave me: OKAY

fastboot erase data gave me: erasing 'data'... FAILED (remote: (00030003))

what does that mean for me?
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Ahhh roger that!!! Yes t-o roms do work like that. ..defo do those wipes then. As u say the Bootloader flash is fine so that's not an issue.

Do the wipes after backing up. Reflash rom again and reboot. Also check rom thread for any special instructions or install issues coming from a t-o's rom
[Acer Iconia A500] meduza:
...yep, I just wrote him to do a real format and to install the appropriate recovery to be able to run this particular ROM :)

m.
[Acer Iconia A500] Sashtheflash:
Thank you soo much! The trick with the data full format did it. Wish you all a good night!

Gesendet von meinem HTC One mit Tapatalk 2
[Acer Iconia A500] meduza:
Glad to hear m8 :)

Enjoy the ROM!

m.
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
Updated to V9, improvements primarily for those who are using multiboot for Android & Linux.
[Acer Iconia A500] meduza:
Great news :) Thank you!!

& new recovery from THOR will be there soon too :)

m.

---------- Post added at 03:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:12 PM ----------

Unfortunately the installation of the cwm update zip was aboarded in recovery...??

m.
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
Reuploaded, should be fixed.
[Acer Iconia A500] meduza:
Yep! Works now :)

m.
[Acer Iconia A500] macia10:
Forbid booting from EXTFS works as set debug mode ;p But not a big deal ;]
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
Noted. Will fix in revision.
[Acer Iconia A500] macia10:
btw are there any chances for bl_0_03_15? As it worked a bit better on my a501 than 14. Now it starts to flicker right before it starts to load a kernel.
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
Maybe somewhen, but I'd have to port all my ASM patches done to the bootloader for that (around 1 kB size), so a bit reluctant. It's not fully source built.
[Acer Iconia A500] macia10:
ouh seems to be too much of a work. This one is fine too :) Can't imagine any more funcionality than there already is.
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
Uploaded a hotfix for the bootmenu to forbid ext4 boot.
[Acer Iconia A500] LordZilo:
Got it flashed, all works good.

But one tiny problem.

The apex drivers are not compatible with Windows 8. I tried every way possible to get nvflash tool to recognize them but no luck.

I do not think there is a workaround for this, but who knows you may find it Skrilax.

Good thing i have a Desktop PC with Windows 7, everything worked like a charm on it.

So just some useless information for anyone else with Windows 8 who wonders why the tools are not detecting your drivers.

WARNING-: Trying to flash v9 with windows 8 without the drivers working bricked my tab(but i had my SBK backed up so all is good,back to normal)

So i don't recommend anyone with Windows 8 even attempting to flash.

Thanks again for the update :good::good::good:
[Acer Iconia A500] Moscow Desire:
Always useful information to know, I've heard of issues with Win8. Was thinking about updating my lappy to Win8. Will hold off for now.
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
[MENTION=2228410]Skrilax_CZ[/MENTION] Perhaps a warning in the OP be good? Seems to be a flush of new tab owners around ATM who may benefit.
[Acer Iconia A500] macia10:
Works like a charm :) thx
[Acer Iconia A500] LordZilo:
Good. Don't upgrade. It's utter garbage. Want 7 back lol
[Acer Iconia A500] d9ny:
Can i upgrade v8 to v9 by flashing it via cwm?need confirm please...thanks
[Acer Iconia A500] 10507:
Yes:laugh:
[Acer Iconia A500] Moscow Desire:
CWM flashing since V4.

Also, for you new users, check out the tool to change the bootloader image ;) (V8 only)

[MENTION=2228410]Skrilax_CZ[/MENTION] does V9 support custom splash?
[Acer Iconia A500] Skrilax_CZ:
It does (has more options for font outlining / kerning), only you have to download the updated tool.
[Acer Iconia A500] internetpilot:
Thanks! Easily updated the blob with a custom boot graphic, and flashed via recovery without any real issue. I did have to flash it a second time and reboot before it worked -- otherwise it was just booting v8.

I really appreciate your continued support of what I guess is now an "ancient" tablet. ;)
[Acer Iconia A500] Vintage144:
Well if your not playing any high graphics games or such the a500 is still pretty nice, and quite a few people who have one have been here quite awhile. I have no plans to retire mine. Btw keep up the great work skrill
[Acer Iconia A500] Joey22688:
I'm guessing its not possible to flash this in twrp?
[Acer Iconia A500] internetpilot:
I did and it's working fine. Not sure if the reason I had to flash it twice was because of TWRP, but it took the second time is running fine now.