yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
As long as you have a stock OTA ICS then afterOTA is what u need

As far as recoveries go its a matter of personal taste and some of extra options, but they all have same basic operations-if u r indeed going to install the T/O rom you maybe best to install cwm 1.7.3 - in fact i dont think u need the unlocked bootloader for their rom. Have a read of the installation instructions...i have not used the TO rom for quite some time!

one thing to be wary of using that rom....if you want to try an xda rom you need to do a complete format of data and cache b4 u flash one....you could find your self softbricked otherwise.

I hear you...you've done the right thing in asking first:)

I'm sorry you find the guides confusing we just try to get all the info u need in there...the Acer is a complicated beast...and was well locked down by Acer. Heck even HC 3.2 hasn't been cracked, that is still unrootable....so our devs had a tough job, we're lucky to have what we have, lol...

One last thing, if u do install the T/O rom and then have problems please direct your issues to the T/O forum, you'll have a better chance of getting help there.

If u have bootloader issues or questions regarding the roms here, then by all means ask away,

Good luck with it;)

dibb
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
No u haven't dobe anything wrong...

do u have the output of nvflash, can u post...

The manual method shows an exact error unlike the auto tools which will just hang
[Acer Iconia A500] ryukiri:
yes, here it is:

"Flashing bootloader: bootloader_v8.bin...

Nvflash started

[resume mode]

Formatting partition 4 please wait.. Command Execution failed cmd 13, error

0002

FAILED!

command failure: format partition failed <bad command>

bootloader status: unknown operation <code: 1> message: flags: 0

Nvflash started

[resume mode]"
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
That's a new one on me??

And you're running the bat file from apx mode?
[Acer Iconia A500] ryukiri:
yes I am running the v8.bat and the tablet is in apx mode
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
OK try the babsector.far file in the OP....run the a.bat file then boot to recovery and Do a full wipes of data and cache (twice)....enabling the data/media in mount/storage menu. Run b.bat.

Enter recovery again and flash yr rom.

If u get partition or data errors with this your tab is pretty much toast:(
[Acer Iconia A500] ryukiri:
wait what is OP? and where are those files?
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
OP = Original post or first post of the thread;)
[Acer Iconia A500] jrbilodeau:
Thanks for understanding. So if i just wanted to keep things on the xda developpers forum instead of jumping around between forums and install the [ROM][A500][Jellybean 4.2.2 | CM10.1][2013/06/06] I guess i would use afterota to install the ics bootloader with the Twrp v2.1.3 recovery. to do this do i litterally just enable usb debugging on the tablet, plug it in load up afterota and click on the for A50x button? Is there a guide on how to use AfterOTA?

once this is done i know have to do a complete data wipe before loading the new rom right? is this where i am supposed to reboot the tablet and press power and volume -

Thanks
[Acer Iconia A500] ryukiri:
One more question...how do I use stock recovery? I got into recovery but I see a dead android and a red exclamation point...
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
You cannot!! Thank Acer for that!!

The ONLY time the stock recovery 'works' is via an official Stock Acer update.zip! Used for upgrading or down grading stock firmware
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
You're all good asking on this thread m8 after all it is a beginners guide:)

I have used the tool couple times way, way back when it was first released. So forgive me for not being able to give exact blow by blow instructions.

A few points...

Yes enable usb debug.

Acer and android drivers need installing.

Reboot tab an pc.

Connect micro usb

Start the tool

Choose yr weapons:) v3/4 and cwm 1.7.3 - u can update to twrp AFTER you're up an running again..

Be sure to save yr cpuid info.

It should take no more than 10 mins

If it hangs:

Check pc 'sees' yr tab in device manager.

Check cable is connected or try another...

If all else fails...d/l Blackthund3rs apxflash tool and use that instead...

dibb
[Acer Iconia A500] ryukiri:
Oh -.- screw Acer...lol if that's the case how do I downgrade to official honeycomb? I already got the full zip file...:P
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Timmydeans v4 for custom pre rooted hc Or

Any official hc EUU, not an update.zip.

Yr Cpuid is a must.

1. Put yr tab in apx mode.

2. Connect micro usb

3. Run the EUU from yr pc

4. Cross fingers pray to acer gods while standing on one leg; )

5. Tab should reboot to HC

5a. Thank dibb!

6. Tab does not reboot to hc

7. Post error report to dibb!!

Good luck m8!!!
[Acer Iconia A500] ryukiri:
do u happen to have the link to download the EUU program?

the link from

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1816560

is down..:P
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Eerrrr is that the one in the OP, just tried it working fine?????
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Post #2
[Acer Iconia A500] ryukiri:
OH awk....i didnt see the one in the OP :P it was from a different thread...
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
yep it gets like that some times...EVERYTHING you need is in the first 3 posts:)
[Acer Iconia A500] ryukiri:
I GOT INTO CWM :D ...i used the babsector thing, can i just flash the rom now? or do i have to go back to apx mode and run the b.bat?
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
I've never needed too use this but:

format /data

format /system

format /cache

do this at least twice...you will have no OS since you formatted /system

think I'd jump back to apx mode and run the b.bat... i think this flashes the v8?

reboot to recovery and flash your rom!
[Acer Iconia A500] ryukiri:
oh...but i already got the v8 somehow :o

when i turn it on it says

"Skrilax CZ's bootloader V8

Bootloader menu"

on the top, and i cant get into apx mode (unless if im doing it wrong..but i tried the button combo and this bootloader menu came up)
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
try again, you;re seeing the fastboot menu which is button combo vol power up

you need power vol down button combo for recovery mode
[Acer Iconia A500] ryukiri:
oh, when i press volume down i see the same thing...i cant get back into apx mode..(i pressed reset, held it and pressed the power button, released power after 3 seconds and then released reset a second after that)

EDIT: ok so i did all the wipes in CWM recovery and i successfully installed CM10.1 but the logo keeps spinning...
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
remember your tab is gonna take awhile to boot...its been through alot!!!!

dont be too impatient now and just let it do its thing

dont try to do any other flashing till we're sure its hanging...

which logo are u seeing???
[Acer Iconia A500] ryukiri:
haha, ill try to be patient..:P waiting is never my thing

mm, the cyanogenmod one :)

EDIT: CM10.1 BOOTED :D THANKS MAN, YOU'RE THE BEST!! :D ...one last thing, is the tablet stable when overclocked to 1.5? :P
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
HOOOOORAAAAHHHHHHH, lol that was a mission [MENTION=4694739]ryukiri[/MENTION]...now that you are intimately aware of the internals of the ACER you're on your way to becoming a contributor to the forums, hahaha -

cant help with o/c'ing sorry but with what you've bben thru i think I'd leave well enough alone for the moment....run the rom for a few days and see what you think first...sure, it aint the fastest around but it does most things pretty well.

check the o/c'ing threads or the rom threads for how others got on with it or do a search: as u know there is a TON of info buried deep in this forum and most answers are all here...

keep us posted though on what you find:)
[Acer Iconia A500] ryukiri:
ahahaha an Acer is so much more complicated than the Samsung device i have xD

oh, lol i was expecting cyanogenmod to be blazing fast cuz its super fast on my galaxy player...in your opinion, what IS the fastest rom out there?

once again, THANKK YOUU!!!! :D
[Acer Iconia A500] BinaryEclipse:
Stuck on acer logo screen, tried many update.zip files and babsector.

Upon trying the fastboot method, when trying to erase userdata, I got

"Fastboot: Not support the command in Lock mode

Failed to process command erase: userdata error (0x2)"

when trying to erase cache,

"Fastboot: Not support the command in Lock mode

Failed to process command erase: cache error (0x2)"

Reboot works though.. well only as far as the Acer logo

One thing of note, at the top, the tab reads "Bootloader v0.03.12-ICS: Starting Fasrboot USB download protocol"

So could part of the problem be that it never finishes going into fastboot? I'm thinking thins because it seems to insinuate that it's trying to start fastboot the whole time but never actually does it

Do you know if there's a way to know that it's an actual motherboard death? I read that this issue is also caused by an actual dead machine. (my issue didn't arise from bad flashing or anything - just random)
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Hi binary thanx 4 yr post.

You do have an a500/501 don't you?

yes, your tab can just get stuck like this for no particular reason!

You need to install Skrilax_CZ unlocked bootloader for fastboot to work.

The babsector.rar can do this for you so I'd suggest you run this and post the output, its the ONLY way to find out if your tab has the hardware fault.

Make sure you have acer drivers and adb / fastboot drivers (from the android sdk or from the mini.zip) installed. You should see an apx device load in windows, check device manager when yr tab is in apx mode.

Remove any update.zip from your device before I start.

You may need to d/l a custom ics rom to use the unlocked bootloader,if you arent runnning one at present. I'd suggest the custom stock one till u get up an running again. Think I posted a link in the guide.

If you arent running a custom rom yet then try these instructions below. I'm unsure if anyones used it

like this before. Usually folks have already had a custom ics rom on the tab and tgen used babsector. ..but it won't do any harm. Worst case scenario is you'll need to jump thru another few hoops first.

Run babsector a.bat file.

Enter recovery abd wipe data and cache then flash the rom

Then run babsector b.bat file

If there's any errors pls post them

Win xp, 7 work best if u are familiar with ubuntu that works even better.

Good luck

dibb
[Acer Iconia A500] BinaryEclipse:
yes, a500. On stock rom. I had attempted to flash a custom romm in the past, but I could never get past the bootloader

So I put it in apx mode and blackthund3r's a500 manager confirms it, saying "a500 Detected in APX Mode"

In Device Manager, I have "Acer USB Boot-recovery driver" (looks problematic to me)

Note that in the a500 Manager, I cannot extract any information anymore (like cpuid etc..) But fortunately, my sbk is saved in blackthund3r's a500 apx flash utility (from when I had attempted to flash the tab in the past.. unsuccessfully)

When I run the 'a' bat file, I get this - " ' nvflash' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file."
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Without getting too involved you really need to see an "apx device"

It sounds like you don't have adb/fastboot drivers...download them here

and extract to a new folder on your c: drive. Just makes it easier to find.

If you've previously had troubles flashing, I would say its becoz of the drivers OR try a different micro usb cable if you have one.

Sometimes the auto tools don't work as expected and this is especially so when your tab is softbricked like yours. If you cannot extract any info this normally points to a driver issue. I recommend the manual method of flashing, this will always issue an error we can work with. Heres a pictorial walkthruhere that shows you exactly how to run and what you should be seeing.

The best way to test your drivers are installed is to open a command prompt on the folder you extracted adb/fastboot to.

Connect your cable and in the command window type: adb devices

It should return a number, does it?
[Acer Iconia A500] BinaryEclipse:
Damn, it's still not showing right. And no number is being returned . I extracted the sdk-tools onto the C drive ( i didn't know I had to put it at C root - i previously had it on my desktop - thanks)

I remember having downloaded and installed the drivers off the acer website like 1000 times.. I'm not sure what I'm missing
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Its been soooo long since I've done this I cannot remember if adb works if your tab fails to boot and you're running stock...I know the custom ones have adb access. Can you post a screenshot of the commands you're entering anyway?

Even if you do have a h/w fault this part should be working

there are a couple of ways of going about getting you sorted, just not sure which one to try first. You have your cpuid which is the main thing. And the driver thing COULD be holding us back and the only other way without them, is with an update.zip which you've said doesnt work. What exactly happened or didn't happen, can you remember??

We might be able to test using nvflash commands with your tab in apx mode - so lets try that again -

reboot your pc.

put yr tab in apx MANUALLY.

connect your cable.

check device manager for apx device.

if ok, open a command window on the babsector "image" folder and type:

nvflash --bct flash.bct --setbct --odmdata 0x100c0105 --configfile flash.cfg --create --bl bootloader.bin --sbk (ENTER YOUR SBK IN THE FOLLOWING FORMAT) 0xXXXXXXXX 0xXXXXXXXX 0xXXXXXXXX 0xXXXXXXXX --go

I'm not sure what else to tell you, if you cannot get past this there isn't alot more you can try.
[Acer Iconia A500] BinaryEclipse:
Well, when I put it as apx while plugged in, the computer recognizes it and device manager sees it as

(see "apx-check.PNG")

So it seems to fail there, but apx manager shows

(see "apx-check2.PNG)

And when I try to runu the command, I get this

(see "cmd-attempt.jpg)

I know it might be useless, but thanks for the help. It might be time for the tab to retire, but I know to root and recovery everything I buy from day one now lol. It's my mother's tablet, so I didn't do anything since she doesn't need custom stuff, but damn, it's a heck of a lot safer to do it like that from the beginning
[Acer Iconia A500] deankk:
Hey guys I need help.I try most of the method:

Nvflash: give me a error (code 22 or filed sync)

Blackthund3r APX tool ( stuck on uploding image)

Please help I want go give new live on my tam
[Acer Iconia A500] steve30x:
Thank you so much for this. I thought I was after totally after bricking my tablet but this worked perfectly.
[Acer Iconia A500] deankk:
NEED HELP

When turn on my a500 it go only in apx mode.The nvflash gives me a error and apx flash tool stuck on uploding image.Please I need help.
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Run babsector.rar. ..see post 2
[Acer Iconia A500] deankk:
Babsector can't format my portions gives me error
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Pls post the error...sounds like memory chip fault, not good:(
[Acer Iconia A500] deankk:
See the attached file.Thank you for helping
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Bad newd I'm afraid:( thats the dreaded chip fault. A new motherboard is the only way to repair. Ebay were selling them at one stage fir $50 if you're up to swapping it out. Couple users have done this successfully. There is a post or two somewhere about doing it, if thats any help.
[Acer Iconia A500] deankk:
Thank you about helping.I will thinking what is the best way for me (sell or repair)
[Acer Iconia A500] Fbhadha:
I have a really good reference website as well for those who have ventured into the world of file permissions and overwriting files.

http://www.elated.com/articles/understanding-permissions/

This site will teach you all there is to know about setting up your files with 644 configuration and what that means. It helped me hopfully it will help you.
[Acer Iconia A500] droidxxxxx:
Getting this error when trying to flash with babsector..what does it mean?
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
sorry Fbhadha your tab has the memory chip fault, no fix for this short of a new motherboard:(
[Acer Iconia A500] rayman95:
Hi

I 'll try to be concise and clear

A friend give me his iconia A500 to root and flash new rom (good beginning, normal.....)

it is on 4.0.3 , kernel 2.6.39.4+, Acer_AV041_A500_RV03RC01_WW_GEN1 ,

build Acer_AV041_A500_1.031.00_WW_GEN1, ref image FM.S14A0.00U

normally I root it with superuser who works without problems but when I launch rom manager or acer recovery installer it said no root

I try to flash with afterota 1.9, A500apxflash, for downgrade, or install bootloader, each time I get stuck in APX mode in the screen

"flashing recovery stage 2 uploading image"

I get APX mode automatically, manually, I change acer drivers, still the same

When I try to get in recovery or If I want to erase and restore stock in the menu It says recovery verified failed

I try to use root 3.2.1-V4 to downgrade but it said that I need 1.016.05 rom so i dl it but it can flash it

Now I'm using blackthundr A500apx and I'm in dl mode and it stuck on flashing recovery stage one- formatting partittion..

I don't know anymore what to do

the tablet works normally and I never stuck anywhere but I would like to ride it normally

thank's for your help

EDIT : Finally I use a flash to debrick the tablet and go back in 3.0.1 and it's work well

so now root and flash
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Awsum! exactly the info we need to help:)

Yes, normally this is the correct procedure. unfortunately it doesn't work that way with our Acer Tab for ICS builds, you need to install the"skrilax_cz patched bootloader" commonly known round here as the v8 or v9 bootloader.

Requirements to install the v8/v9

- You must use a PC running 32bit for best results;

The windows .net framework 2.0 must be installed on your PC (especially if you are using XP)

You must enable USB Debug on your tab.

You are using the micro usb cable to connect from your tab to your PC

adb is functioning and able to communicate with your Tab. Check that it is by using the Test.cmd in tdv4 folder or by running adb device command manually. If you do not understand what I am referring to here, you need to do a wee bit more reading. Until you get this right, nothing will work as intended.

You must have the Acer Drivers and Android USB drivers installed

You must first root with icsRoot Tool. (ensure all options are checked)

After you have root, update the binary in the superuser/super su app.

If you are Stock ICS via OTA - you can use afterOTA

Otherwise, apxFlash Tool or the manual nvFlash Method.

Yes this is because the patched bootloader is not installed.

Yes you will see this because you need to use the downgrade method. THis means NOT connecting your Tab to your PC until you see the window telling you "No Iconia Tab connected" and instructions for manual apx mode. Follow those steps and you should be fine:)

Not a good sign:( Does adb recognises your Tab - check "safely remove hardware icon" on yr PC status bar for "Acer Picasso driver/device"

either downgrade to HC 3.2.1 with tdv4 using the method I outlined above.

or

flash the patched ICS bootloader with:

apxFlash tool and choose to "view bundle market" and download bundle #17. This will flash and install both the v8 bootloader and cwm recovery.

I hope all this makes sense for you, if not, just ask and we'll try and talk you through it.

rgds dibb

Once you
[Acer Iconia A500] rayman95:
thank's for everything

but finally I can flash and I'm on 3.0.1 with this. I've got the file if somethone need it, it's on my dropbox

http://www.forum-generationmobiles.net/t57321-tuto-restaurer-un-acer-a500-501-brike

that's a translation from a xda thread

I install iconia root and acer recovery installer but acer recovery crash and stop like playstore, so I can't install recovery

what's the best way now to go to the 4.3 from pjsport???

upgrade to 3.2 or 4.0 or something else

thank's
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Has your tab notified you there is an OTA update available to download??
[Acer Iconia A500] rayman95:
no

should I try to update by ota??

he said no updates
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
yup if you can
[Acer Iconia A500] rayman95:
no updates available
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
U got usb debug enabled?

And unknown sources should be ticked too.

U need install acer drivers again

Try rooting again with iconiaroot.

If a no go stil,l then u can try flashing the v8 from where u are now. Then use cwm to flash pjsports rom.
[Acer Iconia A500] rayman95:
I forgot to tick usb debug but still "acer recovery stop, sorry, please try again....." same thing for the market

so I'll try to flash V8 with apxflash????

why I need to reinstall aceer drivers???? I found a different version on a thread USB_Acer_1.00.0524_A30HA31HA32H_A and USB_Acer_1.06.1500_A30H_A

which one should I choose????

thank's again for your help

I hope not to be stuck again in APX.....
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Apxflash tool will not work on HC rom. Don't use it on HC.

Did iconiaroot work?

When u connect yr pc to yr tab does the driver show?

Try searching for gingerbreak.apk this is a root tool for hc 3.0.1. Install it from yr ext sd card. Let me knoe if it doesn't work.

If u still cannot get root. Run tdv4 and upgrade to 3.2. 1.

Post any errors you get.

Also download the babsector.rar file, we might need to use it if nothing else seems to work.
[Acer Iconia A500] rayman95:
iconia root works, I have superuser with inside acer recovery and iconia root

in "gestionnaire de peripheriques" I have ACER composite ADB interface

market and acer recovery close immediately and gingerbreak too

it's installed but I cannot open it

tdv4 is this ????, http://dfiles.eu/files/c6pr69ri6

---------- Post added at 01:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:16 PM ----------

I'm now on 3.2.1 rom with supeuser include

and I can start in recovery mode on boot

I have CWM 5.0.2.3 thor rev 1.5 so I flash an update and now I'm on CWM 5.5.0 thor rev 1.7.3

now what should I do???? apparently I'm on bootloader 3.0.1

I can flash bootloader with this http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1622425???

but I can't use apxflash is it correct????

FINALLY I did it, my first F...K, no not this

I'm on CM 10.2 I've installed V8 bootloader and flashed PJ sport

a million thank's for your help

THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'STHANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'STHANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S THANK'S
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Awesome dude! You did really well!! You are now an a500 Master...congratulations:)
[Acer Iconia A500] powerhouselb:
very comprehensive

This was very helpful to me. Though I've rooted a few devices in my day, I can't say I am versed in it. I still have trouble understanding how to use ADB. This tutorial was extremely helpful to me in getting my A500 up and running again. Thanks.
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Thanx powerhouselb, always nice to hear from folks who take the time to actually read all the guides and can apply the info to fix their tabs without too much effort, well done you:)

rgds dibb!
[Acer Iconia A500] stratoll:
there are no acer drivers on the acer website. the link gives a 404 error

also i cannot access blackthund3rs website. is it due to my location

am i missing something here?

am i so late that all links have been deactivated?
[Acer Iconia A500] dibb_nz:
Just type acer.com into yr browser then hit the support page for drivers.

Are you talking bout my links in the guide are no longer working?

Blackthund3rs site is sometines down yeh, but will check it now cheers...was there sonething specific u needed or just tge sbk calculator?

EDIT: [MENTION=4538345]stratoll[/MENTION]

Thanx 4 the heads up...links to acer drivers and sbk calculator now fixed:)
[Acer Iconia A500] stratoll:
The Acer drivers page only gives the USB driver for android 3.0 honeycomb

Do I download that even though my tab is running ics?

Thank you. Blackthund3rs page is now live