Database Users

Little Overwhelmed

I just bought g tablet. I need some help on where to start.
I read below to use Z4 root:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/12/08/how-to-unleash-the-power-of-the-viewsonic-g-tablet-and-turn-it-into-the-best-performing-tablet-on-the-market/
Also read here that I have to set up ADB first then root with SuperOneClick
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
Is it necessary to set up ADB? Can I just use Z4 root?
Android police say next step would be installing ROM like
Cyanogen 6.1, TnT Lite or ZenPad. Which one can be recommended?
I'm not sure what all this means I just want to follow some instructions to get this tablet working better.
Is there a way to back up before I try this so I can go back?
Sorry for all the questions but this is very new to me.
Thanks for any help.

I cannot figure out how to do anything

Start with the FAQ area, in my signature. It has information / links on the alternate ROM's available. They are rooted already and can be installed using the device's own firmware update process.

redwine4me said:
I cannot figure out how to do anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A little comfort knowing I'm not alone but I want to get it working. I need a tablet this size with flash so I can watch my movie at work

I was the same way with roebeet and a few others u will be savy in no time.
Make sure u get clockeorkmod 1st installed.
Partition ur sdcard and back up frequently. You can't break this thing with those things in hand I promise.
Purchase root explore and titanium backup for the rest.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Watch this video...it shows how to flash the firmware
LINK

cjbailey75 said:
I was the same way with roebeet and a few others u will be savy in no time.
Make sure u get clockeorkmod 1st installed.
Partition ur sdcard and back up frequently. You can't break this thing with those things in hand I promise.
Purchase root explore and titanium backup for the rest.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume I need to do root first, right?
Is there instruction somewhere for installing clockworkmod?
How do I partition the sdcard for this operation?
Thanks!

that video helped me greatly,now after doing this is there no return to the manufactures OS? And it is recommended to clear the cache and how is that done?

clockwork instruction is here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245

spykat said:
that video helped me greatly,now after doing this is there no return to the manufactures OS? And it is recommended to clear the cache and how is that done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can reflash back to the original OS, like if you needed to return it or something. Once you experience something different I promise you wont want to go back

precy76 said:
I assume I need to do root first, right?
Is there instruction somewhere for installing clockworkmod?
How do I partition the sdcard for this operation?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not a requirement to partition your card. I have not (at least not yet- unless forced to with a future rom) and have had the G for over a month now and went through all TnT versions.
Currently using TnT 2.20

The problem with the guide linked above (-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245) is that I get stuck at step one. I simply cannot for whatever reason flash Clockwork Mod 0.8
It just gives me the giant EXCLAMATION MARK /!\ and doesn't do anything. I'm following the directions perfectly.
So is this an issue with hardware revisions or something? Because as far as I'm concerned this tablet is busted if the exact thing that works for all of you doesn't work for me.
EDIT: Finally found a different SD Card and it worked. Don't know why. The card that didn't work was a stock 1GB Sandisk, card that worked was a stock 512MB Sandisk. Weird.

You can install Clockwork and flash ROMs without rooting your tablet first. You also do NOT need an additional SDCARD in your device; I did ROMs several times before adding an SDCARD.
Your best bet is most likely TnT Lite, although VEGAn is fast becoming the best ROM available and it's still in beta.
-=Sent from my ViewSonic G Tablet (VEGAn) using Tapatalk=-

popezaphod said:
You can install Clockwork and flash ROMs without rooting your tablet first. You also do NOT need an additional SDCARD in your device; I did ROMs several times before adding an SDCARD.
Your best bet is most likely TnT Lite, although VEGAn is fast becoming the best ROM available and it's still in beta.
-=Sent from my ViewSonic G Tablet (VEGAn) using Tapatalk=-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If root is not needed to flash CW or roms why even bother rooting it?

dlike said:
If root is not needed to flash CW or roms why even bother rooting it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The roms root for you, so no manual root process. Putting CW on has a bunch of advantages.
Clear cache, data and Dalvik cache
Back up entire current rom and restore with it if problems
Fix permissions
Boot into usb storage mode and access internal space, even if device will not boot up.
Break out of boot loops
No complete need for recovery folder
That is some of the main reasons it is prudent to install it. Life line

dlike said:
If root is not needed to flash CW or roms why even bother rooting it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having root on the device is akin to having superuser/administrator rights on your home computer. It is necessary to have for the system administrative type applications you may want to use (e.g., TitaniumBackup) to help backup and restore your data / applications.

ok at first i was just like you guys did not know how to flash any ROM, or how the tablet actually did it or the necessary files needed at the required location, first off when you first connect the tablet to your pc gotta choose turn "turn on usb storage" on tablet, than go to "my computer"(where you see all your hard-drives) and open the new storage from the tablet there you will see a bunch of files ".android_secure,.br, android" etc,etc, there also should be a Folder called "Recovery" which contains the actual command that tells the tablet to do an update. inside there should a file labeled "command" and when you open it with "notepad" it should say "update_package=SDCARD:/update.zip" this what is going to tell the tablet to put a new ROM when you do the power up holding the power and the vol. + buttons, once you verified the "recovery command" is there, copy your "update.zip" folder to the same area where you see all those other "android" and "recovery" folders after that, power down, do the power up holding the power and vol. + until you see that it is replacing the ROM

Finally got my gtablet working with TnT lite, Market, Flash After getting confidence in doing this I then root my phone(Droid Increible) and install wireless tether so I can connect my gtablet to my phone. Thanks to XDA and the great members!

I have to say this is a nice upgrade from what it was out of the box, but my issue is spending 4 hundo on something I have to mod myself to make it work, because as it is now I have voided the warranty by doing this. Any other suggestion on tablets that are better than this?

we all feel you there..

[Q] Xoom files doesnt change

Hello guys,
i got a serious and frustrating problem here.
A few days ago my xoom was stuck on the M screen, so I used a thread in the forum and recovered it.
It solved myh problem back then, but since I had 3.2 before this and the solution injected me with Android 3.01 my problems started to show themselves.
the first one is that
<b> Through Fastboot, RecoveryMod, ADB </b> and any other way you can Imagine to install a new ROM or even remove or create a file,
All of them show success message but when I check them out I see no changes.
i tried fastboot and Recovery to install nearly every ROM,Recovery and bootimage in this site but so far it was wild goose chase.
so I want to ask if I'm doing anything wrong or if you need any more information here, but please help me with this

wow I cant believe it, All these masterminds here and no answer to my distress signal??
Guys I am so in trouble and this is the only place I hoped to get answered.
I can provide you with more info if you need, but please dont say I'm on my own here.
all these years this forum was the last hope for me.
i know I'll get my answer here one day

You are not being very clear about what you have done,, but I'm assuming that you reinstalled the stock image that got you back to HC 3.01. Can you see if you are able to get OTA updates to get you back to at least 3.1, or 3.2 if possible?

If that's my problem forgive me please, Ive written that post in 3:00AM
for the sake of clearity I should add some info:
1. I even tried stock ROMs but you see I cant even flash them (Not from Recovery nor Fastboot) the steps seem successful : it opens the package,it installs them and it says everything was a success. But when I restart the device I see nothing has changed.
2. OTA updates are the same, they keep downloading and when the sysem reboots to recovery to install them it cant find them.
3. You dont believe it if I say even files and programs that I remove from device by my hand(Android OS) are back after the first restart.
And you see it's dark magic! everything from a file to a partition are back by one reboot. I dont know what should I call it but I havent seen anything like it on the whole Internet.
So seems like I should make a competition for the xda experts here
Can you publish it so all of them can see it?

Mohfath said:
If that's my problem forgive me please, Ive written that post in 3:00AM
for the sake of clearity I should add some info:
1. I even tried stock ROMs but you see I cant even flash them (Not from Recovery nor Fastboot) the steps seem successful : it opens the package,it installs them and it says everything was a success. But when I restart the device I see nothing has changed.
2. OTA updates are the same, they keep downloading and when the sysem reboots to recovery to install them it cant find them.
3. You dont believe it if I say even files and programs that I remove from device by my hand(Android OS) are back after the first restart.
And you see it's dark magic! everything from a file to a partition are back by one reboot. I dont know what should I call it but I havent seen anything like it on the whole Internet.
So seems like I should make a competition for the xda experts here
Can you publish it so all of them can see it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I have seen someone with the same problem here on this forum, but I can't recall exactly what the solution was.
Can you describe, step by step what you are doing, what cable you are connecting to your pc with, etc?

okantomi said:
Actually, I have seen someone with the same problem here on this forum, but I can't recall exactly what the solution was.
Can you describe, step by step what you are doing, what cable you are connecting to your pc with, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be relief to know this could be solvable.
I will look more too.
As for your post I must say:
1. I plug the Xoom to the PC using the included cable
2. I start the xoom and start fastboot
3. on the PC system has the drivers and completely knows it
4. I start with SDK:
I. Fastboot oem unlock (Completing onscreen instructions and reboot device)
II. Fastboot mode again I use Fastboot flash boot boot.img
III. Continuing with Recovery,System
IV. Rebooting the device anything is the same.
My ROM is unchanged by the process and keeeeeeeeps giving the damn error of System process error please submit
5. And with ClockworkrecoveryMod I have the stock ROM on my sd card.
I. I choose install zip from sd card.
II.Choose the correct zip file and start flashing.
III. Choosing Wipe Data/Factory reset will take the device into a complete hang. unless I first use the mount page to mount the System/Data
IV. I reboot the device and ..... you know nothing changed.
so thats my story.
Still hope to find something about it.

Thanks...that was helpful. But now I want to know the following:
Were you rooted before the trouble started?
What did you do to recover?
If rooted, what version of CWM recovery did you have installed? Did you do a nanadroid backup? (I guess the answer is no, because you could have just restored with that).
What recovery are you accessing when trying to flash a zip file?
If you can answer these questions I will continue to wrack my brain trying to recall where I saw that thread.
Edit: please check out this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1370312
Some of what I said to him may help you .

okantomi said:
Were you rooted before the trouble started?
What did you do to recover?
If rooted, what version of CWM recovery did you have installed? Did you do a nanadroid backup? (I guess the answer is no, because you could have just restored with that).
What recovery are you accessing when trying to flash a zip file?
If you can answer these questions I will continue to wrack my brain trying to recall where I saw that thread.
Edit: please check out this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1370312
Some of what I said to him may help you .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being rooted? -> Yes, The world is more beautiful with root!
to recover -> I followed this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1097997 Shame it was Android 3.0
I use ClockworkRecovery 3.0.0.28 and I cant upgrade it cause of ... you know
And for your help I must say you are definitely the most caring person I know...
I'm off to check the provided link now

I was thinking of something that might be a reason.
I have this tiny problem:
When I go to CWM and choose Erase userData/Factory Reset Device Hangs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking of may be the userdata partition is corrupted and I gotta find a way to flash it completely.
Somehow I used Fastboot utility to do this and after saying Success, Nothing changed again.
Do you know any other way to physically do this job?

[Q] Unable to downgrade

Hi,
I try to downgrade my current A500 on HC 3.2 to 3.01 with any success.
I follow to tutorial based on "Vache" tips available at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1276227
I have done all the step, but when i launch PBJ20upgrade.exe as administrator, it ask me to plug again my iconia, it display the current installed version and version who will be replace, click on "Next" button and... progress bar doesn't move.. the iconia switch off (black screen). I have try many times and always the same result.
My current configuration is :
Kernel : 2.6.36.3+ - build : Acer_A500_7.006.01_COM_GEN1
My computer is on Windows 7 64bits.
Any ideas ?
Have a nice XDA Christmas.

Method 1 can take up to 10 minutes or longer to get action. Perhaps you didn't wait long enough.
Try Method 2. It's even easier.
Not sure if it matters, but set your USB Debugging to on. Settings/Applications/development

USB Debugging is set to on.
When you said "Method 1 can take up to 10 minutes or longer to get action." it's mean before seing the progress bar moving ?
In any case i will check method 2 but just a little bit afraid with the " gives errors and crashes but you only need it to root and install CWM"
One small question, with STEP 2, it will replace the current HC 3.2.1 by an unstable 3.01.
Let imagine after the procedure (root + CWM) i would like to put a ROM STOCK as my iconia was delivered, i think it's possible no (and where to find it because i have no img of my current version because not rooted).
And if i do it (install rom stock) it will be updated to HC 3.2.1 with OTA no ? Root and CWM will be lost again in this case ?
Thx for reply.

aranna said:
USB Debugging is set to on.
When you said "Method 1 can take up to 10 minutes or longer to get action." it's mean before seing the progress bar moving ?
In any case i will check method 2 but just a little bit afraid with the " gives errors and crashes but you only need it to root and install CWM"
One small question, with STEP 2, it will replace the current HC 3.2.1 by an unstable 3.01.
Let imagine after the procedure (root + CWM) i would like to put a ROM STOCK as my iconia was delivered, i think it's possible no (and where to find it because i have no img of my current version because not rooted).
And if i do it (install rom stock) it will be updated to HC 3.2.1 with OTA no ? Root and CWM will be lost again in this case ?
Thx for reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Problem. Remember, sometime, systems will reboot. And sometimes, you have to wait. I cannot tell you that this is happening with your case. But, it is best to wait some time.
Both methods, I believe, will give you an unstable version of 3.0
Yes, both methods, will replace the current operating system. But, between errors, it will allow you to run the iconia root, and run the acer recovery. I don't think anybody has failed to do this, except for idiots who can't follow instructions.
I would suggest you download these, and put them to SD before starting the procedure. It saves having to get them from the net. Also, go ahead and download a rom you want to try. Might as well do all things at the same time.
True, basically, you will be without a stable recovery. Which is why, after you install Acer recovery, and install the recovery part, it is necessary to make a backup of the current system. Better an unstable one, than no system at all
Then, do your boot to recovery, system off, hold vol- and pwr till you see the text in the top left corner, then release.
Nav is by the vol - and +. Pwr to select an option.
Wipe;
1. User data
2. Cache Partition
3. Go to Advanced, wipe delvak cache
Go back to previous screen, and select Install From Zip, choose zip to install, and select your rom
Wait 10 minutes or so.
Now, when the rom boots, and it will, if you get several error mesages, then, you should reboot to recovery, only this time, goto mounts, and format the partitions. Usually, you don't have to do this. But, sometimes, traces of the opld rom remain behind. But, I think you will be ok with the previous procedures.
And, you're a good boy, as you ask questions before you do things

Spasibo bolchoï

Hi again,
Sorry but i have a stupid question. Based on solution 2 for downgrading (by using a SD card) if it's so simple why we don't use it to flash any ROM like Thor or Tabonnay ? just by placing the "update.zip" file on the SD card and boot on recovery stock ROM.
I understand that "rooting" a tablets allow to have full access on it (all partition) but why it's necessary to replace recovery tools by CWM ?
Sorry for this stupid questions but i love to understand what i'am doing.

Hi again, so i have done the downgrade with step 2 but have some issue.
V 3.0.1 is installed and iconia root 1.3 too
concerning "itsmagic" where to get it (when i should put adb push itsmagic /data/local)
Second, for the second part of tutorial http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126364, i need to type some bash command on the tablets, but how to ?

aranna said:
spasibo bolchoï
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
пожаловать
---------- Post added at 04:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:38 PM ----------
aranna said:
Hi again, so i have done the downgrade with step 2 but have some issue.
V 3.0.1 is installed and iconia root 1.3 too
concerning "itsmagic" where to get it (when i should put adb push itsmagic /data/local)
Second, for the second part of tutorial http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126364, i need to type some bash command on the tablets, but how to ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easier to download Acer Recovery from the http Market, and install it on your tab. Then flash the Thor Recovery.
---------- Post added at 04:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:40 PM ----------
aranna said:
Hi again,
Sorry but i have a stupid question. Based on solution 2 for downgrading (by using a SD card) if it's so simple why we don't use it to flash any ROM like Thor or Tabonnay ? just by placing the "update.zip" file on the SD card and boot on recovery stock ROM.
I understand that "rooting" a tablets allow to have full access on it (all partition) but why it's necessary to replace recovery tools by CWM ?
Sorry for this stupid questions but i love to understand what i'am doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To make a long story short, it won't work.
Basically, the OTA updates have a special script to run, also, they update the bootloader of the tab, which of course is more or less off limits to use poor people Not to mention the updates are "officially signed" by acer, to allow this method. And I am just guessing on this, but probably pretty close.
Anybody else have anything to add?
I suppose, a lot of time could be invested in creating a custom rom using this method, but it seems more simple to use the "recovery" method.

So it's mean that i don't need CWM and itsmagic but just "Acer recovery" ? i can cancel this part on STEP 2 ? :
5. then install CWM from thor's site (there you can find the latest version) or use Acer Recovery Installer from the Market, or look at the original thread here
6. Boot into CWM and flash whatever ROM you like!
The main problem with the market, i can connect but each time i use the tab keyboard i get an error message as describe on the unstable HC 3.01, is there a way to have an APK version (i can upload it on my microSD card).
Thx a lot.

aranna said:
So it's mean that i don't need CWM and itsmagic but just "Acer recovery" ? i can cancel this part on STEP 2 ? :
5. then install CWM from thor's site (there you can find the latest version) or use Acer Recovery Installer from the Market, or look at the original thread here
6. Boot into CWM and flash whatever ROM you like!
The main problem with the market, i can connect but each time i use the tab keyboard i get an error message as describe on the unstable HC 3.01, is there a way to have an APK version (i can upload it on my microSD card).
Thx a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that keyboard is a killer and causes a lot of issues. I heard where if you mess around with the keyboard settings (a lot), it will actually settle down and work with few errors (but looks bad)
Yes, skip the adb stuff
Use your computer to access the android market web site. Search for acer recovery
Download, put it on your sd for your tab, and install it using any file manager app. Then start the app, and install the Thor Recovery. You can get Thors recent recovery later, so it's not necessary right now.
Acer recovery is a tool that makes it easy for people who do not know how to use adb.
If you can't get it done that way, then you'll have to use adb.
The directories specified in the commands, are the locations they will push the files to. The img to the sd, and the it's magic to /data/local
Never used it myself, so I am not so sure where you are supposed to place the files to begin with. I would guess in the same directory as adb.

Thx for help, when you said "Then start the app, and install the Thor Recovery", Thor Recovery is included on the A.R.I apk file if i understand well but not the last version.
2) I donwload a ROM like TABOONAY or THOR on my microSD card
3) Just after, i reboot on recovery mode by using A.R.I
4) From CWM i select the image located on my microSD card to flash my tablet
right ?

aranna said:
Thx for help, when you said "Then start the app, and install the Thor Recovery", Thor Recovery is included on the A.R.I apk file if i understand well but not the last version.
2) I donwload a ROM like TABOONAY or THOR on my microSD card
3) Just after, i reboot on recovery mode by using A.R.I
4) From CWM i select the image located on my microSD card to flash my tablet
right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, AFTER, you run the acer recovery, install, start app, and install the recovery. Should be the only choice you have
After it does it's thing. Then power off. Then, hold Vol - then PWR button, until you see text in the upper left corner of the tab, then release both buttons.
It will boot to the recovery menu.
Now, it's ok to copy the rom you want to use to the sd before doing all this. No problem.
With Taboonay, I would look at the procedure, as I believe you have to have 2.1 installed first, before upgrading to 2.2. (not sure why he decided to do it that way. Seems like a pain in the neck. I used to run 2.0 for awhile.
Harkon, is also a nice smooth rom.
Thor's V14 is also good (a500 only)
Then, very important. When you boot to recovery, go ahead and make a recovery image of your current rom (yeah, so it's unstable). Always most important to do this, as sometimes, a flash can go bad. Not often, but, better to have a recovery image to go back to, even if it's unstable.
Next, do your 3 wipes. No, not the toilet
1. User data
2. Cach partition
3. Go to Advanced, then dalvek cache.
After it's done, then, you can go back to the main menu, and select Install zip from SD
Then select your rom.
It takes awhile, so have a beer
And ... MAKE SURE you have at least 60% charge on your tablet!!! Before doing things.
People forget, and,,,, it ain't pretty...when your tab shuts down in the middle of a flash.

Nice, totaly clear for me right now. Many thx to you
And to finish, 3 last question (next beer will be paid by me of course )
1) If right now, at my current step (only donwgrade done to 3.0.1 at this moment) i do a factory reset on me main menu of my tablet, what version i will have ? Current unstable version or my previous HC 3.2.1 ?
2) When you said "Ok, AFTER, you run the acer recovery, install, start app, and install the recovery." by install the recovery you mean CWM provide on the A.R.I, there is a special menu on ARI to install it or it will be installed automatically during ARI APK installation ?
3) When you speak about "and select Install zip from SD" the ROM should be on the internal memory of the tablet or on the external (microSD card) ?
One thing that i don't understand yet is the internal structure of the partition on the tablet. As i understand, for the moment i just made a downgrade from HC 3.2.1 to 3.0.1, but we have the possibility to do a factory reset, so i think when we do that, the iconia will restore an img file or iso file from a specific partition.
So if i understand, on my current state, if i do a factory reset as usually, the HC 3.2.1 will be replaced no ?
In any case, thx a lot for time spend by you to explain me all this... this is the Russian POWER

aranna said:
Nice, totaly clear for me right now. Many thx to you
And to finish, 3 last question (next beer will be paid by me of course )
1) If right now, at my current step (only donwgrade done to 3.0.1 at this moment) i do a factory reset on me main menu of my tablet, what version i will have ? Current unstable version or my previous HC 3.2.1 ?
2) When you said "Ok, AFTER, you run the acer recovery, install, start app, and install the recovery." by install the recovery you mean CWM provide on the A.R.I, there is a special menu on ARI to install it or it will be installed automatically during ARI APK installation ?
3) When you speak about "and select Install zip from SD" the ROM should be on the internal memory of the tablet or on the external (microSD card) ?
One thing that i don't understand yet is the internal structure of the partition on the tablet. As i understand, for the moment i just made a downgrade from HC 3.2.1 to 3.0.1, but we have the possibility to do a factory reset, so i think when we do that, the iconia will restore an img file or iso file from a specific partition.
So if i understand, on my current state, if i do a factory reset as usually, the HC 3.2.1 will be replaced no ?
In any case, thx a lot for time spend by you to explain me all this... this is the Russian POWER
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Do not do a factory reset. Honestly, I do not know what will happen at this point.
2. The Acer recovery, comes with Thor's recovery program. I think, that is the only one that comes with it. Technically, you can use it to flash roms, but, I advise using the recovery built into the tab afterwards. Usually, this program will go away after flashing a rom.
3. Always in the "root" of the SD (the first file you see when you look at your sd with a file manager).
4. If you're in Moscow, I will take that free beer
Not sure exactly what will happen when you do a "factory reset" I would suspect, the same OS your device came with, but I really don't know. Never had to do it. And, I see a lot of issues when other people try it.

so, today i have installed Rom Stock, Thor and Taboonay... all those has been tested and at the end Taboonay has win (Thor is pretty good but the fact that tab is detected as ASUS is not so good for me).
Many many many thanks to you Moscow Desire for you help concerning this, all is ok for me right now and more clear.
last question, if i want to update current version of CWM (provided by ARI) how to do it ?
I have download "update-recovery-thor2002ro-rev1.3.4.zip" i think i should use CWM itself (on recovery mode) to update it ? right ?
Have a nice christmas !!!!!

Good work. Glad things worked out for you!
I've been lazy, and haven't upgraded my recovery, but I believe you just place the Thorupdate.zip on the SD like you did with Taboonay, and boot to recovery, and flash just like your rom. But really, I haven't done this yet. Maybe this weekend.
Shouldn't be any need to do wipes.
Also, if you want to run a different Kernel on Taboonay, Then you need only to wipe Delvik cache before flashing it.
Merry X-Mas to you as well, but here, we celebrate New Years.

I know it for christman, i work sometime in Russia (near Moscow). Normally for you it's hollydays since yesterday, very lucky people in Russia.
Happy new year to all XDA members !!!!

FYI - if you do a Factory Reset with the unstable 3.01 rom installed, it puts the CURRENT OS back on, this being unstable 3.01. You have COMPLETELY replaced the other OS. This will happen whether you are running a custom OS, or official OS.
You can only have one OS on your tab at a time, unless you do the dual boot but that opens up a whhole new can of worms...

Please Help!-Restoring a Color Nook to factory settings

Last summer I rooted my color Nook using Auto Nooter 2.1. I plan to give this Nook to a family member and I am struggling to return this to it's factory settings. I have read and watch the instructions provided by The uNlockr-How to Restore the Nook to it's Factory settings. I get as far as flashing the SD card, however that's where things take a left turn. The file names on the downloads they describe are not in the current downloads I can find. I have downloaded and flashed the img file for 4gb_clockwork-0.7.tar.gz. When I look for the actual Nook restore files every discussion thread leads me to here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=22809801&postcount=148 I've downloaded the large 200+MB file, extracted it... however none of the file names match the instruction per unlockr or the video:
Where am I going wrong? I have spent nearly 4 hours trying to navigate this Chinese maze? I'm sure that I have overlooked something but at this point I can't see it.
Any help to get me to this final destination I would greatly appreciate. I have a deadline of Monday afternoon to get this root righted.

Have you tried this?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1461172
HB

wheresgrant said:
Last summer I rooted my color Nook using Auto Nooter 2.1. I plan to give this Nook to a family member and I am struggling to return this to it's factory settings. I have read and watch the instructions provided by The uNlockr-How to Restore the Nook to it's Factory settings. I get as far as flashing the SD card, however that's where things take a left turn. The file names on the downloads they describe are not in the current downloads I can find. I have downloaded and flashed the img file for 4gb_clockwork-0.7.tar.gz. When I look for the actual Nook restore files every discussion thread leads me to here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=22809801&postcount=148 I've downloaded the large 200+MB file, extracted it... however none of the file names match the instruction per unlockr or the video:
Where am I going wrong? I have spent nearly 4 hours trying to navigate this Chinese maze? I'm sure that I have overlooked something but at this point I can't see it.
Any help to get me to this final destination I would greatly appreciate. I have a deadline of Monday afternoon to get this root righted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off... the files you download from the thread above are CWM installable.... don't extract them... place the one you want to use on uSD and flash it... After you flash it... the Power + n boot will return to factory with 1.4.1 update installed.

Dizzy... Sincere thanks. Am I to assume that I should select the file romrestore.zip ? again all of the directions I've followed none have mentioned the use of this particular file. To make matters worse I downloaded a zip of nook-complete-restore-1.0.1.zip and the file is completely corrupted. I can't find a 1.4.1 version of the complete restore on available servers.

OK... my guess is that it not the correct file. I move the romrestore.zip to the nook power+ Nboot. reformatted system & data... fine. Installed romrestore.zip. "assert failed E:Error in sdcard/romrestore.zip. Installation aborted. Can someone give guidance on the correct file to install and where to find it?

You do not need the romrestore.zip.... just flash the file you downloaded from post 148 in the other thread... then if you reboot into stock recovery with power + n it will do the reset factory data.
The romrestore.zip file you are referring to was written to replace cwm recovery files with 1.0 stock recovery files... this is done with the 1.4.1 files I put together with that versions files.

Dizzy,
I appreciate you being patient with me but something is getting lost in the translation. Is this used in conjunction with the 4gb_clockwork-0.7img? I've used that to flash the SD card first. Then I've moved the entire 202MB nookcolor_1_4_1.zip to the SD card. Upon Power +nboot I come back to the same menu of options asking me whether I want to apply sdcard/update.zip. Each time the installation fails.
I fear I am mixing processes and files that don't belong together. Can you please just give me the simple steps (or point to them... post 148 doesn't explain what to do with those files). I'm batting 0 for 12 right now.

You sure are making this hard. If you will read the thread I linked in post#2 you will see just how easy it is.
It will take you back to whatever that Nook shipped with. Mine goes back to v1.3, my BIL's goes back to 1.0.0. Upgrades from there should happen automagically.

Your right. I was making this harder than what it was. I did take your advice and I tried the 3-finger reboot method. Eventually I was able to boot to the factory rom... but here is the kicker... the nook must be plugged into it's power supply (not running on it's battery) to hard reboot. Again, Google is both thy enemy and thy friend. I understand hacking doesn't come with a manual and these forums exist for the benefit of the community, by the community, but I've found so many incomplete instructions, bad file links, corrupted files... well I'm not really sure anyone can say they have the firmest handle on this procedure.
It's done though... and for the advice given here I'm grateful.

wheresgrant said:
Your right. I was making this harder than what it was. I did take your advice and I tried the 3-finger reboot method. Eventually I was able to boot to the factory rom... but here is the kicker... the nook must be plugged into it's power supply (not running on it's battery) to hard reboot. Again, Google is both thy enemy and thy friend. I understand hacking doesn't come with a manual and these forums exist for the benefit of the community, by the community, but I've found so many incomplete instructions, bad file links, corrupted files... well I'm not really sure anyone can say they have the firmest handle on this procedure.
It's done though... and for the advice given here I'm grateful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it helped.
And for the record I have done this to 2 different Nooks more than one time and never had it plugged into the charger. It IS important to make sure you have a full battery before doing these things.
The good news is that it worked!
HB

Grant... to answer your question... yes the files to flash 1.4.1 from CWM would be flashed from CWM (your clockwork imaged uSD)... you would just put the file on the uSD and boot it in the nook... install zip from card... select the file and let it flash... when its done flashin... power on holding n... allow it to do its thing and you'd be at factory 1.4.1.
The benefit of this method was you didn't have to flash to original and update... but since 1.4.2 has come out it would have to update anyway.

Harrybub... when I do the three finger way, my nook brings up ClockworkMod Recovery v3.2.0.1
I need to reset factory settings, but this came up two times that I was successful with the 8 interrupted boot.
The third time, I just chose the (wipe data/factory reset) in Clockword Mod recovery. Now it just boots up into recovery
Help?

gryphon101 said:
Harrybub... when I do the three finger way, my nook brings up ClockworkMod Recovery v3.2.0.1
I need to reset factory settings, but this came up two times that I was successful with the 8 interrupted boot.
The third time, I just chose the (wipe data/factory reset) in Clockword Mod recovery. Now it just boots up into recovery
Help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See the post right above your's.

I just started over, found I had a corrupted cwm, maybe... Also had Rom zip and GAPPs zip on the same card. Redid everything using cwm image on one card, then zips on a separate card. That did it!

gryphon101 said:
I just started over, found I had a corrupted cwm, maybe... Also had Rom zip and GAPPs zip on the same card. Redid everything using cwm image on one card, then zips on a separate card. That did it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just an FYI... having both zips on the card is not an issue... common practice is to have them both, along with other zips on the CWM bootable uSD... you just have to make sure of what zip you are installing from uSD.

Acer 500a Rooted and unable to update

I have an Acer 500a I just bought off carigslist. Initially I thought it would be fine but then I realized I was inheriting someone elses problems. I hope someone may be able to help.
Within the first few hours I was noticing google Play crashed a number of times and struggled to update from Market. Somehow the update went through but now there is a system update that won't go through. I'm able to down load it and when i restart the computer to complete installation the screen goes black and says: booting recovery kernel in the corner. I then see a picture of an android and a load bar which after 2-4 seconds the android is on his back and an exclaimation mark is coming out of his belly.
My android version is 3.2
Kernel version
2.6.36.3+
Build number
Acer_a500_7.006.01_COM_GEN2
I'm pretty sure its rooted and i think that might be why its not playing nice with google market and system updates. I called the old owner and explained the problem and he just said he had it rooted and he thought he unrooted it. There is an ap called superuser in aps. (although if it were rooted would'nt I be able to uninstal some of thecrap software it comes with like GOLF HD? -- it won't let me).
The system update is for Acer_a500_7.014.01_COM_GEN2 8.88mb
My problem is all of the force closes I'm getting and the inability to update the system. Any thoughts? I don't have a usb cord to connect it to a desktop either =(

I am a bit out of practice, but...
Should be pretty simple to fix. From what I am seeing, you are running a stock rom. Just because the superuser.apk is installed on the system does not mean it is rooted, but it probably is.
Hit the market, grab "Root Checker" - simple tiny program to let you know for sure if your tab is rooted or not.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=burrows.apps.rootchecker&hl=en
From what I understand - automatic system updates will fail when trying to apply them to a rooted or modded system. Probably why you cannot auto-update.
My advice at this point would be to:
1) Since you just bought it, just do a factory wipe on it. That will remove all the stuff the prior owner had running on it and will result in a unrooted tab that should be able to get auto updates without a problem.
2) Un-Root it. Once the tablet is unrooted, the system should update without any issue.
As for your Play Store issues - I have never heard of or personally seen any issues caused with installing apps from the store on a rooted device. I have seen a few apps that will refuse to run on a rooted device - but that does not sound like your problem.
I would go with option 1 - just factory wipe the thing. Prior owner may have made tons of changes to the OS that we will never know about, and may have handed you a unstable system. Start fresh. Wipe it out.
Hope this helps you out! Let me know if I can answer any questions.

k thank you so much for the quick reply! I downloaded the root checker and it Is rooted. I did a factory wipe as found in the settings privacy tab when I bought it. That factory reset did not unroot and only cleaned out some of the aps on the device. Is there a better or more surefire way to unroot it? If I reset with the volume down key will it hard reset it?
Thank you for you help!
Draight

Okay.
I am about a year out of practice with my a500 - but from what I am think, if a factory reset still results in a rooted device - the prior user installed a stock ROM that comes pre-rooted.
I highly doubt being rooted is causing the issues you are running into.
At this point if you just want to get back to stock you can probably just install the Acer Recovery Manager from the market and use it to reflash a stock unrooted ROM. Or I see a few guides about how to manually restore back to stock over in the dev section for the a500.
Others will correct me if I am wrong, but I think Acer Recovery Manager should take care of your problem.
Hope this helps!
(Edit: Or you can just download the official stock 4.x rom (ICS) from the dev section and flash that. 3.2 is pretty slow and wonky in my experience, you should be able to just download a 4.x ROM and flash, since you are rooted. Again, I am way out of practice. Don't do anything before reading up!)
(Edit again: I think I was making this harder then needs be. Just flash any stock 3.2 unrooted ROM, done. After you do that the automatic on the air update should kick in for you and update you to ICS)

Thanks for taking the time to work with me on this. I downloaded the program you suggested and tried to use a stock rom. When i went to reboot I had a picture of an android looking up at an exclaimation mark. It was froze like that until I restarted it. Now its back to the way it was, rooted and unupdatable.
I'm probably going to try to just wipe it all over but do i need to plug it into my computer somehow? I dont have a usb connector for the tablet, just the wall charger plugin. can i just download a rom and use the utility to try install it? when I reboot it am I supposed to be pressing the volume button?
I've read a few other forums but usually they sound pretty intense...

draight said:
Thanks for taking the time to work with me on this. I downloaded the program you suggested and tried to use a stock rom. When i went to reboot I had a picture of an android looking up at an exclaimation mark. It was froze like that until I restarted it. Now its back to the way it was, rooted and unupdatable.
I'm probably going to try to just wipe it all over but do i need to plug it into my computer somehow? I dont have a usb connector for the tablet, just the wall charger plugin. can i just download a rom and use the utility to try install it? when I reboot it am I supposed to be pressing the volume button?
I've read a few other forums but usually they sound pretty intense...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm..
Try the thread I linked two in my second edit of my last post. You just need to grab the stock and unrooted 3.2 - put it on a MicroSD card as update.zip - then reboot with vol rocker and power switch to get the system to flash the update.
That *should* work just fine.
(Edit: Forgot the link! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1839313 - there you go)

Thankw, I am going to try it after readingna bit more. Do I need to have clockworkmod installed for all of this?

draight said:
Thankw, I am going to try it after readingna bit more. Do I need to have clockworkmod installed for all of this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Just snag the stock unrooted 3.2 ROM - place it in the root of the MicroSD card as update.zip
Power down.
Power up with VOL + and POWER key held at the same time (you can let the vol rocker go when you see text appear in the upper left corner)
Should be all you need to do. Worst case; it does not work and returns you back to where you are now. Worth a shot.
If that does not work, let me know so I can do a few mins of homework and help you further. Been a long time since I have changed ROMS or had any issues with my a500.
I have bricked it twice by not following directions all the way or just making simple mistakes, but from what I have found there is always a way to recover.

Just tried it. I copied the boot zip to sd card and renamed update.zip and reset..It looked like it was going to download after showing some text in the corner and then an exclamation mark appeared above the androids head... I left it and after a few.min it rebooted back

draight said:
Just tried it. I copied the boot zip to sd card and renamed update.zip and reset..It looked like it was going to download after showing some text in the corner and then an exclamation mark appeared above the androids head... I left it and after a few.min it rebooted back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm. Odd.
Like I said, I am rather out of practice.
Someone more experienced them me: please help me point Draight in the right direction here?

Thanks for trying to help. =(
I wish that my tablet wasn't having such issues. I;m going to try to scramble around the forums and see if I can find some advice...If anyone has a suggestion please let me know.
Thanks again entropy,
Draight

Update:
So I've been tinkering around with it a bit more and I found a usb cord that plugs it into my computer. I keep finding boken links on this site so Im struggling to find an update I can use to flash to. I downloaded a different super user program which allowed me to temporarily unroot my device. I then restarted it and no root checker says its no rooted and I cannot find the superuser program. I think I have somewhat unrooted it -- but I think the real issue now is the recovery tool. I keep reseting it - hard reset, or factory reset and it wipes everything away but when i try to update it gets about 1/3 of the way up the bar then it stops with an '!' Mark above the droid. Im kind of annoyed at this point and hoping for some new links or some ideas on how to repair the recovery piece.
Draight

Go to the Dev section, and grad a couple of the ICS Update roms. You will see them listed for the a500. Make sure they are the FULL update roms. Should be about 3-400mb. These contain a FULL ICS Update Rom, and not a patch file.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1816560
Then, go to the Themes and apps forum. You'll see a sticky that has the Acer Update Decrypter.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1869505
Now, unpack the decrypter, and select one of the ICS Updates. Then hit Start. Take a couple minutes, but you will have a duplicate file with the word "decrypted" added to it.
Wait, you are not done yet.
Using a program like 7zip, or even Winzip, open the decrypted file. DO NOT EXTRACT, just open it and pull the update.zip to your PC's desktop.
Copy that update.zip file to your Ext SD Card of the tablet. Don't be putting it in any folder, just copy it to the root of the card.
Now, you still ain't done.
With the tablet off. Press and hold Vol+ and then PWR. Hold them both untill you start to see text about installing blah blah blah, then release the buttons.
If it completes, and you can reboot into ICS, then you are good to go.
If something fails during installation, then decrypt the other update Rom file you downloaded, and do the same procedure. Usually one of the 2 or three should work for you.
Note these are for the a500, and not the a501.
One more thing. It's advisable you get your UID number before doing these things. You probably won't need it, but it's nice to have written down in case you need it in the future. Inf to get it is at;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624645
MD

Thanks! I am downloading a few of the FULL ICS roms:
*Acer_A500_1.031.00_WW_GEN1 : http://d-h.st/uAy
Acer_A500_1.031.00_PA_CUS1: http://d-h.st/idO
Acer_A500_1.041.00_WW_CUS1: http://d-h.st/Yt5
*Acer_AV041_1.054.00_WW_GEN1: http://www.theandroidcollective.org/...00_WW_GEN1.zip
*Acer_A500_7.014.16_041.206.01_COM_GEN1: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_bk...hVc1RVcHc/edit
The I downloaded the ones ending with Gen1. Once they are downloaded I will continue with the instructions. Thank you so much for your help! I will post how it goes later tonight.
Draight

I just decrypted both:
*Acer_AV041_1.054.00_WW_GEN1:
*Acer_A500_1.031.00_WW_GEN1
Both get get to the third bullet quickly and the bottom says DONE! It takes like 4 seconds. I don't think the Decryption key of $12 is working
[*] Opening file: Acer_A500_1.031.00_WW_GEN1.zip
[*] Decrypting using key $12
[*] Writing decrypted file: Acer_A500_1.031.00_WW_GEN1_decrypted.zip
I try to extract something from the decrypted file and it says the file was not downloaded properly and I should try redownload it...it says its not a proper archive

wahoo!
So that worked! I down loaded the file Acer_AV041_A500_1.033.00_PA_CUS1 and extracted the update. I palced the update on the sd card and booted with the power and sound volume pressed down. it went through the installation procedure and restarted twice before saying it was upgrading my aps and BOOM its got ICS and everything looks great. Thank you so much for your help and I hope that this paper trail is able to help someone in the future

My problem is that I'm on ICS and I'm rooted, but I just can't download a custom recovery. I've tried, and I haven't gotten anywhere
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2