[Q] Lucky recovery / Please help a father keep his daughter happy - Acer Iconia A500

Hello experts,
I'll try to keep this long story short. Please forgive any mistakes in terminology. I'm an old fart trying to keep up. Bountiful thanks to anyone willing to offer help and advice.
A while back I rooted and flashed my Iconia 500 with a rom called Minimalist 3.1. I believe I rooted initially in order to use NTFS mount, so my daughter could stream movies from a large external passport drive. I need to keep the tablet at 3.0/3.1 because HC, ICS and JLB all break an app I use to stream TV from Hava Monsoon (Slingbox-like) device.
A month or so ago, the tablet stopped booting properly from full power off. I didn't know it at the time, but it was getting stuck in APX mode. Eventually it somehow booted again and I haven't powered off since (just charge as necessary).
I don't use the tab much, but my daughter does and all of her Minecraft, Dragon Vale, etc. game data is important to her.
Yesterday, she brought the tab to me and no matter what I did it wouldn't boot: the power light comes on but the screen stays dark and no vibration. It either must have crashed or run out of battery. I read as much as a I could about being stuck in APX mode, downloaded all the tools I could get my hands on, but nothing worked to recover the tab: not Afterota (this needs ICS I think), not BabSector (returned "failed executing command 16 NvError 0x120002"), not tdv4 (no device attached), not nothing. Proper drivers are loaded, Win7 PC detects an APX device, but ADB servers report no device and communication ultimately fails. I'm guessing this *might* be because I'm still on 3.1, but I don't know.
Anyway, at one point I successfully got the Iconia into download mode (with logo), but rebooting into recovery didn't work. I powered off the device, disconnected from PC, and on a lark tried powering on. Lo and behold it booted normally :victory:
This *could* have been due to using the "dump and save bct option" trick in blackthund3r's APX flash tool, but I tried so many things, I really have no idea.
Here's my question: is this likely to happen again? Does my NvError from BabSector suggest bad RAM or something? Is there anything I can do to insure against another crash in APX mode?
Thanks for reading all that...

It might happen again
mylacuna said:
Hello experts,
I'll try to keep this long story short. Please forgive any mistakes in terminology. I'm an old fart trying to keep up. Bountiful thanks to anyone willing to offer help and advice.
A while back I rooted and flashed my Iconia 500 with a rom called Minimalist 3.1. I believe I rooted initially in order to use NTFS mount, so my daughter could stream movies from a large external passport drive. I need to keep the tablet at 3.0/3.1 because HC, ICS and JLB all break an app I use to stream TV from Hava Monsoon (Slingbox-like) device.
A month or so ago, the tablet stopped booting properly from full power off. I didn't know it at the time, but it was getting stuck in APX mode. Eventually it somehow booted again and I haven't powered off since (just charge as necessary).
I don't use the tab much, but my daughter does and all of her Minecraft, Dragon Vale, etc. game data is important to her.
Yesterday, she brought the tab to me and no matter what I did it wouldn't boot: the power light comes on but the screen stays dark and no vibration. It either must have crashed or run out of battery. I read as much as a I could about being stuck in APX mode, downloaded all the tools I could get my hands on, but nothing worked to recover the tab: not Afterota (this needs ICS I think), not BabSector (returned "failed executing command 16 NvError 0x120002"), not tdv4 (no device attached), not nothing. Proper drivers are loaded, Win7 PC detects an APX device, but ADB servers report no device and communication ultimately fails. I'm guessing this *might* be because I'm still on 3.1, but I don't know.
Anyway, at one point I successfully got the Iconia into download mode (with logo), but rebooting into recovery didn't work. I powered off the device, disconnected from PC, and on a lark tried powering on. Lo and behold it booted normally :victory:
This *could* have been due to using the "dump and save bct option" trick in blackthund3r's APX flash tool, but I tried so many things, I really have no idea.
Here's my question: is this likely to happen again? Does my NvError from BabSector suggest bad RAM or something? Is there anything I can do to insure against another crash in APX mode?
Thanks for reading all that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well u never know it might happen again. Tell ur daughter to backup her games (a simple Google search on each of the games will tell u how to do so) and if you want to be on HC, then use the stock ROM. The ROM that you used broke my tablet before too.

nelsontky said:
Well u never know it might happen again. Tell ur daughter to backup her games (a simple Google search on each of the games will tell u how to do so) and if you want to be on HC, then use the stock ROM. The ROM that you used broke my tablet before too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Happened again this morning. Think the battery died overnight.
Confirmed that the a501 B.bat file in BabSector is what allows me to get it unstuck from ABX mode and boot properly.
Seems the BCT file may be the culprit. No idea to keep it from getting corrupted on shutdown though.

...And now that .bat file isn't even working. Tab is stuck in APX mode and won't come out.

Related

[Solved] Mystery bricked tablet. Black "android systems" screen

I bought an Acer a500 tablet a few days ago not knowing how broken it is.
After loads of research and attempting different techniques I still haven't had any progress.
The software issue:
When booting up the tablet, it goes to the black screen with "android system" at the top and power off/ shutting down in the middle of the screen.
Fixes I've tried:
1.
Since I don't know anything about what operating system is on this tablet, I have been blindly flashing different "stock" (from Vache) versions of HC.
--The android logo with gears shows up, the green bar loads but freezes when it gets 1 cm away from finishing.
--After turning off the tablet and booting it up again, "updating bootloader shows up on the upper left hand corner of the screen. Then a message pops up saying "apk installer: all pre processes complete". Then it returns to the black screen.
2.
The tablet will not go into apx mode (using the reset botton at the bottom).---Fixed. I didn't execute the steps properly. Apx mode works fine.
3.
I plugged the tablet into an older windows laptop and the computer could not install the correct drivers to sync with the tablet. Again also my lack of knowledge. I installed drivers from Acer.com
4.
These two guides seem to be exactly what my problem is but I can't seem to make sense of them:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24531880#post24531880
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1572622
This is as far as I've gotten.
Other complications:
--The battery is dead. I have to use it while plugged in by the charger.
--Most of the thread that I have looked at use Megaupload as the source of downloading their files.
--The original owner of the tablet will not help me out. As I stated before, I don't know what version android OS was on here before it was bricked and on top of that the original owner won't answer my questions. As far as I know though, this tablet is not rooted or has anything "non-OEM" installed in it. The story goes that this tablet was bricked when the owner tried to "update" it. Before that, it was functioning perfectly.
-----It looks like Darvis is having the same issue and frustrations I'm having but reading his threads makes me think that this tablet is a dead end.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1427983&page=4
http://www.androidtablets.net/forum...32467-please-help-me-unbrick-my-iconia-5.html
If someone could point me in the right direction toward fixing this tablet, I would appreciate it very much.
Thank you for reading my Thread.
KiwiN said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1572622
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off......I hope u didn't pay much for the tablet.
Secondly the guide above looks pretty straight forward but maybe this is one of the ones that has files at megaupload?
I know that the ra recovery and timmydean's files are accessible as I have downloaded both of them.
Maybe someone who has done this previously will chime in and get you the other file if it is indeed unreachable.
Sent from my A500 using xda premium
I would suggest trying to connect the tab to a Windows 7 PC after installing the USB drivers from ACER. Then check if your device appears in the device manager. As long as you have its UID you can flash the tab from the PC with one of the EUU tools - check my signature on "how to revert to 3.0.1" or TimmyDean's thread which offers an EUU with rooted HC 3.2.1 (it's linked in my thread as well).
How exactly did you try to get into APX mode?
p.s. I have the EUU files if you can't access them from the threads links. I can send them to you.
getting into apx mode
When I perform the steps (hold reset + power for 3 secs then release power); the tablet turns on as it usually does. It goes to the Acer screen, then android and back to the black home screen. My computer responds by saying that it is "installing drivers" but it "fails to install drivers". At the same time I have the DND.exe open and it does not recognize my tablet.
I'm trying to follow the instructions from the root 3.2.1 v4 file.
I can't perform the first step where it instructs me to turn on Usb debugging. The problem is that I can't open the settings by clicking the clock. Nothing happens.
I realize that one complication of my tab is that it will not charge. The battery power is below 15% so none of these fixes might not be effective for me. That might be the ultimate problem?
CyaN1de-
I paid $100 for the tablet. As of this moment I feel like I paid too much.
Thank you both for you quick replies. I have to say that most of the problems that I'm having is because of my lack of experience but I'm learning. I hope I fix this tab soon.
if this dont fix it, i'll give you what you paid for it;0
someone posted a while back that a hard reset fixed the android systems screen error
not sure where you're at now but no harm in trying it
Try using hard reset:
1) Turn off your tablet,
2) Rotation lock s to your left;
3) Press Vol+ (which is next to rotation lock) and power on simultaneously
4) As soon as the tablet vibrates you can release the power on button and you
should start to switch rotation lock left and right till you see
Erasing Userdata...
Erasing Cache...
Vol+ is still pressed;
5) The tablet starts to format
6) Your tablet will be as clean as it can be.
Thanks for the suggestion but I didn't accomplish anything by hard resetting it. I've done this many times and nothing has changed.
I haven't given up on unbricking this tablet yet and even though it's frustrating I'm learning from the process. If I decide to sell it, I'll contact you Dibb.
KiwiN said:
.....
When I perform the steps (hold reset + power for 3 secs then release power); the tablet turns on as it usually does. It goes to the Acer screen, then android and back to the black home screen. My computer responds by saying that it is "installing drivers" but it "fails to install drivers". At the same time I have the DND.exe open and it does not recognize my tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've seen the 2 methods u described but i've not seen anyone else have success with it apart from the OP'ers - seems OTT to me but hey if it works for ya...
I've used timmydeans method ALOT on HC it never failed to work and that includes reverting back to HC from ICS - if it doesnt work for your issue then id be tempted to use blackthund3rs APXFlash Tool and civato's HC_ICS_Bootloader zip to flash a new bootloader and rom package on yr tab - but for the moment we'll run with td'sv4 - if drivers fail to install then believe me, its a good sign
try this:
I know you-ve probly done it but u need to do it again:
reboot everything, then reinstall acer drivers (yeh i know)
fire up ya tab but dont connect to yr pc just yet -as you said you
doubt usb debugging in enabled so we'll try another way around it
run the prgb20.exe it will scan for the new image but not find it becos youre disconnected...thats good....
after maybe 5 -7 minutes of scanning for the new image - it will show a
window "cannot detect yr iconia tab"
and instructions for getting into apx mode - go ahead connect usb put the tab into apx BUT don't click next until....
the drivers will try to install, dont let windows search but let me choose
(off memory) choose device and adb or android ph should show up here
the acer boot/recovery drivers should install...maybe even under USB Controllers
once they do and only when they do click next to put tab into:
acer download mode.......
as i said this is worth a go,,,,how about the update.zip have u tried that.....
else the only other way i know is apx flash....ya still need to get into apx
mode and if u cant then ???? sometimes youll try something over and over
and then out of the blue it will work...you'll swear you never did anything different , it jsut worked this time.....
hope you find some joy
Thanks Dibb for your words of wisdom. I've put it aside for now but I'm going to pick it up in the morning.
As addition to what dibb_nz said - Windows 7 would do the trick - I'm almost 100% sure you'll be able to connect in APX mode with the drivers properly installed. Then use one of the EUUs.
Drained battery really looks like the ultimate problem now because as far as I know you cannot charge the tab in APX mode - haven't tried that. Eventually I would suggest to crack the tab open, remove the battery and charge it somewhere - I don't know alternative ways but...may be another tab or you own charger with proper connector ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvXihNIdQ1M
p.s. 15% power ... seems enough to flash through the PC...but who knows - don't waste them and get everything you need before starting the procedure.
no probs m8 hope u have better luck tomorrow
if u wanted to try the EC method i have those files if you want them
good luck m8
dibb_nz said:
if drivers fail to install then believe me, its a good sign
try this:
I know you-ve probly done it but u need to do it again:
reboot everything, then reinstall acer drivers (yeh i know)
fire up ya tab but dont connect to yr pc just yet -as you said you
doubt usb debugging in enabled so we'll try another way around it
run the prgb20.exe it will scan for the new image but not find it becos youre disconnected...thats good....
after maybe 5 -7 minutes of scanning for the new image - it will show a
window "cannot detect yr iconia tab"
and instructions for getting into apx mode - go ahead connect usb put the tab into apx BUT don't click next until....
the drivers will try to install, dont let windows search but let me choose
(off memory) choose device and adb or android ph should show up here
the acer boot/recovery drivers should install...maybe even under USB Controllers
once they do and only when they do click next to put tab into:
acer download mode.......
hope you find some joy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I went through all these steps and the TD's V4 tool finishes updating the tab. But then it continues to the same black, android systems screen. And afterwards the tablet won't connect with the computer.
I am currently downloading the update.zip so i'm going to see if that will work.
KiwiN said:
So I went through all these steps and the TD's V4 tool finishes updating the tab. But then it continues to the same black, android systems screen. And afterwards the tablet won't connect with the computer.
I am currently downloading the update.zip so i'm going to see if that will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do u get on yr tab the big 'PASS' in white leetters or "entering download mode" at all???
think we're beyond update.zip if EUU failed but you can try it -
you can get to apx which is a start - getting a new boot/recovery image on there is the main priority I think...as i posted earlier i've only ever seen a fix for this problem work for 2 people, so on new ground here....
But anyway check out the APXFlash method/walkthru in my sig....all the info is in there and the links to the required files ....do we know if you're on HC or ICS B/L????
I got the word pass; now using recovery mode to flash a rom.
not sure which bootloader I have.
I am using:
Acer_A500_7.006.01_COM_GEN2: http://vacheandroid.com/files/Acer_...1_COM_GEN2.zip
But after it says install from sdcard complete it also give me the message:
E: Can't mount/ dev/block/mm....
E: Can't mount Cache: recovery/log
E: can't mount open cache: recovery/log
E: Can't mount /dev/block/mm...
found this:
dibb_nz said:
yes if you're talking about the stock roms from vaches thread, you need the full rom package - you cant just use an 'update' package as they need a full rom to work properly....
for instance my original HC3.2.1 Stock build is 7.014.15_COM_GEN1
and theres no FULL Rom for 3.2.1, so i have to use the HC 3.2 FULL instead
.....Acer_A500_7.006.03_COM_GEN1.zip
Once flashed, thankfully I recieve the 2 small OTA Updates to get up to 3.2.1 again
Another couple of days the ICS OTA d/l'ed and installed with no probs....
is that clearer or am i making things worse????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I've learned from this whole process is that all of the obstacles I'm facing are due to my lack of knowledge. Thanks for sticking with me Dibb. I can't thank you enough.
KiwiN said:
When I perform the steps (hold reset + power for 3 secs then release power); the tablet turns on as it usually does. It goes to the Acer screen, then android and back to the black home screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could never get mine into apx mode with the usb cable plugged in. So try that if you haven't. And it is literally hold reset, then press power, without letting up on the reset, release the power button after 3 seconds (use a watch or timer!) then one more second before you release the reset... It does work, but the timing has to be close. It must have a tenth of seconds or less tolerance. Very picky... I've done it on 2 different a500s so far and I am heading to do another tonight. If it doesn't work I'll be right back!!!
KiwiN said:
I got the word pass; now using recovery mode to flash a rom.
not sure which bootloader I have.
I am using:
Acer_A500_7.006.01_COM_GEN2: http://vacheandroid.com/files/Acer_...1_COM_GEN2.zip
But after it says install from sdcard complete it also give me the message:
E: Can't mount/ dev/block/mm....
E: Can't mount Cache: recovery/log
E: can't mount open cache: recovery/log
E: Can't mount /dev/block/mm...
found this:
What I've learned from this whole process is that all of the obstacles I'm facing are due to my lack of knowledge. Thanks for sticking with me Dibb. I can't thank you enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi m8 Hwya goin - just got home - what's the lay of the land???
Holey motley we just had a good shake....thort was gonna carry on thank fk it stooped, phew, just been awhile since we had one like that, scary
Crikey just as I finished typing "....land"
Back to more important matters..... whr u at m8????
None of the roms I've tried to flash go to completion. I'm stuck at trying to flash different roms from recovery mode. Not much luck with what I've tried but I'm going to try more before I give up.
Are there any particular roms I should try more than once?
Or why am I getting the "error" messages stated earlier?
KiwiN said:
None of the roms I've tried to flash go to completion. I'm stuck at trying to flash different roms from recovery mode. Not much luck with what I've tried but I'm going to try more before I give up.
Are there any particular roms I should try more than once?
Or why am I getting the "error" messages stated earlier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
recovery mode???
u need a new boot and recovery image on that thing
the HC EUU based flash arent working even tho u got a PASS on screen after TDv4
So HC based methods arent up to it. You need nvflash/fastboot.
We need ICS with the unlocked bootloader it has access to another level below where HC worked because HC b/l is and always has been locked down.
If ICS cant fix it, I have no idea what will and my offer to buy is off the table!!!!
check out civatos guide and ready yourself for nvflash via zip files in that post or blackthund3rs APXflash tool, with a complete tutorial for using it, all links in my sig.
good luck
Just to chime in with a tip on getting google drivers to work.
When getting any device not recognized, or driver error, generally I go into windows device manager, select the unknown or offending device, update driver, only I choose which driver to use, and ignore the error message where it says "may not be compatible with your device", and use it anyhow.
I get that occassionally when swapping back and forth between devices.
Also, battery not charging and display errors, are usually a sign of EC Power control. So you were on the right track about that. Once you get a rom up and running, if the batt don't charge, then there are some EC flash's you can do from CWM.
Back at it again using BT's nvflash tool. And tablet is still bricked.
I've tried a few different bundles and none allow me to operate the tablet. Everything goes smoothly and I get "pass" at the end of the process. When I go to reboot the tablet, it gets stuck at the black start up screen.
Found another lead: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1579490
Sounds like he was in the same situation as I am but has a bit more skills and knowledge dealing with problem solving.
You say you were able to flash roms. So apparently recovery is working OK. Have you tried flashing civato's flexreaper? It has code that will detect whether you bootloader is HC or ICS. You may just be flashing a rom that doesn't match your bootloader... I know I'm jumping into the middle of this, but it's just a thought.
Also, when you did the hardware reset with the rotation lock switch did you get the confirmation that it was, in fact, being wiped?
Failing all that, I'd be willing to take it off your hands for spare parts...
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2

A500 Bricked ?

Hey guys ! I think I have bricked my Iconia A500. I tried to install ICS bootloader and the installation stucked on ''Flashing Bootloader (EBT) stage two - uploading image...'' After 30 mins I turned off my Iconia and when I tried to turn it on, the tablet didnt even got to the Acer Screen. It didnt vribrated and the screen didn't turned on. Only the power button lited up and nothing more. So I have 2 questions : Is my tablet pernamently bricked and if it is, will they accept it by warranty? I mean how could they understand that this happened.... I will tell them that it just turned off and never booted again ?
You cannot permanently brick the a500 unless it is a hardware failure (like faulty flash memory).
As you were playing with APX flashing you probably have CPUID and SBK for your tablet.
Right now your tab is stuck in APX mode (PWR button lights up, nothing on the screen). You also must have the driver already installed on your PC as the tool you used is actually using the APX mode to do the flashing. The APX mode is built into the CPU itself and can be used to recreate whole internal flash structure even when it is totally wiped out.
Just do the search for nvflash a500 phrase and you'll get a ton of threads about that.
And if ^ ^ ^ ^ doesn't get you fully running, you may probably have to rollback using TimmyDeans root tool. (search the forums, you will find it easily enough). This if course will hopefully reset things back to a HC Rom and Bootloader.
It seems, that for some reason, the NVFlash method doesn't work all the time on about 20% of the tablets. Seems there is something missing in their current partitions, so the new bootload flashing always stops before completing. The only known easy method, is to revert back to HC, as Timmy Deans EUU resets the partitions allowing then to NVFlash to the new ICS bootloader. At least that was the easiest for most folks not familiar with command lines.
MD
@Moscow Desire: my tablet has been successfully flashed with nvflash a few times (the first time I've flashed modified bootloader was with the nvflash). Then I used blackthund3r's apxtool (v 0.3 I think) two times and the first time was successful, but the second time it failed. The problem with older versions of this tool was that it used some generic bct file and odmdata value, which could lead to problems (I'm not saying that it created this problem in the first place, it could be just a conicidence).
yaworski said:
@Moscow Desire: my tablet has been successfully flashed with nvflash a few times (the first time I've flashed modified bootloader was with the nvflash). Then I used blackthund3r's apxtool (v 0.3 I think) two times and the first time was successful, but the second time it failed. The problem with older versions of this tool was that it used some generic bct file and odmdata value, which could lead to problems (I'm not saying that it created this problem in the first place, it could be just a conicidence).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Yaworski I'm with you on this one. Personally, I used the original version of the NVFlash package back in version 3 and so on, till Skirlax made it a lot easier.
I'm not too sure about the Blackthund3r tools anyhow. They work for most folks, but recently been seeing a lot of NVFlash failures, and all for the same thing. As far as the threads I read, they usually rolled back using the EUU, and for some reason, that set the bootloader partitions back in place. Go figure. Even a couple of my 501 users had to use this method. One of them was lucky to use the original V3, then was able to get to V8.
Info: with the new 510 and 700, even though we have fastboot oem unlock, Acer seems to have changed the rules once again. As near as I can tell, the specific version rom kernel, is matched to a specific version bootloader. It also seems like they've done a wonderful job with the partitions as well. I wouldn't be surprised if the different bootloaders also have different partition information. Will make doing a recovery a difficult task, as some of already found out Unrecoverable /Data partitions.
Some could use the procedures while others couldn't. And it was bootloader related.
yaworski said:
You cannot permanently brick the a500 unless it is a hardware failure (like faulty flash memory).
As you were playing with APX flashing you probably have CPUID and SBK for your tablet.
Right now your tab is stuck in APX mode (PWR button lights up, nothing on the screen). You also must have the driver already installed on your PC as the tool you used is actually using the APX mode to do the flashing. The APX mode is built into the CPU itself and can be used to recreate whole internal flash structure even when it is totally wiped out.
Just do the search for nvflash a500 phrase and you'll get a ton of threads about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I did that yesterday and it worked !

[Q][SOLVED] A500 bricked, stuck in bootloader. Won't boot kernel or recovery.

I am sorry to start a new thread but I have been reading threads and trying things now for over 7 hours straight. I have bricked my mothers A500.
I installed Skrillex V8 bootloader to my own tablet with Thor 1.7.3 recovery and a CM10.2 rom, everything worked fine. My mother liked how my tablet had way more battery and seemed faster then her own so she asked me to do it to hers.
I did everything the same except I had deleted the files and had to find a different bootloader so I found the "lightspeed" version of Skrilex V8 and as it seemed to just be a re-skin figured it was fine.
I downgraded to the unstable 3.0.2 build then installed iconia root and a Thor recovery via acer recovery. I then installed the lightspeed bootloader via thor with intentions of then installing the newer thor and rom after.
This is where im stuffed, after installing the new bootloader it is screwed. I cannot enter recovery or boot the primary kernal. I attempt to enter fastboot and although the tablet goes into fastboot it outputs errors and has random lockups and freezing on the tablet which the computer identifies as it being disconnected.
I have tried searching the forums for an answer and have tried everything I can understand but I am truely boned. As I am writing this I am installing packages to my Ubuntu laptop so that I can obtain the UID through the terminal in hopes it will work with APX and blackthunders tools.
If I cannot get it working I will simply wipe and give my mother my tablet, But I would really like to try and get this son of a ***** working again. I am currently incredibly annoyed at it and am probably missing something obvious. Please help me.
[UPDATE 1]
I have managed to obtain my CPUID and thus my SBK through the method described here -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1751978
I am still unable to use any tools as my PC will not recognize it in APX mode, I have reinstalled the drivers, restarted, tried multiple USB ports, uninstalled the failed unrecognized device and started from scratch a few times and I just cant seem to get it to detect them. Also tried other USB cables incase it was iffy, checked contacts on ports. There also cannot be any env variable or reg conflicts as I used my diagnostic machine to check it and it booted into its clean OS.
the APX seems to work with my linux unit though, but the blackthunder tools are for windows...
[UPDATE 2]
Using the tutorial here ->http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2444187
I made it boot into the APX mode with the yellow acer logo and the APX mode text at the top, however I left it for a while and it didnt seem to finish flashing, using lsusb I can see its still connected to the linux box but it is clearly not flashing properly.
I am going to leave it for a bit then try unplugging from linux and plugging into windows while in the yellow acer logo screen with verbose output and see if blackthunders tool detects it.
[UPDATE 3]
DO NOT try what i did in update 2, I believe i removed it when it was formatting the partition, it wont even boot to the bootloader now. black screen with white light on power button and cannot be detected as APX.
[UPDATE 4]
I treid a few more times at getting it into APX mode and it turns out its just being dicky and freezing randomly, however, by trying a few times (this is dangerous but i had nothing to lose at this point) to run the Nvflash script on my linux box eventually it run through and installed the v9 bootloader. This bootloader allowed me to go into Fastboot without the freezing or crashing or loss of communications i was experiencing before. I then using fastboot flashed a recovery appropriate to the v9 bootloader and am now using that to flash a 4.3 rom. This should completely fix all the problems.
I am now sure (as previously I could only guess that the problem was caused by a dicky install of the lightspeed bootloader (a custom variant of skrilex v8 designed to match the theme of the lightspeed rom).
[UPDATE 5]
Working
Adding solved to title as I know the feeling when you come across an old thread that talks about your problem and has no replies or help.
-V0L4T1LE
Been using XDA for years never bothered to post as have never had to spend more then a few hours to solve a problem, this one took me a long time though so I decided to ask for help. Nevermind, didnt need it.
Awsum and well done getting yrself sorted, thanx for posting
rgds dibb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4
Can you extract the partition 4 using nvflash --rawdeviceread to a file and share to me? My A500 is bricked and cannot download to it. only --rawdevicewrite works.
Thanks!

a500 APX Mode fixed(maybe), but would like some advice

So a couple of weeks ago I accidentally let my battery die, which I try not to do because I have trouble getting it to turn back on again and this time it did just that: my tablet wouldn't power on at all. I searched up my symptoms: Power light comes on, Doesn't vibrate, Black screen, and everything pointed to either my motherboard went kaput or APX Mode. A new motherboard for my model is upwards of 50$, so I tried looking into what APX Mode meant. I'm decent with computers but this was beyond me, or more so that I have no idea where to find the files/programs to flash(?) it. Anyway digging through the threads here I looked at a recent one here and on a whim I tried the suggestion, even though it was to another problem they were having with APX Mode. And it worked!
My tablet turned on fine, but I am skeptical of how long that will last. So, some questions that I hope someone can help me with are, what is a "fastboot", and does it hurt the system in any way if used repeatedly? Is there another way (an app or something) that will be able to tell me my UID and SBK other than through a Linux computer? Also, bootloading, does that root the device in any way? When I was looking around it didn't sound like it did, but then sometimes it did and now I'm just confused.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, and thanks for looking!
All files needed for unlocking the bootloader, rooting and unbricking can be found in the root guide in my sig. Along with methods of retrieving the cpuid and also a guide to flash the bootloader using the apxflash tool - I try and keep download links up2date, let me know if you have any probs.
If your tab does have a faulty emmc and I'm not saying it does...it will eventually fail, being stuck at the Acer screen seems to be the most common symptom, followed by the inability to flash.
Fastboot gives the ability to perform wipes and flash via the windows command prompt...
Root is gained (on ics) with icsRoot tool...once done you can then nvflash the unlocked bootloader.
Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk
dibb_nz said:
All files needed for unlocking the bootloader, rooting and unbricking can be found in the root guide in my sig. Along with methods of retrieving the cpuid and also a guide to flash the bootloader using the apxflash tool - I try and keep download links up2date, let me know if you have any probs.
If your tab does have a faulty emmc and I'm not saying it does...it will eventually fail, being stuck at the Acer screen seems to be the most common symptom, followed by the inability to flash.
Fastboot gives the ability to perform wipes and flash via the windows command prompt...
Root is gained (on ics) with icsRoot tool...once done you can then nvflash the unlocked bootloader.
Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, thank you! I will definitely go through those. I checked the cpuid one last night in case it decided to die while I was sleeping, so that's good. Although my sister's tablet doesn't have that file on hers at all? And its the same model ... anyway.
emmc? Forgive me, I am not well versed in these abbreviations. It hasn't gotten stuck at the Acer screen yet since I've had it, but ... its always a possibility.
Hmm, I didn't have it connected to the computer when I tried fasbooting it — is it considered something else when you power the tablet on holding the Power Button + the Volume Up button? Maybe it wasn't in APX Mode at all then, but I don't know if that makes it better or worse. No other way would make it turn on, it was just a dead black screen no matter what I did, and then I tried that and the Acer logo popped up.
And, sorry just to be clear, there's no way to unbrick a tablet without rooting it?
Thanks so much
emmc = memory chip!
Per+vol down = custom recovery
Pwr+vol UP = fastboot
Drivers - From Acer and adb_fastboot drivers from android sdk (or the mini.zip in the guide)
Cpuid/sbk imperative to run most of the unbricking files which are based on nvflash.
Root - unavailable on hc 3.2, not needed to unbrick but usb debugging needs to be enabled in settings. For ics use icsRoot,
skrilax_cz unblocked bootloader - needed to install custom roms. Needs cpuid. Will also flash cwm recovery. Gives fastboot ability. So you can flash a new recovery thru Windows command prompt i.e. enter fastboot
Open command prompt
Type in: fastboot flash recovery "name_of_your_recovery'.img
EUU - Acer upgrade tool which gets you back to stock. PC based, needs cpuid and also used to unbrick.
update.zip - Acer stock updates, some are full os dates some are just incremental updates. Used also to help with softbrick like getting stuck on the Acer screen. Cpuid not required, flashed via ext sd card.
Think that's it in a nutshell...as stated get your cpuid NOW
Which build of Android is the tab running??
Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk

N7 2012 [WiFi] Grouper - Bricked or the Flash Memory just failed?

Ok, so to start off I'm very familiar with Nexus Root Toolkit an its many graceful features & its ablity to bring the N7 from the brink of destruction (Soft -Brick) "AS LONG AS YOUR PC CAN DETECT THE DEVICE".
Here's the issue.. I was in TWRP (Multi-ROM) just renaming 1 of the Secondary ROMs to more friendly names, I hadn't done any flashing of any zips or roms for a few boots, I just booted into Recovery to do some renaming of Secondary ROMs that I had installed a few nights before but I had been in an out of several different one's just making sure they were all working so anyway.. after I was done renaming, I reboot the system & it just went F'ing blank.. now nothing.. there's no back light, no bootlogo, nothing happens at all when I plug in the charging or hold the power button with or w/out the vol-+ keys, I've checked the battery connection, it was snug but I removed it over night.. still nothing, I'm just clueless.. Before we jump on the NRT do a factory wipe & restore, when I plug it into Windows it instantly pops up with the "Device has Malfunctioned" not the "installing adb drivers" or anything like it has so many times before.. either Im over thinking this an the answer is so simple Im blinded by rage over how much this p1sses me off that it was working fine one moment an then just reboots to blank nothingness.. even if I take the battery out an try plugging it directing into the pc via the OEM usb cable it gives the same error with or w/o the battery in .. the toolkit cant even see it cause windows cant establish what the hell it is.. And yes I've tried installing every android driver possible.. the N7 was primarily for my wife to read e-books on.. so i rarely played with it.. an it was new sealed in the box just bought last year around this time so i can't believe the Flash Memory is shot already, if anyone could throw me their 2 cents it would be greatly appreciated , this is so frustrating but I think its BRICKED.. or at least some tiny flash chip is toast..
its the - N7 2012 Grouper WIFI Only model -
p.s. I apologize for the slight harsh tone, I'm just upset with this issue.. I got this particular tablet with the knowledge an understanding that it was the (almost) un-brickable tablet, yet I managed to do it.. If by some chance I get it to fire up, I will definitely let ya know.. But I have read alot of posts an my guess is somehow I managed to mess up the nvflash an now the memory chip or something is corrupt beyond a NRT Factory reset.. but again it was at almost full battery when i rebooted from within the TWRP Menus & I wasn't flashing anything previous to me being in my Main Rom which was stock rooted 4.4.4 de-bloated, playing a game called Empire 4 Kingdoms for like a 1/2 (just getting my daily's) before i decided to check out my Secondary Roms an rename a few because I wanted to started playing around with them to test how the same game played on different flavors or Android..
phnxnvrdies said:
Ok, so to start off I'm very familiar with Nexus Root Toolkit an its many graceful features & its ablity to bring the N7 from the brink of destruction (Soft -Brick) "AS LONG AS YOUR PC CAN DETECT THE DEVICE".
Here's the issue.. I was in TWRP (Multi-ROM) just renaming 1 of the Secondary ROMs to more friendly names, I hadn't done any flashing of any zips or roms for a few boots, I just booted into Recovery to do some renaming of Secondary ROMs that I had installed a few nights before but I had been in an out of several different one's just making sure they were all working so anyway.. after I was done renaming, I reboot the system & it just went F'ing blank.. now nothing.. there's no back light, no bootlogo, nothing happens at all when I plug in the charging or hold the power button with or w/out the vol-+ keys, I've checked the battery connection, it was snug but I removed it over night.. still nothing, I'm just clueless.. Before we jump on the NRT do a factory wipe & restore, when I plug it into Windows it instantly pops up with the "Device has Malfunctioned" not the "installing adb drivers" or anything like it has so many times before.. either Im over thinking this an the answer is so simple Im blinded by rage over how much this p1sses me off that it was working fine one moment an then just reboots to blank nothingness.. even if I take the battery out an try plugging it directing into the pc via the OEM usb cable it gives the same error with or w/o the battery in .. the toolkit cant even see it cause windows cant establish what the hell it is.. And yes I've tried installing every android driver possible.. the N7 was primarily for my wife to read e-books on.. so i rarely played with it.. an it was new sealed in the box just bought last year around this time so i can't believe the Flash Memory is shot already, if anyone could throw me their 2 cents it would be greatly appreciated , this is so frustrating but I think its BRICKED.. or at least some tiny flash chip is toast..
its the - N7 2012 Grouper WIFI Only model -
p.s. I apologize for the slight harsh tone, I'm just upset with this issue.. I got this particular tablet with the knowledge an understanding that it was the (almost) un-brickable tablet, yet I managed to do it.. If by some chance I get it to fire up, I will definitely let ya know.. But I have read alot of posts an my guess is somehow I managed to mess up the nvflash an now the memory chip or something is corrupt beyond a NRT Factory reset.. but again it was at almost full battery when i rebooted from within the TWRP Menus & I wasn't flashing anything previous to me being in my Main Rom which was stock rooted 4.4.4 de-bloated, playing a game called Empire 4 Kingdoms for like a 1/2 (just getting my daily's) before i decided to check out my Secondary Roms an rename a few because I wanted to started playing around with them to test how the same game played on different flavors or Android..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UPDATE STATUS - If I plug it into the pc without the battery i get a windows driver install box that says "Installing APX..." does this indicate the NVFlash is corrupt or is there a way to get out of apx mode.. im not familiar with that mode .. only ADB & fastboot..
Update 2 - After reading lots, I've come to conclude its hardbricked, must have had an error in memory or whatever.. its stuck in APX mode so im going to replace the whole MB with a working 32GB [model me370t] & start over .. maybe ill not install so many ROMS via multirom.. just a few - THREAD BE CLOSED - I'm done here, good luck to anyone with similar results

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