[Q] help with upgrading a501 from 3.2 to 4.0.3 - Acer Iconia A500

hi xda-ders
this is my first post , and i've been re-directed here to ask questions about my acer a501. so i've had my a501 for 20 months, before it suddenly developed the well documented issue of mainboard memory failure which cannot be fixed by software. i returned my a501 to acer nz to be repaired under warranty, and they replaced the mainboard. unfortunately this mainboard was also faulty with no wireless, so i had to return it again for another round of repairs.
i finally got my a501 back on friday, and realised that the mainboard replacement was on android 3.2. previously i had upgraded to android 4.0.3 using the acer iconia tab update app, but this doesn't seem to work anymore.
1. when i do a settings - about tablet - system update check, i get the message "network coverage is currently poor. please move to a location with better coverage to continue." googling this i find that acer no longer does OTA updates and have shut down their servers so i can't do it this way.
2. i called acer nz for support on upgrading to 4.0.3. they directed me to the acer nz support website where apparently i can download the update.zip and install it manually. following the instructions exactly, i can't get this to work and keep ending up with the android robot with a yellow ! icon.
can somebody help me with the steps needing to update android 3.2 to 4.0.3 manually? i've tried searching the web and xda but many of the threads are quite old from 2 years ago when ics was first released. thank you
my tablet info:
model number = A501
android version = 3.2
baseband version = Cust:R3C01 Config:R3S/3 Conf:R3C01 Protocol:R3B01 App:R3C01
kernel version = 2.6.36.3+
build number = Acer_A501_4.031.24_COM_GEN1

Did you try to update with a 2gb micro sd? The standard recovery doesn't recognize "big" micro sd., from what I saw.
One thing: I'm not 100% sure you can update your tablet without updating recovery too. Just in case, retrieve the cpuid of your tablet, it could be helpful if it goes in boot-loop!!

Same request but different scenario
So I have Acer A500 currently running Honeycomb version installed by tool "tdv4_rollback_rom". This tool helps you to get on with valid cwm recovery and rooted honeycomb rom. I assume this brings me to HC bootloader, which is not compatible with any ICS ROM. So if I understand correctly, I will have to upgrade to unlocked V8+ ICS Bootloader and from that point on flash ICS ROM (Lightspeed or Tabooney...). If my understanding is right, I am following correct guides to get unlocked ICS Bootloader on tab using AUTOMATED A500APXFlash tool. Everything goes fine and I do get PASS screen at end. After reboot, I boot in Skrilax V8 bootloader and then boot into recovery to flash ICS ROM. After flashing any ICS ROM, I am expecting my tablet to boot into corresponding ROM but after booting into primary kernel message, I am stuck at boot logo (acer, green droid based on ICS ROM I picked). No matter what I do, I can't pass this splash screen.
So far, I have tried bunch of things,
- tdv4_rollback_rom tool
- Afterota (to flash custom recovery and bootloader)
- APXManager to get unlocked ICS Bootloader V9 on tablet (Automatic and Manual as well). This has ran successfully (PASS message) multiple times, while there were times where it got stuck in second stage of uploading.
- At end, I have tried BabSector, "a501 A.bat" ran successfully, Booted in recovery formatted System (twice), While running "a501 B.bat" (in APX Mode) as following step, I got error message "bootloader status: Bct Write Failed (code: 22) message: nverror:0x42008 (0x6042008) flags: 0"
Anytime, when I am stuck in APX mode (while doing any of the above mentioned steps), I run back to tdv4_roolback_rom tool to get proper recovery and HC rom running on tablet.
So is it partially bricked or I am following some wrong steps?
Any suggestions to fix this issue? Or I should keep HC running on tablet? I am open to run pure ICS stock as well with stock recovery and bootloader, but darn thing won't pass the boot logo.
Thanks

omniastrider said:
Did you try to update with a 2gb micro sd? The standard recovery doesn't recognize "big" micro sd., from what I saw.
One thing: I'm not 100% sure you can update your tablet without updating recovery too. Just in case, retrieve the cpuid of your tablet, it could be helpful if it goes in boot-loop!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually i tried updating with a 1gb microsd but it didn't work. i have 2gb and 16gb cards at hand, but neither of them works so i don't think it's the microsd that is the problem.
how do i update recovery? i'm happy to use other types of recovery if i can get to 4.0.3 but so far all my reading hasn't showed any full factory acer rom that i can flash. :crying:

tildespace said:
actually i tried updating with a 1gb microsd but it didn't work. i have 2gb and 16gb cards at hand, but neither of them works so i don't think it's the microsd that is the problem.
how do i update recovery? i'm happy to use other types of recovery if i can get to 4.0.3 but so far all my reading hasn't showed any full factory acer rom that i can flash. :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the old times (a couple of years ago) I managed to update my Acer A500 from 3.2 to 4.0.3 (the leaked one from Acer) without installing another recovery, but maybe for the A501 the things are a little different.

omniastrider said:
In the old times (a couple of years ago) I managed to update my Acer A500 from 3.2 to 4.0.3 (the leaked one from Acer) without installing another recovery, but maybe for the A501 the things are a little different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in the old times on my previous tablet, i updated my a501 using the OTA check update app from within the tablet. i assume that is directly from acer, however it seems the servers have been shutdown and therefore i can't use that method anymore. hence why i'm asking if anyone here on xda has the full 4.0.3 that i can use to overwrite 3.2 version.

tildespace said:
in the old times on my previous tablet, i updated my a501 using the OTA check update app from within the tablet. i assume that is directly from acer, however it seems the servers have been shutdown and therefore i can't use that method anymore. hence why i'm asking if anyone here on xda has the full 4.0.3 that i can use to overwrite 3.2 version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I know, no more OTA from Acer. Have you taken a look here? There's a leaked ICS rom there...

omniastrider said:
I know, I know, no more OTA from Acer. Have you taken a look here? There's a leaked ICS rom there...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cool thanks for that link. i have downloaded the ICS rom and opened up the zip file, it doesn't look like a normal update.zip? what does leaked rom mean, not original from acer?
i'm worried that i might brick my tablet since i'm new at this flashing thing.

tildespace said:
cool thanks for that link. i have downloaded the ICS rom and opened up the zip file, it doesn't look like a normal update.zip? what does leaked rom mean, not original from acer?
i'm worried that i might brick my tablet since i'm new at this flashing thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Leaked" means that it comes from Acer, but it's not official (maybe it was a beta, maybe not, I don't know). From what I read, you only have to follow this flow chart in order to install it. Remember to save your data before flashing, and if you're not sure, don't flash!!

Related

Cannot root A501 with factory shipped Android 3.2

Hi all! My A501 16 GB had already installed Android 3.2 when I bought it. Initially I was thinking that maybe somebody updated it before I got it but now I think the tablet was factory shipped with 3.2. I followed different guides on how to downgrade to 3.0.1 or 3.1. People are reporting that they are able to downgrade after a too quick update to 3.2 without root. But on my A501 nothing seams working. I can install rooms from A500 with Android 3.0.1 and 3.1 but after the update the tablet restarts and right after starting only a red error message "Boot verified failed …" with the ACER logo in front, I consider this a bricked. Some other rooms I can't even install, the process stops before installing on the message "Booting recovery kernel image".
I am always able to repair my A501 with the available room of Android 3.2, but without downgrade I am unable to root. I am very disappointed because one week before I bought an A501 32 GB for a friend and that one was shipped with 3.0.1 and there was no problem to root it.
Currently I am convinced that my new A501 has a different boot loader which is not allowing me to downgrade or rather start another version.
Any help would be much appreciated! Within these circumstances I could buy an I-Pad also!
hapid said:
Hi all! My A501 16 GB had already installed Android 3.2 when I bought it. Initially I was thinking that maybe somebody updated it before I got it but now I think the tablet was factory shipped with 3.2. I followed different guides on how to downgrade to 3.0.1 or 3.1. People are reporting that they are able to downgrade after a too quick update to 3.2 without root. But on my A501 nothing seams working. I can install rooms from A500 with Android 3.0.1 and 3.1 but after the update the tablet restarts and right after starting only a red error message "Boot verified failed …" with the ACER logo in front, I consider this a bricked. Some other rooms I can't even install, the process stops before installing on the message "Booting recovery kernel image".
I am always able to repair my A501 with the available room of Android 3.2, but without downgrade I am unable to root. I am very disappointed because one week before I bought an A501 32 GB for a friend and that one was shipped with 3.0.1 and there was no problem to root it.
Currently I am convinced that my new A501 has a different boot loader which is not allowing me to downgrade or rather start another version.
Far as I know their is know root help would be much appreciated! Within these circumstances I could buy an I-Pad also!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No root is available for stock 3.2 far as I know.
There is more A500 than A501 Users so I think there will a root for the 3.2 version after the official upgrade of the A500.
I have the same problem with my A500.
I tried to get back from the Official 3.2 back to 3.1 as I need root also but now have "boot verified failed" and can't load any other roms on there, including the Chinese one that everybody was using to un-brick their A500s.
a501 3.2
Hi,
There is no android 3.1 for the a501, only the stock 3.0.1 and then the latest 3.2
You need to downgrade to 3.0.1, root the a501 using iconiaroot and then install any of the various 3.2 roms out there.
You need to download Acer_A501_1.309.02_COM_GEN1_SD_update.zip
Just google it and you can get it from the filesonic link.
Rename it to update.zip, stick it on a microsd card and then restart the a501 holding volume up + the power button.
This should install the stock 3.0.1 and from there, as stated above, you should be able to use iconiaroot to get root access and then reflash with any of the various 3.2 roms.
Have fun.
firestorm2yk said:
...You need to download Acer_A501_1.309.02_COM_GEN1_SD_update.zip...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, your help is very apreciated. I downloaded the rom and was able to install it but I ended up as many times before with other romes. After start instantly the message appears "Boot verified failed ...". Since this is a GEN1 version I fear I need a CUS7. Any Idea where I could get 3.0.1 for CUS7? Thanks!
Ok,
Try updating to 3.2 again using Acer_A501_0.000.00_4.017.03_EMEA_CUS7 (you need to google it, i cant post links as im new).
Once you are successfully booted into HC3.2, factory reset the a501 by either going to privacy - personal data - factory reset.
Alternatively, you can try the other factory reset method where you:
1. Switch off
2. Press Vol-up + Power
3. If display goes on: Release power but hold vol-up
3. Toggle Lock switch (On>Off>On>Off)
Screen will display:
Erasing Userdata..
Erasing Cache..
Then get the Acer_A501_1.309.02_COM_GEN1_SD_update.zip file and rename it to update.zip, out it on the root of a clean microsd card and start up your a501 holding the power button + volume up to install the stock rom.
This is the process i used to downgrade when i upgraded to 3.2 and realised there was no root access and it works fine on my a501.
Let us know how it goes.
firestorm2yk said:
Let us know how it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed your advice but with the same outcome "Boot validated failed ...".
3.2 is using a new bootloader that itsmagic doesn't work with. For now, you'll have to stick with stock 3.2 (if it's still working for you). You cannot root these devices yet and you cannot downgrade them either.
FloatingFatMan said:
(if it's still working for you)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3.2 is working. I'm always able to reanimate with 3.2. Thanks anyway!
Solution
Finally the solution is here: [TUT] Revert OTA 3.2 back to 3.0.1

[Q] How to revitalize A501/ICS ?

Hello,
I got a stock not-rooted A501 as a gift after a failed ics update (not able to boot any more, but already ics bootloader installed...).
I was not able to find a full a501 ics rom, so i tried an a500 ics rom to test whether the hw is ok at all.
Everything went fine, but the a500 image does not support 3G and the a501 gps. Which keeps anoying me...
But what to do ? Were can i find an image for a a501 with ics bootloader (stock, not rooted) ?
Or is it possible to install a hc image on top of an ics bootloader and update afterwards via regular OTA update...
(i tried images from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1816560 but they did not work)
Any alternatives ?
Thanks!
Mejd
mejdal99 said:
Hello,
I got a stock not-rooted A501 as a gift after a failed ics update (not able to boot any more, but already ics bootloader installed...).
I was not able to find a full a501 ics rom, so i tried an a500 ics rom to test whether the hw is ok at all.
Everything went fine, but the a500 image does not support 3G and the a501 gps. Which keeps anoying me...
But what to do ? Were can i find an image for a a501 with ics bootloader (stock, not rooted) ?
Or is it possible to install a hc image on top of an ics bootloader and update afterwards via regular OTA update...
(i tried images from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1816560 but they did not work)
Any alternatives ?
Thanks!
Mejd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe try A501 Evil Alex Unleashed ICS ver 4.0.3 Ver 2
patch on top of image - or ?!
ich23 said:
Maybe try A501 Evil Alex Unleashed ICS ver 4.0.3 Ver 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hm, as far as I understood that thread the attached zip from Alex is a patch for an Acer_AV041_A501_1.021.00_WW_GEN1 image.
But my research went fruitless, no Acer_AV041_A501_1.021.00_WW_GEN1 could be found.
Or am I missing something ?
Mejd (confused!?)
mejdal99 said:
hm, as far as I understood that thread the attached zip from Alex is a patch for an Acer_AV041_A501_1.021.00_WW_GEN1 image.
But my research went fruitless, no Acer_AV041_A501_1.021.00_WW_GEN1 could be found.
Or am I missing something ?
Mejd (confused!?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use a 3g dongle with the ppp widget (search the forum). it works fine
Tried a little bit further....
troufitos said:
Just use a 3g dongle with the ppp widget (search the forum). it works fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would be an option, but I am still thrilled by having 3g built-in w/o dongle...
Tried a little bit further, but made it worse... due to an unlocked bootloader.
Flashing of new images is impossible now, I am getting:
Booting recovery kernel image
Recovery verified failed
and all my trials with AfterOTA 1.09 full (delivers CPUID, SBK etc; but flashing does not work w/o error message) and V8-UNL-ICS-HC-bootloader-MULTI-cwm (with error message "USB device not found") did not work.
(booting into android still works)
Might WinXP 32bit (fully up to date) in VMWare Fusion (im working on a Mac) be a problem ? (The USB device is mounted, the ACER drivers are installed... the device not found is a little bit irritating).
Any further options to get back to a working bootloader? Manually with adb ?
(yes I read the forum, but honestly I am confused, there are many ways to Rome, some are quite old. I tried afterota and V8-UNL-ICS-HC-bootloader-MULTI-cwm, the others looked to sketchy.
Thanks
Mejd

[Solved]ACER Iconia A501 3g/wifi TAB - Help with root/ROM install (TimmyDean method)

Hi everyone.
Just repeating again - the model I have is A501 on stock 3.2.1 Honeycomb - a more USEFUL tablet with 3G and WIFI capabilities...One would think it would be a much more popular model, but the A501 doesn't have its own board on XDA; its merged with this board for the less practical A500. Basically, I have created this thread as I don't want to take any 'extra' risks in successfully installing ROOT with the CORRECT ROM with the most updated version of Android available for this tab, for example Jellybean...
Another A501 user, beny9 posted:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1745550
Following TimmyDean's method (thank you) I have now managed to install 3.2 Honeycomb A500 ROM with success after completing steps 1-15 inclusive from his README file. As you will know, I don't have 3G or GPS functionality, so I need a stock A501 ROM to install.
I have found:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113878
Is my best bet to install Acer_A501_1.309.02_4.031.24_COM_GEN1 : http://cdn.a1.futuredial.com/Acer_A5...2_35b68c5d.zip from that above link, which will keep me on HC 3.2 but now, it will be the ROM for the A501? As it seems the only other NEWER Acer updates for ICS are A500 only...
Can someone link me the a fully detailed video or post on here on installing the ROM i mentioned above (if that's the best one to go with, given what I'm on now; A500 3.2 and still keeping root), or to install some other A501 ROM which is for at least Jellybean or ICS?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1828876
Per this link, shoukd i just use the update.zip (for the 3.2 HC A501 ROM) put it on the SD card then boot up holding POWER + VOL DOWN until the file auto-installs?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1099673
Before I can try the above, I also have trouble after i download the ROM's zip file when I try to unzip. I have downloaded the Acer Update Decrypter, but AVG antiVirus will not allow me to run the EVE file even as an administrator. What should i do?
Thanks
RoOSTA
Your best bet is to install a good 501 HC 3.2 and get on HC for your 501.
The files are available. What you'll probably want is a full HC Update rom for the 501. Note that some of these Acer roms are encrypted, so you'll need to decrypt it first. You can find the decrypting tool in the Themes and Apps forum, as a "Sticky". After decrypting, you can pull the update.zip out of it, and copy to Ext SD (do not extract, just pull the update file out). Boot the tab holding Vol- and PWR I believe. Might be Vol+ but I can't remember. This should force the tab to look for update.zip on your SD and install it.
I would use this one;
Acer_A501_1.309.02_4.031.24_COM_GEN1
After it installs, and you get it set up, you need to get Acer Update Enhancer from the Play Store. This will allow your tab to get the ICS OTA.
Keep in mind, there is only 1 official ICS OTA update for the 501, so don't expect more. It may do it in 2 steps though.
If you want root on ICS, there is really only 1 way to get true root and adb system remounts. And that's to flash the V8 unlocked ICS Bootloader, and flash an insecure boot.image. There's currently a small package that'll give you somewhat root, but it's a pain and really doesn't do a good job. So it's better to get the V8 and unsecure boot image. Might be a good idea to also install CWM Recovery at the same time.
Get the correct rom installed first, then check back if you need help.
Oh yeah, one more thing. When you are on HC 3.2, get your UID number and write it down somewhere. You need this as a safety precaution. There's a good sticky thread on how to do it. Pretty simple really.
MD
Ugh. I have a pain in the A$$ version of AVG...even under advanced settings there was no disable options. Managed to figure it out to run the Acer Decrypter EXE and fix the image you have advised I should download and flash. Will give that a go now...
Thanks again!
Just to fill you in, this issue is solved.
1. Used TimmyDeans rollback V4 tool to a 500 rom
2. SD card was not recognized in CWM or Stock recovery. Was however recognized in the HC OS.
3. Formatted SD Card using Mini Tool formatting app. Format primary partition only to fat32 (defaults)
4. Decrypted and pulled update.zip from this 501 HC full update rom
Acer_A501_1.309.02_4.031.24_COM_GEN1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1816560
5. Did OTA update to 3.2.1
6. No more OTA available, even after installing Acer Update Enhancment tool.
7. Downloaded and used Blackthund3rs Bootloader management app
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
8.Downloaded V8 and CWM package, unzipped to the same folder as the tool
9. Ran the 500NVFlashapx app.
10. After completion, booted to CWM recovery, wiped and formatted, and install Moscow Desire's RaptorX almost stock ICS rom.
Works as advertised.
MD
Yep. All thanks to MD's patience and assistance throughout these steps..
Moscow Desire said:
Just to fill you in, this issue is solved.
1. Used TimmyDeans rollback V4 tool to a 500 rom
2. SD card was not recognized in CWM or Stock recovery. Was however recognized in the HC OS.
3. Formatted SD Card using Mini Tool formatting app. Format primary partition only to fat32 (defaults)
4. Decrypted and pulled update.zip from this 501 HC full update rom
Acer_A501_1.309.02_4.031.24_COM_GEN1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1816560
5. Did OTA update to 3.2.1
6. No more OTA available, even after installing Acer Update Enhancment tool.
7. Downloaded and used Blackthund3rs Bootloader management app
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
8.Downloaded V8 and CWM package, unzipped to the same folder as the tool
9. Ran the 500NVFlashapx app.
10. After completion, booted to CWM recovery, wiped and formatted, and install Moscow Desire's RaptorX almost stock ICS rom.
Works as advertised.
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Acer A501 OS refreshment
Moscow Desire said:
Your best bet is to install a good 501 HC 3.2 and get on HC for your 501.
The files are available. What you'll probably want is a full HC Update rom for the 501. Note that some of these Acer roms are encrypted, so you'll need to decrypt it first. You can find the decrypting tool in the Themes and Apps forum, as a "Sticky". After decrypting, you can pull the update.zip out of it, and copy to Ext SD (do not extract, just pull the update file out). Boot the tab holding Vol- and PWR I believe. Might be Vol+ but I can't remember. This should force the tab to look for update.zip on your SD and install it.
I would use this one;
Acer_A501_1.309.02_4.031.24_COM_GEN1
After it installs, and you get it set up, you need to get Acer Update Enhancer from the Play Store. This will allow your tab to get the ICS OTA.
Keep in mind, there is only 1 official ICS OTA update for the 501, so don't expect more. It may do it in 2 steps though.
If you want root on ICS, there is really only 1 way to get true root and adb system remounts. And that's to flash the V8 unlocked ICS Bootloader, and flash an insecure boot.image. There's currently a small package that'll give you somewhat root, but it's a pain and really doesn't do a good job. So it's better to get the V8 and unsecure boot image. Might be a good idea to also install CWM Recovery at the same time.
Get the correct rom installed first, then check back if you need help.
Oh yeah, one more thing. When you are on HC 3.2, get your UID number and write it down somewhere. You need this as a safety precaution. There's a good sticky thread on how to do it. Pretty simple really.
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am embarking on a very crucial mission for my Acer A501 . Its tablet OS refreshment. I have spoken and written to Acer but all my pleas have fallen on deaf ears. At last i stumbled on this site and WOW ! I am downloading the Acer_A501_1.309.02_4.031.24_COM_GEN1 and will flash as per the instruction. But I am finding difficult to locate the "sticky" software for the decryption the above. can you please help me locate the same.
I really appreciate your help and thank you in advance
jonnybrave said:
I am embarking on a very crucial mission for my Acer A501 . Its tablet OS refreshment. I have spoken and written to Acer but all my pleas have fallen on deaf ears. At last i stumbled on this site and WOW ! I am downloading the Acer_A501_1.309.02_4.031.24_COM_GEN1 and will flash as per the instruction. But I am finding difficult to locate the "sticky" software for the decryption the above. can you please help me locate the same.
I really appreciate your help and thank you in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the decryption tool. Located in themes and apps.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1869505
Good Luck!
MD
Trouble installing update.zip for A501
Moscow Desire said:
Here is the decryption tool. Located in themes and apps.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1869505
Good Luck!
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi MD,
I have Acer Iconia A501 tablet. My tablet suddenly showed andriod logo with exclamation mark when it was being used. Upon looking at your posts, I found the resolution which I tried. I am not expert in this all, but I tried running your ROM "41-124-01-A500-update" from one of your posts which was actually meant for A500. This resolved the issue successfully and tablet was up and running.
Then further I found full ROM for A501 as mentioned below and thought that I should try the ROM meant for the model of my tablet.
I successfully decrypted the ROM that you mentioned "Acer_A501_1.309.02_4.031.24_COM_GEN1"
When I tried to update it with the mentioned ROM update.zip, it did updated it from SD card and passed android symbol with those gears running. However, when it restarted the tablet by itself, it showed ACER logo and then it showed "ANDROID" (spelling in blue color) which kept on flikering slowly for long long time....for more than 30 minutes and did not moved further. Can you please let me know whats could be wrong?
I also tried ICS ROM, but that didn't worked (it failed). So after couple of trail and error, I moved back to A500 ROM update.zip which I knew that is installing successfully.
Can you please let me know what shall be done in case I want update.zip for A501? It will be highly appreciated if you can upload update.zip directly that I can use and that gets installed successfully.
Regards,
Muk
mukapril said:
Hi MD,
I have Acer Iconia A501 tablet. My tablet suddenly showed andriod logo with exclamation mark when it was being used. Upon looking at your posts, I found the resolution which I tried. I am not expert in this all, but I tried running your ROM "41-124-01-A500-update" from one of your posts which was actually meant for A500. This resolved the issue successfully and tablet was up and running.
Then further I found full ROM for A501 as mentioned below and thought that I should try the ROM meant for the model of my tablet.
I successfully decrypted the ROM that you mentioned "Acer_A501_1.309.02_4.031.24_COM_GEN1"
When I tried to update it with the mentioned ROM update.zip, it did updated it from SD card and passed android symbol with those gears running. However, when it restarted the tablet by itself, it showed ACER logo and then it showed "ANDROID" (spelling in blue color) which kept on flikering slowly for long long time....for more than 30 minutes and did not moved further. Can you please let me know whats could be wrong?
I also tried ICS ROM, but that didn't worked (it failed). So after couple of trail and error, I moved back to A500 ROM update.zip which I knew that is installing successfully.
Can you please let me know what shall be done in case I want update.zip for A501? It will be highly appreciated if you can upload update.zip directly that I can use and that gets installed successfully.
Regards,
Muk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Muk, I can probably guess the ROM you installed doesn't do data wipes and such, so it caused an animation loop.
Try this one. It's an SD ROM, so it "should" wipe your Data, along with installing the ROM.
https://mega.co.nz/#!NZBlBSLQ!mOHICp7gbinkYeHCvrEz7aKXsWQjjquAWq_XC_lSQzk
As you probably discovered, Acer has pretty much removed almost all tablet ROMs. I snagged a few the other day, then checked yesterday, and they removed all from their support site.
I would guess they are getting out of the tablet business.
Also, they shut down their OTA Update servers for a few months now.
Acer A501
mukapril said:
Hi MD,
I have Acer Iconia A501 tablet. My tablet suddenly showed andriod logo with exclamation mark when it was being used. Upon looking at your posts, I found the resolution which I tried. I am not expert in this all, but I tried running your ROM "41-124-01-A500-update" from one of your posts which was actually meant for A500. This resolved the issue successfully and tablet was up and running.
Then further I found full ROM for A501 as mentioned below and thought that I should try the ROM meant for the model of my tablet.
I successfully decrypted the ROM that you mentioned "Acer_A501_1.309.02_4.031.24_COM_GEN1"
When I tried to update it with the mentioned ROM update.zip, it did updated it from SD card and passed android symbol with those gears running. However, when it restarted the tablet by itself, it showed ACER logo and then it showed "ANDROID" (spelling in blue color) which kept on flikering slowly for long long time....for more than 30 minutes and did not moved further. Can you please let me know whats could be wrong?
I also tried ICS ROM, but that didn't worked (it failed). So after couple of trail and error, I moved back to A500 ROM update.zip which I knew that is installing successfully.
Can you please let me know what shall be done in case I want update.zip for A501? It will be highly appreciated if you can upload update.zip directly that I can use and that gets installed successfully.
Regards,
Muk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A big thank you to Moscow. I have tried the above link but still no go.. I have seen on Acer website they have updated the OS but all Android 4.0 ICS and nothing with Honeycomb. The tablet was initially with Honeycomb. Please advice. Thank you and Best Regards.
Trouble installing ROM for A501
jonnybrave said:
A big thank you to Moscow. I have tried the above link but still no go.. I have seen on Acer website they have updated the OS but all Android 4.0 ICS and nothing with Honeycomb. The tablet was initially with Honeycomb. Please advice. Thank you and Best Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi MD,
Thanks for your super fast response. I am downloading the ROM for A501 from the link provided by me. I will update you if it works in my tab.
I forgot to mention you about one message that I received once tablet is restarted. So, once ROM for A501 from SD card has performed its job successfully....that is that android symbol with gears in its tummy is successfully finished and tablet restarts. It shows "Acer" (spelling logo) and then after it gets stuck at "android" (spelling logo). Between these two, it displays two lines messages on top left corner for 2-3 seconds that the "blob is illegal - abort" and then gets stuck at "android" (spelling logo). I think this might be useful for you to identify something.
Another thing about wiping out the data, in starting when we press volume down and power button, it does display message about SD card (still not not sure about whether it might be wiping out the data or not....I believe you might be correct that it might not be wiping out the data).
Another thing, that I found in my backup is that when I purchased this tab (A501), I downloaded HoneyComb 3.2 Kernel Source Code from the Acer support site. Is this something that you can do magic with and provide me with update.zip? Please let me know....if you can do magic with this, then let me know how shall I share it with you.
Regards,
Muk
Trouble installing ROM for A501
Hi MD,
Thanks for your super fast response.
I tried downloading the ROM for A501 from the link provided by you. It downloaded it from the cloud, but at the very end it displayed message "Decryption Error". Still I tried extracting "update.zip" from the zip file, but it displayed message that the archive is corrupt and file is corrupt. Can you please check at your end and provide me with fresh link or directly with update.zip? For your reference I have attached screenshots of errors.
I forgot to mention you about one message that I received once tablet is restarted. So, once ROM for A501 from SD card has performed its job successfully....that is that android symbol with gears in its tummy is successfully finished and tablet restarts. It shows "Acer" (spelling logo) and then after it gets stuck at "android" (spelling logo). Between these two, it displays two lines messages on top left corner for 2-3 seconds that the "blob is illegal - abort" and then gets stuck at "android" (spelling logo). I think this might be useful for you to identify something.
Another thing about wiping out the data, in starting when we press volume down and power button, it does display message about SD card (still not not sure about whether it might be wiping out the data or not....I believe you might be correct that it might not be wiping out the data).
Another thing, that I found in my backup is that when I purchased this tab (A501), I downloaded HoneyComb 3.2 Kernel Source Code from the Acer support site. Is this something that you can do magic with and provide me with update.zip? Please let me know....if you can do magic with this, then let me know how shall I share it with you.
Regards,
Muk
Trouble installing ROM for A501
Hi MD,
Please read my earlier message and then read this one.
Thanks a lot....your answer about my first problem resolved everything.... (your answer was "that the ROM that I am trying to install is not clearing the data"...I verified that the ROM is clearing the cache, but not the user data. I can confidently say that you correctly identified the issue as when the ROM installation was stuck at "android"....I switched off my tablet and tried installing again the old ROM for A500 which I knew that it is working and instead of asking me to configure the tablet (i.e. time zone, date & time setup, etc.) after installation, it simply logged in and started my tablet as usual....that means that when I was trying to install ROM for A501, it was not clearing user data and was then hanging).
Now coming back to the link that you sent me in previous message, I was able to download the zip file successfully in the second attempt. I extracted the update.zip and it did not work. It showed the similar problem of getting stuck at "android". However, with your great answer that you gave me, I cleared the user data and cache manually by pressing vol up + power buttons simultaneously and then when "acer" symbol displays, releasing only power button and turning on and off the lock button. This cleared user data and cache. After that, since update.zip (that you provided) was already in my SD card, it installed the ROM and tablet works perfectly. Thanks a lot....:good:
One question, when it asked me about the zone, it had only few countries like US, UK, etc. I couldn't find Australia...is it because this ROM not for Australia? I understand that this is not an issue, but if you find anything for Australia, do send me.
Another thing, is this HoneyComb 3.2? Will 3G and GPS work in this one?
Do let me know if you can do some magic with HoneyComb 3.2 kernel source code that I have as mentioned earlier.
Regards,
Muk
mukapril said:
Hi MD,
Please read my earlier message and then read this one.
Thanks a lot....your answer about my first problem resolved everything.... (your answer was "that the ROM that I am trying to install is not clearing the data"...I verified that the ROM is clearing the cache, but not the user data. I can confidently say that you correctly identified the issue as when the ROM installation was stuck at "android"....I switched off my tablet and tried installing again the old ROM for A500 which I knew that it is working and instead of asking me to configure the tablet (i.e. time zone, date & time setup, etc.) after installation, it simply logged in and started my tablet as usual....that means that when I was trying to install ROM for A501, it was not clearing user data and was then hanging).
Now coming back to the link that you sent me in previous message, I was able to download the zip file successfully in the second attempt. I extracted the update.zip and it did not work. It showed the similar problem of getting stuck at "android". However, with your great answer that you gave me, I cleared the user data and cache manually by pressing vol up + power buttons simultaneously and then when "acer" symbol displays, releasing only power button and turning on and off the lock button. This cleared user data and cache. After that, since update.zip (that you provided) was already in my SD card, it installed the ROM and tablet works perfectly. Thanks a lot....:good:
One question, when it asked me about the zone, it had only few countries like US, UK, etc. I couldn't find Australia...is it because this ROM not for Australia? I understand that this is not an issue, but if you find anything for Australia, do send me.
Another thing, is this HoneyComb 3.2? Will 3G and GPS work in this one?
Do let me know if you can do some magic with HoneyComb 3.2 kernel source code that I have as mentioned earlier.
Regards,
Muk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm mobile right now, so can't go into big detail.
In your settings, about tablet, you can always find info on which specific OS you have. If you indeed have an A501 and the settings tells you that your tablet is a 501, then your 3g and GPS should function.
The only 2 differences between an A500 and an A501 is of course 3g. Also, they use different GPS radios. So you can install 500 Roms on a 501 and vice versa. Just the above 2 items won't work. Also, I believe I gave you a 3.2.x ROM. Getting it to ICS 4.0.4 may be a problem.
I revived my own 501 last night by putting the motherboard in the oven, but now it doesn't read my ext SD card, so I may be stuck on 3.2. Eh, no problem.
mukapril said:
Hi MD,
Please read my earlier message and then read this one.
Thanks a lot....your answer about my first problem resolved everything.... (your answer was "that the ROM that I am trying to install is not clearing the data"...I verified that the ROM is clearing the cache, but not the user data. I can confidently say that you correctly identified the issue as when the ROM installation was stuck at "android"....I switched off my tablet and tried installing again the old ROM for A500 which I knew that it is working and instead of asking me to configure the tablet (i.e. time zone, date & time setup, etc.) after installation, it simply logged in and started my tablet as usual....that means that when I was trying to install ROM for A501, it was not clearing user data and was then hanging).
Now coming back to the link that you sent me in previous message, I was able to download the zip file successfully in the second attempt. I extracted the update.zip and it did not work. It showed the similar problem of getting stuck at "android". However, with your great answer that you gave me, I cleared the user data and cache manually by pressing vol up + power buttons simultaneously and then when "acer" symbol displays, releasing only power button and turning on and off the lock button. This cleared user data and cache. After that, since update.zip (that you provided) was already in my SD card, it installed the ROM and tablet works perfectly. Thanks a lot....:good:
One question, when it asked me about the zone, it had only few countries like US, UK, etc. I couldn't find Australia...is it because this ROM not for Australia? I understand that this is not an issue, but if you find anything for Australia, do send me.
Another thing, is this HoneyComb 3.2? Will 3G and GPS work in this one?
Do let me know if you can do some magic with HoneyComb 3.2 kernel source code that I have as mentioned earlier.
Regards,
Muk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello mukapril .. may you provide me with the Honeycomb ROM which I might try ?
Thanking you and Best Regards
Trouble installing A501 ROM
Moscow Desire said:
I'm mobile right now, so can't go into big detail.
In your settings, about tablet, you can always find info on which specific OS you have. If you indeed have an A501 and the settings tells you that your tablet is a 501, then your 3g and GPS should function.
The only 2 differences between an A500 and an A501 is of course 3g. Also, they use different GPS radios. So you can install 500 Roms on a 501 and vice versa. Just the above 2 items won't work. Also, I believe I gave you a 3.2.x ROM. Getting it to ICS 4.0.4 may be a problem.
I revived my own 501 last night by putting the motherboard in the oven, but now it doesn't read my ext SD card, so I may be stuck on 3.2. Eh, no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi MD,
Apologies for very long replies. Wanted to convey the message in detail how I did it so that it might help someone else like me.
Thanks for your response. I have tested it, 3G and GPS is working fine. I believe, before my tab encountered this problem, it was having version 4 which should be ICS. At that stage I didn't had any problem with my tab...I believe it was there for long time.
If you have good known ROM for ICS, please forward me I can try on my tab. If it doesn't work, then will re-install the Honeycomb that you sent earlier.
One more question....when I try to update the system from "About Tablet" in Settings, why it displays message the the "network is poor" and advices to move to better coverage? Though, I am just besides my WiFi modem and coverage is almost 100%.
And @jonnybrave: If you are referring to the ROM that I successfully installed which was sent by MD earlier, then it does not need any decryption. So you can use the link sent by MD earlier in this post. And if you are referring to the KernelSourceCode that I mentioned earleir, then it needs some kind of processing in Linux machine and then you can create some image.....this is was I know about it....sorry not an andrion guru. Please let me know what you are referring to.
Regards,
Mukesh
mukapril said:
One more question....when I try to update the system from "About Tablet" in Settings, why it displays message the the "network is poor" and advices to move to better coverage? Though, I am just besides my WiFi modem and coverage is almost 100%.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get the message as do all 500/501 owners (it can change depending on version of Rom).
Acer no longer gives updates to any of their devices (regardless of age). These are otherwise known as OTA Updates. So they have closed their update servers, so now we get some "message" that absolutely means nothing.
I suppose Acer is getting out of the Android business and no longer supports anything. Nice job Acer.
As for updating to ICS (or any other version), I have a few update files. Generally though, the update files must be matched to the current version of your tablet. Sometimes you can run a "full update" and it will work.
The problem, is these tablets are getting old, and the nand memory can go bad. Running an update can cause a variety of problems such as "Stuck in APX" mode, stuck at bootloader, stuck at boot animation. Then we have to go back to the EUUS file, or an old SD ROM file. So you run the risk of doing things all over again, and the risk that it just won't work again. (I spent a couple hours last night, and was almost ready to throw it in the garbage)
For example, I'm pretty much stuck at 3.0.x or 3.2.x. I've already disassembled the tablet and put the mainboard in the oven, just to get it back to life! And after numerous attempts to get ICS on it, I've pretty much given up before it hard bricks again. In fact, I can't get a 3.2.x EUUS to work on it, so it is stuck at the 3.0.x ATT EUUS. Eh, it's my little girls tab, so as long as it gets You Tube and browser, it's pretty much ok.
Trouble installing A501 ROM
Hi MD,
I am in the same boat as you...lol...This tablet is mostly used by my daughter and as long as it is solving my daughter's purpose, we are happy
I was just curious about that message as to why that is happenning, but after your clarification, it is clear to me as to why it is happenning.
My tablet is working as normal and everything is working fine...so we are happy with what we have.
Thanks a lot!
Regards,
Muk
---------- Post added at 03:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:48 AM ----------
jonnybrave said:
Hello mukapril .. may you provide me with the Honeycomb ROM which I might try ?
Thanking you and Best Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Jonny,
If you are referring to the ROM that I successfully installed which was sent by MD earlier, then it does not need any decryption. So you can use the link sent by MD earlier in this post. And if you are referring to the KernelSourceCode that I mentioned earleir, then it needs some kind of processing in Linux machine and then you can create some image.....this is was I know about it....sorry not an andrion guru. Please let me know what you are referring to.
Regards,
Muk

[Q] Unbricked & rooted 3.0.1 - can't update to ICS or JB.

Ok here goes. Sorry for the long post but I want to give as much info as possible so I don't leave any of you in the dark about anything. Been working on / researching this for four days now to no avail.
My A500 which was running ICS 4.0.2 just randomly bricked itself one night, so I downloaded EUUs_SBK_Acer_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1 from here. It worked, but I really don't want to stay on HC 3.0.1 so I decided to go through the updates. It updated great, HC 3.1...3.2...then when the ICS update came along BAM it bricked itself again (stuck on Acer loading screen)
So, I decided I might as well root it, since I've always wanted to. Ran EUUS again to reset to HC 3.0.1 then ran gingerbreak. Installed Acer Recovery Installer and used Thor's recovery 1.7 I believe it was. Booted into recovery and tried to install update.zip from the STOCK Acer_A500_7.014.16_041.206.01_COM_GEN1.zip I downloaded and BAM bricked again...my tablet doesn't like ICS now all of a sudden? Strange...
I then downloaded NVFLASH from here and installed skrilax's V8 bootloader w/recovery. Booted into recovery great, wiped the partitions etc. and tried to install the same ICS update.zip. BRICKED again!!!! Back to the drawing board...run EUUS...3.0.1 again...
So after days of working on this I decided maybe my Tab hates ICS now for some reason unbeknownst to me. Not very rational (lol) but anyway. I saw the JB ROM that's been put up http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2239476&highlight=rom+ics and figured heck, why not, maybe the ICS ROM I have is corrupt. So I used NVFLASH, Skrilax's V8, and flashed the ROM...bricked again
I think the only thing I haven't tried is
I think I'm going to go crazy now.
Please help, I'm at wit's end.
More info:
I have acquired mmcblk0 (renamed to mmcblk0_start), my CPUID, and my SBK
I enable USB Debugging and Unknown Sources every time.
I have Windows 7, but also have UBUNTU installed on a Virtual Machine if the need arises.
Oh and I've booted into fastboot mode and run Babsector as well which did not help.
Hope I didn't miss anything. My brain is tired from working on this for so many days. I really want my A500 back! Either JB or ICS & rooted if possible!!!
Pareeeee said:
Ok here goes. Sorry for the long post but I want to give as much info as possible so I don't leave any of you in the dark about anything. Been working on / researching this for four days now to no avail.
My A500 which was running ICS 4.0.2 just randomly bricked itself one night, so I downloaded EUUs_SBK_Acer_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1 from here. It worked, but I really don't want to stay on HC 3.0.1 so I decided to go through the updates. It updated great, HC 3.1...3.2...then when the ICS update came along BAM it bricked itself again (stuck on Acer loading screen)
So, I decided I might as well root it, since I've always wanted to. Ran EUUS again to reset to HC 3.0.1 then ran gingerbreak. Installed Acer Recovery Installer and used Thor's recovery 1.7 I believe it was. Booted into recovery and tried to install update.zip from the STOCK Acer_A500_7.014.16_041.206.01_COM_GEN1.zip I downloaded and BAM bricked again...my tablet doesn't like ICS now all of a sudden? Strange...
I then downloaded NVFLASH from here and installed skrilax's V8 bootloader w/recovery. Booted into recovery great, wiped the partitions etc. and tried to install the same ICS update.zip. BRICKED again!!!! Back to the drawing board...run EUUS...3.0.1 again...
So after days of working on this I decided maybe my Tab hates ICS now for some reason unbeknownst to me. Not very rational (lol) but anyway. I saw the JB ROM that's been put up http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2239476&highlight=rom+ics and figured heck, why not, maybe the ICS ROM I have is corrupt. So I used NVFLASH, Skrilax's V8, and flashed the ROM...bricked again
I think the only thing I haven't tried is
I think I'm going to go crazy now.
Please help, I'm at wit's end.
More info:
I have acquired mmcblk0 (renamed to mmcblk0_start), my CPUID, and my SBK
I enable USB Debugging and Unknown Sources every time.
I have Windows 7, but also have UBUNTU installed on a Virtual Machine if the need arises.
Oh and I've booted into fastboot mode and run Babsector as well which did not help.
Hope I didn't miss anything. My brain is tired from working on this for so many days. I really want my A500 back! Either JB or ICS & rooted if possible!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow I thought I was the only one who had this issue. My A501 was working fine on Evil-A V2 (4.1.2) for many months and decided one night to crash and now stuck on V8 boot screen. Ive tried everything however I can get it to boot up on a 3.2 update.zip file.
The only recoveries I can get to work are TWRP 2.5.0.0 (on secboot)
Now I cant get it to flash anything other than 3.2.
It is formatted with ext4 partitions
whenever I try to flash it reboots to ACER download screen but the flashers wont get any further than that. (loads Acer boot recovery driver ok)
Any ideas?
Nice to know I'm not the only one. I hope we get some answers!!
*sigh* My situation has gotten worse. Now TDv4/EUUS won't roll back my device and my tab won't go past the recovery bootscreen (Just says "TEAMWIN" on the screen) That is the ONLY recovery that NVFLASH will flash to my device now, for some reason none of the other recoveries will go back onto it.
My stress level has gone up 800% from working on this. I don't have the money to buy a new tab. I really need to get this one working again.
:crying:
Pareeeee said:
Nice to know I'm not the only one. I hope we get some answers!!
*sigh* My situation has gotten worse. Now TDv4/EUUS won't roll back my device and my tab won't go past the recovery bootscreen (Just says "TEAMWIN" on the screen) That is the ONLY recovery that NVFLASH will flash to my device now, for some reason none of the other recoveries will go back onto it.
My stress level has gone up 800% from working on this. I don't have the money to buy a new tab. I really need to get this one working again.
:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you tried lightspeed v8 bootloader and rom? that's the only thing that worked for me. then I could updatw to twrp and jb.
Sent from here
LPMatt said:
have you tried lightspeed v8 bootloader and rom? that's the only thing that worked for me. then I could updatw to twrp and jb.
Sent from here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think my MB is failing/has failed. Either that or something I flashed to it was badly corrupted.
Now my tab has stuck itself in apx mode, bootloader won't load, recovery won't load, every program I have (nvflash, TDv4, EUUs, Babsector, etc) fails. Babsector gives me the fatal error "command 12 NvError 0x120002" and "setting device: 2 3" which I've read means that the tab is shot. Adb.exe tells me the device is not detected, even though all the drivers are installed correctly.
I'm pretty bummed because I don't have the money to buy another tab at the moment, and I used it ALL the time, took it everywhere with me.
On the up-side, I've done some research and it seems if you disassemble your tab and sell the working parts (things like the screen, metal back panel, internal speakers - obviously NOT the MB though!) individually on eBay you can make a bit of your money back.
Can anyone direct me to some good links/video tutorials for dis-assembly?
whoops... I just started a new thread with a very similar issue... My tab also just involuntarily bricked itself... I've made some progress but it's still in bad shape... I don't know about you guys but I had been running at a steady 50% overclock; do you think that could have led to this?
Sorry Man
No @rwilpstra....my a500 is overclocked to 1504 ghz and it runs just fine......as for you pareeeee....Sorry man.....your device is gone....no apx...no fastboot....no recovery.....it's beyond minor corruption....it's like you somehow managed to corrupt every single part of the memory and every partition that there was on your device....you're better off disassembling it.:crying::crying:

[Q] Get upgrade path with stock roms

Hi:
I'am having issues with my Acer Iconia A500 16 Gb, while trying to get it with a customer bootloader or recovery.
After endless hours os troubleshooting I was able to get it to boot up using the original EUU.
I change my goal to just get it all the way updated with stock firmwares.
1. Acer_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1
2. Acer_A500_4.010.38_COM_GEN1
3. Acer_A500_4.010.42_7.006.01_COM_GEN1_1316486539113_b52eab29
So I'm running 7.006.01 at this moment.
Can't go any further than this. And I have downloaded bunch of updates from Acer Support site and others. Please help get this tablet working with ICS.
¿Why not custom bootloader and recovery?
Long story short, I had to put this tablet's motherboard into an oven to get it to load the EUU and subsequent updates; this tables just hates everything bootleader/recovery related.
Thanks for your time!

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