Android NOVICES

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What do I do if it all goes wrong?

If you have read everything in the Novices corner and taken the correct advice you will at least have some form of backup and already know that nothing is foolproof and that sometimes flashing a rom or installing an update can cause your beloved tablet to not work how you expect or in the worse case fail to work at all.

If your tablet is alive in some form then you can try resetting it. This may be achieved differently on different model tablets. Some have reset holes where you can insert a pin whilst others may be restored through a software menu. If you are able to access CWM then you can try to restore your backup. A full CWM recovery image will return your tablet to exactly the state it was in when you created the backup.

If none of these options will work then you have a more serious problem and you will need to be able to tell the forum experts clearly and concisely some things about your tablet so they can try and help you get it working again.
First of all make sure when you post your request for help that you make your post in the right sub forum for your specific tablet.
State the full make Model and specification of your tablet in your help request.

Explain the set up you had on your tablet when it was last working what you have done to it since then, and what has exactly happened. The better the quality of the information you post on the forum the more likely and the sooner someone may be able to help you.

Posting “I flashed this Rom and now its bust” will not be very useful as people will have to ask you questions about what you did, which Rom it was, what is your tablet, what happened etc. So always err on the side of too much detail rather than not enough – but please don’t gush.

You will find a wealth of information answering many questions you may have here: viewforum.php?f=42


If you have really bricked it then you could try here

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What Does Root Give Me?
(some information comes from AndroidWiki)

1. Full control over your system

2. Ability to alter system files. You can replace many parts of the "Android Core" with this including:
 . Themes
 . Core apps (maps, calendar, clock etc)
 . Recovery image
 . Bootloader
 . Toolbox (linux binary that lets you execute simple linux commands like "ls") can be replaced with Busybox (slightly better option)
 . Boot images
 . Add linux binaries

3. Run special apps that need more control over the system
 . SuperUser (lets you approve or deny the use of root access to any program)
 . Task Manager For Root (Lets you kill apps that you otherwise could not kill)
 . Tether apps

4. Backup your system
 . You can make a folder on your sdcard and backup all of your .apk files to your sdcard (helps if an author decides to "upgrade" you to a version that requires you to pay to use the version you just had)

5. Relocate your (browser/maps/market) cache to your /sdcard

6. Relocate your installed applications to your /sdcard

7. Reboot your tablet from the terminal app easily (su <enter> reboot <enter>)

What Do I Lose Having Root

1. The ability to accept Over The air updates (well, you can but you would lose root, so its been made so they get denied)

2. The sense that someone else controls your tablet

3. The need to sit in an Android chat channel asking how to get root

4. The need for a stupid useless "File Manager" that lets you see filenames but almost nothing else.

How can I root my tablet

There can be no simple answer to this question as the tablet markets are constantly in a state of development.
It will depend on what make and model you have and whether someone has found a way of rooting your specific model.
Mobile phone service providers usually tend to try and lockdown the phones they sell directly to you to make it difficult for you to use your phone independantly of their market. However, with android tablets there is less commercial advantage in doing this other than to create a forced customer loyalty, usually adopted by only the larger branded suppliers who will probably provide you with a good customer service and regular firmware updates in order to keep your loyalty until their next new model is released.

The lesser brands do not seem to follow this route and consequently you may find that a lesser branded tablet may well be already rooted straight out of the box.

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This information has been collected from the public domain and edited where necessary to keep it Tablet relevant.
There may be slight icon differences in what your tablet shows but otherwise this aid is essentially correct
An introduction to Ice Cream Sandwich:



























You can read more in detail here: http://www.asianfonesforum.com/Allwinner_Manual_4.0.doc


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Android Commander

Android Commander is a small fast intuitive windows application that you can use to manage files and apps on your rooted android device without typing any command and mounting SD card
Android comander provides you with an easy to use interface of twin explorer windows with your PC data on the left pane and your android tablet data on the right-hand pane.
Android commander can be downloaded here
Note Scroll to top page when you land to see the download icon.)

Requirements

Tablet Requirements:
• ADB ROOT Access
• BusyBox (is usually included in the tablet's stock ROM) WARNING Do not download Buzybox without carefully checking that it is not already on your tablet. With Scroll tablets it usually is already installed. If you download BusyBox from Google Play store it is likely to be the wrong version for your Scroll tablet and installing will brick your tablet!
• "Settings/Applications/Development/USB debugging” must be enabled
• USB Cable

Computer Requirements:
• Windows XP/Vista/7
• ADB USB Driver
• Java JDK
• Minimum 800×600 screen resolution

Features

Files Explorer
• copy multiple files/dirs between Device and PC
• copy multiple files/dirs between Device folders
• delete multiple files/dirs from Device
• drag&drop multiple files/dirs in to progrm
• drag&drop files/dirs between program tabs
• files/dirs properties
• edit files/dir permissions
• bookmarks
• new dir and rename options

Applications Manager

• batch/single apps install
• install as private
• install as update
• install as system app
• batch/single uinstall apps
• uninstall system apps
• uninstall and keep app data
• batch/single apps backup to any dir on Device/PC
• app details
• search app on Web Android Market/AppBrain/AndroLib/Cyrket
• windows integration

Search Bar

• search apps in device Android Market
• search location on device Google Maps
• open URL in device browser

Device Info

• device
• ROM
• partitions
• battery

Console

• run any shell command
• run sh script from PC

Logcat

• messages colouring
• message type filter

Flashing Tool

• flash any zip update/ROM/mod from PC
• flash recovery/boot/system/userdata/cache image from PC

Virtual Input

• emulate device keys
• send text to device text field

Signing Tool

• sign any zip file
• sign any apk file
• program explorer integration

Other

• reboot, reboot to recovery, reboot to bootloader, power off device
• multi device support
• WiFi Mode
• No Device Mode

Changelog from last version (0.7.9.9 RC3):
• some fixes in WiFi Mode
• added access to WiFi Mode from Select Device Dialog and No Device Mode
• bug fixes

Version 0.7.9.9:
• program doesn’t need SDK to work
• better apps manager: now everything is in one tab, apps from internal memory and sd card
• you can list system apps in apps manager, and uninstall them
• you can install any app as system app, stright to /system/app/ dir
• multi device support
• easy switching between devices
• WiFI Mode
• No Device Mode
• logcat
• virtual input
• Device Info window
• android files/dirs properties window
• possibility to change files and dirs permissions from properties window
• toolbar
• search in maps and market on the phone
• open url in phone browser
• improved „address tabs”
• bookmarks in extended window
• search on web android market button in app info window
• deleting multiple files/dirs in win tab
• sorting by date in win tab and installer
• ability to remove apk association
• singing files from context menu in win tab
• customisable lists in program settings, you can change font size, colour position
• better console
• redesigned app info window
• progress on windows bar (win7)
• checking for update
• more changes
• lots of bug fixes

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Some useful links:

Android 2.3.4 Users guide:

Android 3.0 Users Guide:

Video how to flash firmware using Livesuite

Having trouble connecting your tablet to WIFI:

Having trouble playing video on your Scroll Tablet:

A PDF manual/guide on using LIvesuite:

Storage Options Scroll Tablet FAQ's:

About Fastboot

Storage Options Partner app stores

Storage Options Instruction Manuals

Storage Options Scroll-trouble-shooting

Storage Options Scroll Help and Product Support

All about the android platforms

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An introduction to Dropbox:


What is Dropbox?

Dropbox offers a free and a paid for service that lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos from anywhere.
Any file you save to your Dropbox will also automatically save to all your computers, phones, and even the Dropbox website.
This means that you can start working on your computer where-ever you are and finish on your home computer.
Never email yourself a file again.

Dropbox can also be a useful, easy and free way for forum members to have their own host source from which they can post pictures to the forum.

You can read all about Dropbox here:

For a free Dropbox account, register using this link to get an extra 500Mb storage space for free: DropBox bonus link


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An introduction to Droid Explorer. Use at your own risk.

Root and USB debugging required

Droid Explorer is a Windows tool to manage your rooted tablet with the simplicity of Windows Explorer.
Droid Explorer is currently still in Beta mode but you can download it from here:
I have tested Droid Explorer on a Windows 7 machine and was very impressed with its ease of use.
When Droid Explorer has been installed, Windows 7 will recognise your tablet and place a phone icon in the devices and printers section. Double clicking the icon representing your tablet will open an Explorer window showing the root directory of your tablet.
Use caution not to delete files which may cause complete failure of your tablet.

WARNING:
Droid Explorer may not be compatible with Android Commander and may cause problems if you have both applications installed on the same machine.

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Can I put GPS on my android tablet?

Whilst there is an offering of various usb GPS dongles out there, I am still trying to discover one that works with android as most are designed for windows plug-n-play systems and are completely incompatible with android tablets.
Unfortunately (at time of writing July 2012) trying to put GPS onto a none GPS tablet is not possible with almost all (99.9%) Android Tablets because they simply don't have the required hardware

It would be better to purchase an Android Tablet with GPS already integrated. The issue is the hardware and the GPS drivers and core software must be available and installed. It is not like Windows or Mac OS where you just load the drivers. The core elements must be integrated. A Developer or Firmware "cook" might be able to provision a tablet with it. but it is not currently able to just install a GPS unit and software with the current generation of Tablets.

What is GPS?

Information sourced from GARMIN



The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. There are no subscription fees or setup charges to use GPS.
How it works
GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. GPS receivers take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user's exact location. Essentially, the GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is. Now, with distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the user's position and display it on the unit's electronic map.
A GPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least three satellites to calculate a 2D position (latitude and longitude) and track movement. With four or more satellites in view, the receiver can determine the user's 3D position (latitude, longitude and altitude). Once the user's position has been determined, the GPS unit can calculate other information, such as speed, bearing, track, trip distance, distance to destination, sunrise and sunset time and more.

How accurate is GPS?



Today's GPS receivers are accurate to within 15 meters on average.

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What is livesuite, where can I get it and how do I use it?

Livesuite is an application that is used to flash firmware onto Allwinner A10 Based Devices.
Due to the nature of the program it is common for antivirus programs to flag it as a threat.
Livesuite is able to backup and query device information.
Livesuite can be used to upgrade firmware (flashing a new ROM or image).
Livesuite can upgrade itself depending on network and server.
Using Livesuite can destroy your data so make sure you have a backup before using it.



You can download Livesuite here:
You can download LIvesuite user instructions here:
These instructions refer to version 1.0 but the instructions are the same for all versions.

This livesuite download contains self extracting packs of versions 1.05,1.06,1.07 and 1.09 after you have downloaded the zip file create a new folder on your desktop, call it "Livesuite_Packs" and unzip the downloaded file to create the 4 self extracting Livesuite packs.

Version 1.0.5 is 32 bit only: built 2008 for Windows XP but may work on later Win versions
Version 1.0.6 is 32 bit only also built 2008 for Windows
Version 1.0.7 is 32 and 64 bit Windows built 2010
Version 1.0.9 is 32 and 64 bit Windows built 2010 with limited optional language selection on unpack.

Depending on which version of Livesuite you need to use, create another new desktop folder and call it "Livesuite" - drag and drop the Livesuite Pack version you wish to use to the folder and double click it and your chosen Livesuite version will unpack and be ready to use.

LiveSuite can only be run from a Windows PC and you may have to disable your Firewall to get LiveSuite to operate trouble free.

 Make sure your Scroll A10 tablet has at least 50% charge.

 Unplug your Scroll A10 tablet from any power or USB connections.

 Start LiveSuite by double-clicking on the circular LiveSuit.exe icon and then browse to and select the new image from where you downloaded it onto your PC

 Make sure tablet is completely powered OFF and not just in standby mode.

 Plug your USB cable into your PC but don’t connect to your tablet yet.

 Whilst pressing the Volume Up button; plug the USB cable into your Scroll A10 tablet.
(Note some tablets require you to use buttons other than the Volume + such as the Menu button)

 Whilst still pressing the Volume Up button, start quick presses of the Power button up to 10 times repeatedly or until you hear the usb device connected acknowledgment sound on your PC.

 You can now release all the tablet buttons and place the connected tablet down safely.

 If this is the first time your Scroll Allwinner A10 tablet has been connected to a PC Windows will prompt you to load the tablet’s USB Windows drivers. Go to Control Panel – Device Manager and locate “Unknown Device” under Other Devices. The proper drivers are in the LiveSuite folder under “usb drivers”. Select either 32-bit or 64-bit drivers, depending whether you have 32 bit or 64 bit versions of Windows

 LiveSuite will prompt you asking if you want to “Mandatory Format” when the drivers are installed.

 Click OK to this prompt and again to the “Are you Sure” prompt.

 The flashing of the new rom should progress as indicated in LiveSuite by the coloured band progress bar.

 Wait for the flashing process to complete and then if necessary turn ON the tablet with the Power button.

 Select “Exit” LiveSuite (on your Windows PC) and unplug the USB cable from the tablet.

 You have just flashed your tablet with a new ROM.

The firstboot immediately after flashing will take much longer than subsequent boots so be patient and don't try to use the tablet too soon or it will be sluggish and may not operate properly.



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This is how to hack an Allwinner A10 powered tablet.

Disclaimer: Use of this tool can seriously damage your tablet and you use it entirely at your own risk - however, if you make sure you have the correct image for your tablet, then this may just be your salvation. Rescue at your own risk - You have been warned.

This should be work on all Allwinner A10 based tablets.

Since the Allwinner A10 processor can boot from usb, you need worry less about bricking your device, but you may lose your data! Always backup your data first.

Unbricking the device

The A10 can update the firmware from USB, so theoretically it cannot be bricked. However, In case you have bricked your Allwinner A10 device, here are the instructions for flashing the firmware from USB.
Note that this can only be done in Windows. You need an Allwinner tool called Livesuite, download it here :
Unzip the pack and choose which version you want to use.
This download has Livesuite packs for versions 1.05,1.06,1.07 and 1.09 after you have downloaded the zip file create a new folder on your desktop, call it "Livesuite_Packs" and unzip the downloaded file into the 4 Livesuite packs.

Depending on which version of Livesuite has usb drivers compatible with your particular model tablet, create another new desktop folder and call it "Livesuite" - drag and drop the Livesuite Pack version you wish to use to the folder, double click the Livesuite pack and your chosen Livesuite version will unpack and be ready to use.

You also need your firmware either the original or a compatible upgrade, which is an image specifically for your device. Click LiveSuite.exe to execute (Run as administrator) it and click the Select Img button and select the img you want to install.
Connect one end of your tablets usb cable to the PC but do not connect your tablet at this point.
Then do the following:

These are the instructions to flash the firmware/img for all A10 devices:

LiveSuite can only be run from a Windows PC and you may have to disable your Firewall to get LiveSuite to operate trouble free.

 Make sure your Scroll A10 tablet has at least 50% charge.

 Unplug your Scroll A10 tablet from any power or USB connections.

 Start LiveSuite by double-clicking on the circular LiveSuit.exe icon and then browse to and select the new image from where you downloaded it onto your PC

 Make sure tablet is completely powered OFF and not just in standby mode.

 Plug your USB cable into your PC but don’t connect to your tablet yet.

 Whilst pressing the Volume Up button; plug the USB cable into your Scroll A10 tablet.
(Note some tablets require you to use buttons other than the Volume + such as the Menu button)

 Whilst still pressing the Volume Up button, make quick presses of the Power button up to 10 times repeatedly or until you hear the usb device connected acknowledgment sound on your PC.

 You can now release all the tablet buttons and place the connected tablet down safely.

 If this is the first time your Scroll Allwinner A10 tablet has been connected to a PC Windows will prompt you to load the tablet’s USB Windows drivers. Go to Control Panel – Device Manager and locate “Unknown Device” under Other Devices. The proper drivers are in the LiveSuite folder under “usb drivers”. Select either 32-bit or 64-bit drivers, depending whether you have 32 bit or 64 bit versions of Windows

 LiveSuite will prompt you asking if you want to “Mandatory Format” when the drivers are installed.

 Click OK to this prompt and again to the “Are you Sure” prompt.

 The flashing of the new rom should progress as indicated in LiveSuite by the coloured band progress bar.

 Wait for the flashing process to complete and then if necessary, turn ON the tablet with the Power button.

 Select “Exit” Livesuite (on your Windows PC) and unplug the USB cable from the tablet.

 You have just flashed your tablet with a new ROM.


Be aware that after flashing firmware the first-boot will take much longer than usual and I would even advise leaving it for 5 mins and go and put the kettle on as if you try to interact with your tablet too soon after flashing firmware it will be sluggish and give performance issues.

There you have it you have just un-bricked your tablet.

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