Installing a custom Lenovo A850 ROM using Flashtool
Welcome to another tutorial about installing a ROM on your phone. Again, we’re taking advantage of the flexibility of Android to simply change your operating system by flashing different software over.
For this simple step-by-step guide, we’re going to be using a Lenovo A850 and using the Flashtool software to directly install a new ROM on the phone.
Today we’re going through the basic steps to flash any ROM dump. The ROM we’re using is the S123 Lenovo Stock ROM which includes Google apps and will allow you to install other custom ROMs later.
Before we start though, a disclaimer: by flashing over USB or installing custom ROMs, you may be voiding your warranty. We take no responsibility if your phone is damaged or bricked by following these instructions. Always backup your phone before altering its software in any way.
Initially, you need to make sure you have installed the Lenovo USB drivers. Download the drivers and the Flashtool as well as the ROM file itself. It’s important that you ensure you are using the exact version of Flashtool we’ve included here (v3.1320.0.163) as other versions might not work.
To install the drivers. Turn off the phone (don’t use the quick boot option) and take out the battery. Open up Device Manager and plug the phone in via USB – be ready to quickly right click on the device that appear and choose “Update driver”. Using the wizard, select the drivers you downloaded previously. If you are having issues, installing the drivers, use USBDview to ensure that you have deleted any existing MediaTek USB drivers that might be on your computer.
Next, unzip the ROM file and make sure you can open Flashtool on your computer. You are now ready to start following the instructions in the tutorial video below.
Embed this video:
All the downloads you need to follow this tutorial are linked here:
→ Flashtool + Lenovo USB drivers
→ Lenovo Offical English S123 ROM (v.2.3.5a)
→ USBDview
What ROM did your Lenovo A850 come with? Do you have a preferred ROM for the Lenovo A850? And how easy do you find installing new ROMs with the Flashtool?
there are prolem.. before instaling this rom. check you device version android. if bs.sjrom.cn Do not flash this rom.
hello sir, i format my phone, lenovo a850, after that i cant see anything, just world LENOVO , cant stat, what i can do?
hey, I know this is an old post, but I just can’t install the driver, I tried several times with two different USB cables, and it seems it couldn’t detect my phone. Any solutions for this? (I haven’t tried to flash it yet, as it couldn’t detect my phone)
i also tried this…..but while installing drivers it says that error due to absence of digital signature…how can it be solved….i am using win 8.1
Hi,
I have a Lenovo S856 this ROM will work on ? thanks fr the answer
my lenovo a850 stock on logo, how to solve this?
hello admin, i has do install firmware like did you say on this web,
i has follow you step and success to do it untill said green circle. .
than when i open my mobile it is cannot open or turn on. .when i intstall another rom it will work like rom a880 and 860 but little problem because different version. .when i install most rom a850 it is cannot turn on. .i want rom a850 install to sucess on my phone and can open. .. .my lenovoA850. .please help me to resolve my problem admin. .hopelyyyyyy
try a850i stock rom. my phone works
Why i still stuck in china language recovery mode ??? the sistem is changed,but recovery mode is negative.The language is stiil used a chiense and cant be entered with power button (stuck in menu).Give me solution please… T_T
Thank you it works on my phone Good job. Everything is OK
brother..hello.. ive followed all the step ..before this my device stuck on lenovo logo..
than i followed your instruction to install cutom lenovo using flash tool…then after green cirle my device wont switch on after put back its battery.. how come.. helps me on this please..
i really need answer for this….asap..
please…
To install the drivers. Turn off the phone (don’t use the quick boot option) and take out the battery. Open up Device Manager and plug the phone in via USB – be ready to quickly right click on the device that appear and choose “Update driver”
why is’t my computer cannot detect my A850
sir cant see the link for usb driver.
Can you show the source where the link should be?
i mean cant see the download link of the usb driver.
i already downloaded the falshtool, rom , and usb dview.
What URL do you get when you hover over the link? It’s the same as the flashtool link.
cant download the usb driver sir can you give me a download link for usb driver pls..
esta rom le sirve al a850+
cannot download the ROM….
What issue are you experiencing?
I used Lenovo a850 Mobial phone it very hinging problem please reply solution
I used Lenovo a850 Mobial phone it very hinging problem please reply solution
my phone cannot turn on after flash 🙁 can you fix that ?
same problem
This is a big NO NO. My lenovo a850 phone is dead after using the rom provided here. Can’t boot to recovery either. It is also not detected by Flash Tool after the flash. JUST DON’T USE THE ROM. I don’t want you to be the next victim.
bro..i got a massive problem..ive done all the step above..but now my phone wont turn on..and then when i try to reflash, my computer wont deetect my phone like the first time it was detected..i think it may be because i flash with the wrong rom..i didnt use yours..i use another rom..but still a850 rom..what can i do now? please help
thanks
big no
BROM ERROR: S_BROM_CMD_STARTCMD_FAIL(2005)
What error?
Please tell me MNC
Maybe here you’ll reply faster, Hey, just after pressing “Firmware upgrade” the software found my device, but no process is being made, 0% 0sec. I’m using windows 10 and it took me a while to first allow it to install drivers without signature. Can you help?
EDIT: After a while an error showed up, BROM ERROR : S_BROM_CMD_STARTCMD_FAIL (2005)
[BROM] Can not pass bootrom start command via USB cable
hola saludos disculpa pero
la rom tiene español o solo es en ingles?
Perdon pero yo no sé.
Is there any way of puting bluetooth In me lenovo A208t?
how to connect my lenovo a850 mobile flash tools with pc please help me
If your problem with simcard not detected while sim slot is not problem
well I did what you told but my flash tool seems not to detect my phone. I waited and still nothing, no coloured progress bars and such just searching even if the phones connected
You need to reinstall USB drivers.
Hi there,
I have just flashed my LENOVO A850 using your instructions and once the green ring appears I have disconnected usb cable and putted on the battery.
And from here I have realised that my phone is broken. When I tried to turn on the CWM using vol + – and power on buttons, there is no action at all.
I also tried to turn on the phone normally but there also no effect.
Another step was, that I tried to flash my phone again, but know when I am trying to do this, flashtool can’t se my phone when I am trying to connect phone with usb cable… Please help
IT WORKS FOR ME!! Now i can install more game..THANKS GUY…
Hi mnc.. it was perfectly fine the suddenly flash tool stopped in the middle of downloading. Now neither pc nor laptop could not detect my a850.no port detected. Red led when plug in and wont switch on. Badly need help. Thanx
stop in white logo, how to fix it ?
i downloaded ROM from needrom.com n flash my phone using flashtool. my phone is dead now after I flash my Lenovo a850. why is it happen? could u please guide us how to choose the correct stock ROM?
Please let me know how to install the Lenovo USB Driver. The driver is not download from this Site. Please help me or send a any specific link send on my email. address. Please HELP ME !!!!
Don’t we link to it?
hi thank you for the tutorial i tried to apply it to my Lenovo A936 but it didn’t work? do you have any tutorial to install a custom Rom for Lenovo Golden warrior Note A936? thank you so much.
That’s because you don’t have an A850.
i download all the file and i do what the video to do but i cant install it. cant read my phone i use a lot of cable but still no luck.
What error are you getting and when?
“Using the wizard, select the drivers you downloaded previously.” Where it is downloaded?
From one of the previous steps.
Where did you download it to?
bro..i got a massive problem..ive done all the step above..but now my phone wont turn on..and then when i try to reflash, my computer wont deetect my phone like the first time it was detected..i think it may be because i flash with the wrong rom..i didnt use yours..i use another rom..but still a850 rom..what can i do now? please help
thanks
My Lenovo a850 also same problem…
Same issue kindly give solution
when I try to flash. It stays in 0%. whats the issue I followed all the steps.
Have you checked drivers are installed correctly?
Dear MNC, connect phone (without battery) before clicking firmware upgrade or after?
Hai mnc
i have problem, i flash my a850, after finish, my phone cannot turn on n cannot charge,
Lptop also cannot detect my phone now.. so what the solution for my problem? Do u have an odea?
same problem…it finish with a green circle…please
Same problem. I NEED HELP. QUICKLY. I bought it tomorrow and I just break it today because of this page… I can’t believe it… I’m sure that I follow the guide step by step… I’m so pissed off.
when i try flashing it has and error message BROM ERROR: S_COM_PORT_OPEN_FAIL_(1013)
[COM] Failed to open COM 1
I also have same problem… mnc, we need support from u…
try to uninstall the preloader driver and then open flashtool to flash the firmware click download and without the battery on phone plug the usb voila finish
how to install usbdeview??
hi
while i installed the driver and suddenly the installation stop and shows
the third party INF does not contain digital signature information
do you know what the problem is??
At what point and what is the full message?
its ok i already find the solution , btw thanks for the video , its really helpfull
i have a question ?can be use in a516 lenovo ?
No – it’s for A850.
DUDE PLEASE HELP ME!!!CAN THIS USE TO FIX LENOVO A388T??I JUST BRICK IT YESTERDAY..PLEASE HELP ME!!!
Nope. This is for A850.
Hi
I did root me a850 and update cwm
But when I try to wipe data or cash, it cann’t wipe and skipping format .
Please help me .
What happens when you boot to system?
My phone have a problem. Cant open playstore….. Can you make a video about my problem please….
Which ROM?
I failed to update drivers
Then just try again?
Nope. I have already fixed my phone.
Hello Kian… Any chance you can share the info with me? Appreciate it a lot
Kian I have the same problem, what did you do to fix it ?
Thanks
hi Kian, i have a a850 having same issue as you,
do you mind share how did you settled the problem?
my situation is as below:
phone cannot ON
phone not detected by PC
won’t charge
have red indicator if charge without battery
Try Lenovo’s own flashtool, “Lenovo Smart Assistant” & copy rom into the dir. where you installed it.
Further, that is the time that the flash tool will shows this message enable dram failed (error 4032)
It seems most of us have the same problem… After successfully flashing (indicates with a green circle), the phone doesn’t turn on anymore. Is there a solution for this?
Currently, my phone condition is-
1. Does not turn on
2. Does not charge either
3. Doesn’t detect by pc anymore
4. If you plugged in a pc via usb without battery the light in the upper right corner turns red.
I hope someone help us.
What about recovery and download mode. What exactly is the model of phone? And what did you try to flash? Can you show screenshots of screen capture of what you did?
My phone model is Lenovo a850 and i try to flash this Lenovo Offical English S123 ROM (v.2.3.5a) rom from your site of course. The thing that bothers me is your asking the same question every time. I’ve look in the previous post (A. Ibr, Helmi and Hugo) and your just keep asking “what exactly happen?”, “can you go to recovery mode?” even though we have stated that the phone doesn’t turn anymore.
There’s a difference between not turning on and not entering recovery. If there’s any hope of helping, we’ll need many more details to try and troubleshoot.
Sorry for what I said, It’s just I am worrying to much on my phone. Well like I said, my phone doesn’t turning on nor entering recovery mode. And there is this error that pops up in SP tools it says like enable dram failed (error 4032).
No worries. However, we’re sorry but there’s really not enough infomation to go on to give useful advice. Maybe try taking it to a phone shop?
Well, I guess i have no other options. But just a question, Is it possible to unbrick a “hard brick” phone by using software? For example this lenovo a850? Thanks.
It’s impossible to tell when it is indeed hard bricked at this moment in time. Can Flashtool see it?
My PC actually see it when i press power + volume up and down, my pc will detect the phone then after 3-5 it will disconnect.
Sounds like it’s not completely dead then. Did you have drivers issues to start with?
As far as I know, I have installed the correct drivers for this device. Is there any flashing tools that I can use other than SP Flash tools?
Not that we’re aware of at the moment.
Yes, a little. It is facinante… Now notice that the loading screen of the ROM is different from that of your video. Another interesting detail, my dear friend, is the recovery mode has letters in Orange and not blue: A top of Recovery System is “Adnroid system recovery “… We wonr too this “CWM based recovery v6.0.3.0” =) Thanks!
Are you using the exact files we linked to? Can you send us some pics?
So, now at work i dont have other cam. But shows exactly at top text is “Android system recovery ” I made this installation with the “Lenovo Offical English S123 ROM” throught “MediaTek Preloader USB VCOM Port” driver. I made the recover command: power + vol UP + Vol Down. Seems a mistery. Tonight i go trying to make a new photo.
Hugs
Oh I see. To get custom recovery simply follow the first part of this tutorial: http://mobilenetworkcomparison.org.uk/tutorials/how-to-flash-the-custom-vibe-rom-on-the-lenovo-a850-from-recovery/
Thanks for your answer. With me the windows 7 ever decides the “better” driver. So i Turn off the “Windows Update device driver searching” at Computer Properties, i have deleted the “MediaTek Preloader USB VCOM Port” but… This name returns after manual driver update and the installation firmware runs with this drive. Now i am happy with the english finally. bye
So you got it sorted?
is this applicable to A850+?
Not with the A850 ROM.
Thanks a lot Bro! I Hate these Chinese Roms – yesterday i have download The Lenovo Smart Assitant. Oh God how i hate it! I upgrade my system to a Chinese very close version – my apps, my purchases shold be never runs on my phone. But now, with this excellent tutorial, i have a hope!! Gugs from Brazil! Rock n Roll Yeahh
Seems that this tutorial dont runs at Windows 8. I made these exact steps and my System dont install the Driver. I have 2 directories with drivers: Lenovo_USB_drivers (6,136kb) that contains folders – /amd64 and /i386 and files androidwinusb86.cat; androidwinusba64.cat; android_winusb.inf; mtp.inf; Tethering_RNDIS.inf and usb2ser_2kXP.inf The MTK65xx preloader device, appears and disapperas quick, but i select this folder up on a driver update prompt.
If my driver folder is wrong, PLEASE somebory post driver at google or 4shared!!
So.. Thanks and
Tomorrow i try on a Windows 7 computer.
Did you get it to work on the other PC? The drivers should work fine for Windows 8 too.
HELP ME Guys! Now i came back again, in these days i spend a lot of time, plug and unplug the mobile on PC munch times. I removed the MedTek USB wrong driver and on Windows 7 (in my work D: ) consider fine the “Lenovo PreLoader USB VCOM (Android)” where tell thats runs correctly. My problem is: THE DEVICE CONNECT AND DISCONNECT IN 2 SECONDS. Appear and disapper on Device mananger. The preloader line is RED in FlashTool. Used 2 USB cables on 2 differents PCs and ports. Please how can i solve it?
Yay! 🙂
😀 How are you, guys!? I finally found the solution, so the energy port should be broken (so hard to recharge) and USB connection on PC never runs again because i have do wrong steps. Sorry my words my friend but MediaTek driver run fines, so easy and fully functionality for me. I dont understend because has needed force windows to remove driver. If i skip the driver installation’s step should be more happy to me. Thanks a lot for these tutorials! Don’t see my english errors – i am at work 🙁 .
Tchau pra vocês!
Hi,
After upgrading the ROM I get following errors.
=>TOOL DL image Fail!
=>uboot is blocking by dl info
I followed all instructions very carefully, can you suggest.
Thanks,
Ashay
Hi, I re-initiated the process and now able to get it done. But now I am not able to move the applications, the tab is grayed out.
Any suggestions please
Have you tried other ROMs?
When?
hi, i have this kind of problem. after finished flashing using the tool given, i plugged out the usb cable and try to switched on but my phone cannot switched on. i tried to pull out the battery and still the phone cannot switch on. when i plugged in back the usb cable to mu computer, the driver cannot detected and the red light signal on my phone. i cannot repeat flashing. please help me!!!!
Can you get into recovery?
plz help me, my lenovoa850 cannot on after update root. 1st my android very fast bettry low then i try root again but now i try open, its not working so how need i to do???plzz help me out…
What exactly is the issue?
when i connect my lenovo a850…its shows “CDC driver not install…whats wrong????
Drivers not installed…
How do I download a video from you tube and facebook?
Which video?
Any video on those site.
You can just watch it on this page.
My email is ah.ibr00@gmail.com
Please if you have some thing new tell me. You can send me your email also.is
I hope the site check for the problem reason, may be the Rom version we upload isn’t correct !
Dear Hugo,
Did you find a solution. Me too have the same problem
Unfortunately not.
I’m talking to a manufacturer to see if I can find a solution.
HI Hugo/A.lbr,
I think when you tried to install custom ROM using flashtool it got stuck in the process and the phone is not turning ON right? It happened to me as well. Solution – let your phone be connected via USB and open flashtool and try to repeat the steps – it will pick up from where it was stuck in the flashing process(in flashtool). give it a go.
thanks
Abhi
Hello my friend, I did all the procedure and now the phone will not turn on.
You know what I can do to revive it?
thank you
Can you get into recovery?
Can not the screen goes black.
When I turn on my pc without battery it lights the red LED, but the pc does not recognize.
thank you
What are you doing to try and get into recovery?
simultaneously hold the Power and Volume Down button + volume up button.
want me to send pictures?
Dear Hugo,
Did you find a solution. Me too have the same problem
Hi, i had follow the step and manage to get this done.. But now my phone is unable to detect the sim please i need help on this..
Have you tried a different SIM?
Please any body can help me
Have you tried Flashtool?
Yes, the same version i download from the link you provided.
I think i need steps to reset and start again from beginning?the can you help please?
Start the tutorial again.
Dead , i mean When i put the battery again. The mobile never power on and when i try to recharge i see nothing and when i reconnect to pc never see it from device manager .
I thing there something with uploaded Rom. What can i do.?…
yeah. my phone also dead after rom installed. i don’t know how to fix
Can you get into recovery?
Dears, my mobile is still dead, kindly any advices, my friend already have the same mobile as mine I can restore from his, but how?
How is it “dead”?
How to do Lenovo A850 – Flash the custom VIBE ROM from recovery
teach me? please…
Have you watched the video?
Yes i watched the video, it was simple and clear and i had the green successful circle.
When i put the battery again. The mobile never power on and when i try to recharge i see nothing and when i reconnect to pc never see it from device manager .
I thing there is something wrong with the Rom i upload. I thing i need to reset the mobile and try toagain or restore a neither back up!
Thanks in advance for your attention for your replay.
Excellent tutorial, I do the steps after trails but unfortunately the mobile is dead, it never power up again and when I reconnect through USB I never see again MTK or Lenovo preloaded. the computer didn’t sense the plug in of USB to computer. ALL THIS although FLASH tool give me the green circle after finishing which mean it was done successfully !!!!
This site is expert and am sure you will guide me to solve that issue and bring my mobile life back. Note: I just buy from 30 days from china the version was :v13 2013-9-6 s203_140208 it was Chinese version updated through internet. I didn’t make a rom back up. thanks in advance for your help.
Can you get into recovery?
This is exactly what happened in my device. No! You cannot get into the recovery for the reason that your phone won’t turn on anymore. Please help!
What about download mode? Does the phone ever show any sign of life?
Same result sir. My phone doesn’t response anymore. Is there any way to fix this? Thanks for your reply btw.
Thank you MNC, I managed to flash my phone. excellent tutorial.
@Roy: please open the device manager first and then connect your phone via US. You’ll now see your device, quickly right click and update driver and select the folder where you have saved the usb driver files. Do not worry about which setup file, the wizard will automatically detect it, you just need to point it to which folder the USB driver files are.
cheers and good luck.
connect your phone via “US”? what do you mean by that sir??,badly need your help 🙁
i meant USB – sorry it was a typo before
Hi, my computer cannot detect my A850? need help…
In what way?
Hi, I managed to flash my A850 with the ones you posted here. The USB driver was the tricky part. However the IMEI came out as invalid. Any thought??
The IMEI shouldn’t change.
Hi MNC,
I have downloaded the zip folder but cannot locate the usb driver file ?
where is it ? i can see 3 folders – android,backup data and drivers but any of this folders does not have any driver setup file? pls help.thanks
Hi,
The lenovo drivers and usb file is corrupt, could you kindly upload the correct file pls. really need it.
thanks in advance
No it’s not. Download again from a different mirror.
Oh, so you mean where I get many options -hosting sites like zippyshare, bay files, etc.
OK let me try that. Any particular file i need to download from zip for usb drivers??
thanks
Nope – just download the whole zip and follow the video.
Hi MNC,
I have downloaded the zip folder for USB driver – but cannot locate the usb driver file ?
what is the name of the setupfile ? FYI i have windows 8 on my laptop. in zip folder , I can see 3 folders – android,backup data and drivers but none of this folders have any driver setup file? pls help.thanks MNC
What’s inside the driver folder?
hi MNC,
This worked perfectly. thanks.
But The reason i installed rom was to solve weak wifi signal problem. The problem still exists – any idea to solve this ?
thannks
abhi
Why do you think it is a software issue?
after installed the firmware. When i turn on my power, it show:
=>TOOL DL image Fail!
=>uboot is blocking by dl info
What happened!?
Did you follow all instructions?
Same thing happened here! Please help, is there hope?
All of the links are dead. Can you please kindly upload a new one??
I really need this ROM!!
Thank You mobilenetworkcomparison.org.uk
Please check the links again. All should be reuploaded and fixed. If something’s still not working, please give us the broken URL, the file it should link to and copy and paste any error messages you see. Thanks 🙂
All the links to the Rom files are either expired or removed by the host website. Can kindly provide new link to download and date of the link to expired? Chrs mate.
Please check the links again. All should be reuploaded and fixed. If something’s still not working, please give us the broken URL, the file it should link to and copy and paste any error messages you see. Thanks 🙂
um,sorry when i go to the link above, all file from all the download page is not found…
We’re working on this!
Please check the links again. All should be reuploaded and fixed. If something’s still not working, please give us the broken URL, the file it should link to and copy and paste any error messages you see. Thanks 🙂
The ROM file were not found. Its an error. Why
Fixed now.
Need Lenovo S890 customer ROM with flash tool. What you update this?
What do you mean “customer ROM”?
kindly tell me the complete procedure about root and increase the phone storage of Lenovo A850. tell me step by step please like what i have to install first then second and then third please do something asap.
Just follow the step-by-step tutorial video?
Forgot to mention that there is the A850+ which is an octa-core version of the phone.
There is now an official 127 version of the ROM which has fixed this problem.
Great news! Thanks.
the Lenovo_A850_-_S123_ROM.zip are all expired?? i cant dl at all website
same, flash tool waiting in “searching” section. i installed phone drivers before from cd that cames with phone, so drivers is not the problem.
any help?
SP FLASH TOOL NOT DETECTING MY PHONE SO HOW?
http://download.verticdn.com/mania/query.php?q=Lenovo_Drivers_SP_Flash_Tool_v3.1320.0.163.zip&ti1=1585000&ti2=0&ti3=2014-03-20T01%3A59%3A50.558384%2B00%3A00
this link leads to another file with extension .exe which contains trojan.
I somehow managed to get hold of the flashtool and tried.
Everything was ok up to the step where I had to plugin my turned-off a850. Flashtool couldnt detect it. What can I do next?
Many thanks!
Are you sure you’re actually clicking the correct download button. In the links we gave there’s nothing with a .exe extension.
sp flash tool keeps telling EBOOT.DLL is missing from my computer. HELP
Download eboot.dll?
Duh!!!
download link bullshitt!!!!
What do you mean?
http://www.mirrorcreator.com/files/0T5VNAAC/
http://download.verticdn.com/mania/query.php?q=Lenovo_Drivers_SP_Flash_Tool_v3.1320.0.163.zip&ti1=1585000&ti2=0&ti3=2014-03-20T01%3A59%3A50.558384%2B00%3A00
It’s a virus.
Can I have the proper link for the flashtool and usb drivers please?
The file we uploaded certainly is not a virus.
Relax Agicaniac, you have to look for the right link. Others are bait links.
cual es el verdadero link!! :@
The one on this page!
why is the file so heavy and it take more time to download
That’s how big it is – you can’t change that.