20110216 Edit for AppsLib Version 2.0 Build 58... Allen20110218 Edit for AppsLib Version 2.0 Build 66... Allen20110220 Edit for Firmware 2.1.08... AllenI posted this in the A101 forum Newbie Tip topic. A number of people liked it and viking suggested I post it here as a sticky. My setup may apply to the other Gen8s. I don't have a 28, 32 or 43 so I don't know for sure.
Here's the OP:
Aloha Y'all,
Update on 20 Feb. This writing is on 27 Jan. Since I started this topic on 24 Nov much has happened. We're now on Archos Android 2.2.1 FirmWare 2.1.08. Unofficially, we have the latest version of the Google Android Market (the Market). Via the Droid X we have a Flash Plugin for almost the same hardware as the Gen8s. We have a new AppsLib 2.0 Build 58 where we can get Archos approved Apps and purchase Apps.
I regard Android Tablet PCs as a work in progress. Archos has been a leader in no-man's land as there still is no official Android Tablet OS from Google. Archos Android "Tablets" still don't officially have the Market.
Some Apps, like Aldiko, have versions written specifically for Archos tablets. Officially these Apps reside in the Archos AppsLib. Archos provides bundled Third Party Apps out of the box and with each FirmWare update.
Android 2.2.1 on the Archos Gen8s is still kludgey for memory management since the Gen8s only have 256M of RAM - IMO should be at least 512M.
Below I'll describe my method to get a base Archos Android system running on the A101. I've used this on both my A70S and my A101. The images are from my A70S but the setup is the same on my A101.
There are many ways to get the A101 configured to a "base" setup. Mine is just one and I make no claim to be an "expert".
If you are going to follow my setup I recommend you read this entire post several times. My base setup objectives:
1. Initial Charge, Startup Wizard and Tablet Registry
2. Update to FW (FirmWare) 2.1.08
3. Update to AppsLib 2.0 Build 66, if required
4. Install the Market
5. Install Flash Plugin
6. Install additional Utility Apps
7. Backup all your Apps using AppMonster
8. Backup your A101 to your traditional PC (tPC)
9. YouTube Fix
10. Backup new Apps with AppMonster
1. Initial Charge, Install and Tablet RegistryAfter opening the box:
1. Read the included User Guide cover to cover - It's very short. A long User Manual is included on your A101 and at the
Archos Website.
2. On pg 3 follow Charging the Battery and Startup Wizard sections -
Be sure to configure WiFi and don't continue until you have connected WiFi.. Install the Optional Third Party Applications.
3. Stop and take a break - You deserve it
4. Register your A101 from your traditional PC - Go to the Archos.com
Registration web page:
- If you don't have an Archos account Register a new one
- If you do have an Archos account Logon
- Add your A101
Note: This information is used to create your User Account for AppsLib
2. Update to FW (FirmWare) 2.1.081. On your traditional PC create a folder for your Archos Gen8 A101 FW
2. Download FW 2.1.08 to that folder from the Archos
Download web page after selecting the Gen8s
Note: Saving the FW to your traditional PC (tPC) allows you to reinstall it if required without downloading it again. If you install from the Update message on your A101 you might not find the firmware update file. I save each firmware update in its own folder on my tPC along with the FW Change Log
3. Attach your A101 to your tPC and copy the 2.1.08 FW file to the root of your A101
4. Detach your A101 from your tPC
5. Attach your A101 to power
6. Reboot your A101
Note: your A101 should find the FW file and start the update.
7. Complete the Startup Wizard with Third Party Applications install.
8. Take a break - you're at the latest Archos FW - 2.1.08
3. Update to AppsLib 2.0 Build 66, if requiredTo determine your AppsLib version:
1. Settings:Applications>Manage applications
2. Find and select AppsLib
3. In Application info under "AppsLib" is the version
4. If the version is earlier than version 2.0 (build 66) then update Appslib
5. If not then skip this step
On your tPC go to
AppsLib.com:
1. Create an AppsLib folder in your Archos/Gen8/ directory
2. DL AppsLib 2.0 Build 66 from AppsLib.com to the AppsLib folder - The file should be Appslib_2.apk
3. Attach your A101 to your PC
4. Follow the Install/Update instructions on the Download web page
Note1: If AppsLib Force Closes then Settings:Applications>Manage Applications>Appslib>Clear data
Note2: If AppsLib asks for User Account information give it the same email and password you gave for registering your A101 in step 1.5. Take a break - You've got the latest AppsLib with free Apps, Archos approved Apps, and Apps you can purchase.
Note: Aldiko from AppsLib is the only version of Aldiko I run on the A70 as it is a special Archos build. Aldiko from the Google Market runs on the A101.4. Install the MarketInstall the Market (the Google Android Market) from
kenyu73's gAppsInstall topic at the XDA Developers Forum.
I saved kenyu73's files on my tPC in the Archos/Gen8/Market/ folder.
Note: Before you install the Market it is wise to establish a Gmail account since this is the account you need to set up the Market.5. Install Flash PluginUntil Archos can release its Adobe certified Flash Plugin the most compatible Flash Plugin I know is the one for the Droid X. You can DL this:
Here.
Again I DLed this to my tPC in the Archos/Gen8/Flash/DroidX/ folder.
Copy this to your A101 and using Files install it
6. Install additional Utility AppsAt this stage I've Reorganized my Home Screens and set up a Utilities folder on the default Home Screen:

Next I install three additional utilities I've found useful from my prior Archos Android experience and created shortcuts to them in the Utilities Folder on my default Home Screen:
1. Free Advanced Task Manager 5.2 by Arron La - IMO Archos Android 2.2.1 in FW 2.0.71 still has poor task management with only 256M. So I installed ATM with its "Press to End" shortcut - just in case. I exclude only Advanced Live Wallpaper from being closed.
You can download the free version:
Here.
2. ES File Explorer 1.4.8.6 by EStrongs, Inc - Use like "Files" App - nice copy facilities. I use the "Show Tabs" setting and copy files back and forth between my tPCs on my Lan and my Archos Android "Tablets".
You can download the free version:
Here.
3. AppMonster 0.79 by Think Android - Backup, Uninstall and Reinstall your Apps. Saves the files in root:appmanager/. Saves the version number in the backup file name so you can return to a prior backup.
You can download the free version:
Here.
7. Backup all your Apps using AppMonster1. Open AppMonster and go into its Menu
2. Select Backup
3. Select "Replace All" to backup all your Apps
8. Backup your A101 to your traditional PC (tPC)Currently I don't have a better way so I backup my A101 to my tPC by connecting my A101 to my tPC and copying all the files on Internal Storage to the folder:
Archos/Gen8/A101/Archives/Archive01/Internal Storage/
When I added an SD Card I backed it up to:
Archos/Gen8/A101/Archives/Archive01/SD Card/
With each backup I increment the Archive number: Archive01, Archive02,...,Archivenn
9. YouTube FixAt this stage I've got my base A101 configuration. However YouTube crashed for me. So I opened the Market and DLed and re-installed YouTube. This fixed the problem.
10. Backup new Apps with AppMonsterImmediately after I install a new App, or update an App, I use AppMonster to back it up.
Like I said above there are many "right" ways to set up a base configuration for the A101. This is mine. I'm sure I will make changes to it as time goes on.
Note: If you are going to follow my setup I recommend you read this entire post several times. Allen