How to Update Ainovo Novo 7 Basic Tablet to Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS)

Posted on Jan 9 2012 - 8:30pm by Techzek

Have you heard of Ainovo’s Novo 7 Basic? You own one? That’s great! Speaking of which, would you like to upgrade your slate’s kernel to Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich? You see, Ainovo (also known as Ainol) has recently released a minor update for its Novo 7 Basic slate and you might as well grab this chance to update your tablet’s firmware version. After all, you need not worry about how it’s going to be done. We are here to guide you.

But before anything else, keep in mind that this update cannot be installed on any other Ainovo Novo 7 slates. That being said, your Novo 7 Paladin will have no other choice but to wait. And before we forget, it would be best if you keep a backup of your important files, media, contacts and messages. Moreover, your handset’s battery mustn’t go lower than 75 percent. If you’re all set, let’s start.

Step 1: Download the Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich Pack and save to your computer. You will then transfer the compressed file to your tablet via USB connectivity and save the file into the root directory of your slate’s SD card storage.

Step 2: Once done, update the file to update.zip then boot your slate to Download Mode. To do this, turn off your tablet then hold the Volume Up button while pressing the Power button. Wait for a few seconds until you see a man logo.

Step 3: In download mode, don’t press any key for five seconds. The slate will automatically start the update process and it will take the update.zip file from the root directory of your SD card. Once the update is complete, the tablet will automatically reboot.

Step 4: In case the above step fails to work, you can press the home key and navigate through the upgrade menu that will appear on your screen. From the list of options, tap on apply update from external storage then click OK. Navigate to the root directory of your SD card then select update.zip. The update will start. Once done, select reboot system now.

Just follow the above steps carefully and you will be able to update your Ainovo Novo 7 Basic to Android 4.0.1 ICS with ease.

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24 Comments so far. Feel free to join this conversation.

  1. Jcjarrett January 9, 2012 at 10:25 PM - Reply

    KenT: I quess I did the download backwards - I downloaded directly to my Novo 7 Basic -the dwnload is “update_Novo7basic20120105.zip”-my on “SD card shows” - “SD card storage” - 654MB used-5.3GB Free - Can I and how do I transfer the “update” to the SD card and change the name  ? Any help will be greatly appreciated ! Thank you john jarrett 

    • Kent January 10, 2012 at 2:56 PM - Reply

      Hi, as I’ve said, you have to transfer the file from your computer to your tablet via USB connectivity. That means you have to connect your Novo 7 Basic to your PC using a USB data cable. Transfer the file to your slate’s SD card and save it to your card’s root directory. 

      • Jcjarrett January 12, 2012 at 2:20 AM - Reply

        Kent: Thank you - prior to your reply I did download the update to my XP , renamed to update.zip and get nowhere trying to transfer using a USB data cable. Sweet Pea in Chinese takes over ( WANdojia(F:) - my Novo shows USB connected - Turn on USB storage -then USB storage in use-Am I missing a program or must I learn Chinese ?

  2. Matt January 11, 2012 at 1:03 AM - Reply

    This didn’t work. When it tried the update, it says E:Error in /tmp/sideload/package.zip

    • techzek January 11, 2012 at 1:08 AM - Reply

      Yes, There is an error in this link,, Just wait we will give you another link.

  3. Victor January 11, 2012 at 12:41 PM - Reply

    Hi there, i have a problem
    i’ve done all steps
    i’m waiting for 15 minutes, i’m seeing  ”ainol Tab NOVO7 Basic” on my screen

    is it ok? 

    • Kent January 11, 2012 at 2:45 PM - Reply

      You can check your System version by going to Menu > Settings > About Tablet. If its running on Android 4.0.1 , then you’re done with the update. 

      • Victor January 11, 2012 at 2:49 PM - Reply

        thanks but i solved the problem
        i installed new recovery menu and used it

  4. PP January 11, 2012 at 11:16 PM - Reply

    Hi, I have done all steps.  Android 4. was installed, but Android Market, driver for camera and USB modem (3g) are missing. Do you have any idea with help ?:..

    • Victor January 12, 2012 at 12:59 AM - Reply

      About market, this android 4.0.1 doesn’t support market, gmail, google calendar etc 
      i’ve installed android 4.0 it better for me

  5. Fwilt1 January 12, 2012 at 4:35 PM - Reply

    has anyone got a fix for installing android market. My camera worked ok

    • Kent January 20, 2012 at 8:06 PM - Reply

      Even with the update, the Android Market is still limited. But you can download the latest market apk file, extract it on your SD card of the tablet. Then install it on.

  6. Guest January 13, 2012 at 6:55 PM - Reply

    hello how can I install android market + skype??

    • Kent January 20, 2012 at 8:03 PM - Reply

      Im afraid that this update can’t help you with installing the Android Market and Skype but you can try this workaround and see if it works…http://bit.ly/zvW9ZA

  7. bsharwood January 15, 2012 at 4:05 AM - Reply

    I am getting part way through the process and then getting stuck. When I turn the device on after holding the + key on it gets about 1/2 way through what looks like the upgrade cycle and the I get a triangle and the android man. Don’t know where to go from there. Only option seems to be to restart. Can anyone help? 

    • Kent January 20, 2012 at 8:13 PM - Reply

      Try this. Turn off your tablet first. Then try holding the Vol + key and Power button…dont release until you see the Novo7 basic logo and Android robot. After release, wait for at least 5 sec and your tablet will enter the automatic update mode. The tablet will just reboot when done.

  8. Fwilt1 January 15, 2012 at 5:29 AM - Reply

    I have now had the Novo7 basic for a while, still can’t get android market working or some other google apps, but I’ve found it’s no big deal. I’ve found plenty of apps on other sites which are compatible, and android 4.01 from the http://www.ainovo.com/support.html site to be stable with no chinese apps, and very stable.
    OK still to get skype up, but it’s a quality tablet at a cheap price with only skye and google specific apps proving a minor irritation.

  9. Floor January 21, 2012 at 1:19 AM - Reply

    I want to download this upgrade to my computer but the download takes 2 days!
    How is this possible? 190mB usually takes me a few minutes…
    Please help! :)

  10. Fabio Leite Oliveira March 3, 2012 at 9:51 PM - Reply

    Market is gone.

    • Lady Anne April 25, 2012 at 12:36 AM - Reply

      Market was replaced by Google Play

  11. Lady Anne April 25, 2012 at 12:35 AM - Reply

    I have the new version 4.0.1 but I can not install Facebook app is there a way I can install this?

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