How to Root and Install ClockworkMod Recovery on the Viewsonic gTablet

The Viewsonic gTablet is a great Android tablet with its NVidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU, an expansive 10.1 inch touchscreen display and a 3650 mAh battery to last longer than some other tablets.  What’s sad though is the device comes with Android 2.2 Froyo – for those who know their Android version numbers, we are currently at Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a version which can be seen running perfectly on devices far less capable than the gTablet.  With no official support though, it’s time to turn to the devs for custom ROMs and they have delivered!  Of course, you’ll need to root and install ClockworkMod Recovery on any device before its ready to accept custom ROMs, and this guide below will show you how to install ClockworkMod Recovery on the Viewsonic gTablet.

I.  Before You Begin

1.  Make sure that your device is fully charged or at least up to 75% before you begin.

2.  Back up everything you feel is important before you start with this procedure.

3.  The Viewsonic gTablet is known to have two bootloader versions – 1.1 and 1.2.  Make sure you choose the right zip file in the next section as choosing the incorrect one can brick your device.  To know what version you have on your device running stock OS, go to Menu > Settings > About Tablet > Tap UI Version; the firmware version should either start with 1.1 or 1.2 and this will be the zip file you will be downloading.

4.  This guide will assume that you have the 1.2 bootloader and will be using the relevant files for this version; if you are on 1.1, follow the same procedure but substitute the necessary files to avoid bricking your device.

5.  You don’t need to be rooted to install ClockworkMod Recovery on the gTablet.  If you do need root access, flashing a custom ROM with root built in is the way to go.

II.  Necessary Downloads

1.  CWM3028.1.2internal.zip (for devices running 1.2 bootloader) [Download links available on this page]

2.  cwmod08.1.1.internal.zip (for devices running 1.1 bootloader) [Download links available on this page]

III.  Installing ClockworkMod Recovery on the gTablet

1.  Extract CWM3028.1.2internal.zip to a folder on your desktop.  This folder should contain a zip file named update.zip and a folder called recovery.

2.  Connect your device to your PC and copy both the recovery folder and update.zip to the root of your internal SD card (not into any folders).

3.  Disconnect and turn off your device.

4.  Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons until you see “Recovery key detected” flash on the screen.

5.  The update.zip file will now start flashing automatically, installing ClockworkMod Recovery on your device, and reboot.

That’s it! You are done installing ClockworkMod Recovery on the gTablet.

IV.  Flashing a Custom ROM (and Rooting) the gTablet

1.  Go here and select a ROM based on your bootloader version (1.2 or 1.1).

2.  Copy the ROM zip file to your device’s SD card.

3.  Boot into ClockworkMod Recovery.  To access CWM, press and hold the Volume Up and Power button until your device enters ClockworkMod Recovery.

4.  Use our guide on flashing custom ROMs.

If this procedure helped you please thank/donate to the original developers here.

If you need help with this procedure, please ask in the comments below or in the forum.

This is part of our Android How To’s. We have how to’s on rooting, loading ROMs, and tons of other tips and tricks for your specific device or for Android devices in general! For all of our Android How To’s, head here.