The Archos 101b Xenon is a 10.1-inch, entry-level Android tablet. It is crucial to know that this model was released in at least two major hardware versions: a 3G-only model powered by a MediaTek MT6580 chipset, and a 4G LTE model powered by a MediaTek MT6737M chipset. The firmware for these two versions is not interchangeable.
This guide provides the official stock firmware packages for both the 3G and 4G variants. This is a complete firmware package designed to be installed using the SP Flash Tool, and it is the definitive solution for fixing software issues like a bricked tablet, a device stuck on the Archos logo, or lost network signal.
⚠️ Critical Warning: Data Erasure & Correct Version
You must flash the correct firmware for your specific hardware version (3G or 4G). Flashing the wrong version will brick your device. This process will also permanently erase all of your personal information.
Please back up your files before proceeding. This action cannot be undone.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Archos 101b Xenon
- Release year: 2016-2018
- Chipset Variants: MediaTek MT6580 (3G) / MediaTek MT6737M (4G)
- Display: 10.1″ IPS LCD, 720 x 1280 pixels
- RAM/Storage: 1GB/16GB
- Battery: 4500 mAh
- Original OS: Android 5.1 (Lollipop) or 6.0 (Marshmallow)
Required Downloads
To flash this firmware, you will need the SP Flash Tool software and the correct MediaTek VCOM USB drivers for your Windows PC. You can find secure links to download these essential utilities in our main guide, which is linked in the how-to section below.
- The correct firmware package for your tablet variant from the table below
- SP Flash Tool
- MediaTek VCOM USB Drivers
Official Stock Firmware (ROM)
Download the firmware that matches your device’s chipset and connectivity (3G or 4G LTE).
Device Variant | Chipset | Android Version | Download |
---|---|---|---|
4G LTE | MT6737M | 5.1 Lollipop | Download |
3G Only | MT6580 | 6.0 Marshmallow | Download |
How to Flash Stock Firmware
To restore the software on your Archos 101b Xenon, you will use the SP Flash Tool on a PC. First, ensure the MediaTek VCOM drivers are properly installed. Launch the tool, load the correct ..._scatter.txt
file from the extracted firmware folder for your model, and select the “Download Only” mode. Click the “Download” button. Power off your tablet completely, then connect it to your PC with a USB cable to start the flashing process.
For a complete, step-by-step walkthrough, please refer to our detailed pillar guide: How to Flash Stock Firmware with SP Flash Tool.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for Archos 101b Xenon
- Which Firmware Should I Use?: You must identify your tablet variant. If it is working, an app like CPU-Z will show the chipset (MT6580 or MT6737M). If it’s bricked, check the original box or manual for “4G” or “LTE” branding. The 4G model uses the MT6737M firmware. If it only says “3G,” use the MT6580 firmware. Flashing the wrong one will fail and could brick the tablet.
- Restoring Lost Signal / Invalid IMEI: A common issue on MediaTek devices after a bad flash is the corruption of the NVRAM, leading to a lost IMEI and no network signal. Flashing the correct full stock ROM is the essential first step to fix this by restoring the original modem files.
- PC Not Detecting the Tablet: This is a driver issue. Uninstall any other mobile drivers, restart your PC, and do a fresh install of the MediaTek VCOM drivers. The tablet should only be connected after clicking “Download” in the tool.
- SP Flash Tool “PMT changed” Error: If you see this error, the partition layout on your tablet is different from the firmware’s. To solve this, change the dropdown option in SP Flash Tool from “Download Only” to “Firmware Upgrade” and try flashing again.
FAQs
- Q1. What happens if I flash the wrong firmware on my Archos 101b Xenon?
- Because the 3G and 4G versions use different chipsets, flashing the wrong firmware will either fail immediately in SP Flash Tool or, if it proceeds, it will almost certainly hard brick your device, making it unbootable.
- Q2. My Archos 101b Xenon is dead. Will this firmware fix it?
- Yes, if you use the correct version for your specific hardware and the problem is caused by corrupted software, this is the standard procedure to unbrick it.
- Q3. Will I lose my data by flashing this firmware?
- Yes, the SP Flash Tool process will completely erase the tablet’s internal storage, deleting all your personal data and restoring it to factory settings.