Merging Flashable ZIPs - EVO 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey everyone, so I'm just starting to buckle down and learn more about Android Mods. Here's my latest question. I have a few zip files that I always flash on top of a new ROM. These include at the moment, a Rotary Lockscreen and the DroidX boot animation, possibly a circle battery shortly.
My question is, would there be a simple way to merge these zip files so I only have to flash one every time I load a new ROM, or even better, load these into a ROM file before flashing?
Is it as simple as opening the ZIPs, moving the files from one to the other (keeping the directory structure intact) and re-zipping the lot? Or is there something more complicated I need to look at...
Thanks in advance!
Edit: A quick look in one of the files revealed a .xml file with some references to the files to be installed. I assume I would have to edit the .xml to include all the instructions from each mod, but if that's all it takes, that should be easy... Again, I ask all of you... Am I missing something?

PSULightingGuy said:
Hey everyone, so I'm just starting to buckle down and learn more about Android Mods. Here's my latest question. I have a few zip files that I always flash on top of a new ROM. These include at the moment, a Rotary Lockscreen and the DroidX boot animation, possibly a circle battery shortly.
My question is, would there be a simple way to merge these zip files so I only have to flash one every time I load a new ROM, or even better, load these into a ROM file before flashing?
Is it as simple as opening the ZIPs, moving the files from one to the other (keeping the directory structure intact) and re-zipping the lot? Or is there something more complicated I need to look at...
Thanks in advance!
Edit: A quick look in one of the files revealed a .xml file with some references to the files to be installed. I assume I would have to edit the .xml to include all the instructions from each mod, but if that's all it takes, that should be easy... Again, I ask all of you... Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think you need to edit the meta file and the xml file, but this can be done though.

PSULightingGuy said:
Hey everyone, so I'm just starting to buckle down and learn more about Android Mods. Here's my latest question. I have a few zip files that I always flash on top of a new ROM. These include at the moment, a Rotary Lockscreen and the DroidX boot animation, possibly a circle battery shortly.
My question is, would there be a simple way to merge these zip files so I only have to flash one every time I load a new ROM, or even better, load these into a ROM file before flashing?
Is it as simple as opening the ZIPs, moving the files from one to the other (keeping the directory structure intact) and re-zipping the lot? Or is there something more complicated I need to look at...
Thanks in advance!
Edit: A quick look in one of the files revealed a .xml file with some references to the files to be installed. I assume I would have to edit the .xml to include all the instructions from each mod, but if that's all it takes, that should be easy... Again, I ask all of you... Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what is the full name of the .xml file you see?
the recovery reads a file called update-script or updater-script inside the zip file META-INF/com/google/android/ directory. you memorize that directory path after messing with enough zip files!
that file tells the recovery what actions to take with which files. for list of very basic commands for this update-script file, i have a guide - http://forum.sdx-developers.com/android-2-1/creating-an-update-zip-list-of-commands/
it is possible to merge update.zip files but its important to understand their structure and how the commands are executed.
also signing .zip files is a whole different topic...
hopefully this helps get you going in the correct direction!

joeykrim said:
what is the full name of the .xml file you see?
the recovery reads a file called update-script or updater-script inside the zip file META-INF/com/google/android/ directory. you memorize that directory path after messing with enough zip files!
that file tells the recovery what actions to take with which files. for list of very basic commands for this update-script file, i have a guide - http://forum.sdx-developers.com/android-2-1/creating-an-update-zip-list-of-commands/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since all the files have this could you copy and paste the codes inside them into one file?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

chandlerw88 said:
Since all the files have this could you copy and paste the codes inside them into one file?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would want to read up a little bit and make sure you understand the commands, but yes. You do not want to copy the entire set of commands, just the particular needed lines. Often you don't need to change anything because the script may just say copy this entire system directory and everything in it will go.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

It's pretty basic.
Move all the files into the same zip delete everything in meta-inf except the update script.
Adjust the script accordingly, pay attention to syntax or better yet just look at all the individual scripts and put them together, then remove dupes
As for zip signing..
This is what you need
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=666441

OK, thanks! This has all helped a lot and I think I nailed the basics that I was shooting for, just haven't been able to test yet since no need to re-flash a working ROM.
My next question is, would there be a way to force files INSIDE an APK? Trying to add a different battery meter (have the images) to framework-res.apk and would love to do that from a boot script... Ideas?

PSULightingGuy said:
OK, thanks! This has all helped a lot and I think I nailed the basics that I was shooting for, just haven't been able to test yet since no need to re-flash a working ROM.
My next question is, would there be a way to force files INSIDE an APK? Trying to add a different battery meter (have the images) to framework-res.apk and would love to do that from a boot script... Ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, its called 7-zip and its your new best friend in this battle. heres how i learned.
i started ripping apart the things that i liked, including roms themselves. now find an update zip that has the files inside the folders that you will need to add, and you can then recycle that update zip. here it is plain and simple:
1.use 7zip to VIEW; NEVER UNZIP the files(forget about windows zips)
2.check what folder the apps you will be putting in belong in
3.put them in their corresponding folders(some apps are tricky when you need to install their libs too and you dont know it)
4.erase the 3 bottom files in your meta-inf folder
5.resign the rom
6.verify the sign(look for the new certs)
7.move to sd
8.flash rom
9.have a pop,beer, or w/e your vice.(my fave is cherry coke)
if you need help getting started feel free to pm. you dont know who i am, but ive been thru this process many times.
​

Actually, that's not quite what I'm talking about... I want a flashable zip that will add certain images (the battery meter) to the INSIDE of a .apk file that already exists on the device. Not sure if it's possible, but if so, I'd love to know... If not, I'll try pulling the .apk and using 7-zip...

Related

[Q] How to add apps to a rom?

Hey!
I was wondering, is there a way of adding apps to a rom... theres a few apk's i practially have to have installed, so i was wondering is there a way to add these files to a zipped rom so they install within the the system folder on the phone takin up dedicated rom space instead of dedicated phone storage....
been searching for a while about this, an theres a few close threads but they stopped before it was answered.
Also i have tried unzipping the rom, adding the apks, then rezipping an it didnt work, it started installing an finished within 2 seconds so obviously it didnt install the rom.
Thanks in advance!
You should just be able to add them to the /system/app folder. You just have to use a custom recovery to flash it, because the original zip is signed, where yours isn't. So if you turn the check for signature off in the recovery it should work just fine.
Alternatively you can learn how to sign your zip file, but that's far more time consuming.
i tried doing that, toggled it off in clockworkmod and still does the same thing. so not entirely sure wat i'm doing wrong, all i'm doing is rezipping it to a zip file using winrar.... should i try somethin else?
and yeah i made sure it did it to a zip file an not a rar file
360nitrous said:
i tried doing that, toggled it off in clockworkmod and still does the same thing. so not entirely sure wat i'm doing wrong, all i'm doing is rezipping it to a zip file using winrar.... should i try somethin else?
and yeah i made sure it did it to a zip file an not a rar file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a similar problem like yours.
Here is where we were wrong. We unzipped the .zip, added whatever we did, and then selected the folder and added to zip, which is wrong. You have to select ALL the folders and files WITHIN the folder unzipped and add it to archive.
Meaning, I have for ex. update-OD4.0.10.zip, after I unzip it it gets a folder containing all the files and folders of the ROM. You have to go one level in, select them all (files and folders in there) and add it to zip. Et voila!
Hope you understand my English!
mi3x said:
I had a similar problem like yours.
Here is where we were wrong. We unzipped the .zip, added whatever we did, and then selected the folder and added to zip, which is wrong. You have to select ALL the folders and files WITHIN the folder unzipped and add it to archive.
Meaning, I have for ex. update-OD4.0.10.zip, after I unzip it it gets a folder containing all the files and folders of the ROM. You have to go one level in, select them all (files and folders in there) and add it to zip. Et voila!
Hope you understand my English!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that makes me feel stupid haha!!! your totally right, that sorted out the problem, thanks a lot!!! sometimes its the simplest things that you forget about
Yes you will of course have to add the folders in the same structure as before, as the update script are telling the recovery which folders to flash where, and you are leaving that script unchanged.
360nitrous said:
Now that makes me feel stupid haha!!! your totally right, that sorted out the problem, thanks a lot!!! sometimes its the simplest things that you forget about
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My pleasure I loled as well! At least I went deeper in my feeling stupid, changing RAR tools, different compression types etc... and the answer was there all along.

Unzipping and zipping apk files?

I unzipped a apk file to change some of the images in the drawable-hdpi folder, how do I zip it back into an apk file to reinstall it on my phone. Or can I flash the zip file? I dunno how that would work...
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Can you get another copy of the apk?
If you can then the best thing to do is use winRAR or 7zip to open/explore the apk just like with a .zip file. That way you never unzip it and don't run into that issue. Using those allows you to delete and add files. You can also do the same thing on your phone using root explorer or something similar.
As far as correcting what you've done already (assuming you can't get a copy of that apk) I've completely forgotten since I never have to do it. I know if you look on the android sdk's site you can find the answer though.
adamtheindien said:
I unzipped a apk file to change some of the images in the drawable-hdpi folder, how do I zip it back into an apk file to reinstall it on my phone. Or can I flash the zip file? I dunno how that would work...
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An apk is just a zip file with the apk extension, once you zip it up change it from a .zip to a .apk
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
i changed what i wanted and rezipped, changed the extension, tried to install it, says problem parsing the package?
adamtheindien said:
i changed what i wanted and rezipped, changed the extension, tried to install it, says problem parsing the package?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can also depend on which APK (system vs non-system) and which images (.9 images can be tricky to replace if you don't know what you are doing). Sometimes, you also need to re-sign the APK, depending on what you modified (there are tools to re-sign in the SDK or you can use something like APK Manager).
You should try the opening the APK directly in WinRAR/7-zip and replacing the images method. In my experience, if you are just replacing simple images, you usually don't have to re-sign when doing this (it leaves the existing signature intact).
ok i mainly just replaced images and and edited a couple. i dont know how to use all that adbsdkwhatever stuff.... -_- i know i should but im too lazy. so i dunno how to re sign it...
all im trying to do is edit the quick search bar images. maybe i dont have to do this if there is somewhere to find themed search bars?
If you can then the best thing to do is use winRAR or 7zip to open/explore the apk just like with a .zip file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your using winRAR click and drag stuff works if its one or two files.
If its a lot of images or a large file like framework-res.apk (I'm thinking your search bar might be in there if I'm not mistaken) then you'll want to make a new ZIP archive with "store" compression (uncompressed pretty much).
(also you shouldn't need to resign the framework-res.apk)
I haven't tested 7zips click and drag but the same principals apply. If its bigger files being recompiled Winrar tends to compress it a bit and sometimes it causes bootloops.
That being said, don't forget to nandroid
82_Z28 said:
If your using winRAR click and drag stuff works if its one or two files.
If its a lot of images or a large file like framework-res.apk (I'm thinking your search bar might be in there if I'm not mistaken) then you'll want to make a new ZIP archive with "store" compression (uncompressed pretty much).
(also you shouldn't need to resign the framework-res.apk)
I haven't tested 7zips click and drag but the same principals apply. If its bigger files being recompiled Winrar tends to compress it a bit and sometimes it causes bootloops.
That being said, don't forget to nandroid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well from my experience, 7zip handles the task like a champ. I've taken every image out and put others back in with no issues. The downside is that some apps set certain dependencies in the .xml files so if you delete the wrong things it won't install and if it does, all you get is a fc all day. In that case it helps to know how to convert the xml binary to something readable (unless you're a king a hex editing).

help with boot animation

i'm tring to make a boot animation and i have the pics as png in a folder,i have a desc, and i have signed and zipped it but when i try to install i get can't find update script. i have looked into other bootanimes and not all have that. so thats where im stuck if anyone could help me learn what i'm doing wrong that would be great. thx
Help Anyone?
dased14 said:
i'm tring to make a boot animation and i have the pics as png in a folder,i have a desc, and i have signed and zipped it but when i try to install i get can't find update script. i have looked into other bootanimes and not all have that. so thats where im stuck if anyone could help me learn what i'm doing wrong that would be great. thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How are you trying to install? Did you make sure you bootanimation.zip is a storage zip?
Trying to make it flashable through recovery, and I think on 7zip I used normal, but i'll check into that after I get home.
dased14 said:
Trying to make it flashable through recovery, and I think on 7zip I used normal, but i'll check into that after I get home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After creating your bootanimation -- You need to make sure that a couple things have been done correctly for the bootanimation to 1) Work and 2) Be able to be flashed via recovery.
1) To make the bootanimation work
a. Make sure that after creating the animation itself that the .zip you create has NO compression -- (e.g You use "store" mode, instead of "normal" -- both 7zip/Winrar have this feature)
b. Make sure the desc.txt file is properly formatted and has the correct folder names inside the file. Also make sure you have a carriage return (press enter) at the VERY last line of your desc.txt file
c) Make sure the .png filenames are somewhat sequential and organized. (e.g. BootUp001, BootUp002, BootUp003, etc)
2a) To make a flashable package
a. First create a folder to house the bootanimation and you'll also need to explicitly define the folder names that you want the animation to be pushed to. (e.g -- Inside lets say the "MyBootanimation" folder -- you should have three folders; they're names respectively are:: system/customize/resource
Inside the resource folder is where your newly created bootanimation.zip will go.
2b) To make the package flashable and work in recovery; you'll need a update-script file which should be in a folder called:: META-INF (ALL CAPS); inside that folder should reside, three more folders:: com/google/android/. The update-script file will go INSIDE the android folder.
I've attached a simple update-script file that will make your package flashable. Unzip the "Extract-ME" file and you'll find the file.
So, to get this to work, you'll open the "MyBootanimation folder and inside it should reside to folders (system (and it's subfolders); which houses the bootanimation and META-INF (and it's subfolders); which houses the update-script). You need to select both files and zip them up in NORMAL mode, not "store" mode. This will create your new package, which you then need to sign via whatever method you use. I use command line and I'd like not to explain that if I don't have to.
here's the file i'm working on if someone wants to take a look at it and tell me what i'm doing wrong that would help me out a lot.if you can i would like to know what is wrong so for future use and the knowledge.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9628638/bootanimation1.zip
Lemme know if this helps...
dased14 said:
here's the file i'm working on if someone wants to take a look at it and tell me what i'm doing wrong that would help me out a lot.if you can i would like to know what is wrong so for future use and the knowledge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two noticeable things:
1. Your images are 850 x 400 (resize all to 800 x 450)
2. Your .zip file is not arranged right.(look at my attached file, should give you an idea)
Your file is way too big to upload here so attaching the base file here for you to work with.
- First, zip the android folder,part2 folder and the desc.txt file as a storage, and name the file bootanimation.zip.
- Second, 7zip my file and navigate to customize>resource and replace the file there with the one you created in the previous step.
- Close and flash the file (This is in amend so you might want to use clockwork 2x (or equivalent RA) to flash it. Feel free to change the update script if you wish)
I tried this on my myn RLS5, works like a charm. Might want to change the desc.txt to match the image dimensions. (800 x 450)
I hope this helps.
PS: I Like the minion animation.
now it came up E:\wrong digest:customize/resource/bootanimation.zip huh?
i put the file here http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9628638/minionsdisco.zip
i know i'm a pain in the [email protected]@, thanks for all the help
edit: i figured out what i was doing wrong it was the way i was zipped files together. now to speed it up and maybe a loop
here's a working one http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9628638/minionsdisco1.zip. how do i speed it up to play more like the movie.
ps thanks to pseudoremora,theidlemonk for helping me figure out what i was doing wrong.
pm me your email...I'll send the file over...i am having trouble uploading it
dased14 said:
now it came up E:\wrong digest:customize/resource/bootanimation.zip huh?
i put the file here http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9628638/minionsdisco.zip
i know i'm a pain in the [email protected]@, thanks for all the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First and foremost -- I don't know whose method recommended that you leave the "system" folder out of the flashing process, but that's a very incorrect way of doing this.
I've stated earlier that you need THREE folders -- SYSTEM, customize, and resource. You only have customize and resource. Your customize folder (and it's subfolders) needs to be placed inside a folder labeled "system".
Secondly, the command you're using in the update-script, while it will work now; will not work if someone decides to change the structure of your package in the future. The update-script I uploaded earlier allows for future flashing because anything placed inside the "system" folder (which Android 100% relies on) will always be flashed, as long as the structure is correct within the system folder.
You should remove the update-script you have now and place this one inside it (if you decide to use the method I've stated above). I've attached the file below (extract first).
Lastly, quite frankly; I've never seen a 60MB bootanimation before and to be honest, that's just unbelievably huge. You need to figure out either how to shorten your animation or to compress it in a manner which will lower its size.
Also, the native resolution for the EVO is 480 x 800 and not 450 x 800 for future reference.
pseudoremora said:
First and foremost -- I don't know whose method recommended that you leave the "system" folder out of the flashing process, but that's a very incorrect way of doing this.
I've stated earlier that you need THREE folders -- SYSTEM, customize, and resource. You only have customize and resource. Your customize folder (and it's subfolders) needs to be placed inside a folder labeled "system".
Secondly, the command you're using in the update-script, while it will work now; will not work if someone decides to change the structure of your package in the future. The update-script I uploaded earlier allows for future flashing because anything placed inside the "system" folder (which Android 100% relies on) will always be flashed, as long as the structure is correct within the system folder.
You should remove the update-script you have now and place this one inside it (if you decide to use the method I've stated above). I've attached the file below (extract first).
Lastly, quite frankly; I've never seen a 60MB bootanimation before and to be honest, that's just unbelievably huge. You need to figure out either how to shorten your animation or to compress it in a manner which will lower its size.
Also, the native resolution for the EVO is 480 x 800 and not 450 x 800 for future reference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok thanks,how would i compress it to make it smaller? and i want to speed it up to run more like the movie. i have it working it just runs kinda slow?
Not sure if you are on windows, but if you are then pngoptimizer does the trick (should be able to do multiple pngs at a time) and its free online. Also on windows I had an issue with the bootanimation.zip because windows kept adding the thumbs.* file in the two folders other than the desc.txt...that made my animation choppy. Just 7zip into you file and delete if you see it.
pseudoremora said:
First and foremost -- I don't know whose method recommended that you leave the "system" folder out of the flashing process, but that's a very incorrect way of doing this.
I've stated earlier that you need THREE folders -- SYSTEM, customize, and resource. You only have customize and resource. Your customize folder (and it's subfolders) needs to be placed inside a folder labeled "system".
Secondly, the command you're using in the update-script, while it will work now; will not work if someone decides to change the structure of your package in the future. The update-script I uploaded earlier allows for future flashing because anything placed inside the "system" folder (which Android 100% relies on) will always be flashed, as long as the structure is correct within the system folder.
You should remove the update-script you have now and place this one inside it (if you decide to use the method I've stated above). I've attached the file below (extract first).
Lastly, quite frankly; I've never seen a 60MB bootanimation before and to be honest, that's just unbelievably huge. You need to figure out either how to shorten your animation or to compress it in a manner which will lower its size.
Also, the native resolution for the EVO is 480 x 800 and not 450 x 800 for future reference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for your help on this, i'm looking for any ideas on how to compress this to make it smaller in size(without losing any animations) i have been usiing 7zip to compress it
dased14 said:
thanks for your help on this, i'm looking for any ideas on how to compress this to make it smaller in size(without losing any animations) i have been usiing 7zip to compress it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pngoptimizer as theidlemonk recommended should be used for each PNG file and hopefully should bring down the size a bit. Otherwise; it really comes down to cutting the animation.
I'm not saying you can't push a 60MB file onto your phone as a bootanimation; but I think it's huge waste of space for such a thing. You have to remember; we're only talking about the bootanimation here and quite frankly, the EVO tends to boot up rather quickly, so trying to show a clip from a movie really shouldn't be your goal -- if anything, you can take bits and pieces from the clip and use that instead.
Personally, I try to make my bootanimations minimal and light. The important part of the animation is actually the looping; so concentrate on that.
pseudoremora said:
pngoptimizer as theidlemonk recommended should be used for each PNG file and hopefully should bring down the size a bit. Otherwise; it really comes down to cutting the animation.
I'm not saying you can't push a 60MB file onto your phone as a bootanimation; but I think it's huge waste of space for such a thing. You have to remember; we're only talking about the bootanimation here and quite frankly, the EVO tends to boot up rather quickly, so trying to show a clip from a movie really shouldn't be your goal -- if anything, you can take bits and pieces from the clip and use that instead.
Personally, I try to make my bootanimations minimal and light. The important part of the animation is actually the looping; so concentrate on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'll look into pngoptimizer, now would i set eveything up the same for loop(with fewer animations)like i said this is the first one i have ever tried to make(i hope i get better as i do more) how would i add sound to one. and thx again guys for putting up with me and for all the help
dased14 said:
i'll look into pngoptimizer, now would i set eveything up the same for loop(with fewer animations)like i said this is the first one i have ever tried to make(i hope i get better as i do more) how would i add sound to one. and thx again guys for putting up with me and for all the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd advise you take a look at this post and this one also. I wrote that quite some time ago, however it's still very much applicable today.
Edit:: It's actually probably good to read the posts from pages 15, 16, and probably 17 as well in the links I've posted above.
what would you guys say is the best png optimizer to (less loss, better compression)
dased14 said:
what would you guys say is the best png optimizer to (less loss, better compression)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both of us just told you.
Use pngoptimizer. The program itself optimizes each png, taking away any erroneous data and leaves everything else intact; thus giving you a smaller .png file. Doing this for EACH .png file will result in a smaller bootanimation file.
PNGs can be optimized just so much, I would rather think more on the lines of what pseudoremora said: Cutting down animation to keep it minimal and light. Looping will also be a big part as you have over 300 images. Looping would reuse images and allow cutting of parts. (I hope I made sense).
pseudoremora said:
Both of us just told you.
Use pngoptimizer. The program itself optimizes each png, taking away any erroneous data and leaves everything else intact; thus giving you a smaller .png file. Doing this for EACH .png file will result in a smaller bootanimation file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I wasn't sure if that was the name of it or a program type, Googled it and got a bunch of different ones just wanted to make sure. And yes I know its a large file and I will take both of your advice and cut it down. Again thanks for the time and help

[CWM][ALL] Base CWM zip packages - just add APPS!

Ok forum, so I got this idea: because a lot of people ask for CWM packages of this and that, why not let them create CWM flashable stuff without having to beg devs or other users to make them?
I think it saves them (yes, I am talking about YOU!) and us the trouble. So I created these two base CWM flashable zips to get everyone started:
Data_Skeleton.zip - Used for apps that you can uninstall afterwards.
System_Skeleton.zip - Used for anything that should be installed as a system app
Now, a short guide on how to use them:
1. Download the appropriate ZIP for what you plan to package. If you want to make a regular app package use Data_Skeleton.zip, for system apps, use System_Skeleton.zip.
2. Open the zip file with anything else other than Windows Explorer! Use 7zip, winzip, winrar or anything else, just not Explorer!
3. Look inside the zip! DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING! All you need to do is ADD STUFF!
4. Browse into the "data" or "system" zip folders, then down into the "app" folder inside.
5. After you get to the "app" folder, copy and paste the APKs you want to flash in the folder.
REMEMBER: do not DELETE anything! ADD APK files ONLY in the "app" folder.
6. Wait for the APK files you copy to get added to the archive.
7. Close the archive.
8. Rename and copy the archive to your SD card.
9. Boot into CWM and flash the copied zip file you just created.
10. Enjoy!!
Sooooo, quick 10-step process into cooking you own CWM Zips. You can do much more with them than flashing apps, but for general purpose usage, this should be enough!
Thanks and complaints go underneath.
PS: this idea was given to me by lambstone in a separate thread! Thanks a lot mate!!!
Peace,
C.
Nice thread, waiting for other..............
There's market apps that does this I.e apps2zip
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-2
Ayysr,
App2zip works well for this purpose, but only when it works. There are apps that can't be zipped correctly, mainly those that rely on libs, media and/or other files that can't be included automagically. Needless to say that some apps (mainly games and such) store data on the SD card.
All of this can be easily accomplished by copying the files in a zip file; also learning something about Android in the process, wouldn't you say?
Peace,
C.
cheatman said:
Ayysr,
App2zip works well for this purpose, but only when it works. There are apps that can't be zipped correctly, mainly those that rely on libs, media and/or other files that can't be included automagically. Needless to say that some apps (mainly games and such) store data on the SD card.
All of this can be easily accomplished by copying the files in a zip file; also learning something about Android in the process, wouldn't you say?
Peace,
C.
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Click to collapse
Your right, I was not trying to deny your effort in any way
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-2
I actually wasn't expecting anyone to comment on this thread to begin with
The fact that you mentioned app2zip is perfect! I know the intent is not to deny my effort, in fact, I am happy new information surfaced because it's useful and appropriate.
Very few contribute to such posts with relevant info for others. I think this is the point: sharing insightful and relevant stuff with others. But judging by the number of thanks you have, you already know this very well already
So, thanks! And glad to have you in my thread
Peace,
C.
cheatman said:
I actually wasn't expecting anyone to comment on this thread to begin with
The fact that you mentioned app2zip is perfect! I know the intent is not to deny my effort, in fact, I am happy new information surfaced because it's useful and appropriate.
Very few contribute to such posts with relevant info for others. I think this is the point: sharing insightful and relevant stuff with others. But judging by the number of thanks you have, you already know this very well already
So, thanks! And glad to have you in my thread
Peace,
C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have trying to put 5 apk files on data/app exactly doing what it's in your post, then rename it to apk.zip, but when i'm trying flashing from cwm it's geting error
E:Can't open /sdcard/apk.zip
(bad)
Installation aborted
do I miss something??
edit: i'm using data_skeleton.zip
Make sure you don't extract the ZIP. Open it and add files. If you extract it, you get that error message (usually). That is a problem related to the unzip process in CWM, it's not very "compatible"
I have also re-upped the DATA CWM zip, maybe it got borked in the process. So download again from first post. It works on my tab. You can test it by just getting the zip and flashing it empty, like that.
cheatman said:
Make sure you don't extract the ZIP. Open it and add files. If you extract it, you get that error message (usually). That is a problem related to the unzip process in CWM, it's not very "compatible"
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Click to collapse
No dude, I do not extract the zip file, I do exzctly what you said in 1st post, just open it with winrar, look for Data-app, then adding apk files on app section/folder inside the zip files, i just try once again to make sure, and i just add 1 different apk file, but still not work, btw i always use this same method before when I' want to replace boot animation for ICS CM9 ROM and adding some apk file to ROM file, and it's always work.
cheatman said:
I have also re-upped the DATA CWM zip, maybe it got borked in the process. So download again from first post. It works on my tab. You can test it by just getting the zip and flashing it empty, like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will try this one..,
EDIT: have try your 2nd Data_skeleton.zip, it's work when flashing from cwm with or without add apk files, but not with previous zip file, thought the problem it's coming from your zip file..,
Glad the second one works!
Thanks for letting me know the first zip was borked!
Its a good thread man, makes creating flash able zips simple, you should also look into zipsigner2 on the play market
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-2
Thx for the great work!!
Does this one only works for apks?? say i would like to add some files to system/bin or system/lib what do i need to add??
Thx again
You need to create the appropriate folder structure on your PC/Laptop/Mac drive (system/bin or system/lib as per your example) and add it to the archive.
Do not create the folders directly inside the archive as they seem to get borked. Instead archive the folders after you create them locally. It also works if you extract the skeleton archive as an example, delete the "system" folder from inside it and add to the archive the system folder from your drive to replace the original one.
Sounds more complicated than it is. With these CWM Zips you can create any zip that changes either "/data/*" or "/system/*"
Anything, including full ROMs, libs, firmware etc (i.e. except kernel!) can go inside. Play with them. You can't mess your tab with them. Worst case, you need to flash again your ICS copy and factory reset...
Peace,
C.
yeah jejeje i just mess up i am trying to flash a sound driver for my phone (by the way it works in my live with walkman) but they are not working so.
but it is great because i was able to use your file to flash my phone it seems to be universal.
thx again for your work.
Is it possible for this to work for radio images?
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5
No, it can't be used for radio images.
First off, radio images need to be flashed (i.e. not copied to a folder as this script does) and secondly because as far as I know with the latest versions of CWM don't support this anymore.
The old zips used to flash radio don't seem to be supported anymore. I recently encountered this problem while flashing a friend's HTC Buzz/Wildfire. So, no, I have no idea how to flash radio using CWM anymore. You can flash using Odin, though...
Peace,
C.
cheatman said:
You need to create the appropriate folder structure on your PC/Laptop/Mac drive (system/bin or system/lib as per your example) and add it to the archive.
Do not create the folders directly inside the archive as they seem to get borked. Instead archive the folders after you create them locally. It also works if you extract the skeleton archive as an example, delete the "system" folder from inside it and add to the archive the system folder from your drive to replace the original one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, this explains how come my /system/app zips were coming out fine but my /system/framework were messed up, thanks for the explanation.
I wonder if it's possible for a small tutorial in how to add our own text to a zip when it's being flashed.
I guess I could reupload the zips without the intro section (stating my nickname and galaxy tab / version etc.) if I weren't so lazy...
The problem with changing the text is that although a tutorial can be made, it requires external tools and such, which would make this waaay to complicated and out of the scope of this thread.
For your purposes (I assume you are using some version of Windows), here's my advice: extract the Zip archive, look for the "updater-script" file, change it and make sure you run it through a "dos2unix" tool to convert CR/LFs. Then add it back to the archive.
To everyone else: if this doesn't work for you, just stick to adding apps to the zip. You should be safe, there's no need to edit any files anyway!
Peace,
C.
Great, apparently it was just that simple, worked great, <3
Dumb question - is this only for Galaxy tab? Or can I use it on my Captivate?

7-zip cant modify files

I am looking to modify my phone.apk to change the color of a few buttons and the android guy that shows up when in a call. I have done this in the past and it seemed like then it was as simple as deleting the files in 7-zip and replacing with the file I wanted. Am I missing something or is it not that simple. Every time I try to move a file or delete it its says "not Implimented" or un supported compression method. I know how to push and pull files through adb so if I could just get the .png images where I want them then I would be all set. I have looked everywhere but cant seem to come up with a solution.
Thanks Jason
PS. the files are from another rom I am simply trying to use them in my current rom so the .png file should not be corrupt or broken.
You can't edit apk's with any zip extractors
Sent from my Incredible using xda premium
Albinoman said:
You can't edit apk's with any zip extractors
Sent from my Incredible using xda premium
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Not true, regular image files can (should) be able to be draged out, edited, and droped back in an apk using 7-zip.
nighthawklude99 said:
I am looking to modify my phone.apk to change the color of a few buttons and the android guy that shows up when in a call. I have done this in the past and it seemed like then it was as simple as deleting the files in 7-zip and replacing with the file I wanted. Am I missing something or is it not that simple. Every time I try to move a file or delete it its says "not Implimented" or un supported compression method. I know how to push and pull files through adb so if I could just get the .png images where I want them then I would be all set. I have looked everywhere but cant seem to come up with a solution.
Thanks Jason
PS. the files are from another rom I am simply trying to use them in my current rom so the .png file should not be corrupt or broken.
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Click to collapse
My guess would be that the apk was decompiled at some point before, but not recompiled right, or with the right program. Which phone.apk are you having issues with, the one on your phone or the one your pulling the pngs from?
I am having problems with the phone.apk I pull from my phone with adb, with the phone.apk that is in the original rom, and the phone.apk that is in a nanadroid back up. The rom I am running is anthem 3.3. I am starting to think that there is a problem with 7-zip on my computer. Is there a setting I need to change? I have even ran 7-zip as administrator to see if that helped.
nighthawklude99 said:
I am having problems with the phone.apk I pull from my phone with adb, with the phone.apk that is in the original rom, and the phone.apk that is in a nanadroid back up. The rom I am running is anthem 3.3. I am starting to think that there is a problem with 7-zip on my computer. Is there a setting I need to change? I have even ran 7-zip as administrator to see if that helped.
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Click to collapse
Sounds like your install of 7z may be messed up. I just tried it to make sure something didnt change in an update and it works fine for me still with default configuration.

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