Develop Bugs

Merging Flashable ZIPs

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...

How to add apk files into a rom

hey i want to add some files like htc clock.apk and calculator.apk to N.S.A rom, so how do i go about it. Any help
Thank you.

unzip the ROM, add them to the app folder and rezip it and then flash the ROM (making sure the recovery utility you're using allows non-signed ROMs)

i am using clockworkmod recovery, does it allow flashing unsigned rom??
Thanks

unquestioning

shoemeistah said:
unquestioning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, what does that means.

Yes, you have to remove the signing checking option in it (under advanced or something, have a play about)

hey use Android kitchen to Modify the Rom as want
>you can add and remove apps
>you can create your own custom rom if want..!!
>And you can sign the modified ROM
READ THE INSTRUCTION YOU'LL GET TO KNOW
try it out works great here is the link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=633246

harish.awe said:
hey use Android kitchen to Modify the Rom as want
>you can add and remove apps
>you can create your own custom rom if want..!!
>And you can sign the modified ROM
READ THE INSTRUCTION YOU'LL GET TO KNOW
try it out works great here is the link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=633246
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a LOT easier to just do it yourself...

?
does this work for the captivate

Don't know, go ask in the captivate forum and not the Desire one

Hi all, i'm a new user and i have some trouble adding .apk's into cooked roms.
In particular, i'm trying to add some .apk into /system/app of InsertCoin Gingerbread 1.0.5
I have unzipped the rom, add those apk's, zipped again but when i flash it from recovery it says "Can't Find Update Script".

Iryon said:
Hi all, i'm a new user and i have some trouble adding .apk's into cooked roms.
In particular, i'm trying to add some .apk into /system/app of InsertCoin Gingerbread 1.0.5
I have unzipped the rom, add those apk's, zipped again but when i flash it from recovery it says "Can't Find Update Script".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't(!) unzip the rom. Just open the archive using 7zip or winzip (or something like that; right-click zip and choose 'open archive'). Then just move apk to correct folder. If you're taking apk's from another rom, open that using 7zip as well. Then, drag the program from one rom to the other. When you're finished and want to flash the rom, make sure you've disabled 'signature verification' in recovery (it is an option in recovery).

Thank you, i was able to flash my first "modded" version with different boot/down animation, Teeter game (i love it) and Titanium Backup
The only thing i was not able to do was Root Explorer, i tried to put it in system/app and in data/app but when i flash rom it doesn't appear in the drawer.
Any suggestion?

Iryon said:
Thank you, i was able to flash my first "modded" version with different boot/down animation, Teeter game (i love it) and Titanium Backup
The only thing i was not able to do was Root Explorer, i tried to put it in system/app and in data/app but when i flash rom it doesn't appear in the drawer.
Any suggestion?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been learning how to do this in the last few days and have had similar issues as you. I can get some to install fine and appear in the drawer but not all.
I have only been adding the apk's to system/app and not data/app. Should the apk's be added to one of these, both of them or another folder completely?
Can anyone help the two of us out?

I used apk swapper but all the apps are not working

[Q] Gingerburst - how can i use UOT Kitchen

Hi all
Just got Droidzone's Gingerburst ROM and it's not listed in the UOT Kitchen, so I used the upload settings only to get a bootloop. I read Fredalf's other way of doing it through Root Explorer but the instructions weren't so clear.
Right now I have the zip file ready and waiting on my sd card. What shall i do next?

Please post the instructions and tell us, until which point you do not understand them. On this way it's much easier to help you.

pairofpints said:
Hi all
Just got Droidzone's Gingerburst ROM and it's not listed in the UOT Kitchen, so I used the upload settings only to get a bootloop. I read Fredalf's other way of doing it through Root Explorer but the instructions weren't so clear.
Right now I have the zip file ready and waiting on my sd card. What shall i do next?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't use this ROM, but have flashed many a UOT theme successfully without bootloop
1. did you upload all 3 relevant files: com.htc.resources.apk, SystemUI.apk and framework-res.apk?
2. did you check the "Flashing folders for system files" in the file upload tab? look in your original ROM.zip to see which folders SystemUI.apk and framework-res.apk are located in.
3. might not help, but sometimes suggested to wipe cache and dalvik before flashing, although i've done it successfully without
4. another long shot, but there may be some other option you've accidentally ticked inside the UOT kitchen itself which isn't compatible with your ROM, like the AOSP lockscreen, best to check again
the root explorer method requires S-OFF, though i've never done it this way. i guess u gotta extract the zip on your computer, copy the 3 files onto your SD card, then manually copy and overwrite them wherever they are located on the phone using Root explorer (e.g. into system/framework), then rebooting. it's basically the long way round what flashing the zip is supposed to do.

thanks for the replies.
yes i've followed the uot method of uploading all 3 correct files and i think i may have even done the wipes too. The result was the black screen with pink circle constantly looping.
I do have s off and i had gotten up to the extract part, although it wasn't explained what to extract and where.
Just extracted on computer and the com.htc.resources file isn't there although the other 2 are.

pairofpints said:
thanks for the replies.
yes i've followed the uot method of uploading all 3 correct files and i think i may have even done the wipes too. The result was the black screen with pink circle constantly looping.
I do have s off and i had gotten up to the extract part, although it wasn't explained what to extract and where.
Just extracted on computer and the com.htc.resources file isn't there although the other 2 are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
strange,
may be related to point number 2 in my previous post. open up your original ROM.zip on your PC, then search which folders framework-res.apk and SystemUI.apk are located. look at the "Flashing folders for system files" in the UOT file upload tab, gives you the clues as to where they'll most likely be. probably system/framework and data/app(?) but varies from ROM to ROM.
put the framework-res.apk and SystemUI.apk from the extracted kitchen zip onto your SD card (ignore the com.htc.resources file if it's not included) then copy them over to their respective locations using root explorer and overwrite (remember to mount read/write).
reboot - this is assuming you have your nandroid backup just in case
if it still doesnt work then might be number 4 of my previous post, or it's just beyond my knowledge...search the UOT thread if anyone with Gingerburst has got it working? must be possible...
again i've not done it this way myself, but don't see why it shouldnt work, await the wise MatDrOiD to confirm...

eddiehk6 said:
strange,
may be related to point number 2 in my previous post. open up your original ROM.zip on your PC, then search which folders framework-res.apk and SystemUI.apk are located. look at the "Flashing folders for system files" in the UOT file upload tab, gives you the clues as to where they'll most likely be. probably system/framework and data/app(?) but varies from ROM to ROM.
put the framework-res.apk and SystemUI.apk from the extracted kitchen zip onto your SD card (ignore the com.htc.resources file if it's not included) then copy them over to their respective locations using root explorer and overwrite (remember to mount read/write).
reboot - this is assuming you have your nandroid backup just in case
if it still doesnt work then might be number 4 of my previous post, or it's just beyond my knowledge...search the UOT thread if anyone with Gingerburst has got it working? must be possible...
again i've not done it this way myself, but don't see why it shouldnt work, await the wise MatDrOiD to confirm...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That didn't work, there must be some kind of glitch in the rom. Guess I'll just have to make do with horizontal battery for now. Thanks anyway.

[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.
Click to expand...
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"
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.