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...

[Q] My modified custom ROM

Being a newbie that is learning A LOT, my most recent question is:
If I have flashed a BYOR (midnight rom) then added the apk files that I wanted, is there a way of saving my modified ROM so that if I try something else and need to flash back, I can without reloading all of the apps from the zip files?

Make a backup in CWM before wiping, then restore it later when you want to switch back. That's all you can do as far as I know.

notmyepic said:
Being a newbie that is learning A LOT, my most recent question is:
If I have flashed a BYOR (midnight rom) then added the apk files that I wanted, is there a way of saving my modified ROM so that if I try something else and need to flash back, I can without reloading all of the apps from the zip files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1st download Titanium Backup and save all your files on your and window information email etc etc . u hit menu then BATCH then back up all files and data ......
CWM ... got to restore n backup then select back up and let it work ..........
now after u check out the other Rom u go back into CWM .... RESTORE UR OLD FILE .... then download TITANIUM BACKUP and restore everything or just choose what you want NOTE: YOU CAN DO TITANIUM w the ROm IF U CHOOSE TO KEEP IT

Also, you can take applications from say the midNight v5 upgrade zip(use 7zip to open the zip file) navigate to system/app folder. Copy the apks from the upgrade zip to the same folder in the BYOR zip file; same for files in system/lib.
You can repeat that step for other apps you like from the midNight Extras folder.
If you ever have to flash fresh; then you'll have a rom zip pre-built with your apps and you wont have to flash each zip.
Absolutely utilize the backup in CWM .. that can save you butt ... before any theme, kernel or ROM install. That way if you hit a boot loop or freeze .. simply boot to recovery and restore your phone back to before that flash attempt.

Thanks everyone. When I get a chance I may try something different

I would download and install 7zip. make a backup copy of your midnight 5.0 byor zip incase you mess something up but not likely. right click on one of the rom zips and 7zip open archive. in that archive you opened there should be an sd card folder. open that and extract the midnight extras folder to your desktop (drag it to the desktop). open that archive up again and navigate to system/app. go into your midnight extras folder and copy all the apk's you want on your phone and paste them in the system/app folder. After this any time you flash this zip you will have all the apps you put in the system/apps folder and wont have to flash multiple zips for apps. this can be done for themes, boot animations, shutdown animations, fonts, pretty much anything you can flash as long as you know where to put them. ps always backup before flashing

I thought I read somewhere installing zip file with CWM, it needed the apk and another file (believe it was meta file)
Is this the case, or is the zip files with meta also for something bigger than just apks?

[Q] Need help with twframework-res.apk

Hello, so I just made few color changes on the drawable-hdpi folder images of twframework-res.apk. Then I pasted the new apk on my phone and replaced the current one on the system but nothing changed on the icons I made changes.
Do I need to follow any extra steps in order to make it work? I noticed there is a file called twframework-res.jar as well, so that may have to do with it?
The images I am trying to edit are the ones when you click the menu button(these are called ic_menu) and can also be found on the framework-res.apk. Also what is the difference between these two apks?

I find you get best results when flashing apks, and try clearing dalvik cache before you flash do it rebuilds the new images into the cache.
Hope this helps.

You can flash apk's? how ?
Using the install zip method? It doesn't show on the sdcard though.

Download a theme, open it with 7zip and go to the system folders. In these delete any apks. Then goto system/framework and put your apks in, then back all the way out. Boot into recovery and flash, job done.

[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.

[Q] HTC Locations' App. on other Custom ROMs

Hi,
I need to install HTC's Locations app on any custom ROM (ie: MyOneV or CM9/CM10)
So any1 can help me with this ?
(i tried it though, by moving these files (from MyOneV5.0FX Removed apks) htclocation.apk,locationpicker.apk,locatiooninstaller.apk in System/app folder bt it didn't worked)

When you move those files to system app manually, you need to put right permission rw-r--r-- then reboot.
Or the simplest way is, open the Removed_Apks_RC5.x.zip with 7-zip (not extract), delete all apks that you don't need and leave those location files in zip.
Then flash the zip in recovery.
And these files will not work on a CM rom.

ckpv5 said:
When you move those files to system app manually, you need to put right permission rw-r--r-- then reboot.
Or the simplest way is, open the Removed_Apks_RC5.x.zip with 7-zip (not extract), delete all apks that you don't need and leave those location files in zip.
Then flash the zip in recovery.
And these files will not work on a CM rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good:
Thankz
I tried that too, by removing all apks from zip keeping the said three files & flash it in recovery, still it doesn't appeared in apps!
Though i'll try again may b missed something or some file..

I just tried it, it works.
Your filename looks different, attached here the files from the Removed_Apks_RC5.x.zip, I named it to location.zip. Flash in recovery.

It Worked: Thanx