Related
**UPDATE** This project maybe abandoned, after using Stericson's method i found signing to be much easier. You can find his method here. There has been 26 people who downloaded my tool and if those users want me to continue on this project, i will. but i recommend giving Stericson's method a try. You will still need to make sure both Jave JRE and Java JDK are installed with Stericson's Method and also with his script make sure to type in yes or no, not y or n =).
I would appreciate if anyone using my tool would post here if they want me to continue with this project or not.
Right now it will only sign update.zip,framework-res.apk and Launcher.apk. I am working on adding all of the other apks to this app.
This app was built in Visual Studio 2008, you may need .Net3.5 Framework installed to run it.
To use this app just extract it to a folder.
It includes:
update
-update\app
-update\framework
Auto-Sign.exe
signapk.jar
testkey.pk8
testkey.x509.pem
This app works the same as Dave Da illest 1's autosign.bat. If you have signed themes with dave's method you will be able to use this.
You will need to make sure that Java is installed for this to work, make sure to install JRE and JDK here.
Once you extract the files into a folder, copy a theme's update.zip into the root folder. Extract the the files you will be editing, edit your files, drag them back into the apk use this program to sign the apk, drag the apk back into update.zip and use this program to sign the update.zip.
When signing Launcher.apk or any other app's apk the program will look in:
"whatever folder you extracted to"\update\app.
Please leave me any comments or questions i will try to respond to them. If you have any other ideas or plain think this app sucks and i should delete immediately let me know =)
I will add the updates and some screen shots in the next few days.
::UPDATE:: 01/17/09
I made a few changes to the app, I also added the folders that the program is expecting to be there. Now when you load the app it tells you if the files are found or not. Also I added framework-res.apk to the list to be signed.
I am working on a part of the app that will allow it to check if the original file was signed or not. This way it will not create a _signed.apk or zip.
::UPDATE::: 01/18/09
I have added some labels to the GUI that will tell you if the files are found or not. I changed around the buttons and gave a little bit better description under the read me button. I got rid of the message boxes when you started the app. Comment here and let me know what you think.
Sucks.
Just kiddin works fine thank ya. =D
I just think you guys are making more work for yourselves by using this version of the signing tool that still creates a double. Why not use the version that overwrites the file with the signed apk, so you will do less work?
Stericson
Stericson said:
I just think you guys are making more work for yourselves by using this version of the signing tool that still creates a double. Why not use the version that overwrites the file with the signed apk, so you will do less work?
Stericson
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Stericson, I changed the code in that app so it doesn't write the new signed file. But i noticed the original file didnt change either. Should signing the file change the modified time when you look at the properties? if not there is there another confirmation, to tell the file has been signed?
yes it should show a modified time.
stericson
Does this work on all apks or just Launcher?
broopa said:
Does this work on all apks or just Launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am running tests on update.zip, Launcher.apk and framework-res.apk. In the next few days i will release a full blown app that will sign all of the apks that people will be editing.
Thanks. I am looking forward to that release. I tried to use the app to resign Launcher.apk and I can't find the Launcher_signed in the app folder.
broopa said:
Thanks. I am looking forward to that release. I tried to use the app to resign Launcher.apk and I can't find the Launcher_signed in the app folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give this new version a try and let know how you like it.
Stericson said:
I just think you guys are making more work for yourselves by using this version of the signing tool that still creates a double. Why not use the version that overwrites the file with the signed apk, so you will do less work?
Stericson
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way the program is now it is a little more work, but a lot of people don't know anything about system variables and eventually i would like to make the program import the files directly into the correct apks and then push them into the update.zip after they are signed and then sign the update.zip itself.
I am still not getting any new files or folders that say ...._signed. I am now using v.65.
broopa said:
I am still not getting any new files or folders that say ...._signed. I am now using v.65.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have JRE and JDK installed? If not then go here to download and install the first 2 files.
ahhh i can't wait to use this lol
why do we have to sign these ?
namsir said:
why do we have to sign these ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have to sign the files because Google setup Android so not just anyone could install anything they wanted. They wanted to have control of what was installed. Which was flubbed by JesusFreke and the other XDA hackers.
Short answer...it is a security measure set by Google.
more proof the universe is against me.
so... i tried using koush's steps to install auto-rotate browser. i first had to download the android sdk, however i cannot get it to install correctly and have never seen the tools folder. then i find out that there is a way that is easier (for me). downloaded the auto-sign app. then, found out i had to download 2 java apps, so i tried. the installation was unsuccessful. this is odd because with all the steps it took to get root, it was actually quite easy. but auto-rotate browser just does not want to be on my G1.
ok, i tried downloading the java apps again, this time, instead of downloading with the sun download manager, i double clicked on the file name to download with my firefox browser and it worked just fine. fyi.
**UPDATE** This project maybe abandoned, after using Stericson's method i found signing to be much easier. You can find his method here. There has been 26 people who downloaded my tool and if those users want me to continue on this project, i will. but i recommend giving Stericson's method a try. You will still need to make sure both Jave JRE and Java JDK are installed with Stericson's Method and also with his script make sure to type in yes or no, not y or n =).
I would appreciate if anyone using my tool would post here if they want me to continue with this project or not.
BTW.. this auto-sign tool was the only way I could get signing to work.. so THANK YOU and I hope you will continue this project.
I built this tool before i had a full understanding about signing. there is no need to sign the other apks...just the update.zip. It signs all the apks below it. so this tool is fully functional. I just didnt know it at the time heh =)
Glad it helped you out.
vista 64 bit?
hello, i was wandering if this would work with vista 64 bit.. for some odd reason on my old computer i was able to sign the files no problem but now with my new computer after "signing" it gets stuck on the animated screen... Is anyone using this and running Vista 64bit?? Have a good day..
How do i take certain things out of a theme like wallpapers/sounds?
In specific cyanogen and hero roms.
For future reference, try using the search function in the top right corner...
in answer to your question, its pretty simple, you just download the theme or Rom update you want and unzip it to a folder somewhere. But that just gets the images/xmls out of the zip. you can edit them to your choosing, but to be able to use them you need to be able to sign updates, i suggest you search this forum for "Signing", and get yourself set up to sign updates and .apks. then if you want to extract things from apks, you just add .zip to the end and then extract it, like HTCMusic.apk you would rename to HTCMusic.apk.zip, and then unzip that and it will give you everything inside the apk. then you have to sign every individual .apk before you put it back.
I also suggest you search this forum for "Draw9patch", and you should google "Android SDK" and download and setup the android sdk AND eclipse (you will need that to recompile ".9.pngs" before repackaging them). All this is well documented, but you gotta search like everybody else, its alot more than one post worth of reading...just start diggin around inside a theme and learn how they work and how they break down, and then go study what you need to do to put it back together and make it work right..
-BMFC
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=569529
i had the same problem and now its solved . Just open the .apk and change the images or copie
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...
ok so i tried readin the guides and i have to say i was completely lost. might be cuz i havnt gotten any rest in a while but anyways i was looing for a way to be able to combine 2 themes. i really like the status bar icons on one theme like the bluetooth and wifi however i like everythig else from the other one also one is using launcher pro the other one tw launcher. would like to keep the one with launcher pro and just changethe top icons that always show. if i missed something please let me know any help would be greatly appreciated
Make a copy of the original themes to fall back on first.
What you have to do is open up the zip files of the themes. Extract the res folders from each themes framework-res.apk. Obviously you will have to rename one of them to something like res1 or put it in another place. Once you have the two folders extracted make the launcherpro one your base. Copy the images that you want to keep from the other theme (probably located in drawable-hdpi or drawable-hdpi-v4) and paste them into the same folder of the launcherpro theme and overwrite them. Once you have everything copied the way you want it open the framework-res.apk of the launcherpro theme. Go to the res folder and remove whatever folder you are adding back in (drawable.hdpi for example). Now drag the launcherpro folder that you made all of the changes to (drawable.hdpi or whatever) into the res folder of framework-res.apk. If you took the framework-res.apk file out of the zip file to begin with you have to also add it back into the themes zip file. Otherwise you just put the zip back on the phone and flash. It is always a good idea to put the original theme zip file on the phone also just in case something goes wrong you can just reflash the original theme and start over. If you need any additional help let us know.
^^^What he said
What you're really trying to do is essentially to create your own theme. If those instructions seem overwhelming or dont work, go to the top of this forum and start reading up on theming. Its a fairly simple concept but you might want to familiarize yourself with what it is exactly that you are doing. Everything visual on the phone is stored in image files, you're just swapping out the images. Maybe you'll get inspired and create something totally new that you can share with the community.
I tried reading theming on the top but I guess all that info at once was kind of overwhelming at the moment I was almost dead asleep however the info here seems more direct to the point so ill go ahead and see if I have time to mess with it today. I might also need to install gimp because I only saw like 1 or 2 image files when I opened up the zips with 7zip. Thanks for the help guys ill go ahead and give an update when I'm done maybe post some screen shots
jsredlineracer said:
I tried reading theming on the top but I guess all that info at once was kind of overwhelming at the moment I was almost dead asleep however the info here seems more direct to the point so ill go ahead and see if I have time to mess with it today. I might also need to install gimp because I only saw like 1 or 2 image files when I opened up the zips with 7zip. Thanks for the help guys ill go ahead and give an update when I'm done maybe post some screen shots
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will only need gimp if you are editing images. Make sure you are looking in the right directory. You should see a ton of png files. The bulk of the images are located in drawable-hdpi (the native folder) or drawable-hdpi-v4 (some themes have this folder instead). The only tool you need for moving images from one theme to the other is a zip program. I haven't used 7zip but maybe it didn't extract all of the files. I use winrar myself. Let us know how it works out.
OK I made a really quick video. Nothing fancy but puts a visual to the text I wrote. Hope it helps.
Well here are the screenies. Thanks for the help. And also thanks to those who created the original themesblue one is after changes
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
sorry was having some issues. i couldnt upload pics from my phone
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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?