Develop Bugs

Cant remove Stock apps? Root Explorer and Unrevoked3

Hey Guys.
I "rooted" my HTC Desire by T-Mobile using Unrevoked3.
Then i flashed a Pre-Rooted Froyo:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=773997
Now i wanted to use the "Root Explorer" to remove Apps like "FriendStream" and stuff.
I was able to delete them, but the still keep running.
Then i rebooted and they are still there although deleted with Root Explorer and Super-User permit.
Is it possible that unrevoked is just a "*****-root" i can just use to flash Images but not for mounting /system (R/W) and removing Apps?
What can i do now? Hope u can help me

erichbitch said:
Hey Guys.
I "rooted" my HTC Desire by T-Mobile using Unrevoked3.
Then i flashed a Pre-Rooted Froyo:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=773997
Now i wanted to use the "Root Explorer" to remove Apps like "FriendStream" and stuff.
I was able to delete them, but the still keep running.
Then i rebooted and they are still there although deleted with Root Explorer and Super-User permit.
Is it possible that unrevoked is just a "*****-root" i can just use to flash Images but not for mounting /system (R/W) and removing Apps?
What can i do now? Hope u can help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the desire dosent have an unlocked spl yet so even a rooted desire dosent have r/w access to /system/ when booted, there are two ways around it, either delete the apps using adb in recovery mode or flash a rom that utilises the new file overlay system that will give you r/w access to /system/

It more or less sounds like you don't understand the meaning of being root. On a system like android, running something with root or superuser permissions will normally allow the app or command to have full access and rights. This is gained by adding a binary called su and the superuser app, which is for controlling which apps gets root access. So actually unrevoked or any other root methods is not about gaining root, but about being able to put these files on the system partition, which it also does.
Now this is not the case on newer HTC handsets, because they have nand protection, which prevent write access to /system even though an app is run with root access. this is controlled by hboot, and in order to allow rw to /system, we will need an s-off hboot. This is not yet available, but the unrevoked team is working on it.
So the socalled "*****" root just shows me that you don't know, what you are talking about
edit: for now if you want to remove apps, you will need to flash a new rom, where you have removed the apk files yourself, or you will have to learn some adb commands, which you can use to edit system partition while in recovery with rw access.

Using adb in Recovery to backup/remove them is very simple (for removal i.e adb shell rm dir/name.apk) however many default apps break other workings and/or cause confusing unexpected errors if removed. I learnt first hand when removing many pre-installed apps. So be careful and always backup.
-----------------------------------
- Sent via my HTC Desire -

AndroHero said:
there are two ways around it, either delete the apps using adb in recovery mode or flash a rom that utilises the new file overlay system that will give you r/w access to /system/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can I tell which roms utilize the new file overlay system? Im also having the same problem especially with programs starting up after I've disabled them.

shaliru said:
How can I tell which roms utilize the new file overlay system? Im also having the same problem especially with programs starting up after I've disabled them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have s-off now. Look for that, or use adb.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Wow.

Hi all,
I have been a winmob user for over 5 years and i know pretty much everything about them. (see join date) Though 3 days ago i got a a8183 desire.
My god i have a lot to learn about Android. Winmob seemed so much simplier to pick apart with registry and custom roms.
Anyways i have been reading thread after thread for days yet i still have a couple of questions that i cannot get clear answers for.
I have a a8183 telstra desire running on optus. I have updated to the latest offical 2.2 ROM. (Everyone mentions OTA (over the air) though i downloaded it and installed thru windows).
So i would appreciate if someone could help me out with my questions/assumptions.
1. From what i have read you cannot r00t a froyo OS. Is that right? Though i have found an app z4root that will do it temporarily until reboot. Unrevoked doesnt seem to work.
2. To change system files you need not only root though you need the clockworkmod recovery part of the bootloader. (eg. to replace HOST file for adblocking).
3. You need permanent r00t to install the clockworkmod (so i cannot do this).
4. You cannot remove default ROM apps from your phone without the clockworkmod.
5. You need clockworkmod to install custom ROMs.
So from what i gather.. r00t is good. though really only cause it gets you the clockworkmod recovery which is where you can really hack it.
And to get this i need to downgrade to 2.1, r00t, clockwork then use a hacked rom for 2.2?
Your help is greatly appreciated.

hi sage, i too came from windows mobile so i know how you feel, lucky for me i jumped on the android bandwagon earlier with the htc hero, after i got bored with my HD1, anyway your wrong on quite a few points, so i'll point you in the right direction.
1) the latest version of unrevoked (www.unrevoked.com/recovery) is more than able to root the froyo roms, its a one click app and can root your device in minutes
2) to easly modify system files you need s-off (this is equivalent to HSPL on wm devices) after you have rooted, you need to search for alpharev, this is a linux live cd, you just burn it and boot it and it will security unlock your device.
3) when you download and run unrevoked, it will not only root your device but insatall the latest version of clockworkmod recovery. (just hold vol down and power when your device is off to access hboot, and choose recovery from the list) so unrevoked kills 2 birds with one stone
4) to remove the apps in the /system/ partition there are 2 ways, from recovery using adb, or if you flash the s-off mod, you can remove them directly from your device using a file manager.
5) yes you need clockworkmod or another custom recovery to install custom roms, but now you know how to do it, thats not a problem

Hi Sage,
If you're looking for an easier way to get rid of all the Telstra apps (more like a blob of links really ) on your phone you may want to try one of the stock HTC WWE ROMs. It's clean and you can flash it via exe, just like in WM. The latest RUU I believe is the 2.29.405.2. Also, be aware of the risks of rooting your phone.

thanks for your response guys
Ok so i am now r00ted and running Leedroid's WWE ROM! (thank you!) it was actually pretty easy.
I think unrevoked was failing cause i was using a USB HUB.
OK so now i just want to remove some more of the default apps that come with it.
So i will try alpharev to security unlock my device. (is this permanent or if i reflash my rom it will come back?)
once i have done this i can then delete anything i like thru r00t explorer?
At this stage i am trying to just make some more room for apps. As a number of them wont move to SD Card.
A couple of last questions if i may. I have an new SD Card on order. Am i able to simply copy everything from my existing SD to my new and then swap it over in my phone and it will all be ok? Or do i need 'clone' it with some tool?
Where in the system paths do i remove 'shortcuts' within all apps? (or even simply rename them.)
Much appreciate your help. Android is growing on me. I especially love adb logcat!

ok.. i am now security off'd alpharev worked a treat.
i am now using r00t explorer to try and delete items from /system/app though they come up read-only so i cannot delete them
i take when i get to remove these the phone will have more stoage space for apps yeah?
i also still cannot find where the all apps shortcuts sit! (so i can rename/remove).
and lastly now i have the alpharev bootloader so gonna google how to change that
i did use the Leedroid apps2sd ROM. though most of my apps are still going to phone memory and i cant move them across.
Is there a fix for this? i guess once i work out how to delete these read-only files ill be ok anyway.

Unfortunately removing system apps wont give you more space to install apps, they are stored under a different partition, /system and /data are not on the same disk so you can save as much space on /system as you want but it won't affect /data at all.
With running out of space you have a few choices:
Go to settings..applications..then manage and move as many apps to SD as you can. This is fro-yo apps2sd, not all data is moved and not all apps can be moved, so you will probably run out of space again anyway.
Or
Reboot into recovery and partition your sdcard to create an ext partition, when you boot your rom ALL apps will be moved to the ext partition leaving lots of free space. Backup your sdcard before you partition it, you will lose all data.

Sage said:
ok.. i am now security off'd alpharev worked a treat.
1) i am now using r00t explorer to try and delete items from /system/app though they come up read-only so i cannot delete them
2) i take when i get to remove these the phone will have more stoage space for apps yeah?
3) i also still cannot find where the all apps shortcuts sit! (so i can rename/remove).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Press on Remount as R/O, this should allow you to delete/replace system stuff & ringtones, fonts...etc.
2)No, because apps install to data/apps & not system/apps.
3)You mean like the applicatiuon menu when we used to delete shortcuts or rename them? Hahaha man that was sooooooooooooo long time ago for me. Anyway, the applications installed are displayer & you can't hide them or rearrange them like Winmo. You might want to try Launcher Pro to hide apps in the apps drawer.
If you need more info, ask freely because 2 years ago I went through the same

mr.r9 said:
1) Press on Remount as R/O, this should allow you to delete/replace system stuff & ringtones, fonts...etc. Typo..You meant R/W
2)No, because apps install to data/apps & not system/apps.
3)You mean like the applicatiuon menu when we used to delete shortcuts or rename them? Hahaha man that was sooooooooooooo long time ago for me. Anyway, the applications installed are displayer & you can't hide them or rearrange them like Winmo. You might want to try Launcher Pro to hide apps in the apps drawer.
If you need more info, ask freely because 2 years ago I went through the same
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm..actually the new MTD partition table hack should be able to free space on the /system, adjusting partitions with less for /system and /cache and more for /data/app should give enough space..Though I'm not sure if he wants to try this right now, since it's considered an advanced task and maybe he'd like to get more accustomed to Android before attempting it? His wish though..
And well, there's yet another method to remove system apps, other than the other two methods. This is to modify the zip file of the custom rom to remove the actual apks from /system and reflashing it on top of the actual flash..

droidzone said:
And well, there's yet another method to remove system apps, other than the other two methods. This is to modify the zip file of the custom rom to remove the actual apks from /system and reflashing it on top of the actual flash..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohh yes indeed. OP, you can edit the zip before installing it to your device. You can remove/replace application in system/data and fonts...etc. Just remember to change signature verification to off in your recovery.

my god. i have spent days on this baby and im only barely scratching the surface
much appreciate all your help guys!
ok.. so its time to use app2sd i hear that app2sd+ is better though? (it moves more data to SD yeah? appcache?)
i only have 2Gb microsd right now so i might wait until i my 8GB arrives before i flash a new ROM and start again (again!)
i also noticed these online kitchens. http://cookmyrom.co.cc
which look great! tho they are still a version behind the leedroid i am using tho its a good way to get rid of some default apps.
i certainly like the idea of reparitioning the default disk though not quite ready for that yet especially when app2sd+ sounds much more straight forward.
i am dumbfounded that you cant remove 'shortcuts' from the All Apps! or even rename them!! my god. i would think that was first thing available on such an open source OS.
So i have now created a folder called "Folder" to reduce the clutter.. and now i guess i cant even rename it!?? and if i create another one its called "Folder" too!
lol.. this OS is so advanced yet some basic stuff seems to be overlooked.
I did try launcher pro though it removed my HTC Sense (which i like). So i might need to keep looking for an app to help organise my All Apps and my desktop (is desktop what its called?)
And just how do i add ringtones?
love your work guys thanks again.

Create a folder called Ringtones on the root of your SD to have...ringtones.
When you open a folder, long press on the header to rename it.
As for organizing, I stopped caring & started to use search, but maybe if you want you can try an app called folder organizer.

mr.r9 said:
Create a folder called Ringtones on the root of your SD to have...ringtones.
When you open a folder, long press on the header to rename it.
As for organizing, I stopped caring & started to use search, but maybe if you want you can try an app called folder organizer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice one thank you!

Sage said:
...So i have now created a folder called "Folder" to reduce the clutter.. and now i guess i cant even rename it!??...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open the folder then hold where it says folder to change its name.

Ok. Now have app2sd working!
thanks to all of you. Beginning to love this android phone now. I feel sorry for all the people who use them as they come from the factory! Thank god for all the xda people who rip them to shreds and make them better

If i can have one last question. Any way to remap hardware buttons to start an app?
Like when you hold down the search button it launches Google Voice. I want it to launch a different app..
I did a search and found the hardware button remapper though it only does hardware to hardware.. not hardware to app

For Folders(Assuming you're using full HTC Sense), just open it and hold the title bar. Took me some time to figure out. You cannot easily rename the apps in "All apps", but you can remove them(Which is essentially uninstalling them) from Settings > Applications > Manage, unless they are system apps which need to be manually deleted either via S-OFF + Root explorer(OR something similar) or ADB + Custom recovery(Clockworkmod or Amon Ra).
For setting a custom ringtone, open the music app, select the music > Menu > Set as ringtone.

so no love on the hardware remap for apps?
Oh well i have done a lot of googling and it seems it cant be done (well at least not easily).
My last question is when you launch an app from a folder the folder stays open.. any way to force close or change its behaviour?

for those following this. I found the Tasker app remaps hardware buttons amongst doing amazing other things.
Still no love on closing folders though.

i ended up using tasker to create app widgets to replace the folders...

If you want app widgets, there's also "Desktop Visualizer".
In terms of killing of an app, have you tried "Settings -> apps settings -> development" then there's an option there for "stop apps via long press"?

[Q] Removing/Uninstalling integrated/rom apps

OK, so I'm using my HTC Desire with a custom rom.
It still has the News & Weather app built in, which I really don't like to have on my system, since I use alternatives instead of those.
The news & weather app I want to get rid of came with Ginger Villain 2.* rom and I've tried to find its services/executables, but to no avail.
Uninstalling is not an option when I go the normal route.
I'd like to know the best way to entirely remove some services and apps from the OS. Perhaps I need to edit some files as root in the /etc/init.d folder, which is fine by me, as long as I can erase the binaries that are used for the apps as well.
Where on the HTC Desire storage are these applications located? And why are they not simply uninstallable the normal way?
Thanks in advance for any and all info regarding this.

jult said:
OK, so I'm using my HTC Desire with a custom rom.
It still has the News & Weather app built in, which I really don't like to have on my system, since I use alternatives instead of those.
The news & weather app I want to get rid of came with Ginger Villain 2.* rom and I've tried to find its services/executables, but to no avail.
Uninstalling is not an option when I go the normal route.
I'd like to know the best way to entirely remove some services and apps from the OS. Perhaps I need to edit some files as root in the /etc/init.d folder, which is fine by me, as long as I can erase the binaries that are used for the apps as well.
Where on the HTC Desire storage are these applications located? And why are they not simply uninstallable the normal way?
Thanks in advance for any and all info regarding this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see that you are s-off so this is easy to do. Navigate to /system /app and you will see an apk file for each app. Delete. Done!
I find root explorer the best app for this work - some other explorers won't display thus location or delete the files.

Easiest way would be Titanium Backup. Can disable apps and even better uninstall them from system if you're s-off.
You could also delete them in recovery using adb.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Also if you're s-off you can use Android Commander:
- reboot to recovery
-mount /system
- plug USB and start Android Commander
-delete anything you want
- reboot to system
Of course make a backup first
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

[SOLVED] How to remove 3rd Party Pre-installed apps

Running a rooted HTC One M8.
Stock ROM
TWRP recovery
S-ON
I was having trouble to uninstall Pre-installed apps using apps from play store, I tried deleting the apps from ES file manager, but also was not allowed.
I found a way of deleting system apps by using TWRP's file manager. But the problem is that I can only find the system/google pre-installed apps. I cannot find 3rd party pre-installed apps, since I don't know the directory.
In particular I'd like to know how to delete fitbit, but if there's is a general method which deletes any I'd appreciate that.
Thank you for your help.

Titanium backup is your best option.
And personally, for the very small amount of space they use... I find freezing them is better. That way if you have issues or need them back for any reason... Like taking an ota.... You just defrost them if needed.
?

Darth said:
Titanium backup is your best option.
And personally, for the very small amount of space they use... I find freezing them is better. That way if you have issues or need them back for any reason... Like taking an ota.... You just defrost them if needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium Backup will not uninstall/delete the app. Since I'm still S-ON even rooted apps can't delete the files.
On the other hand I could freeze as you said, or "disable" through settings.
But I'd still very much prefer to delete them, and if I ever need them again I'll install from play store.
That being said, do you know by any chance the directory for these files?

I'm not sure of the directory. But if s-on prevents titanium backup from removing them, I would bet it will stop file Explorer apps too.... No?
But you may have figured out the only options... Freeze, or get s-off.
I didn't know s-on prevented uninstalling, since I've always been s-off....... Good to know! ?

As I waited for replies I kept looking through the file managers, and I found the directory.
Rather than going to system/app, for system apps... 3rd Party are at system/priv_app
Problem solved... Thank you for your help.
I will change the title to show that it is solved.

Darth said:
I'm not sure of the directory. But if s-on prevents titanium backup from removing them, I would bet it will stop file Explorer apps too.... No?
But you may have figured out the only options... Freeze, or get s-off.
I didn't know s-on prevented uninstalling, since I've always been s-off....... Good to know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hehe yes, s-on stops you from deleting "secure" files.
But i was using TWRP file manager, so basecally I'm deleting through recovery.
The only reason I know about this is because I found an article about installing busybox by flashing through recovery because of S-ON.

Have same set up, help
Hi can you explain exactly how you have deleted the files in Twrp recovery file manager ? when I go into system it appears empty..

Sorry for taking so long to reply, been busy.
Your system folder (root directory) is empty?
Does your ROM load at all¿
Sent from my Nexus 9 through XDA app

Hi, thanks for getting back to me, sorry if I wasn't clear, there is no problem with the phone, you said you were able to remove system apps through TWRP when in recovery! When I go into "system" in the file manager there is nothing visible in there, so I wondered what method you used to access the files?

Smalltree said:
Hi, thanks for getting back to me, sorry if I wasn't clear, there is no problem with the phone, you said you were able to remove system apps through TWRP when in recovery! When I go into "system" in the file manager there is nothing visible in there, so I wondered what method you used to access the files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to select "Mount" and mount "system" first. Then only use TWRP File Manager to browse system partition.

Solved.
Thank you, you're a star.. Job done.. ?

Kyuubi10 said:
As I waited for replies I kept looking through the file managers, and I found the directory.
Rather than going to system/app, for system apps... 3rd Party are at system/priv_app
Problem solved... Thank you for your help.
I will change the title to show that it is solved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad I came across your posting. Using TWRP in recovery using your method is the simplest way to remove app :good:

Device is Rooted,Still Cannot Remove Bloatware

My device is rooted.
I've read a few other topics regarding this issue, but I'm still confused. As I understand it, using typical uninstall apps such as Titanium or Root Uninstaller do not remove the manufacturer apps from the phone still because of an S feature? I'm new to this process, so please forgive my naive rhetoric. I tried those programs, and as previously stated in other posts, the bloatware comes back.
I installed AROMA file manager to try and manually find the bloatware and delete the physical files, but I can't find the files that I'm looking to delete. I don't mind taking the time and manually deleting these unnecessary files, but, I need some guidance on where to look (or any other viable solutions.)
Thanks for your time!

Download this patch and edit update-binary file what application need remove then flash via recovery mode .

espmma said:
My device is rooted.
I've read a few other topics regarding this issue, but I'm still confused. As I understand it, using typical uninstall apps such as Titanium or Root Uninstaller do not remove the manufacturer apps from the phone still because of an S feature? I'm new to this process, so please forgive my naive rhetoric. I tried those programs, and as previously stated in other posts, the bloatware comes back.
I installed AROMA file manager to try and manually find the bloatware and delete the physical files, but I can't find the files that I'm looking to delete. I don't mind taking the time and manually deleting these unnecessary files, but, I need some guidance on where to look (or any other viable solutions.)
HTC devices are set "S on" from the manufacture. That means there are certain partitions in the nand storage that you can't access without S off ( boot partition, radio partition). The write permissions to the system partition are also not accessible unless you either obtain S off through the Sunshine app which costs $25 or a another option that is not true S off is a write permission mod called WP.MOD_ko that you flash to your phone and it installs a script and changes your phone's SElinux permissions and enables the system partition write permissions to be able to uninstall system apps or fully use certain root apps like Link2SD that also need the system write permissions at bootup.
1st option " fully" unlocks your phone and all partitions. 2nd option just installs scripts to kind of trick your system partition to allow apps to write to it and you to be able to uninstall system apps. It also changes your SElinux permissions from enforcing to permissive so be aware that's disabling the phone's security system. Not a problem unless you get malware but you should be aware of what any mod does to your phone. They have to do that because the mod can't get the phone to be true S off so this is a workaround for that one partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Okay cool, thank you for breaking that down for me. So, if I use what pham posted, then that would be a script change? But, even if it were a script change I could still fully uninstall the bloatware, with the risk of a potential virus. Is that correct?

espmma said:
Okay cool, thank you for breaking that down for me. So, if I use what pham posted, then that would be a script change? But, even if it were a script change I could still fully uninstall the bloatware, with the risk of a potential virus. Is that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. I'm not familiar with what Pham linked you but I'm sure it's similar to the 2nd option I mentioned. The one I was referring to was written for lollipop versions by CaptainTitti I believe is his handle but if you search XDA for our phone WP_MOD.ko that forum should be for kit Kat and a few pages forward is the link to the lollipop version with instructions from CaptainTitti on how to install it. The malware risk is minimal i just wanted to mention it. You have that as well with just rooting and also full S off it's just those 2 leave your SElinux permissions set to enforcing not permissive. Just giving you the info so your informed because no one but us pays for our devices so we should have as much info as possible I believe but good info .
The only one of these I've actually tried is the full S off one with Sunshine so understand and read the whole forum for the other before flashing so you know all the feedback but it does work. Also be aware that the WP_MOD.ko would have to be fully removed and SElinux reenabled to be able to do stock updates and there's not just an " uninstall" box with them. You have to use a root file explorer and remove what was changed and replace with the stock files I believe. Good idea to do a stock Android backup using your custom recovery before flashing any of these, S off excepted as it doesn't mess with doing stock updates. Not knocking the others but these are the things you don't find out about till after you flash them. Now you know before.
Below is the link to the forum page for the kitkat mod and if you scroll down a bit CaptainTiiti had a link to the one for lollipop.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2707378&page=7

Can't you just use Root Browser, then go to system/app & system/priv-app to remove the bloat? That's what I do on my phone everytime I install a new ROM [emoji1]

Stachura5 said:
Can't you just use Root Browser, then go to system/app & system/priv-app to remove the bloat? That's what I do on my phone everytime I install a new ROM [emoji1]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know my friend I've never tried that. Maybe he can try it first and see if it works. To be honest I never tried to just remove system apps before i was S off I just read of all the people here on XDA saying they couldn't without S off so I did it. Turns out I switched to debloated CM roms soon after and never even debloated my stock rom, which definitely needed it ! I used Titanium backup to debloat my Samsung tablet after root to get rid of Knox and Samsung junk but it wasn't nand locked like the HTC's are. Can't hurt for him to try it because S off costs and the other mods have their down sides also.

i have completely deleted their bloatware folder, but bloatware will appear if the device boots without root and there is no app folder in user app or system folder but they can run and update normally, maybe it specially designed. Will the above patch zip help me clear the problem completely? i want to clean up the crap, and my device uses system as root so i need to flash modified binary in boot.img separately after signing.