Develop Bugs

[APP] Apps2NAND - fast data access - choose what to move! [added support for Froyo]

I think this better to be posted to Galaxy S I9000 Android Development.
So I posted it once more at here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7694817#post7694817
Board Admin, please feel free to delete this.
Hi all,
I took so many from here. It's time for me to contribute little to the community.
The lag issue of Galaxy S bother many ppl.
I tried many different method.
Yes the lag issue was improved and Quadrant score is higher.
But there are always some weird things happen... like sudden lag/black screen.
After I upgraded to firmwre I9000ZSJH1, the lag issue is improved a lot!
But still, there are rooms for improvement.
So I wrote a cmd which will help to generate a .sh file, which will move apps data stored under /data/data/ to the internal NAND memory (/dbdata/data) for faster access.
The Galaxy S built in 1xxMB of fast access NAND memory. It is a waste if we don't utilize them.
However, it is impossible to move all apps' data to the tiny NAND memory.
So here is a tool for you to customize what app's data you want to move.
Recommand to move the core Android apps and the apps that you use frequently.
Like Dialer, Contacts, Dolphin Browser, Facebook, Astro File Explorer......
Steps :
1. open [1.app.list.xls] and edit colume A and B.
colume A should be the data folder name of the apps you want to move.
colume B is the name of the apps (optional)
2. after you've done, simply "copy & paste" everything onto a notepad and save it as [2.apps.list.txt]
3. fireup the [3.Apps2NAND.cmd]
4. within few sec, a file [App2NAND.sh] will be created.
5. use Gscript to load and run the App2NAND.sh file. (the script requires root access. so make sure you have it!)
For experienced user :
Step 1 actually is just for user to manage the apps more clearly.
A user with little cmd knowledge may know the script only requires [2.app.list.txt] to work with.
You can skip Step 1 and directly go to Step 2 to edit the file.
The format should be { app data folder name + <tab> + app name }
Remarks :
Apps that moved to NAND may not be restore with Titanium Backup.
App link will be broken by doing so.
(I also include Linpack and Quadrant to the app list to cheat higher benchmark scores . You may remove it if you don't want to.)

Apps2NAND - fast data access - choose what to move! [added support for Froyo]
update 18 Nov 10:
Found some friends here still want to use this "old school" lagfix
1st of all, thanks to your support.
When I wrote this script, it was still the golden age of Eclair (2.1). So the script is definitely not prepared for Froyo (2.2).
However, just by changing few lines can make this script survives on Froyo. So here I updated a script for Froyo (apps2nand.Froyo.zip).
I haven't tested it since I am very satisfied with the [Spike Speedy Edition v3.0 OC], which comes with more advanced lagfix options (sztupy).
(I wrote something that even myself don't use now.... So it's really suprised and appreciated~)
But this script still has it merit ~~~~~~~~~ simple!
(and battery friendly, just a feeling~ no actually statistic~)
If you are interested in antique and brave enough, try it on Froyo. And let me know if any issues. I will try my best to fix.
===================================================
update 18 Aug 10:
Now included Installation and Uninstallation for this script.
Tried several times on my i9000 and it works.
Please read and follow the readme.txt inside the zip.
One tricky part for this script : it will failed when SU permission is not allowed in time during the script is running.
I have pause the script with 10 secs for you to allow the SU on i9000.
Make sure you allowed it.
If you failed to do so, no worry. it won't change anything.
Just simply re-run the script again.
===================================================
Hi all,
I took so many from here. It's time for me to contribute little to the community.
The lag issue of Galaxy S bother many ppl.
I tried many different method.
Yes the lag issue was improved and Quadrant score is higher.
But there are always some weird things happen... like sudden lag/black screen.
After I upgraded to firmwre I9000ZSJH1, the lag issue is improved a lot!
But still, there are rooms for improvement.
So I wrote a cmd which will help to generate a .sh file, which will move apps data stored under /data/data/ to the internal NAND memory (/dbdata/data) for faster access.
The Galaxy S built in 1xxMB of fast access NAND memory. It is a waste if we don't utilize them.
However, it is impossible to move all apps' data to the tiny NAND memory.
So here is a tool for you to customize what app's data you want to move.
Recommand to move the core Android apps and the apps that you use frequently.
Like Dialer, Contacts, Dolphin Browser, Facebook, Astro File Explorer......
For experienced user :
Step 1 actually is just for user to manage the apps more clearly.
A user with little cmd knowledge may know the script only requires [2.app.list.txt] to work with.
You can skip Step 1 and directly go to Step 2 to edit the file.
The format should be { app data folder name + <tab> + app name }
Remarks :
*** Apps that moved to NAND may not be restore with Titanium Backup. App link will be broken by doing so.
*** Please make a nandroid backup before apply this!
*** I am not responsible for any damage caused by this script.
(I also include Linpack and Quadrant to the app list to cheat higher benchmark scores . You may remove it if you don't want to.)

Is NAND where devices like HTC Desire and Nexus One store their Apps?

well this is almost what paul did some days after the phone got released...

lyno said:
Is NAND where devices like HTC Desire and Nexus One store their Apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, which is why they needed APPS2SD in Froyo.

So....when are you posting the script?
If you want I'll create a program that spits out the .txt file rather than do it in excel, copy paste etc.

Jonas.M said:
well this is almost what paul did some days after the phone got released...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes. that's what Paul did as I mentioned in my script.
But he simply push everything to NAND which oneday, you will find out of space.
Using my script, you can decide what to move, depending on the frequency of the apps usage.

lyno said:
So....when are you posting the script?
If you want I'll create a program that spits out the .txt file rather than do it in excel, copy paste etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the script is updated and posted.
the excel is just for user to maintain their app list easily.
my script only works with the txt file.
you may skip the excel part if you like.
and thanks for your offer, lyno.

Is it possible to make a script that automatically moves smaller apps to the nand?
I mean it's not worth moving large games, but anything under 2MB should be considered.
Maybe use some intellegent calculation, if all the apps under XMB use less than 50% of free space on nand, increase X until it is efficiently used up.
Also there is HEAPS of space to be freed in NAND, delete stock ringtones, and other.

seems great

hmm, would moving to nand make those specific apps run faster than they would be if they were previously running under ext2/3/4 partitions provided for by the various lagfixes out there?

What happens if an app in the list is not on the phone, does it just skip it?

sturmeh said:
Is it possible to make a script that automatically moves smaller apps to the nand?
I mean it's not worth moving large games, but anything under 2MB should be considered.
Maybe use some intellegent calculation, if all the apps under XMB use less than 50% of free space on nand, increase X until it is efficiently used up.
Also there is HEAPS of space to be freed in NAND, delete stock ringtones, and other.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MiG123 said:
hmm, would moving to nand make those specific apps run faster than they would be if they were previously running under ext2/3/4 partitions provided for by the various lagfixes out there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sturmeh, that requires more complex scripting skills, which is out of my knowledge...
and I think instead of choosing the apps2NAND depending on size, I think the "Frequency" of using the apps may be more appropriate.
e.g. I use TouchPal IME a lot. So I move it to the NAND.
Now when I type, TouchPal act lightening!!!
MiG123, I haven't done a serious comparison. But as I remembered, Apps2NAND gives me more "smooth" feeling.
Actually, you shouldn't compare Apps2NAND to other Apps2SD or EXT.
Since Apps2NAND only offers you around 1xxMB of app storage space. Way too far from the others experts' methods.
I suggest using this is because I am using the latest 2.1 ROM, I9000TGYJH1 (http://www.multiupload.com/UTKSZPTKCG), which the lag problem seems improved a lot. But on top of it, I don't want to waste that 1xxMB of internal RAM, so I introduce this method.
To let user choose what core apps that should be put into NAND so
- space is not wasted.
- certain apps enjoy even faster response time.

lyno said:
What happens if an app in the list is not on the phone, does it just skip it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes.
the script will skip the apps that is not in the list.

MiG123 said:
hmm, would moving to nand make those specific apps run faster than they would be if they were previously running under ext2/3/4 partitions provided for by the various lagfixes out there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely, the hardware is multitudes faster.

Where's the file? Can't seem to find it on the first page
Anyhow. Do you symlink the old location to the new location, thus being able to keep the link intact? That should sort out any problems with backup solutions such as Titanium Backup.

How do you find the app's data folder name?

mekwall said:
Where's the file? Can't seem to find it on the first page
Anyhow. Do you symlink the old location to the new location, thus being able to keep the link intact? That should sort out any problems with backup solutions such as Titanium Backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lyno said:
How do you find the app's data folder name?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mekwall, sorry. removed by mistake.
have uploaded back again now.
yes. it uses symlink method (from Paul's concept) :
ln -s /dbdata/data/appsname /data/data/appsname
i dunno how's Titanium Backup works but it just failed to restore any apps that has used Apps2NAND...
that's why i provide the Uninstallation method to restore it back and then run Titanium Backup to backup all apps and data.
lyno, you may try the Astro File Explorer (market).
It has a function to backup the installed apps out to /sdcard.
The name of the backuped apps will be named exactly the same as it's data folder name.
e.g. Brut's Google Map -> brut.googlemaps.apk

this whoe procedure demands root-access, right?

yes. since it involves moving folders between /dbdata and /data.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

[Q] Any uses for /system folder? (Rooted Phone)

I've a strange question that might or might belong in the development thread, but figured since it's a question, I'll try here first.
I'm using a Stock DeOxed Rooted Rom on my EVO.
I recently installed a few more apps and saw this pesky little warning about low on space.
When I went into my "SystemPanel" app to see how much space was left exactly and noticed that my /data folder only had around 30megs out of it's 428M available.
Ok.. time to delete some apps I thought, but then I noticed that my /system folder (Where I presume pre-installed apps live) had almost 1/3 of it's space still available (115 out of 350megs available).
So I'm wondering.....
Is there some method that I can use to install Apps directly to this folder instead of the standard /data that apps appear to go to when installed?
Is it as simple as moving the APK file with Root Explorer, or are there some under the hood items in apps that prevent this sort of thing?
I've a few rather large apps that I cannot move to the SD card due to widget problems and the like but would be perfect for the system folder if I can find a way to move them there easily.
Thoughts?

DroidGnome said:
I've a strange question that might or might belong in the development thread, but figured since it's a question, I'll try here first.
I'm using a Stock DeOxed Rooted Rom on my EVO.
I recently installed a few more apps and saw this pesky little warning about low on space.
When I went into my "SystemPanel" app to see how much space was left exactly and noticed that my /data folder only had around 30megs out of it's 428M available.
Ok.. time to delete some apps I thought, but then I noticed that my /system folder (Where I presume pre-installed apps live) had almost 1/3 of it's space still available (115 out of 350megs available).
So I'm wondering.....
Is there some method that I can use to install Apps directly to this folder instead of the standard /data that apps appear to go to when installed?
Is it as simple as moving the APK file with Root Explorer, or are there some under the hood items in apps that prevent this sort of thing?
I've a few rather large apps that I cannot move to the SD card due to widget problems and the like but would be perfect for the system folder if I can find a way to move them there easily.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
/system/app is where system apps are kept. If I remember correctly, any app can be installed into there, but you have to do through flashing an update.zip if I'm remembering properly. You may be able to take the apk that's in /data/app for the app you want to move and move it to /system/app, but I'm not sure if that will work properly or not. Someone who cooks ROMs might know more.
Also, you can partition your sd card and use true apps2sd with most ROMs. Its a little bit of work and will shorten the life of your card, but that gives you a lot more room if you need it.

I don't know that there's a way to move user apps to system. It's very possible there is a way, I've just never seen any posts about it. Apps 2 SD is usually the way to go.
ps. 30 megs?!?! Geez, how many apps do you have?
Sent from my SUPERSONIC

Easy peasy
First, use a true apk backup tool to backup e apk files you want to move. Titanium backup will NOT work because it compresses and distorts, and we need true apk files. I recommend file manager by adao team. Just go to applications, check what you want, and hit backup. Next, get the apk files on your computer by mounting sd and copying files from backups folder. You will lose all app data, but what can you do? Next, adb push the files to system app folder while in recovery mode (just say so if you don't know how to do this and i will tell you) and reboot. Done. Tell me if it works well.
By the way, 30 megs???

Doesn't froyo install to the sdcard if you tell it to?
I thought a2sd was obsolete

You can put apps there after changing the folder's permissions but I wouldn't recommend it. Just not a good idea to put regular apps there.
Just install them to your SD card instead
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

go into the android app manager and go through all your programs and click on move to sd card...
they will all still occupy some space on your nand, but not nearly as much.

Thanks for the advice, I thought it might not be as easy as moving them, oh well, just seems a shame for there to be over 100 megs I cannot do anything with.
I already had moved all I could to the SD card prior to posting this, but thanks for that advice as well, I'm sure others forget they can do that with Froyo.
As for the 30 megs I had left.. we'll it's back up to about 70 free which should be plenty for a while. (Remember we only have about 420 to start with).
Some of the big ones which could not be moved to the SD card are:
Swype (Deleted, took over 17megs)
TouchDown (12 megs.. must keep for tasks sync sadly)
Google Maps update (7.6 megs)
Documents to go (8megs)
A few various games that cannot yet be moved to the SD card at around 5megs each..
The rest are just lots of little apps.. I'm sort of an app junkie You should have seen my old Palm Centro... it was amazing!
According to Titanium, I currently have 194 'User apps', though I think a few are simply widgets, icon packs and the like.

finally thinking about rooting.help please

hi everyone
finally thinking about rooting i have a htc desire 2.2 but internal memory is becoming a problem
but i need to know the benefits?
will i able to remove some stock apps?so that internal memory is freeed up?
will apps2d able to move all apps to sd card?
what else will i able to do?
can i install a stock froyo rom without sense for my desire?im sure that would free up some space?

Yes, yes, yes and yes If you want all of the above, you can get it by rooting.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

thanks alot
how much memory free do you have on your desire?
does apps2sd move the entire application to sdcard or just the data?

This should not be in the Development forum, should've gone in Q&A

I have 100 mbs left after installing about 20 apps and a couple of games. Apps2sd will still use a bit of internal memory, but most of it goes to the sd.
EDIT: This is with ~30mb taken up from adobe flash and air on internal.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Moved to Q&A
Please do not post question threads in Development.
Post What Where:
General - general technical discussion items, news, anything else that does not fit into the other fora categories.
Q&A (Questions and Answers) - all questions, irrespective of type, get posted in here whether they be theme related, accessory related, technical, etc.
Accessories - any items to do with components and/or accessories relating to your device.
Rom Development - only meant for very advanced technical discussion directly related to ROM development activity and the delivery of actual ROMs and ROM components ONLY. Nothing else goes in here.
Themes & Apps - anything to do directly with the development of themes and/or applications. Nothing else goes in here.

mayurh said:
thanks alot
how much memory free do you have on your desire?
does apps2sd move the entire application to sdcard or just the data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have 65 apps, ranging till 12MB per app, and yet, my internal storage has 133MB free

Just realised I was using Oxygen ROM and my sd ext wasn't mounted :S
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

noobandroid said:
i have 65 apps, ranging till 12MB per app, and yet, my internal storage has 133MB free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow that sounds good
you using leeroid right?
can i root and keep my stock rom and just uninstall all the apps i dont like? wil that free up more internal memory?
will apps2sd move apps on the stock rom?

mayurh said:
wow that sounds good
you using leeroid right?
can i root and keep my stock rom and just uninstall all the apps i dont like? wil that free up more internal memory?
will apps2sd move apps on the stock rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
App2sd does not work on stock roms but it does on most already rooted roms

shockem said:
App2sd does not work on stock roms but it does on most already rooted roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so it wont work even if i root my stock rom?i'l have to load a rom?
one thing im wondering
how come you guys are getting 140mb +- free with apps installed?
where did the space come from?

If you root your stock ROM then yes you can then use adb to remove system apps. The issue is they're not part of the internal storage but on a seperate system partition. This means removing them won't add space to downloaded apps
If you want to install hundreds of pointless, needless apps** then you're going to need a custom ROM which uses A2SD+ - LeeDroid is one example but I personally prefer either an MCR ROM from MoDaCo or the Desire HD port (RCMixHD). Both also extremely good ROMs
** This is my personal opinion, I don't use my Desire as a replacement for every other device I own so have no need to use excessive ammounts of apps

EddyOS said:
If you root your stock ROM then yes you can then use adb to remove system apps. The issue is they're not part of the internal storage but on a seperate system partition. This means removing them won't add space to downloaded apps
If you want to install hundreds of pointless, needless apps** then you're going to need a custom ROM which uses A2SD+ - LeeDroid is one example but I personally prefer either an MCR ROM from MoDaCo or the Desire HD port (RCMixHD). Both also extremely
good ROMs
** This is my personal opinion, I don't use my Desire as a replacement for every other device I own so have no need to use excessive ammounts of apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tks
I don't have alot of apps
Maybe 20
Problem is copilot, flash, air, google maps etc
They take up alot of space, I'm not trying all apps

S-OFF then remove using root explorer

I have 69MB free with the following updates/apps installed:
1. Facebook (Update)
2. Twitter
3. Angry Birds (on SD Card)
4. Adobe Flash (Update)
5. Google Maps (Update)
6. Gmail (Update)
7. eBay
8. XDA App
9. Street View (Update)
10. App Manager
11. Dolphin HD Browser (on SD Card)
12. YouTube (Update)
13. EStrongs File Explorer (on SD Card)
So, for me, I don't NEED to root. I still do to try a new ROM if it's something that appeals but I love Sense - stock Android is so fugly

Hi,
If you're using Android (Froyo) you can I believe move, some, of the apps an data to the SD card using your existing ROM.
Settings -> Applications -> Manage Applications.
Look at the downloaded apps and highlight one, it may or may not give you the option to move to SD card. The ability to move to SD is dependent on the Application developer in question. Hence, this doesn't work for all applications and data.
There are also some Market Apps that can scan the list for you, I tried "App 2 SD" by Sam Lu which seemed to work for me.
Regards.
Colin

noobandroid said:
S-OFF then remove using root explorer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wat do i do this for?

I'm guessing for removing system apps...if you don't know what it is then don't even think about it at this stage

EddyOS said:
I have 69MB free with the following updates/apps installed:
1. Facebook (Update)
2. Twitter
3. Angry Birds (on SD Card)
4. Adobe Flash (Update)
5. Google Maps (Update)
6. Gmail (Update)
7. eBay
8. XDA App
9. Street View (Update)
10. App Manager
11. Dolphin HD Browser (on SD Card)
12. YouTube (Update)
13. EStrongs File Explorer (on SD Card)
So, for me, I don't NEED to root. I still do to try a new ROM if it's something that appeals but I love Sense - stock Android is so fugly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think the problem is i've tried out many apps and then removed them
so i guess mayb they left some files behind
ive got 20mbs free now
i've got these big apps
adobe flash
copilot(sd)
adobe air(sd)
maps
contacts storage ( 7mb
facebook update
twitter update
skype
asphalt
gmail update
rockplayer
launcher pro
handcent sms
slide it
angry birds
widgetlocker
astro
mxit
opera mini
qaudrant
appbrain
drive safel.y
to do tasklist
pool break pro
live sports 24 f1
3g watchdog
street view update
facebook for htc sense
barcode scanner
adyno
circluar battery indicator
anytime pool
paper toss
app protector
moment diary
sms schedular
astro bluetooth modeule
memory trainer
winamp
system info widget
engaget
google sky map
color note
wifi analyser
easy spirit level
smooth calender
task manager
fpt system manager
tone picker
sd move
home switcher
car mode
thats it
most of them are on the sdcard according to sd move and i've checked
some cannot be moved
i've already done the adb thing to set my default location to sd card
so most new apps go to sd
all apps with widgets are on the internal memory
i cant understand why i have so little memory left?

Because you don't have a lot of space in the first place. If you want more then you have no option other than to go with a custom ROM which uses A2SD+

[Q] Deleting stock broswer

Is it possible to delete the stock browser with a custom ROM? At the moment if I try and do it from the Manage applications view it doesn't give me the option. But I was wondering if I could manually locate it and delete it without causing any stability issues?
Thanks

You can. ADB from recovery (S-ON), Root explorer (S-OFF).
But I don't know if it causes stability issues - never tried it.

It can be done and has no bearing on anything - just means you can't browse until you get one from the Market

Yes, can confirm that! I'm using Dolphin HD - so removed the stock about an hour ago. No problems.

I can add stock email, news/weather & chat apps to this list - no effect on other apps performing these functions, at least on Oxygen 2.0.1 anyway...

Brilliant, next question. Where is the stock app stored, as I will manually have to remove it.

Zammo76 said:
Brilliant, next question. Where is the stock app stored, as I will manually have to remove it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me it was system/app/Browser.apk
Removed with Root Explorer.
Sent from my customized HTC Desire using TTP

Ah yeah got to that file using Astro but it's only 684KB, yet when I look in Manage Applications it says that the Internet is 13.76MB.
Unless this includes other data rather than just the Browser, but I'm not so sure?

It surely includes other data (like history, cache etc.)

Probably cache and some settings. In manage applications, clear the data (if that's possible), then remove the .apk

in my opinion the best way to remove system apps is to install Titanium Backup (have the phone rooted), then go to apps in titanium backup then hold your finger on it , the menu appears, slide down and click on remove(using recovery bug)...

I have Titanium Backup but I can't seem to find the stock Browser under the Backup/ Restore tab the only thing I have which is remotely like that is:
[BOOKMARKS] Internet 2.2
Am I looking in the correct place?

Only you can remove it, if you have S-OFFed your phone. And I cant help you with that,I have it deleted already. But should be over there somewhere.

I've rooted my phone using the Unrevoked method and have CWM. But when I've checked the H-Boot screen it says I have S-ON, how do I get it Off?

S-OFF tutorial
Also, I forgot to mention, you can remove files via ADB from CWM/AmonRA. Guide here.

Thanks for this I think I'm going to try the ADB method as it looks a little easier. Plus I did read someone if you remove S-Off it can be permanent and effect warranty.

Zammo76 said:
Brilliant, next question. Where is the stock app stored, as I will manually have to remove it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apps are stored in /system/apps (may vary with rom?). There are a couple of options:
Titanium backup is free from market and will permanently remove any apps - you need root and s-off for this. Root explorer can be used for the same - just delete the .apk file.
You can also do it via cmd prompt and adb, look for detailed threads about this in these forums!

OK I now have S-Off on my phone and its also now obviously rooted but I still cannot delete my stock browser. I've tried using Titanium Backup but I can't locate it to delete it, I've also tried Root Explorer but when I try to delete the Browser.apk it comes up with the following message:
Browser.apk cannot be deleted because the file system is read only.
Also I've wiped data and deleted many of the stock HTC apps & widgets but I don't seem to be freeing up much if any space. My Low on Space indicator has been on throughout even though I have got rid of the following:
Footprints,
Footprints Widget,
Friend Stream,
Friend Stream Widget,
Music,
Music Widget,
News and Weather,
Peep,
Photo Widget,
Stocks,
Stocks Widget,
Teeter,
Twitter Widget,
Weather Widget.
Does it actually free up much space un-installing these?
Can anyone please help with these issues?

Root explorer fix
Hi
The reason Root Explorer comes with that error is because the system folder is mounted ass read only (you can't edit anything on it)
Fix:
1. Browse to system/app
2. In the upper right corner there is a mount R/W button, press it
3. Now you can read and write and therefore also delete the browser.apk
4. Remember to mount as R/O when done

It doesn't free up space as they are located in /system and regular apps are installed in /data.

[Q] KitKat issues with external SD writing

hi all
so my transition to kitkat hasnt been without its hiccups and the latest one is probably quite big. So since 4.4 we're not allowed to write in the external SD as I have seen it put. my problem is shown by 2 different apps. one is the gallery (or quicpic that I use) when trying to delete a photo I took (and since I have my photos being saved on the SD) I get a message saying it failed! gallery seems to let me do it and delete the photo but when I check in quicpic or the files themselves the photos are still there. the other app is my sms backup and restore app where again I have my backup saving to the SD but when I try to select it it says I wont be able to use it and as is expected when I try to back it up it doesnt work.
why would they implement such a policy?! that goes completely backwards! is there a fix or a workaround?
really appreciate the help

You can fix it by rooting (+ e. g. NetApp SDFix) or wait for app developers to change their apps (in terms of storing data in private data folder, for instance '/storage/extSdCard/Android/data/com.google.earth') - or if possible change the storage path by yourself.
Sent from my black pearl using Tapatalk

nunein said:
You can fix it by rooting (+ e. g. NetApp SDFix) or wait for app developers to change their apps (in terms of storing data in private data folder, for instance '/storage/extSdCard/Android/data/com.google.earth') - or if possible change the storage path by yourself.
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how can developers change their apps since they wont be allowed to write on the SD? and what do you mean change the storage path by myself? as in to have stuff save on my phone? cuz thats what Im avoiding

As I wrote: every app has write access to its 'private' data folder of the SD card (if it creates such a folder). The folder name has to match the app name.
For instance '/storage/extSdCard/Android/data/com.example.app'
Disadvantages are that other apps do not have write access to these folders - and that data of an app will be deleted from its 'private' data folder if the app will be uninstalled.

The temporal solution is to root and use any KitKat fix to write in SD, there are single apps xposed modules flashable zips write some string in some system file.

fburgos said:
The temporal solution is to root and use any KitKat fix to write in SD, there are single apps xposed modules flashable zips write some string in some system file.
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any pointers on where I could find such a thing?

See post no. 2: SDFIX (from NextApp), available here or at Play Store