[Q] Help making a flashable zip - EVO 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

hello everyone. can anyone point me in the right direction on how to make a flashable zip? i mostly need help on making the updater script. i don't really know how it works. other than that i think i know what to do. so if someone could explain it to me or point me to a guide on how to do it i would appreciate it.
p.s. yes i did google and yes i did find a few pages with bits and pieces of info but the info on them didn't really help...
edit: if anyone needs to know, im trying to make a zip that replaces the lib audio files in the /system/lib/ folder in synergy rls1. the audio craps out every couple of days and i found the files needed to fix it and adb pushing them manually is a kinda long/boring process to do twice a week.

PhxkinMassacre said:
hello everyone. can anyone point me in the right direction on how to make a flashable zip? i mostly need help on making the updater script. i don't really know how it works. other than that i think i know what to do. so if someone could explain it to me or point me to a guide on how to do it i would appreciate it.
p.s. yes i did google and yes i did find a few pages with bits and pieces of info but the info on them didn't really help...
edit: if anyone needs to know, im trying to make a zip that replaces the lib audio files in the /system/lib/ folder in synergy rls1. the audio craps out every couple of days and i found the files needed to fix it and adb pushing them manually is a kinda long/boring process to do twice a week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It helps to have an example to use.
Get a copy of a gapps zip. It flashes a lib file. Edit the updater-script to do just what you need with those files and resign it with ROM kitchen or one of the other signing tools available. Its pretty self explanatory once you go over the script. The rest can be figured out with a little trial and error.
Nandroids are your friend.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

estallings15 said:
It helps to have an example to use.
Get a copy of a gapps zip. It flashes a lib file. Edit the updater-script to do just what you need with those files and resign it with ROM kitchen or one of the other signing tools available. Its pretty self explanatory once you go over the script. The rest can be figured out with a little trial and error.
Nandroids are your friend.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im still mega confused. i looked at a gapps file and when i looked at the updater script it just said it was deleting stuff. so then how do the files get pushed to the /system/whatever u put it in/ ???

Related

rom editing question

so basically i have flashed cm6 on my incredible and a theme and i want to know if there is a way i can make a rom of what i have on my phone now of if i can combine the zips to make a working rom i can further edit. i have a rom kitchen set up and i am still trying to learn all the in's and out's of it.
undeclared said:
so basically i have flashed cm6 on my incredible and a theme and i want to know if there is a way i can make a rom of what i have on my phone now of if i can combine the zips to make a working rom i can further edit. i have a rom kitchen set up and i am still trying to learn all the in's and out's of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say that is what alot of people are doing right now with incredible rom's.....that is why people are releasing patches and fixes after seeing them working in other roms.
......I have a rather easy question that applies to this subject also....
before loading a rom to my phone, can i go into the zip file and remove some 3rd party app apk files that i don't want before running it and will it still be ok ?
JustinD,
U can not just unzip it change things and rezip. It needs a signiture. Use the basic htc kitchen that's posted in chef central, it will unzip it into a working folder allowing u to change things at your will, u also use the kitchen to rezip and sign.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
tcberg2010 said:
JustinD,
U can not just unzip it change things and rezip. It needs a signiture. Use the basic htc kitchen that's posted in chef central, it will unzip it into a working folder allowing u to change things at your will, u also use the kitchen to rezip and sign.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent. Thank you. I figured it wasn't as simple as I put it, but I just wanted to make sure before I did something stupid.
Or use 7zip to manipulate files in the archive without even having to unzip it.
Sent from my Incredible using XDA App
mini_monsta said:
Or use 7zip to manipulate files in the archive without even having to unzip it.
Sent from my Incredible using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Changing even 1 byte will change the signature needed. You need to use the kitchen so you can resign the ROM and flash it.
Even if u did just unzip, rezip, and flash it would just throw back an invalid signature error and return u to recovery menu. No real harm done.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Clockwordmod has signature validation disabled by default. So it will still flash if you change a kb or remove an app.

[Q] How to replace dialers?

I want to use the dialer from the PlurStar theme with REVOlution. How would I do that?
I pulled the dialer .apk from the theme and tried to install it but it wouldn't work. I figure I need to use adb and just pull out the old dialer and replace it with the new one. Am I correct? How would I do that? What would I need to type in adb?
Thanks.
I'm thinking that you need to include that apk into a zip file that can be flashed via recovery...
What does that involve? I'm assuming I can't just put it in a plain old zip file.
I remove and replace files in the rom zip using winrar, then flash the zip to the phone. Sometimes it works sometimes it wont, who knows maybe one day well see a Phatman rom lol.
_MetalHead_ said:
What does that involve? I'm assuming I can't just put it in a plain old zip file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well kind of... If you look for the SU apk (the new one) you'll see that it was an APK but it could not be directly installed so it was converted into a zip file. I know that there is more than just compressing the file,some additional files must be put in the zip as well so the recovery manager can extract it on the phone. I'd download the zip and check what it is inside besides the apk itself. You can also ask one of the dev to make it a zip for you.
Well I just used Regaw's zipmaker to do it, and it flashed but my dialer is still the same.
WhOops wrong thread.
Like phatman said, just take the Rom, extract it, look for system/app, drop the dialer in there and zip it back up. That's what I just got done doing this weekend with calks Rom, so I could have a dialer with vibration reenabled.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Yeah I just finished putting together my zip, but I didn't do it with a ROM, I did it with the REVOlution theme. I just extracted it, dropped the dialer .apk in to it and recompressed it. Going to try flashing it in a little bit.
Didn't work. Got an error that says "can't find update script". I think it has something to do with needing to resign the zip, which I don't know how to do.
_MetalHead_ said:
Didn't work. Got an error that says "can't find update script". I think it has something to do with needing to resign the zip, which I don't know how to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use winrar and dont unzip the ROM, the program will add/remove files without actually unzipping, like I said, its a hit or miss, or worst case you get a boot loop.
Just use the ROM and swap the dialers. U won't have to wipe or anything to reflash. I used 7z, extracted to a folder, swapped dialers then rezipped without any problems flashing.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
phatmanxxl said:
Use winrar and dont unzip the ROM, the program will add/remove files without actually unzipping, like I said, its a hit or miss, or worst case you get a boot loop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
K, I'll try that next. TY
Thanks for the advice everyone.
i'm also interested in changing my dialer...can't we just adb push the dialer apk to /system/app/ from Recovery and have it work?
Max_Pain said:
i'm also interested in changing my dialer...can't we just adb push the dialer apk to /system/app/ from Recovery and have it work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes...unfortunately, some of us are too stoopid to get adb to work...
awenthol said:
Yes...unfortunately, some of us are too stoopid to get adb to work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol same here, I only got it to work during my g1 days. After that it was a no go, not sure if its user error or my computer. Find a solution to your dialer yet?
It's on the back burner right now. I'm currently beta testing RegawMOD so I'm not going to mess with the dialer until I'm done with it. I will try swapping the apks in winrar though as soon as I am done with the beta test. Kinda getting burned out on constantly flashing all day long. I need to get some sun lol

[Q] Stock/AOSP MMS for Bonsai?

Just started running bonsai on my epic 4g. I came over from tmobile (vibrant, Teamwhiskey) I've seen some screenies of people running bonsai with Stock/AOSP Mms. I've done some searching but can't find anything. help?
thanks guys
Just replace the Mms.apk with the AOSP mms.apk.
Texted while driving
Think he needs the APK still X.
Here it is if you haven't found it. Make sure to hit the thanks button for that guy that posted it. He's a badass. lol
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=11919877#post11919877
Oh btw, just replace the existing one in /system/app or push it using ADB.
063_XOBX said:
Just replace the Mms.apk with the AOSP mms.apk.
Texted while driving
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
p3dr0maz said:
Think he needs the APK still X.
Here it is if you haven't found it. Make sure to hit the thanks button for that guy that posted it. He's a badass. lol
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=11919877#post11919877
Oh btw, just replace the existing one in /system/app or push it using ADB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link, but that one says its the text-about-voicemail mms.apk, is there any way to avoid that? I'm probably splitting hairs here but just curious, lol.
Also, i'm at work (no adb) I couldn't just fire up the apk on my phone, i'd actually have to push it through, right?
The text about vm is not avoidable. I think someone said you can block the 9016:// messages through sprint maybe? im not sure exactly. I use to care at first then i realized I don't really get many VM's. And if you're at work you can just move it into the /system/app folder. You dont have to use adb push. That's just another option.
deku_nut said:
Thanks for the link, but that one says its the text-about-voicemail mms.apk, is there any way to avoid that? I'm probably splitting hairs here but just curious, lol.
Also, i'm at work (no adb) I couldn't just fire up the apk on my phone, i'd actually have to push it through, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried moving it into the system/app folder and it just gave me a parsing error, can't get it to receive texts. I put the old Mms.apk back in the apps folder and it threw the same error.
*edit*
I re-zip-flashed bonsai and it seemed to repair my texting ability. I tried the process again (replacing Mms.apk), then went into CW Recovery and wiped dalvik, booted and it still is on the samsung themed bubble Mms.apk. For sh*ts and giggles i tried tap-installing the Mms.apk and it wouldn't install, just as i figured. Suggestions?
Yeah tap-installing those system apps doesnt ever work. That's weird that you replaced the file, rebooted, and you were still on the old one. Although, technically there shouldnt be any need to reboot. I've switched out /system/app/Mms.apk and other apks without rebooting before. I do this all the time when theming. /boggle. Sorry, i'm not sure what more suggestions I can make. If you want I can try making it a flashable zip and maybe you can try that?
deku_nut said:
I tried moving it into the system/app folder and it just gave me a parsing error, can't get it to receive texts. I put the old Mms.apk back in the apps folder and it threw the same error.
*edit*
I re-zip-flashed bonsai and it seemed to repair my texting ability. I tried the process again (replacing Mms.apk), then went into CW Recovery and wiped dalvik, booted and it still is on the samsung themed bubble Mms.apk. For sh*ts and giggles i tried tap-installing the Mms.apk and it wouldn't install, just as i figured. Suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
p3dr0maz said:
Yeah tap-installing those system apps doesnt ever work. That's weird that you replaced the file, rebooted, and you were still on the old one. Although, technically there shouldnt be any need to reboot. I've switched out /system/app/Mms.apk and other apks without rebooting before. I do this all the time when theming. /boggle. Sorry, i'm not sure what more suggestions I can make. If you want I can try making it a flashable zip and maybe you can try that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running bonsai 4.0.1, not sure why it isn't working either. I'm not a dev but i'm no tech slouch myself and I can't figure it out. I'll try it again tonight. Also, teach a man to fish, don't give me the fish. If you happen to have a link for a tutorial to make flashable zips i'm all ears and ready to learn.
p.s. thanks button clicked.
Take a generic working CWM zip that replaces /system/ files. Delete all the crap out of it [dont delete Meta-Inf folder] with winzip, winrar, or 7zip. Drop in /system/app/Mms.apk . Most important thing is to maintain the file structure. As it will use it to push the Mms.apk onto the phone. Thats how i always do it.
deku_nut said:
I'm running bonsai 4.0.1, not sure why it isn't working either. I'm not a dev but i'm no tech slouch myself and I can't figure it out. I'll try it again tonight. Also, teach a man to fish, don't give me the fish. If you happen to have a link for a tutorial to make flashable zips i'm all ears and ready to learn.
p.s. thanks button clicked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
p3dr0maz said:
Take a generic working CWM zip that replaces /system/ files. Delete all the crap out of it [dont delete Meta-Inf folder] with winzip, winrar, or 7zip. Drop in /system/app/Mms.apk . Most important thing is to maintain the file structure. As it will use it to push the Mms.apk onto the phone. Thats how i always do it.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made the flashable zip, no luck. Just a thought-is the lack of the mms.odex an issue? does DeOdexing have something to do with this?
Yes,
I just assummed u were running a de-odexed system.
Take a generic working CWM zip that replaces /system/ files. Delete all the crap out of it [dont delete Meta-Inf folder] with winzip, winrar, or 7zip. Drop in /system/app/Mms.apk . Most important thing is to maintain the file structure. As it will use it to push the Mms.apk onto the phone. Thats how i always do it.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made the flashable zip, no luck. Just a thought-is the lack of the mms.odex an issue? does DeOdexing have something to do with this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

[Q] [FOR DEVS] Cooking ROM mods directly into ROMs? [SOLVED]

I'm looking to get some assistance with a Sense ROM development question. I am a big fan of ca1ne's Sense 1.0 ROM modifications, mainly:
Quick Settings Notification: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1266626
-and-
Advanced Power Menu: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1314428
I've been working on a Sense 1.0 (stock) -based ROM and am trying to incorporate these mods directly into the build. So far I have only attempted the Quick Settings mod, but since I have not been successful, I have not moved forward yet with the other. Whenever I try to add the Quick Settings mod into the ROM, I lose the statusbar all together. I know that other devs have incorporated quick settings mods into their ROMs (Swagged Out comes to mind, IIRC), so I know that it is possible, but I have been unsuccessful.
Could anyone who has done this give me an idea of what I might be doing wrong? I've tried everything I can think of, from adding the SystemUI.apk directly to the ROM, pre-cook, to building a ROM from a NANDroid backup with the mod already installed. Each way it is the same result: no status bar. Same thing that happens if you don't allow the ROM to boot once before flashing the update.zip.
Kinda stumped! Thanks!
Perhaps this should be posted in the Development forum? Yes? No?
*bump*
I suggest pm'ing a dev about your question so you can get a direct response from them. Plus, they might be able to help you further into the development of your ROM. Just a suggestion
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
Not sure what your issue is. What is your starting base? A ruu or a compiled ota?
Here is a collection of EVO mods. click here
All of these came from my Rom, EVO classic. You should be able to cook any mod into a Rom. When testing, you need to perform fill wipes.
Also, are you using dsixda's kitchen to build zip?
Are you certain the apk you're testing works?
Do you know how to use apktool?
Which operating system do you work on?
These are just some general questions and troubleshooting technique.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
tommytomatoe said:
Not sure what your issue is. What is your starting base? A ruu or a compiled ota?
Here is a collection of EVO mods. click here
All of these came from my Rom, EVO classic. You should be able to cook any mod into a Rom. When testing, you need to perform fill wipes.
Also, are you using dsixda's kitchen to build zip?
Are you certain the apk you're testing works?
Do you know how to use apktool?
Which operating system do you work on?
These are just some general questions and troubleshooting technique.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried a couple different starting bases. First I tried a RUU for 4.53.651.1 as pc36img.zip. Second a nandroid dump of 4.54.651 unrooted/modded installed via RUU and OTA on fresh SD card. Lastly, figuring I was messing up the base somehow, I used NinjaWolf's Rooted Stock 4.53.651.1.
I have been performing 3x cache, 3x dalvik and 1x userdata/factory reset wipes from recovery prior to each flash. Thing is that the rom that i end up with before trying to implement ca1ne's quick settings mod all flash properly and load perfectly. No issues at all. It's only after I try to combine the quick settings mod into any zip to flash that the issue arises. That being said, whenever I flash the mod over the custom rom, it works flawlessly. Just can't figure out how to get it cooked into the flashable zip.
Yes, I am using dsixda's kitchen for compiling the zips. I am still pretty new making roms, so I've not dived too far into the commands behind the scripts contained within.
To be honest, I've only used apktool a couple times. Mainly to decompile the stock SystemUI.apk and the one in ca1ne's zip, to diff. I would not say that I am fluent in it's use, by any means.
My primary machine is a Linux Mint Debian Edition box, with a Windows 7 Ultimate partition that I use for gaming and any time I need Windows (revonutionary.io, for example). Secondary is MacBook Pro (work machine), running 10.6, setup with dsixda's kitchen as per the tutorial. I work in IT/IS, so I am more than comfortable with each OS, I just prefer Linux/UNIX. I am also not a stranger to various programming and shell scripting languages, but I am not a master developer.
Hope that explains a bit more. Thanks, tommytomatoe, for your time. I really appreciate it! Also, I will take a look at your mods collection as soon as I get to my rig.
If you're using the ruu or pc36img you ate playing with odex. Ca1ne's uploaded systemui is deodex. That could explain the lack.of status bar.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
tommytomatoe said:
If you're using the ruu or pc36img you ate playing with odex. Ca1ne's uploaded systemui is deodex. That could explain the lack.of status bar.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I saw that was one of the requirements, but I always deodex /system/framework and /system/app on my personal builds so that the .apks can be modded or themed, should I desire to do so. When using the RUU and pc36img, I let it boot, do the OTA updates, then sync a test google account and update apps through the market. After that is done, I boot into recovery (after flashing it back with fastboot... thank you HTC) and do a nandroid backup to use as a pure stock base. Once I have the system.img and boot.img I take it to the kitchen to root, deodex, etc..
I am wondering, though, why the effect is the same if you extract the SystemUI.apk manually and drop it into the ROM as it does if you immediatly flash the quick settings zip directly after a fresh rom flash, without allowing the rom to boot up completely first. I can see a minor coorelation, but if I can figure out whatever dependancy I am missing, then I know I should be able to get it to work.
grayn0de said:
Yeah, I saw that was one of the requirements, but I always deodex /system/framework and /system/app on my personal builds so that the .apks can be modded or themed, should I desire to do so. When using the RUU and pc36img, I let it boot, do the OTA updates, then sync a test google account and update apps through the market. After that is done, I boot into recovery (after flashing it back with fastboot... thank you HTC) and do a nandroid backup to use as a pure stock base. Once I have the system.img and boot.img I take it to the kitchen to root, deodex, etc..
I am wondering, though, why the effect is the same if you extract the SystemUI.apk manually and drop it into the ROM as it does if you immediatly flash the quick settings zip directly after a fresh rom flash, without allowing the rom to boot up completely first. I can see a minor coorelation, but if I can figure out whatever dependancy I am missing, then I know I should be able to get it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why use the nandroid images? Just use the pc36img.zip
If the file itself gives you that issue then I would recommend duplicating that mod on your own systemui. There are always traces of signature and permissions issues using a different file than your own, unless you know how to disable signature verification.
I don't ever recommend creating roms from nandroid image. Just stick with the pc36img
Lastly. And I truly wish this rumor was never created. Odex can be themed, modded, and customized just like deodex
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Not clear on how exactly to apply the OTA patches to the pc36img without going the route I have been taking. Although, I really don't think there was much to this latest OTA security update that actually benefits the user anyway, so I might just stick with the 4.53 base for now. At least until I figure out this quick settings stuff.
I'll decompile the two apks and diff them to see if I can duplicate the mod, as you suggest.
You know I kinda thought that it was odd that people said that, as there have been themes since early ADP1 days. Guess I figured it was just something to chalk up to changes across OS versions. So is deodex just easier to theme/mod, since the dex file is recompiled into the apk? One less piece, so to speak?
Look here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1320660
Pull those files from the 4.54 ota. Use the pc36img from latest available, 4.53. In kitchen, select the pc36img.zip as your working rom. Then apply the changes as laid out in the thread I linked you. Hope that helps.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Seems simple enough. Thank you!.
I found this while looking for something else and gave it a shot hoping that it would, on the off chance work, but no love:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1290753
I'm still digging into the original and modded SystemUI.apk files to see what I need to do to duplicate the quick settings. Also, I've been checking out your android-utility. Awesome work, man!
I figured it out the issue.
I decompiled both the original and modded apk files, then used DiffMerge to diff the project folders for the apks. This brought up a list of files that had been modified, one of which was:
res/drawable-hdpi/statusbar_background_transparent.9.png
After merging changes in all of the .smali files, this file was the only one that remained to be modified but, since it is a binary png, I could not do so. The first time I tried to reconstruct the mod, I simply copied the modded .png file into the proper spot of my SystemUI.apk, then recompiled with original META-INF, signed it and dropped it into the ROM's working folder. Failure...
Second time around, I simply omitted the .png and tested. Worked perfectly!
tommytomatoe: Thanks a ton for all of your insight and advice (in this thread and others). It has really helped me out. Now that this little hurdle has been leaped, I can continue on with the ROM revisions!

[Looking for] empty update.zip for CWM.

Does anyone have a link to an empty .zip preferably with the correct file structure for SGSIII already there Of course it should work with CWM. I want to replace some files but it isnt working with my old update zip that i used for DHD.
thx in advance!
any zip with .apks or other files would be alright as well i think i would manage to clean it myself
Or is there a simpler method of pushing files to you device? I really like it that way because i can always create backup zips with the original files if something goes wrong..
clouds5 said:
Does anyone have a link to an empty .zip preferably with the correct file structure for SGSIII already there Of course it should work with CWM. I want to replace some files but it isnt working with my old update zip that i used for DHD.
thx in advance!
any zip with .apks or other files would be alright as well i think i would manage to clean it myself
Or is there a simpler method of pushing files to you device? I really like it that way because i can always create backup zips with the original files if something goes wrong..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look in the stickies of this page and use the vrtheme...that is brilliant
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

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