guys how can i put a bunch of applications in a zip folder a flash it by recovery.Ive tried putting 3 apps in a zip folder and flshing it via recovery but it says failed..
I tried that a while ago on the g1 with mixed results.
You have to put them in the data/app/ folder the same way they appear on your phone. If you are feeling ambitious, you can also grab the corresponding folder in data/data. You'll have to look for the java package name, not the app name. Lastly, you have to adjust the updater-script in META-INF/com/google/android/ to mount and flash the data folder, not system and then clean out the extra cruft.
You might have to resign the zip or just toggle sig checks.
Other options include using recovery to restore the data partition, but this will be everything, not just your 3 favorite apps. Alternatively, you could write a script that runs from your PC while your phone is in recovery and use the "adb install" command. I think there are also apps that do that for you, such as Titanium backup.
Gee one thanks for the reply but can you plz reexplain "If you are feeling ambitious, you can also grab the corresponding folder in data/data. You'll have to look for the java package name, not the app name. Lastly, you have to adjust the updater-script in META-INF/com/google/android/ to mount and flash the data folder, not system and then clean out the extra cruft.
You might have to resign the zip or just toggle sig checks."
Your phone stores the app in data/app/some.java.name.here so if you use flash those files, your apps will be installed. The app itself stores settings, history, etc in data/data/some.java.name.here If you flash the corresponding folder in data/data, you'll also get all your settings and won't have to bother setting it all up from scratch.
If you use adb or a file explorer to poke around in your data/data and data/app folders, you'll see what I mean.
In order to get the zip to flash, you have to include "instructions" that tell the recovery what to do with the zip. Unzip one of the flashable roms and look in the META-INF/com/google/android folder. There should be two files there. You want to edit the updater-script so that it flashes your data. Most likely, it is set up to flash a custom rom to your system folder. You'll have to do some editing and some trial and error to figure it out, but if you are just flashing the data partition, most of the commands in updater-script will be superfluous.
Lastly, and this the part that everyone hates (second only to adding adb to your path), you either have to sign the zip with jarsigner, signapk, or something similar, or turn off signature checking in your recovery. Signing the zip is essentially adding a digital signature so that your phone knows that the zip is intact. Clockworkmod recovery will let you toggle the signature checks in one of the options- poke around and get familiar with your recovery. It's probably in there somewhere.
I think Titanium backup will let you freeze/unfreeze apps- you might want to consider it.
Thanks
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
Did this work? Like to buy a beer for someone who wants to upload a zip with a file explorer all for a project I have that has no play store or file explorer on it. Thank you
Related
I switch roms constantly on my phone and the most annoying part of that is having to every time enter my gmail, facebook, twitter and other information that never changes... Is there anyway to make a FLASHABLE update.zip that I can just install after a rom flash? Out would even be better if I can put certain applications in there too. Like my Angry Birds, Rom Manager, and Titanium Backup. You know just the apps that no matter what rom I use I always have to reinstall. This would save me and whoever find themselves in this situation alot of time when it comes to experimenting with different Roms. Please help!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I don't know about login information but you can make an update.zip with miscellaneous apps that you don't want to re-download. It's kind of a pain (personal opinion) to make an update.zip but here are some directions:
1. Create a folder, we'll call it "update".
2. Inside "update" make two new folders called "META-INF" (without the quotes and capitalized) and "data" (also without quotes).
3. Inside "META-INF" create a folder called "com".
4. Inside "com" create a folder called "google".
5. Inside "google" create a folder called "android".
6. Close the folders you have open and re-open "update".
7. Open "data" and create a folder called "app".
8. Add the .apk files you want to flash to "data/app".
9. I've attached a few files to the post, unzip "secFiles.zip" and put "CERT.RSA", "CERT.SF", and "MANIFEST.MF" into your "update/META-INF" folder.
10. Also attached is "script.zip". Unzip this and add the "updater-script" and "update-binary" to "update/META-INF/com/google/android".
11. Now that you have the folder structuring complete you can zip it all up. When you zip it, make sure you zip "data" and "META-INF" NOT "update". You will have errors if you zip "update"!
12. If you have ClockworkMod Recovery you do not need to sign it. If not then I recommend making a nandroid backup and copying it to your computer so that your WiMax (4G) keys are backed up, then switching to ClockworkMod Recovery.
13. Make a nandroid backup anyways! Don't come calling me if you're phone messes up. I do not believe there to be anything wrong in my directions but I can't afford to fix you're phone.
14. Flash away! Hopefully it worked. I'll try to elaborate if you're confused.
Thank you so Much! but thats just half the equation... Titanium Backup has a way to backup and restore the Accounts and Sync data which is what the goal is here... im thinking about finding a way to extract that and put it into a flashable zip. Im learning alot about the android structure and it might now be long until i unintentionally solve this myself
You could add Titanium Backup to your flashable zip and have it preinstalled as well as your backup wherever it belongs. (Sorry, don't use Titanium Backup)
Or another idea to try out, if you have Clockwork Recovery you can restore just the data partition. I'd be careful of doing it but if you're in the mood to experiment I think it might do what you're looking for. Note that you'll have to have a data.img nandroid backup of everything you want. If you manage to figure it out please share because I hate typing my ridiculously long passwords every time I flash a new rom.
you can make a flashable zip for titanium. from the app, press menu > more > create update.zip
this option gives you an option to create a signed zip file (you need a free app from the market called zip signer) that will install titanium as either a user or system file
It would be great to know how to create a update.zip of the titanium backups and that way, it would include +data
Anyone know how to do that?
Keri
Being a newbie that is learning A LOT, my most recent question is:
If I have flashed a BYOR (midnight rom) then added the apk files that I wanted, is there a way of saving my modified ROM so that if I try something else and need to flash back, I can without reloading all of the apps from the zip files?
Make a backup in CWM before wiping, then restore it later when you want to switch back. That's all you can do as far as I know.
notmyepic said:
Being a newbie that is learning A LOT, my most recent question is:
If I have flashed a BYOR (midnight rom) then added the apk files that I wanted, is there a way of saving my modified ROM so that if I try something else and need to flash back, I can without reloading all of the apps from the zip files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1st download Titanium Backup and save all your files on your and window information email etc etc . u hit menu then BATCH then back up all files and data ......
CWM ... got to restore n backup then select back up and let it work ..........
now after u check out the other Rom u go back into CWM .... RESTORE UR OLD FILE .... then download TITANIUM BACKUP and restore everything or just choose what you want NOTE: YOU CAN DO TITANIUM w the ROm IF U CHOOSE TO KEEP IT
Also, you can take applications from say the midNight v5 upgrade zip(use 7zip to open the zip file) navigate to system/app folder. Copy the apks from the upgrade zip to the same folder in the BYOR zip file; same for files in system/lib.
You can repeat that step for other apps you like from the midNight Extras folder.
If you ever have to flash fresh; then you'll have a rom zip pre-built with your apps and you wont have to flash each zip.
Absolutely utilize the backup in CWM .. that can save you butt ... before any theme, kernel or ROM install. That way if you hit a boot loop or freeze .. simply boot to recovery and restore your phone back to before that flash attempt.
Thanks everyone. When I get a chance I may try something different
I would download and install 7zip. make a backup copy of your midnight 5.0 byor zip incase you mess something up but not likely. right click on one of the rom zips and 7zip open archive. in that archive you opened there should be an sd card folder. open that and extract the midnight extras folder to your desktop (drag it to the desktop). open that archive up again and navigate to system/app. go into your midnight extras folder and copy all the apk's you want on your phone and paste them in the system/app folder. After this any time you flash this zip you will have all the apps you put in the system/apps folder and wont have to flash multiple zips for apps. this can be done for themes, boot animations, shutdown animations, fonts, pretty much anything you can flash as long as you know where to put them. ps always backup before flashing
I thought I read somewhere installing zip file with CWM, it needed the apk and another file (believe it was meta file)
Is this the case, or is the zip files with meta also for something bigger than just apks?
Well the title says it all... I downloaded and updated the non-paginated rosie addon/theme from synergy updater. I want to go back to how it was previously. I'm not sure how I can do that. Any help would be great.
just reflash the rom without wiping anything (ok, a wipe of dalvik and cache never hurts). you'll lose all system mods you have done so far, but it's the only way besides restoring a nandroid or manually replacing the files (which i assume you don't want/know how to do)
I'm sure I can do that, what files do I need to replace. I saw Rosie_scroll in astro.
jm503 said:
I'm sure I can do that, what files do I need to replace. I saw Rosie_scroll in astro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol rosie_scroll is the cache for the rosie on the sdcard that won't help. to replace files, open the zip you flashed, and find out what files it changed (ignore the META-INF folder btw, that's where the signatures and update scripts are). then just open the rom zip, and find the same files. now adb push, push using root explorer, or build a flashable zip of those files.
Basically I want to install these mods: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1287810
I have the stock rooted kernel (found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1282415) which doesn't include CWM. Is there a way to install these mods without flashing through CWM?
Thanks.
I heard that rom manager now support our phone, it installs latest CWM version 5.0.2.7
I usually use adb push
Looks like you need a custom kernel for Rom Manager to work right now.
Can I just replace the files on my phone with these files and reboot?
use Odin to flash custom kernel with cwm compiled. lostkernel or zedomax's kernel both got cwm.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Yes but can I install these WITHOUT CWM?
romanodog said:
Yes but can I install these WITHOUT CWM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No without custom recovery which is what cwm is you can not flash anything that is not signed by samsung .....you could flash an update through the samsung recovery but everything else will fail signature check .....that is why we use odin and clockwork mod
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Technically yes you can. You would have to know how and where to push everything via adb but if you don't know or are uncomfortable I would definitely avoid it.
Hey romanodog you get CWM with stock rooted kernal without having to odin anything. All you have to do is do the following:
1. Go to the thread called " Lets Get Rid of that Yellow Triangle" (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1297999)
Note: with the root method you used you wont have the yellow triangle but this is necessary to get cwm on stock kernal.
2. Download and extract the the zip called "chris41g.devphone.org/LoStKernel/FlashzImage.zip" to your desktop or directory of choice
3. now open this folder and delete the file called zImage
4. go to this thread called "Stock Pulled Repacked with CWM5" (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1305099)
4. download the StockCWM5.zip file and extract this new zImage to the folder FlashzImage
5. run the bat file
Note: after you replace the zImage you can pretty much follow the how to video done by QbKing77 (thank him) in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1297999
cool thanks man, I will have to try that out
you can do all the mods without cwm quite easily.
just take the files from inside the zip and use a file browser to copy them to the phone.
i use es file explorer mostly, its free and lets you access the root partition.
available in the market.
(you can also use the adb push command if comfortable with a command line from the pc or a terminal emulator such as connectbot from the phone)
the trick is just figuring out where the files go. luckily when you unzip the mod you'll get folders such as
meta-inf
system
ignore the meta-inf
its the system folder you want
system> which will usually contain something like app and framework folders
just copy those files to /system/app and /system/framework viola! either overwriting the files already there or better yet backup those files or rename them first.
no cwm needed but you do need root
p.s. also you may need to reboot for changes to take effect
mjcollum said:
you can do all the mods without cwm quite easily.
just take the files from inside the zip and use a file browser to copy them to the phone.
i use es file explorer mostly, its free and lets you access the root partition.
available in the market.
(you can also use the adb push command if comfortable with a command line from the pc or a terminal emulator such as connectbot from the phone)
the trick is just figuring out where the files go. luckily when you unzip the mod you'll get folders such as
meta-inf
system
ignore the meta-inf
its the system folder you want
system> which will usually contain something like app and framework folders
just copy those files to /system/app and /system/framework viola! either overwriting the files already there or better yet backup those files or rename them first.
no cwm needed but you do need root
p.s. also you may need to reboot for changes to take effect
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool! I thought I could do something like that but I wanted someone to confirm, thanks!
I'm pretty familiar with linux but these phones are a whole new world to me.
This is a simple guide to make your own custom rom……..(the other parts will be written…as soon as I become bothered to type for hours again)
PART 1:setup the kitchen and rom
1.Download java(java.com) and install the java JDK(www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html)
2.Download the kitchen(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=633246) (thankyou DSIXDA for your amazing kitchen)
3.Download Cygwin(Cygwin.com)
3.extract the cygwin file(using winzip or winrar) in C drive only….dont put it into any folders
a.Enter a file called Cygwin(setup file)
b.click next>install from local directory
c.now it will ask you where to put the program….leave everything as default
d.now It will ask you where the location of the packages are so>click browse>click my computer >go to drive C>and you will fin the folder Cygwin-packages>so select that folder and click ok>next.
e.now it will extract the folders>a promt is going to pop up..>click ok
f.now you will see a list>go to the first line and you will see next to the word ALL ,two arrows>click on them so all files can be installed.
g.now it will install the program whick take from 5-10min.
h.when its done …select finish.
i.you can now delete the setup file and Cygwin-packages folder.
j.now enter the Cygwin program and it will create some files..>when its done exit the program….
Now Cygwin program is done installing .
3.To use the kitchen:
a.Enter Cygwin folder>home>your user name>so you will find 3 files
b.in the same folder>extract the kitchen zip file(Android-Kitchen-master.zip)
c.now enter the kitchen folder>you will find a folder called>put rom here.
d.so in that folder>either put a rom.zip file or put a system.img file if you want complete stock…..(which you get from the ruu of your phone)
e.now enter tools folder>edifly_......(something like that) and see if you mount points are in it…
f.to know go to your build.prop file>check ro.product.device>and if you see a txt file under the name of your device …..your device is supported…
g.if NOT,go to the original thread …where the dev has stated a way on how to add your device…..
Now we are done from the setup of the kitchen…..
To use the kitchen:
1.Enter Cygwin
2.type
a.cd kitchen>press enter
b. ./menu>press enter
Now a list of options will come infront of you ……
3.go to the option>setup working folder>enter its number and press enter…
4.now if you go to Cygwin folder >enter home>user name>kitchen.
5.you will find a folder called(working folder_8254897)
NOW YOU ARE DONE WITH SETTING UP THE KITCHEN……AND YOU CAN START PLAYING WITH THE ROM
PART 2:Clearing up the options
Explanation for each option:
1.creates you a working folder,which extracts the rom for you.
2. It gives you super user access aka SU, Some apps require root to work properly….so if your rom isn’t rooted … it’ll be useless.
3. Busy Box is something that you install on your phone to give you some additional handy LINUX / UNIX based commands. You need Busy Box installed because some commands are not available to you and you made need them for some root level tasks.
4.To disable sounds while phone is booting
5.To add you a tethering app…..and allow you do wireless tethering
6. Zipalign is an archive alignment tool. It optimizes the way an app is packaged. Doing so enables the operating system to interact with the application more efficiently, and has the potential to make the application and overall the whole system much faster. Execution time is minimized for zipaligned applications, resulting in a lower amount of RAM consumption when running the app.
7.If you want the rom to do a FULL WIPE while installing the rom
8.To change the name of the rom
9.Checks if the update script contains any errors….because if it did the rom wont be installed correctly,which may lead to a brick
10.To see all information about your rom..ex: if you have root access/if you aren’t using stock kernel/if you have app2sd support etc..
11. Apk files have respective odexes that devs use to supposedly save space. Deodexing means you convert it back to a .dex file and put it back inside the apk. This allows you to easily replace files (not having to worry about odexes), but the main point was to deodex services.jar so that you can change all text to different colors (such as the clock color to white) and to deodex services.jar, you need to deodex everything.
12.To add a task killer….which closes applications to free RAM
13.To add a /data/app folder so applications could be installed their rather than getting installed in system/app
14.To add text editor…for ex.if you want to edit build.prop or any txt file which is in system.
15.To add a command shell which allows you to use in in the terminal
16.To give the option of moving applications to sd card
17. To add /etc/init.d scripts support ….which allow you to add tweaks and stuff for the phone
18.To allow user to put the boot-animation that he desires.
19.To be able to extract the boot.img(kernel)
20.To extract data.img (which I don’t know what it is )
21.check this (http://developer.android.com/tools/publishing/app-signing.html)
22.To covert update script to updater script which is a must before you build the rom.
99.To build the rom when you finish editing and modding.
PART 3:How to mod apks
OK SO NOW SINCE YOU KNOW WHAT EACH OPTION DOES…..LETS START MODDING,and to start customizing,you have to use an apk extractor and zipper because the apks contain all the treasure …..for example:SystemUI.apk(contains battery icons ,signal icons, the location of the clock and many many more things)
So what were gonna use is apk manager,which is an very easy program to use,and helps a lot in apk extracting and zipping and signing.
Here are the steps to use it:
1.Extract the zip file(apk manager)
2.youll find a file called setup>enter it and select option 3 and press enter.
3.folders will be created
4.so to extract an apk>select an apk file and drop it into the folder (put apk here)
5.go into script file>press enter file>and after you’ve put the apk file in the specified folder>select option 2 >so the apk will be extracted
6.after you extract it you will find the extracted files it in the same folder(put apk here) in a new folder under the name of the apk file.
7.edit whatever you want
8.When you finish >select option 3>press enter.
9.then select option 5 and 6 to sign and zipalign the apk…..
And your done ,but to find the modded apk…..go into place apk here for signing and you will find it there.
.........................
RESERVVED
Reserved45
RESE8VED
Hayde reserved yaben 3amme
W hayde kamen yaben 5alte....................reserved
Sorry need help....
donhashem.dh said:
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey dude/*****.....
Me again and loving yr tutorial. But do have a couple of questions that I hope you can help with.
Firstly the update version of Cygwin menu is not exactly as yours in the tutorial. Why is the allow Tethering function not there and could this be a problem.
Secondly i am nooooooB and are unsure on how to add remove system apk's from rom. Do I just dig in and delete them from windows. And can I pull apk's from another rom to put into the data app folder which was created using Cygwin.
I was wanting to add aroma installer as well but another story....
Really appreciate if you can advise. If I sound to noooobish then understrand that I am to much work.
veroby said:
Hey dude/*****.....
Me again and loving yr tutorial. But do have a couple of questions that I hope you can help with.
Firstly the update version of Cygwin menu is not exactly as yours in the tutorial. Why is the allow Tethering function not there and could this be a problem.
Secondly i am nooooooB and are unsure on how to add remove system apk's from rom. Do I just dig in and delete them from windows. And can I pull apk's from another rom to put into the data app folder which was created using Cygwin.
I was wanting to add aroma installer as well but another story....
Really appreciate if you can advise. If I sound to noooobish then understrand that I am to much work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ayyy take it easy cun*
I'll update the tutorial because I made it from a long time and posted it now
For the apks you just enter the rom.zip system>app and you'll find all the apks there..
The data folder cygwin creates is that when you use the Rom ..the apps won't be installed in system>app anymore,they will be installed the folder the kitchen created data
And for the aroma installer,leave it for later ...your still not ready for it ...
no signature....problem ?!?!?!
donhashem.dh said:
Ayyy take it easy cun*
I'll update the tutorial because I made it from a long time and posted it now
For the apks you just enter the rom.zip system>app and you'll find all the apks there..
The data folder cygwin creates is that when you use the Rom ..the apps won't be installed in system>app anymore,they will be installed the folder the kitchen created data
And for the aroma installer,leave it for later ...your still not ready for it ...
no signature....problem ?!?!?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to ask you about signature but didnt want to over do it. I am guessing you need to sign it after the 99 - Build ROM from working folder?
I have proceed with the Build rom and are at the recomend to sign rom stage. Its some thing I dont understand. Is it ok to proceed without?
Cool I have noticed the roms produced by dev's here xda are not signed so doesnt seem to matter for this purpose. I have hit thx ***** 5 or 6 times.
I will hit 500 s****y if you give share some knowledge in installing arroma installer. or do you recomend just trying things....cheers anyway its been awsome.....:good: