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Hey everyone, so I'm just starting to buckle down and learn more about Android Mods. Here's my latest question. I have a few zip files that I always flash on top of a new ROM. These include at the moment, a Rotary Lockscreen and the DroidX boot animation, possibly a circle battery shortly.
My question is, would there be a simple way to merge these zip files so I only have to flash one every time I load a new ROM, or even better, load these into a ROM file before flashing?
Is it as simple as opening the ZIPs, moving the files from one to the other (keeping the directory structure intact) and re-zipping the lot? Or is there something more complicated I need to look at...
Thanks in advance!
Edit: A quick look in one of the files revealed a .xml file with some references to the files to be installed. I assume I would have to edit the .xml to include all the instructions from each mod, but if that's all it takes, that should be easy... Again, I ask all of you... Am I missing something?
PSULightingGuy said:
Hey everyone, so I'm just starting to buckle down and learn more about Android Mods. Here's my latest question. I have a few zip files that I always flash on top of a new ROM. These include at the moment, a Rotary Lockscreen and the DroidX boot animation, possibly a circle battery shortly.
My question is, would there be a simple way to merge these zip files so I only have to flash one every time I load a new ROM, or even better, load these into a ROM file before flashing?
Is it as simple as opening the ZIPs, moving the files from one to the other (keeping the directory structure intact) and re-zipping the lot? Or is there something more complicated I need to look at...
Thanks in advance!
Edit: A quick look in one of the files revealed a .xml file with some references to the files to be installed. I assume I would have to edit the .xml to include all the instructions from each mod, but if that's all it takes, that should be easy... Again, I ask all of you... Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think you need to edit the meta file and the xml file, but this can be done though.
PSULightingGuy said:
Hey everyone, so I'm just starting to buckle down and learn more about Android Mods. Here's my latest question. I have a few zip files that I always flash on top of a new ROM. These include at the moment, a Rotary Lockscreen and the DroidX boot animation, possibly a circle battery shortly.
My question is, would there be a simple way to merge these zip files so I only have to flash one every time I load a new ROM, or even better, load these into a ROM file before flashing?
Is it as simple as opening the ZIPs, moving the files from one to the other (keeping the directory structure intact) and re-zipping the lot? Or is there something more complicated I need to look at...
Thanks in advance!
Edit: A quick look in one of the files revealed a .xml file with some references to the files to be installed. I assume I would have to edit the .xml to include all the instructions from each mod, but if that's all it takes, that should be easy... Again, I ask all of you... Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what is the full name of the .xml file you see?
the recovery reads a file called update-script or updater-script inside the zip file META-INF/com/google/android/ directory. you memorize that directory path after messing with enough zip files!
that file tells the recovery what actions to take with which files. for list of very basic commands for this update-script file, i have a guide - http://forum.sdx-developers.com/android-2-1/creating-an-update-zip-list-of-commands/
it is possible to merge update.zip files but its important to understand their structure and how the commands are executed.
also signing .zip files is a whole different topic...
hopefully this helps get you going in the correct direction!
joeykrim said:
what is the full name of the .xml file you see?
the recovery reads a file called update-script or updater-script inside the zip file META-INF/com/google/android/ directory. you memorize that directory path after messing with enough zip files!
that file tells the recovery what actions to take with which files. for list of very basic commands for this update-script file, i have a guide - http://forum.sdx-developers.com/android-2-1/creating-an-update-zip-list-of-commands/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since all the files have this could you copy and paste the codes inside them into one file?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
chandlerw88 said:
Since all the files have this could you copy and paste the codes inside them into one file?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would want to read up a little bit and make sure you understand the commands, but yes. You do not want to copy the entire set of commands, just the particular needed lines. Often you don't need to change anything because the script may just say copy this entire system directory and everything in it will go.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
It's pretty basic.
Move all the files into the same zip delete everything in meta-inf except the update script.
Adjust the script accordingly, pay attention to syntax or better yet just look at all the individual scripts and put them together, then remove dupes
As for zip signing..
This is what you need
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=666441
OK, thanks! This has all helped a lot and I think I nailed the basics that I was shooting for, just haven't been able to test yet since no need to re-flash a working ROM.
My next question is, would there be a way to force files INSIDE an APK? Trying to add a different battery meter (have the images) to framework-res.apk and would love to do that from a boot script... Ideas?
PSULightingGuy said:
OK, thanks! This has all helped a lot and I think I nailed the basics that I was shooting for, just haven't been able to test yet since no need to re-flash a working ROM.
My next question is, would there be a way to force files INSIDE an APK? Trying to add a different battery meter (have the images) to framework-res.apk and would love to do that from a boot script... Ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, its called 7-zip and its your new best friend in this battle. heres how i learned.
i started ripping apart the things that i liked, including roms themselves. now find an update zip that has the files inside the folders that you will need to add, and you can then recycle that update zip. here it is plain and simple:
1.use 7zip to VIEW; NEVER UNZIP the files(forget about windows zips)
2.check what folder the apps you will be putting in belong in
3.put them in their corresponding folders(some apps are tricky when you need to install their libs too and you dont know it)
4.erase the 3 bottom files in your meta-inf folder
5.resign the rom
6.verify the sign(look for the new certs)
7.move to sd
8.flash rom
9.have a pop,beer, or w/e your vice.(my fave is cherry coke)
if you need help getting started feel free to pm. you dont know who i am, but ive been thru this process many times.
Actually, that's not quite what I'm talking about... I want a flashable zip that will add certain images (the battery meter) to the INSIDE of a .apk file that already exists on the device. Not sure if it's possible, but if so, I'd love to know... If not, I'll try pulling the .apk and using 7-zip...
Hey!
I was wondering, is there a way of adding apps to a rom... theres a few apk's i practially have to have installed, so i was wondering is there a way to add these files to a zipped rom so they install within the the system folder on the phone takin up dedicated rom space instead of dedicated phone storage....
been searching for a while about this, an theres a few close threads but they stopped before it was answered.
Also i have tried unzipping the rom, adding the apks, then rezipping an it didnt work, it started installing an finished within 2 seconds so obviously it didnt install the rom.
Thanks in advance!
You should just be able to add them to the /system/app folder. You just have to use a custom recovery to flash it, because the original zip is signed, where yours isn't. So if you turn the check for signature off in the recovery it should work just fine.
Alternatively you can learn how to sign your zip file, but that's far more time consuming.
i tried doing that, toggled it off in clockworkmod and still does the same thing. so not entirely sure wat i'm doing wrong, all i'm doing is rezipping it to a zip file using winrar.... should i try somethin else?
and yeah i made sure it did it to a zip file an not a rar file
360nitrous said:
i tried doing that, toggled it off in clockworkmod and still does the same thing. so not entirely sure wat i'm doing wrong, all i'm doing is rezipping it to a zip file using winrar.... should i try somethin else?
and yeah i made sure it did it to a zip file an not a rar file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a similar problem like yours.
Here is where we were wrong. We unzipped the .zip, added whatever we did, and then selected the folder and added to zip, which is wrong. You have to select ALL the folders and files WITHIN the folder unzipped and add it to archive.
Meaning, I have for ex. update-OD4.0.10.zip, after I unzip it it gets a folder containing all the files and folders of the ROM. You have to go one level in, select them all (files and folders in there) and add it to zip. Et voila!
Hope you understand my English!
mi3x said:
I had a similar problem like yours.
Here is where we were wrong. We unzipped the .zip, added whatever we did, and then selected the folder and added to zip, which is wrong. You have to select ALL the folders and files WITHIN the folder unzipped and add it to archive.
Meaning, I have for ex. update-OD4.0.10.zip, after I unzip it it gets a folder containing all the files and folders of the ROM. You have to go one level in, select them all (files and folders in there) and add it to zip. Et voila!
Hope you understand my English!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that makes me feel stupid haha!!! your totally right, that sorted out the problem, thanks a lot!!! sometimes its the simplest things that you forget about
Yes you will of course have to add the folders in the same structure as before, as the update script are telling the recovery which folders to flash where, and you are leaving that script unchanged.
360nitrous said:
Now that makes me feel stupid haha!!! your totally right, that sorted out the problem, thanks a lot!!! sometimes its the simplest things that you forget about
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My pleasure I loled as well! At least I went deeper in my feeling stupid, changing RAR tools, different compression types etc... and the answer was there all along.
Ok forum, so I got this idea: because a lot of people ask for CWM packages of this and that, why not let them create CWM flashable stuff without having to beg devs or other users to make them?
I think it saves them (yes, I am talking about YOU!) and us the trouble. So I created these two base CWM flashable zips to get everyone started:
Data_Skeleton.zip - Used for apps that you can uninstall afterwards.
System_Skeleton.zip - Used for anything that should be installed as a system app
Now, a short guide on how to use them:
1. Download the appropriate ZIP for what you plan to package. If you want to make a regular app package use Data_Skeleton.zip, for system apps, use System_Skeleton.zip.
2. Open the zip file with anything else other than Windows Explorer! Use 7zip, winzip, winrar or anything else, just not Explorer!
3. Look inside the zip! DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING! All you need to do is ADD STUFF!
4. Browse into the "data" or "system" zip folders, then down into the "app" folder inside.
5. After you get to the "app" folder, copy and paste the APKs you want to flash in the folder.
REMEMBER: do not DELETE anything! ADD APK files ONLY in the "app" folder.
6. Wait for the APK files you copy to get added to the archive.
7. Close the archive.
8. Rename and copy the archive to your SD card.
9. Boot into CWM and flash the copied zip file you just created.
10. Enjoy!!
Sooooo, quick 10-step process into cooking you own CWM Zips. You can do much more with them than flashing apps, but for general purpose usage, this should be enough!
Thanks and complaints go underneath.
PS: this idea was given to me by lambstone in a separate thread! Thanks a lot mate!!!
Peace,
C.
Nice thread, waiting for other..............
There's market apps that does this I.e apps2zip
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-2
Ayysr,
App2zip works well for this purpose, but only when it works. There are apps that can't be zipped correctly, mainly those that rely on libs, media and/or other files that can't be included automagically. Needless to say that some apps (mainly games and such) store data on the SD card.
All of this can be easily accomplished by copying the files in a zip file; also learning something about Android in the process, wouldn't you say?
Peace,
C.
cheatman said:
Ayysr,
App2zip works well for this purpose, but only when it works. There are apps that can't be zipped correctly, mainly those that rely on libs, media and/or other files that can't be included automagically. Needless to say that some apps (mainly games and such) store data on the SD card.
All of this can be easily accomplished by copying the files in a zip file; also learning something about Android in the process, wouldn't you say?
Peace,
C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your right, I was not trying to deny your effort in any way
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-2
I actually wasn't expecting anyone to comment on this thread to begin with
The fact that you mentioned app2zip is perfect! I know the intent is not to deny my effort, in fact, I am happy new information surfaced because it's useful and appropriate.
Very few contribute to such posts with relevant info for others. I think this is the point: sharing insightful and relevant stuff with others. But judging by the number of thanks you have, you already know this very well already
So, thanks! And glad to have you in my thread
Peace,
C.
cheatman said:
I actually wasn't expecting anyone to comment on this thread to begin with
The fact that you mentioned app2zip is perfect! I know the intent is not to deny my effort, in fact, I am happy new information surfaced because it's useful and appropriate.
Very few contribute to such posts with relevant info for others. I think this is the point: sharing insightful and relevant stuff with others. But judging by the number of thanks you have, you already know this very well already
So, thanks! And glad to have you in my thread
Peace,
C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have trying to put 5 apk files on data/app exactly doing what it's in your post, then rename it to apk.zip, but when i'm trying flashing from cwm it's geting error
E:Can't open /sdcard/apk.zip
(bad)
Installation aborted
do I miss something??
edit: i'm using data_skeleton.zip
Make sure you don't extract the ZIP. Open it and add files. If you extract it, you get that error message (usually). That is a problem related to the unzip process in CWM, it's not very "compatible"
I have also re-upped the DATA CWM zip, maybe it got borked in the process. So download again from first post. It works on my tab. You can test it by just getting the zip and flashing it empty, like that.
cheatman said:
Make sure you don't extract the ZIP. Open it and add files. If you extract it, you get that error message (usually). That is a problem related to the unzip process in CWM, it's not very "compatible"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No dude, I do not extract the zip file, I do exzctly what you said in 1st post, just open it with winrar, look for Data-app, then adding apk files on app section/folder inside the zip files, i just try once again to make sure, and i just add 1 different apk file, but still not work, btw i always use this same method before when I' want to replace boot animation for ICS CM9 ROM and adding some apk file to ROM file, and it's always work.
cheatman said:
I have also re-upped the DATA CWM zip, maybe it got borked in the process. So download again from first post. It works on my tab. You can test it by just getting the zip and flashing it empty, like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will try this one..,
EDIT: have try your 2nd Data_skeleton.zip, it's work when flashing from cwm with or without add apk files, but not with previous zip file, thought the problem it's coming from your zip file..,
Glad the second one works!
Thanks for letting me know the first zip was borked!
Its a good thread man, makes creating flash able zips simple, you should also look into zipsigner2 on the play market
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-2
Thx for the great work!!
Does this one only works for apks?? say i would like to add some files to system/bin or system/lib what do i need to add??
Thx again
You need to create the appropriate folder structure on your PC/Laptop/Mac drive (system/bin or system/lib as per your example) and add it to the archive.
Do not create the folders directly inside the archive as they seem to get borked. Instead archive the folders after you create them locally. It also works if you extract the skeleton archive as an example, delete the "system" folder from inside it and add to the archive the system folder from your drive to replace the original one.
Sounds more complicated than it is. With these CWM Zips you can create any zip that changes either "/data/*" or "/system/*"
Anything, including full ROMs, libs, firmware etc (i.e. except kernel!) can go inside. Play with them. You can't mess your tab with them. Worst case, you need to flash again your ICS copy and factory reset...
Peace,
C.
yeah jejeje i just mess up i am trying to flash a sound driver for my phone (by the way it works in my live with walkman) but they are not working so.
but it is great because i was able to use your file to flash my phone it seems to be universal.
thx again for your work.
Is it possible for this to work for radio images?
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5
No, it can't be used for radio images.
First off, radio images need to be flashed (i.e. not copied to a folder as this script does) and secondly because as far as I know with the latest versions of CWM don't support this anymore.
The old zips used to flash radio don't seem to be supported anymore. I recently encountered this problem while flashing a friend's HTC Buzz/Wildfire. So, no, I have no idea how to flash radio using CWM anymore. You can flash using Odin, though...
Peace,
C.
cheatman said:
You need to create the appropriate folder structure on your PC/Laptop/Mac drive (system/bin or system/lib as per your example) and add it to the archive.
Do not create the folders directly inside the archive as they seem to get borked. Instead archive the folders after you create them locally. It also works if you extract the skeleton archive as an example, delete the "system" folder from inside it and add to the archive the system folder from your drive to replace the original one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, this explains how come my /system/app zips were coming out fine but my /system/framework were messed up, thanks for the explanation.
I wonder if it's possible for a small tutorial in how to add our own text to a zip when it's being flashed.
I guess I could reupload the zips without the intro section (stating my nickname and galaxy tab / version etc.) if I weren't so lazy...
The problem with changing the text is that although a tutorial can be made, it requires external tools and such, which would make this waaay to complicated and out of the scope of this thread.
For your purposes (I assume you are using some version of Windows), here's my advice: extract the Zip archive, look for the "updater-script" file, change it and make sure you run it through a "dos2unix" tool to convert CR/LFs. Then add it back to the archive.
To everyone else: if this doesn't work for you, just stick to adding apps to the zip. You should be safe, there's no need to edit any files anyway!
Peace,
C.
Great, apparently it was just that simple, worked great, <3
Dumb question - is this only for Galaxy tab? Or can I use it on my Captivate?
i installed "4.0.3 Leak On Screen Buttons" which was in zip having two folders
1 - meta- inf [which has a com folder (with files in it update-binary and updater-script) and with three files CERT.RSA, MANIFEST.MF and CERT.SF]
2 - system (in it framework-res.apk)
so i installed this zip via cwm, but i didn't liked the concept as it wasn't looking good,etc
so as i had already backed up my original framework-res.apk , so using root explorer i moved it back in sys/framework folder
restarted my phone and all got fine....
Though my question is as those files : update-binary and updater-script ---- CERT.RSA, MANIFEST.MF and CERT.SF are not searchable and i guess should not be deleted as they were just updated .. so still would they be impacting my phone or its all kool as i havn't been able to search them or delete them ?!
is it important to find and delete them or its no need for that and its ok ?!
Hope someone understands what i am trying to ask and reply appropriately please i would highly appreciate the same!
Think them like busybox (so you can mount delete etc)
And script file, that includes commands to do.
Every cwm zip files includes them. when you install zip file, these commands executed.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
eryen said:
Think them like busybox (so you can mount delete etc)
And script file, that includes commands to do.
Every cwm zip files includes them. when you install zip file, these commands executed.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome!
Just ease me by telling that so its nothing but just used for commands, so i need not to be worried for them could be hampering my phone's performance ?!
a yes answer will do
eryen said:
Think them like busybox (so you can mount delete etc)
And script file, that includes commands to do.
Every cwm zip files includes them. when you install zip file, these commands executed.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shantusingh said:
Awesome!
Just ease me by telling that so its nothing but just used for commands, so i need not to be worried for them could be hampering my phone's performance ?!
a yes answer will do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to clarify,
That folder contains the Zip signatures and file manifests. as well as the CWM controll scripts. ect. these should never be coppied to the phone on a flash. likewise if you edit them the zip will prob not work without resigning the zip.
Pvy.
pvyParts said:
Just to clarify,
these should never be coppied to the phone on a flash. likewise if you edit them the zip will prob not work without resigning the zip.
Pvy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for your reply but now this got way over my head, m not that deep into this stuff so would appreciate if i get a simple answer to my question only please?
like asked in first post that i installed this zip via cwm, but i didn't liked the concept as it wasn't looking good,etc
so as i had already backed up my original framework-res.apk , so using root explorer i moved it back in sys/framework folder
restarted my phone and all got fine....
Though my question is as those files : update-binary and updater-script ---- CERT.RSA, MANIFEST.MF and CERT.SF are not searchable and i guess should not be deleted as they were just updated .. So still would they be impacting my phone or its all kool evn if as i havn't been able to search them and delete them ?!
is it important to find and delete them or its no need for that and its all ok now as i just moved the original framework back ?!
shantusingh said:
thank you for your reply but now this got way over my head, m not that deep into this stuff so would appreciate if i get a simple answer to my question only please?
like asked in first post that i installed this zip via cwm, but i didn't liked the concept as it wasn't looking good,etc
so as i had already backed up my original framework-res.apk , so using root explorer i moved it back in sys/framework folder
restarted my phone and all got fine....
Though my question is as those files : update-binary and updater-script ---- CERT.RSA, MANIFEST.MF and CERT.SF are not searchable and i guess should not be deleted as they were just updated .. So still would they be impacting my phone or its all kool evn if as i havn't been able to search them and delete them ?!
is it important to find and delete them or its no need for that and its all ok now as i just moved the original framework back ?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry if I didn't make it clear.
They are not flashed. Hence you can't find them. So no need to worry.
Pvy.
Sent from my TEAM Powered Arc S
pvyParts said:
Sorry if I didn't make it clear.
They are not flashed. Hence you can't find them. So no need to worry.
Pvy.
Sent from my TEAM Powered Arc S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thank you! I understood they just help in probably installing that particular app giving its own correct signatures and file manifests w.e so it gets installed via cwm and nothing more . And as i just backed up my original framework-res.apk to framework folder so its ofcourse all back to normal, though my phone is fine always as it was, I just had this doubt in my mind and m glad it got cleared thanks again!!
Cheers!!
Where did you place the Meta-INF files? I know system files goto system/framework but I cant find where Meta-INF files go. I'm using a root file manager.
chipdawg said:
Where did you place the Meta-INF files? I know system files goto system/framework but I cant find where Meta-INF files go. I'm using a root file manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are not correct about the system files. And I recommend you do some more reading on how these zips work.
Metainf is FOR THE ZIP. And has been prety well explained above.
Pvy
Sent from my GT-P5110 using Tapatalk 2
So I have a bunch apks that I add to every rom that I flash.... I was wondering if someone could lend some knowledge. I want to put them together in a flashable zip u can use in recovery, but do I just zip them in winzip and done? Or are there other steps I need to take? Should I use something besides winzip? Thanks in advance.
jwitt418 said:
So I have a bunch apks that I add to every rom that I flash.... I was wondering if someone could lend some knowledge. I want to put them together in a flashable zip u can use in recovery, but do I just zip them in winzip and done? Or are there other steps I need to take? Should I use something besides winzip? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will need to make a folder called update,inside make a folder called META-INF,in the META make folders called com/google/android,so the structure looks like this... META-INF/com/google/android,this thread will tell you how to make an updater script... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=641223 ,after you've created an updater and update scripts,after that in the same area you made the META folder,make a folder called system,inside system make one called apps,then put your apps in there and add the symlinks pointing to the apps,which is in the same thread as above.After you have finished that,right click the update folder and add to archive,in compression settings use "store" method and type of compression,use zip,then zip it up and theres your flashable update script.
jwitt418 said:
So I have a bunch apks that I add to every rom that I flash.... I was wondering if someone could lend some knowledge. I want to put them together in a flashable zip u can use in recovery, but do I just zip them in winzip and done? Or are there other steps I need to take? Should I use something besides winzip? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or u could just find a flashable zip of a mod or apk in the themes and apk section for evo and then just add ur apps to it. Should work as long as updater script mounts and unmounts /system.
U can use 7zip or winrar to open the zip up. Open up system folder then app folder. Add ur apks and delete the things the script originally added unless u want them. Easy as that.
Name of flashable zip doesn't matter btw
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