Develop Bugs

[Q] I deleted Gtalk, Talk, etc (the talk services) help

HELP! I have Root Explorer installed on my rooted Evo (2.1) no custom ROM. Like an idiot, I uninstalled gtalkservice.apk, talk.apk and talkprovider.apk. Fortunately I moved them to my sd card so they didn't disappear. Of course, now I keep getting that "com.google.process.gapps" error message and I haven't been able to download apps from the market all day. I tried reinstalling the apps with both package installer and with app installer to no avail. Someone please tell me how to fix my idiotic mistake! Thanks!

have you tried adb install?

fenixjn said:
have you tried adb install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I do that? I don't know if I have that on my phone and I can't download anything from the market...do you have a link and instructions on how to use? Sorry I'm such a noob....

HAXSUNG GAL said:
How do I do that? I don't know if I have that on my phone and I can't download anything from the market...do you have a link and instructions on how to use? Sorry I'm such a noob....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is your phone rooted? If so, hopefully you have installed a custom recovery and you can flash the google apps file from the CM6 thread. If you are not rooted there are 2 options:
1 - Rerun the RUU. This means you'll lose all data OR
2 - ADB install the missing apps, this is more complicated as you need several things, like the android development kit, the driver and the files you took off.

fenixjn said:
Is your phone rooted? If so, hopefully you have installed a custom recovery and you can flash the google apps file from the CM6 thread. If you are not rooted there are 2 options:
1 - Rerun the RUU. This means you'll lose all data OR
2 - ADB install the missing apps, this is more complicated as you need several things, like the android development kit, the driver and the files you took off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response Fen....OK yes I'm rooted. 2.1 Evo. How do I get to the CM6 thread?? I rooted several months ago and other than get myself into trouble today I haven't done any other stuff than install root-friendly apps....

A shout out to MIZTAKEN over on the Captivate board that had kindly posted all (3) .apk's because his Dad had also stupidly zapped them off his Galaxy S making app market unusable....THANK GOODNESS....uploaded all 3 - life is good!!!!

Keeps downloading image even when already downloaded

My girlfriend has downloaded an image from internet by long pressing the image and then selecting "save image" on her Wildfire S with stock Android 2.3.3.
The problem is that the phone keeps downloading this image over and over again even when it is already downloaded. It tries to download the image about every sync action for over a week already.
Before i just delete the whole history i thought maybe someone here knows the answer to this problem, so she can avoid it in the future.
Many thanks for your help!

Hi, I have similar problem, but with applications. Sometimes phone starts downloading already installed app. Even if I set all apps to manual update only.
This behavior is really killing my data plan limit!
My friend with the same phone has this problem too.
Anyone have similar problem or solution to fix it?

The same with me. Does anybody know how to fix it?

Same here. Must be something specific to the wildfire S

I've got the same issue. I guess it'll go away once I can flash a CyanogenMod or MIUI ROM

Works for me alright
Sent from my HTC Wildfire S A510e using XDA App

It's worth completely removing the offending application and then reinstalling it. I had the download issue with 'LED Light'. Removed it and reinstalled it and problem resolved.
I now have the same issue with another appl - will try the same solutoin
It seems to happen when you do an update which is interrupted partway

We ported this rom on the Aria and had the same issue. I replaced the DownloadProvider.apk and DownloadProviderUI.apk with the ones in CM7 and it now works fine.

Can you offer this for us?

old.splatterhand said:
Can you offer this for us?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are the apps. You need to delete them from your current rom and replace them for these.

How do I delete them without root access? My Wildfire S is not and can not be rooted at the moment

jean001luc said:
How do I delete them without root access? My Wildfire S is not and can not be rooted at the moment
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assumed the Wildfire S was "rootable". That's a very goo question. You can try something but I have absolutely no guaranties it is going to work because I personally never tried it. Either way, it's your call.
**Make sure you back-up your phone to the Google Server because this will wipe all the data in your phone.**
1- Run the RUU for your phone. This will extract the rom to the temp folder of your computer. For me it's under C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temp\. An easy way to find it is to clear that folder prior to running the RUU. This way, it should be the only thing in there.
2- Enter the folder and look for a zip file called rom.zip
3- Open the zip file using 7-zip or Winzip. DO NO EXTRACT THE FILES ON YOUR COMPUTER TO REPACKAGE AFTER. THIS WILL SCREW UP THE ROM. You really want to make any addition or subtraction from the archiving utility.
4- Extract the system.img file. Now the challenge is to find a way to edit the content of that file. I personally have no idea how to but I'm sure there must be some tools to do that.
5- Once you've managed to open the .img file, under system/app, there should be DownloadProvider.apk and DownloadProviderUI.apk. Delete those and replace them with the ones I sent in my previous post.
6- Close the .img file.
7- From 7-zip, delete the system.img file and replace it with the one you edited.
8- Close 7-zip and follow the rest of the instructions from the RUU.
Again, no idea if any of this will work because I've never been in the situation to make changes on an unrooted phone. Your biggest challenge is step 4. If you cannot get in that .img file, then I guess you'll have to wait to get root access to your phone. My guess is that it shouldn't be too long since HTC agreed to unlock the HBoot.
Good Luck!

And is it possible to change this files in a "running" ROM Image (rooted, without flashing)?

old.splatterhand said:
And is it possible to change this files in a "running" ROM Image (rooted, without flashing)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think so. Like I said, I never tried it so it's all speculation here. How about you try to install the apk on top of the ones you currently have, i.e. without deleting them? You do have the ablility to install from Unknown Sources correct?

_jfo_ said:
You do have the ablility to install from Unknown Sources correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i have. But I'm new to Android, so I want to be careful.
I replaced both in system\app folder (without installing) and after that my market doesn't work anymore.
So I had to flash my ROM cause the Backup files didn't work too.
Was a lot of work, making all new (but at least Titanium Backup works ).
Maybe somebody other knows more?

old.splatterhand said:
Yes i have. But I'm new to Android, so I want to be careful.
I replaced both in system\app folder (without installing) and after that my market doesn't work anymore.
So I had to flash my ROM cause the Backup files didn't work too.
Was a lot of work, making all new (but at least Titanium Backup works ).
Maybe somebody other knows more?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a bit confused here. What do you mean by you replaced in system/app without installing? Also,you said you used Titanium Backup. I thought this app only worked on rooted phone
Unfortunately, I cannot be of much help because I really have an Aria with a ported rom from Wildfire S. I personally fixed the download issue by deleting and reinstalling these apps, but in reality, I have no idea if that would work on the actual Wildfire S. Sorry that I cannot be of any help.

My phone is rooted.
I mean I changed the apk files in folder system/app with those from you (using Root Explorer). Before I deleted them I made a backup of the original ones.

old.splatterhand said:
My phone is rooted.
I mean I changed the apk files in folder system/app with those from you (using Root Explorer). Before I deleted them I made a backup of the original ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so try this then. Delete the apk and don't replace them. Flash the Rom and boot the phone. Then install the apk from ur original Rom, i.e. not the ones I provided, but the ones u originally deleted.
Sent from my HTC Liberty S using XDA App

I already flashed my Phone with original ROM and it works again, but the bug is again there.
The point is, I dont want to flash my ROM every week so I hoped there is a solution to change without flashing again.
Otherwise I will wait, my there will be a fix from HTC.
But I wanna say thank you, for your help and your patience with me!

old.splatterhand said:
I already flashed my Phone with original ROM and it works again, but the bug is again there.
The point is, I dont want to flash my ROM every week so I hoped there is a solution to change without flashing again.
Otherwise I will wait, my there will be a fix from HTC.
But I wanna say thank you, for your help and your patience with me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with you on the flashing. I'm not sure HTC will release a fix for this though. However, what u can do is return ur phone and get another one. It seems not everybody has this issue. I'm personally glad I could resolve it on my phone.
Good luck!

[Fix]Unknown error code during application install: "-24"

I don't know the cause. I have noticed that it has happened on different devices, there have been assumptions if it's because of a specific kernel or rom, although it may be, I beg to differ. I feel it is happening during the Android Upgrading Apps # of # process.
I noticed that this error pops up on most of the apps that I had installed, but are not there after my update. So far with me, it happened only to my paid apps, but not all of them.
When the app disappears, android thinks it's missing, but some files think it is still installed.
Regularly when you install an app over itself, there is a notice telling you that the application info will remain. That's where the problem lies once an app mysteriously disappears. Because part of it is still installed.
Go to
/data/data/
and search for your
com.application-address.whatever-it-may-be
Some of them you can tell what they are just by the names, the others, google-em.
If you wish to keep the information that it contains for the app, I recommend making a copy of it first.:good:
Delete it
Install the application, it'll work, trust me. :fingers-crossed:
Now replace it with your copy.
Done.
Stop factoring resetting if you don't want to. Of course, if you have a lot missing, it might be better. :crying:
If someone can automate this process by making something check the com.address to installed apps, that would be awesome. :highfive:

This totally worked. Thanks bro!
I was setting up my Nexus 4, and this was Tune In Radio Pro was the last app and wouldn't install, I kept getting that stupid -24 error.
Saved me from doing a factory reset!

Works!

Qewbicle said:
I don't know the cause. I have noticed that it has happened on different devices, there have been assumptions if it's because of a specific kernel or rom, although it may be, I beg to differ. I feel it is happening during the Android Upgrading Apps # of # process.
I noticed that this error pops up on most of the apps that I had installed, but are not there after my update. So far with me, it happened only to my paid apps, but not all of them.
When the app disappears, android thinks it's missing, but some files think it is still installed.
Regularly when you install an app over itself, there is a notice telling you that the application info will remain. That's where the problem lies once an app mysteriously disappears. Because part of it is still installed.
Go to
/data/data/
and search for your
com.application-address.whatever-it-may-be
Some of them you can tell what they are just by the names, the others, google-em.
If you wish to keep the information that it contains for the app, I recommend making a copy of it first.:good:
Delete it
Install the application, it'll work, trust me. :fingers-crossed:
Now replace it with your copy.
Done.
Stop factoring resetting if you don't want to. Of course, if you have a lot missing, it might be better. :crying:
If someone can automate this process by making something check the com.address to installed apps, that would be awesome. :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't work for me. I'm using the Skyrocket CM 10 and gapps didn't flash youtube, maps, or gmail. I searched the phone directory and deleted each file. I still get the same error. Should I reflash gapps?
Thanks

maxlax1592 said:
Didn't work for me. I'm using the Skyrocket CM 10 and gapps didn't flash youtube, maps, or gmail. I searched the phone directory and deleted each file. I still get the same error. Should I reflash gapps?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you looking in /sdcard/data/data or /sdcard/android/data?

jurassic512 said:
are you looking in /sdcard/data/data or /sdcard/android/data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly how do i go about getting to the data/data on my phone? i'm stuck there... thanks

It didn't work for me. =( I'm trying to install an app I used to have before. I don't have it anymore and was trying to reinstall it.

Great!
Thanks

Stuck
jurassic512 said:
are you looking in /sdcard/data/data or /sdcard/android/data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mr-dunbar said:
exactly how do i go about getting to the data/data on my phone? i'm stuck there... thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also stuck. I was able to go to sdcard/data, but there is no second /data folder.

I have this issue with Swiftkey and there is no 'data/data/' folder, checked both root and sdcard and hidden files are shown ...
Edit: Configured ES File Explorer to mount partition as writable and gave root access -> files were there now and deleting the one with Swiftkey solved my problem.
Thx

Working!
Thanx, it worked for me too!
I am on X8 with CM10 from NaA!!

goldenninja said:
I'm also stuck. I was able to go to sdcard/data, but there is no second /data folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone one you know anything about android..!?!?!?!
U need to root first...!!!

Worked for me as well.
You need to use something like ES File Browser with Root access to get to /Data/Data

I'm running into this issue with a bunch of apps that got lost when flashing a newer CM10.1 nightly. I can't access those folders in data/data since ES File Manager is one of the apps that gets this error!
Is there any other way to fix this? I can't install anything, not even Chrome :crying:

It's worked for me, too!
Someone maybe didn't understand the meaning of the thread creater. You must have the root access. Then, open Root Explore and go to "data/data" NOT "sdcard/data/data"

SlimAndwios said:
It's worked for me, too!
Someone maybe didn't understand the meaning of the thread creater. You must have the root access. Then, open Root Explore and go to "data/data" NOT "sdcard/data/data"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's awesome, but how do you expect to get to that folder without a file explorer? because you cannot install one.....

Thx mate, perfect!
Qewbicle said:
I don't know the cause. I have noticed that it has happened on different devices, there have been assumptions if it's because of a specific kernel or rom, although it may be, I beg to differ. I feel it is happening during the Android Upgrading Apps # of # process.
I noticed that this error pops up on most of the apps that I had installed, but are not there after my update. So far with me, it happened only to my paid apps, but not all of them.
When the app disappears, android thinks it's missing, but some files think it is still installed.
Regularly when you install an app over itself, there is a notice telling you that the application info will remain. That's where the problem lies once an app mysteriously disappears. Because part of it is still installed.
Go to
/data/data/
and search for your
com.application-address.whatever-it-may-be
:highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Figure it out?
gastonw said:
Yeah, that's awesome, but how do you expect to get to that folder without a file explorer? because you cannot install one.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got the same problem. Root explorer is one of the apps I didn't get back and ES won't give me access to data/data, and I am rooted BTW
---------- Post added at 06:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:26 PM ----------
tt100b said:
I've got the same problem. Root explorer is one of the apps I didn't get back and ES won't give me access to data/data, and I am rooted BTW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In case it might help someone else I thought I'd pass along what I just did to fix the problem. I booted into recovery and found the com.speed.... file for root explorer that way and deleted it and then rebooted. I then was able to load and install root explorer from the play store and now I can sit back and delete all the rest of the apps that won't install correctly...
I guess I could have done it from recovery also but I forgot to write them all down before I rebooted!

Qewbicle said:
I don't know the cause. I have noticed that it has happened on different devices, there have been assumptions if it's because of a specific kernel or rom, although it may be, I beg to differ. I feel it is happening during the Android Upgrading Apps # of # process.
I noticed that this error pops up on most of the apps that I had installed, but are not there after my update. So far with me, it happened only to my paid apps, but not all of them.
When the app disappears, android thinks it's missing, but some files think it is still installed.
Regularly when you install an app over itself, there is a notice telling you that the application info will remain. That's where the problem lies once an app mysteriously disappears. Because part of it is still installed.
Go to
/data/data/
and search for your
com.application-address.whatever-it-may-be
Some of them you can tell what they are just by the names, the others, google-em.
If you wish to keep the information that it contains for the app, I recommend making a copy of it first.:good:
Delete it
Install the application, it'll work, trust me. :fingers-crossed:
Now replace it with your copy.
Done.
Stop factoring resetting if you don't want to. Of course, if you have a lot missing, it might be better. :crying:
If someone can automate this process by making something check the com.address to installed apps, that would be awesome. :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked Like a Charm Thank you for you help

can't find data
used es file explorer with root access can't find data/data

[Q] Getting the most out of Rooting the SM-N910V? Please contribute!

I'm kinda new at this. I know about being able to use backups with TWRP and I know about MW Apps Manager but that's about it. Please make suggestions of how I can improve the experience of using the Note 4.

doctor-cool said:
I'm kinda new at this. I know about being able to use backups with TWRP and I know about MW Apps Manager but that's about it. Please make suggestions of how I can improve the experience of using the Note 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to assume that you have already installed the TWRP custom recovery. You probably already know that you have to do that before you can obtain root. Aside from being able to flash custom ROMs, none available right now, there are a number of apps that you can install that do a number of things that you cannot do without root. I'll list a few that I use and what they do but the list is not all encompassing:
--Titanium Backup (root)--a great tool for freezing unwanted apps, backing up apps/data etc
--Greenify--enables you to set user installed apps to "hibernate" a few minutes after you have finished using them. Significantly improves battery life.
--LagFix--an app, when run, that can eliminate "lag" when/if it occurs on the phone most of the time.
--SD Maid--a great file manager app that enables you to control which apps start at power on, enables the user to really clean out cache, duplicate files, orphaned files and compact databases. Saves memory resources and keeps your phone running smooth and clean.
--adaway--as the name implies, keeps those pesky little ads from showing up in apps.
--exposed--a favorite of many users. Enables you to customize a number of settings, notifications etc.
That's the apps I use that can only be run with root. I'm sure some other users will chime in here an provide some other things that root offers.

Thanks , I got root last night
First are there things I should enable or disable to protect root. Is it OK to run the My Verizon app and VZ Protect. Are there any applications that I should not run?

doctor-cool said:
First are there things I should enable or disable to protect root. Is it OK to run the My Verizon app and VZ Protect. Are there any applications that I should not run?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can run anything you want, it's not going to hurt root. Root is really only a door, or access, to settings/system files that you wouldn't normally have. Any app that you can run without root can be run safely with root. The opposite is not true. There are a number of apps that cannot be run without root. A good way to find most of the apps that require root is to go to the Play Store and just search for "root apps". There's a bunch out there that you may want to try.
---------- Post added at 08:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:24 AM ----------
doctor-cool said:
First are there things I should enable or disable to protect root. Is it OK to run the My Verizon app and VZ Protect. Are there any applications that I should not run?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing you have to be aware of to protect root is taking an OTA update. Now that you have a custom recovery and root the likely hood that you would be able to find and download an OTA is not likely, but if by chance you receive a notice that an OTA is available do not download and install it. If by chance the phone automatically downloads it and tries to install it, the OTA should fail so you'll be alright.
Be careful not to flash or ODIN a retail firmware. That is probably the biggest warning I can offer. Retail firmware, when flashed, will lock your bootloader. You can flash a modem or a kernel or a recovery, but not the entire firmware .tar md5 file.
---------- Post added at 08:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:31 AM ----------
doctor-cool said:
First are there things I should enable or disable to protect root. Is it OK to run the My Verizon app and VZ Protect. Are there any applications that I should not run?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By the way. Since you are new to root and custom recoveries, the first thing you should do, right now, is do a backup. Power off your phone, go into TWRP recovery (hold down the volume up, home and power buttom all at the same time). Continue to hold them down until you see the TWRP splash screen, then you can let them go. From the on screen menu select backup. Choose which file you want backed up. I recommend you do boot, system, data, modem, EFS and recovery as a minimum. After the backup is complete return to the main menu and select reboot. Do it right now

wifi hotspot
I have already paid for FoxFi and it works great even without root.
But now, how do I get the free wifi hotspot with root What are the advantages of using it?

doctor-cool said:
I have already paid for FoxFi and it works great even without root.
But now, how do I get the free wifi hotspot with root What are the advantages of using it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure, I don't use it. But, if I remember correctly I think you go into settings>more networks>and turn on mobile hotspot. But again, I don't use it so I'm not sure. Have you done your backup yet? It is the only safety net you will have until a developer releases a ROM we can flash. Don't look for Samsung to release any firmware for the Developer Edition...it ain't going to happen. Your backup and TWRP are the ONLY safety net you have right now. I can't emphasize that enough.

jpcalhoun said:
I'm not sure, I don't use it. But, if I remember correctly I think you go into settings>more networks>and turn on mobile hotspot. But again, I don't use it so I'm not sure. Have you done your backup yet? It is the only safety net you will have until a developer releases a ROM we can flash. Don't look for Samsung to release any firmware for the Developer Edition...it ain't going to happen. Your backup and TWRP are the ONLY safety net you have right now. I can't emphasize that enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks ,Yes I did the backups last night before and after root default and complete. I even tested Restoring a backup before I rooted. I hope I got it

doctor-cool said:
Thanks ,Yes I did the backups last night before and after root default and complete. I even tested Restoring a backup before I rooted. I hope I got it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Outstanding. Didn't want to "harp" on the backup thing, but I've seen so many users root, TWRP and then do something to brick their phone and they didn't have a backup. They were screwed.

Automatic Back Up?
jpcalhoun said:
Outstanding. Didn't want to "harp" on the backup thing, but I've seen so many users root, TWRP and then do something to brick their phone and they didn't have a backup. They were screwed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We should probably do a backup on a schedule. Someone could make an app that does a back up automatically on a schedule. I'm going to put Back Up Note 4 on my calender then back it up

doctor-cool said:
We should probably do a backup on a schedule. Someone could make an app that does a back up automatically on a schedule. I'm going to put Back Up Note 4 on my calender then back it up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's diffidently a good idea to have a recent backup and the original backup of your stock ROM. The only problem with a lot of backups is keeping straight what backup is what and the amount of space they consume. Memory is cheap I know, but backups can eat up storage real fast, LOL.

Yes. Agree with space but every backup I do, I also have my TWRP folder sync'd to my Dropbox account. So what ever changes are made go their. I also save them on the laptop as well as a thumb drive. Been burned once on my note 3. Now, is there the stock md5 file for the developers edition like on the note 3's?
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

GreenGoblin227 said:
Yes. Agree with space but every backup I do, I also have my TWRP folder sync'd to my Dropbox account. So what ever changes are made go their. I also save them on the laptop as well as a thumb drive. Been burned once on my note 3. Now, is there the stock md5 file for the developers edition like on the note 3's?
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No there is not a stock md5 for the DE and there most likely will not be. In the past Samsung has never released a firmware package for their DE phones, not that I have ever seen anyway. What your phone came with is what you got. NO OTAs and no updates of any kind in the future...that's if Samsung behaves like they have in the past. That's why making a good back up of your stock (no root) when you first get recovery is so important. And, making a backup after root of course.

Do you mind me asking how you sync..............
GreenGoblin227 said:
Yes. Agree with space but every backup I do, I also have my TWRP folder sync'd to my Dropbox account. So what ever changes are made go their. I also save them on the laptop as well as a thumb drive. Been burned once on my note 3. Now, is there the stock md5 file for the developers edition like on the note 3's?
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your TWRP folder to your Dropbox account.. Did you transfer the folder to your computer first or can you sync the folder on your phone to DropBox directly ?

I use dropsync select the folder and it just does it automatically.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

jpcalhoun said:
I'm going to assume that you have already installed the TWRP custom recovery. You probably already know that you have to do that before you can obtain root. Aside from being able to flash custom ROMs, none available right now, there are a number of apps that you can install that do a number of things that you cannot do without root. I'll list a few that I use and what they do but the list is not all encompassing:
--Titanium Backup (root)--a great tool for freezing unwanted apps, backing up apps/data etc
--Greenify--enables you to set user installed apps to "hibernate" a few minutes after you have finished using them. Significantly improves battery life.
--LagFix--an app, when run, that can eliminate "lag" when/if it occurs on the phone most of the time.
--SD Maid--a great file manager app that enables you to control which apps start at power on, enables the user to really clean out cache, duplicate files, orphaned files and compact databases. Saves memory resources and keeps your phone running smooth and clean.
--adaway--as the name implies, keeps those pesky little ads from showing up in apps.
--exposed--a favorite of many users. Enables you to customize a number of settings, notifications etc.
That's the apps I use that can only be run with root. I'm sure some other users will chime in here an provide some other things that root offers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming that the Greenify is the one with the leaf?
Is LagFix the purchase version? Is it an app by itself, or does it require exposed?
Do you use the SD Maid Pro Version?
Does the Adaway require exposed as well?
Thanks so much in advance.

New Tab S 10.5 Owner! Need Help/Suggestions

I just ordered this beautiful tablet. I've never owned a tablet before. I've actually always wanted a laptop, but things are changing. I have an Amazon Kindle Fire HD from many years ago. It's actually worked pretty well for me for ebook reading, limited web browsing and email using. But, the last few months it's really started acting funny and not working right. So I've decided it's time to upgrade. Did a week's worth of research and decided this is my best option. I haven't received it yet, but I'm really excited to dig in and do a lot more than I can with my Kindle.
So that brings me here. I don't remember where, but through my research on which tablet to buy, this website was mentioned as a major resource. To be completely honest, I'm 100% lost. There are things I want to do but I don't even know where to start. I love tinkering and figuring things out, but I need a little push in the right direction.
One of the biggest things I want to be able to do is make a complete low level backup of the entire system to store on my home server should anything happen and I need to restore it.
The other big thing I want to do is remove all the excess junk that comes pre-installed that I'll never use. With such a small area of space available, having half or so used up in unnecessary stuff is just pointless.
I'm sure there are other things I can do and may want to do in the future, but for now, these are the major keys. So... any help? Did I make the right choice? What other features/functions should I be looking at or considering?
Thanks guys! Looking forward to getting a lot of great use out of my new tablet and this site.

ChewVodka said:
I just ordered this beautiful tablet. I've never owned a tablet before. I've actually always wanted a laptop, but things are changing. I have an Amazon Kindle Fire HD from many years ago. It's actually worked pretty well for me for ebook reading, limited web browsing and email using. But, the last few months it's really started acting funny and not working right. So I've decided it's time to upgrade. Did a week's worth of research and decided this is my best option. I haven't received it yet, but I'm really excited to dig in and do a lot more than I can with my Kindle.
So that brings me here. I don't remember where, but through my research on which tablet to buy, this website was mentioned as a major resource. To be completely honest, I'm 100% lost. There are things I want to do but I don't even know where to start. I love tinkering and figuring things out, but I need a little push in the right direction.
One of the biggest things I want to be able to do is make a complete low level backup of the entire system to store on my home server should anything happen and I need to restore it.
The other big thing I want to do is remove all the excess junk that comes pre-installed that I'll never use. With such a small area of space available, having half or so used up in unnecessary stuff is just pointless.
I'm sure there are other things I can do and may want to do in the future, but for now, these are the major keys. So... any help? Did I make the right choice? What other features/functions should I be looking at or considering?
Thanks guys! Looking forward to getting a lot of great use out of my new tablet and this site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root with chain fire root, flash via Odin.
This will allow you to have root access allowing you to remove unwanted app amongst other things
Flash via Odin: TWRP Recovery for Chagallwifi (assuming it's a Samsung T800)
This will allow you to create a back up.
I believe the order of this can be inverted. IE. Flash recovery with Odin and then have TWRP flash the CFAutoroot zip and the SuperSU (the app that will "manage" your root)
Install Titanium Back up and freeze/uninstall unwanted apps. There are lists of removable apps on the forums. I prefer to freeze but it's up to you.
!!!Make a backup prior to this step!!!
Will update post when I am home with more suggestion's.

Thanks, that's somewhat helpful. At least it give me the names of programs. I have no idea what I'm doing though. Can you give me a link to a step-by-step guide, or at least explain what the different things are and what they do? Sorry for being such a noob with this.

Instructions
MAKE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE FILES FOR YOUR SPECIFIC DEVICE (T700, T705, T800, T805, etc.)
You will need Odin (This is the software that will allow you to install the root and other files [FLASHING])
CF-AutoRoot (Will provide Root access for your device): You will be flashing this with Odin
Optional: Install custom recovery TWRP. This is also done with Odin. This will allow you to make backups and flash .zip files, including custom roms, apps, etc.
Just google for guides on rooting Samsung Galaxy Tab S. They will show you step by step on how to do the Odin flashing, PDA, settings, autoreset or not, etc.
I recommend backing up your device at this point. Reboot into recovery (instructions will be in the rooting guides), go to backup and backup everything for now. In the future when you feel comfortable enough that you can/will select to only backup what you deem necessary.
Your device is now rooted, the first boot after installing CFAutoRoot will take awhile +/-3 - 5 minutes.
Now download Titanium Backup, and you can google or search XDA for a list of "safe" things to uninstall. Just go into TitaniumBackup and look for the app you want to Freeze (This will prevent the app from running but it will NOT delete it, thus it will still take up space) or Remove.
Busybox: Will be required by certain apps.
Optional:
Link2SD App, this allows you to install/move/link your apps to the SD Card, it essentially frees up your internal memory of the device and tricks the device into installing apps and their data files onto your second partition of your External SD Card (Google or Search XDA for guides on Link2SD). This will allow you to install a lot more apps than you normally would be able to. (Example: Vice City, San Andreas, Plants vs Zombies, etc. I mention these because of their large data size). Not all apps will work when linked, just trial and error. I can't seem to get Word, Excel, Powerpoint linked to my SD Card without at least one of the failing, same with Facebook. You will have to test each app and see what files you can link/bind and which you can't.
Adblock Plus: Self explanatory
Xposed: A bunch of customization options for your device
ES File Explorer Pro: The best file management/directory app IMO
Greenify: Battery saver
Aptoide: Secondary App Store
Hancom Apps: I feel these work better on occasion then the Microsoft Office apps (Example large excel files with multiple formulas and filters)
NovaLauncher: Custom launcher, a lot more customizations then TouchWiz will provide you. (Your home screen)
Tasker: Limitless possibilities with this app (Search google/XDA for info)
TWRP Manager: TWRP Recovery app.
VLC: Video player
4way_multiwindow: This will allow you to have 4 apps open at a time and 3 apps "minimized", this also allows floating windows (Moveable apps running in "windowed mode" essentially.) There is an aesthetic bug when minimized, I have not found a fixed version of this yet, maybe others can provide link. Just load up TWRP manager and choose install, and select the .zip file and it will reboot into recovery and install the file for you. Or you can boot your device into recovery and install it the same way. I am attaching the .zip file.
If you are happy with your device up to this point, I would create another backup after you are done with the initial set up and have installed the apps of your choosing. Save a copy on the device, PC, NAS, etc. just in case you lose one of your copies. Some TWRP versions do not allow you to backup directly to the external SD Card, you may have to backup into the Internal and then transfer the information over to the external SD Card.
Good Luck.

xLima said:
Root with chain fire root, flash via Odin.
This will allow you to have root access allowing you to remove unwanted app amongst other things
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this the link I should be using? I'll know for sure what it's model number is once I receive the tablet. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/development/root-cf-autoroot-twrp-t800-t3079488
xLima said:
Flash via Odin: TWRP Recovery for Chagallwifi (assuming it's a Samsung T800)
This will allow you to create a back up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't installing Chain Fire Root via the previous link also contain the TWRP Recovery? Or is this a special version I need to install after running the first root through Odin? What is Chagallwifi?
xLima said:
I believe the order of this can be inverted. IE. Flash recovery with Odin and then have TWRP flash the CFAutoroot zip and the SuperSU (the app that will "manage" your root)
Install Titanium Back up and freeze/uninstall unwanted apps. There are lists of removable apps on the forums. I prefer to freeze but it's up to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is just an app I get from the Google Play store right? Or is there a special version I need to get, or install manually? I think I saw in a YouTube video that I need to install something called GApps if I want install something from there after rooting, is this correct? Also, if Titanium Backup IS an app, how can I get a backup of the entire system when I'm booted into the OS? I think I read somewhere, or saw screenshots that show this basically creates backups of your installed programs, so you can easily restore them without having to re-download them. Maybe I'm wrong, as I said I'm completely new this and probably don't know what I'm talking about.
My biggest concern is that I'll screw something up and find myself with a tablet I can't use, without having had it no more than a couple days, and having spent nearly $600 for it and the accessories. I know that rooting/etc voids the warranty, but I also have seen where people are able to put the whole system back to factory default for repairs, etc. That sounds like something I really need to learn how to do and be confident I can do should something happen.
Thanks again for any help!

http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/development/root-cf-autoroot-twrp-t800-t3079488
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This link works, although there are newer versions of TWRP, you can install these after however, no big deal.
Doesn't installing Chain Fire Root via the previous link also contain the TWRP Recovery? Or is this a special version I need to install after running the first root through Odin? What is Chagallwifi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The previous link contains TWRP, read above. The normal CF Autoroot comes with CWM Recovery I believe (A custom recovery similar to TWRP). You can use the link you posted. Chagallwifi is the "nickname" of the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 WiFi, it is one way to search for a device, the other being the model number T800, for instance or the long commercial name.
This is just an app I get from the Google Play store right? Or is there a special version I need to get, or install manually? I think I saw in a YouTube video that I need to install something called GApps if I want install something from there after rooting, is this correct? Also, if Titanium Backup IS an app, how can I get a backup of the entire system when I'm booted into the OS? I think I read somewhere, or saw screenshots that show this basically creates backups of your installed programs, so you can easily restore them without having to re-download them. Maybe I'm wrong, as I said I'm completely new this and probably don't know what I'm talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get the app from the playstore, correct. I am not sure about GApps, I want to say it isn't necessary unless you will be installing a custom rom (you can double check this on the rooting guides, if it asks for GApps, then flash the GApps)
The system back up is done via TWRP or CWM, boot into recovery and choose backup.
Titanium Backup allows you to back up the app and its data file. So you don't lose the progress of your games. Also backs up email, WiFi passwords, etc.
My biggest concern is that I'll screw something up and find myself with a tablet I can't use, without having had it no more than a couple days, and having spent nearly $600 for it and the accessories. I know that rooting/etc voids the warranty, but I also have seen where people are able to put the whole system back to factory default for repairs, etc. That sounds like something I really need to learn how to do and be confident I can do should something happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the errors cause soft bricks, you can recover from these. I would recommend you backup after rooting, in case you mess something up toying with Titanium, Link2SD, SuperSU, etc. You can always use SamMobile and find a Stock Rom to flash back onto the device, again via Odin. Not sure if the KnoxTrip flag will still show up, you can trying Googling how to root without tripping Knox, I know there are methods, however I have never used them. I have soft bricked my device before, I deleted everything with TWRP, I wanted to factory reset, and I selected erase System..... scary times.
Stock Rom: SamFirm (Outdated) or Updato

Thanks for all your help and advice. I just got my tablet today. Still kinda playing around with it. I probably won't do anything for a couple of days. At least till my next day off from work (Thursday) so I can concentrate on what I'm doing. I was really scared when I first turned it on, everything was in Korean. I had to find a YouTube video showing how to go through the initial setup to change the language. All good now. Once I got it fully running, it downloaded a 350mb update and rebooted. I'm now running Lolipop 5.0.2. Is that going to cause any issues? Also, I can now confirm that it is model SM-T800.
Thanks again!

ChewVodka, once your past the learning curve rooting etc. can be done in your sleep. After some research, I rooted a 10.1 tab 4 a while back with no problem. Definitely better o have more control over the device, I think. Just got a new 10.5 also, and am looking around for the best way to administer the Android system - the Galaxy Tab S for Dummies book seems to me to be actually a good place to start. I'll check back here with any choice info I find on the 10.5.
Also, I have this case for my 10.1, and this is the best under $20 case you can get for the 10.5 - so cheap I bought two of them! Type in search: Xtra-Funky Exclusive Samsung Galaxy Tab S, 10.5 -- the black and navy blue are cool -- the others kinda garish.

Easy Way, allow installation of 3rd party apps in settings download this for android https://kingroot.net/ run it select install anyway when you get the pop up, and root device , open Playstore download flashify for root users, run it allow it access , click recovery image then download twrp choose the 3.0.2-0 release and install to your tab and reboot into recovery, at this point you can use it to make a backup of your current rom or install a custom rom (following the directions on the page for the rom that you choose), this is easier method if you aren't familiar with odin and don't have the drivers and all set up on pc. You can also change kingroot over to super user in a few different ways can download and use supersume from play store and run it or, just flash the newest superuser in twrp and remove whats leftover from kingroot manually after reboot. If you intend on doing a custom rom i suggest choosing first and having all files available before you start. However if you intend on using odin You might want to install this first http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2317790 so you have full communication with the device in case anything does go wrong there will be other options. This is of course if you are not already setup with this already. Also I would like to note there are a few roms here based on the stock firmware if you like it just look through the forum see what you like, and read everything.

What are the benefits to a custom ROM? I assume you're talking about things like Cyanogenmod. There are some people in another forum I visit that like it, but I don't know what it is or why I would want it. Does it allow installing pirated software or something? It's probably not allowed to be discussed here, and I'm not saying I would purposely do something like that (not that I wouldn't if possible lol). It all comes down to the fact that I'm completely new to the tablet world, other than the fact that it's a bigger and better Kindle Fire that I can get more usage out of by not being limited to Amazon's ROM and store for apps. The biggest things I'm looking to do is get rid of bloatware that came preinstalled (of which a lot was added with the update) and the ability to make backups of the entire system should something screw up.
It sounds like "rooting" is essentially giving you the administrative control access to the system (like in Windows) instead of being limited to a generic "user". That allows you to install more system accessible programs, where a generic user would get a UAC prompt and then be told and Administrator needs to preform that action. As for "recovery", it sounds like that is sort of like the CMOS/BIOS of a PC. It's the first "program" that runs when you boot up (even requiring a specific keypress to enter). This allows you to access the system before the system boots, to get you backup/restore functions, and the ability to install new OS's. It also sounds like the built in version from Samsung is what is getting changed (like updating the BIOS of the PC) to allow more functionality (like backups, etc). The only thing you don't have access to is stuff like disk drives, but things like RAM and CPU can be adjusted once you have ROOT.
The more I learn about it, the more I'm eager to do it. I really don't like feeling confined to a predetermined set of available things to do, and I really don't like having somebody decide to install software I'll never use on my system that just takes up space. I especially hate that said programs can't even be uninstalled. Looks like this is what I'm gonna have to do!

Decided not to wait and rooted it tonight. I have the freedom now to play, though I'm not sure where to start. Currently I have the CF-Autoroot thing done, and it installed SuperSU. Then I did the TWRP recovery, and made a backup of all the partitions. I was kinda hoping I could backup remotely (like on the computer) rather than stored on the same device. I have a microSD card ordered and on the way, so my next task will be to back up to that. There is a tool I use on my Kindle Fire called ES File Explorer. I'll see if I can get that on this. Then I can find the backup and transfer it over the wifi.
I'll check out your other recommended apps as I have time. Thanks again!

Now I'm having a bunch of trouble. I was able to get the Chainfire root to go through, and verified it with a Root Checker. I then installed the TWRP recovery so I could make a backup. I even have a few backups. Then I went and installed an app called TWRP Manager, that was supposed to enable me the option of making backups LIVE (without having to boot into TWRP). It wasn't working, so I went to do a "Classic Backup" which reboots into TWRP and starts the backup then reboots normally. Well, TWRP never booted. I just had a black screen. Nothing seemed to work. I couldn't power on with the power button, and I couldn't manually boot into TWRP. The only option that did anything was ODIN (Download) Mode. I'm really freaking out at this point. I found a way to connect to XDA's IRC Channel and talked with some really nice guys and was told to try re-flashing the stock. I did that, and it worked. But now I'm stuck again. Basically starting from scratch with a stock system, I went through to install the Chainfire root again. It seemed to work ok, and SuperSU showed up. Ran the Root Verifier and it confirmed it was successful. I then went to flash TWRP. ODIN says it passed, but I still can't boot into it. Here's the kicker.. even if it appears that it's not working, if I do the keypresses on my tablet correctly and wait like 2-3 minutes then try again, TWRP will actually be up but the screen locked. WTF??
So did I something wrong? I'm really lost. Like I told the guys in the chatroom, I'm going on blind faith here, not really knowing what I'm doing. I figured once I have stock installed, I'm basically back to square one and can go through the whole process again. Doesn't seem to be working. I have to go to work now but hopefully somebody has something of a suggestion I can try by the time I get home.

xLima said:
4way_multiwindow: This will allow you to have 4 apps open at a time and 3 apps "minimized", this also allows floating windows (Moveable apps running in "windowed mode" essentially.) There is an aesthetic bug when minimized, I have not found a fixed version of this yet, maybe others can provide link. Just load up TWRP manager and choose install, and select the .zip file and it will reboot into recovery and install the file for you. Or you can boot your device into recovery and install it the same way. I am attaching the .zip file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before I try this myself and bootloop, would I be safe flashing the 4way multiwindow on the new stock 6.0.1 ROM? (SM-T805)