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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...
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?
Hi guys,
I installed a asop r3 nightly, along with gaps, but for some reason I can't find the default music player..the widget is missing too can't installed music from play.store as I'm in the UK
How can I get it on there?
Thanks in advance.
it's because of license, just search for playmusic.apk in the rom thread
edit: here the link for the apk
h ttp:/
/w ww.androidnext.de/news/google-play-store-market-music-books-movies-apk-download/
Thank you sir!
Hmm not sure how to installed those, the are zip files not apk?
HSKalay said:
Hmm not sure how to installed those, the are zip files not apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on what their recommendation is.
If its just a .zip with the .apk inside it, you can just unzip and install the .apk with a file explorer.
If it's a .zip made for flashing, just flash it via CWM.
Yea, the zip file didn't contain a apk, and via cwm it failed to flash!
not sure what to do now...
HSKalay said:
Yea, the zip file didn't contain a apk, and via cwm it failed to flash!
not sure what to do now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What folders are inside the ZIP? If it has things like "assets", "META-INF" and "res", change the file extension to .apk and install as normal.
alexluckett said:
What folders are inside the ZIP? If it has things like "assets", "META-INF" and "res", change the file extension to .apk and install as normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup that was it, just figured it out and installed them (when I downloaded a apk file which was exactly the same size).
Thanks!
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
XDA Moderator
I'm trying to compile a flashable zip file with the file manager inside this app. It does not do it correctly it creates a zip folder with the flashable folder inside which does not work I need a direct folder that opens to become flashable... Am I doing something wrong can anyone knows try to create a flashable zip file with this utility. I have root explorer and that works great but I would really like to use this app instead
justin860 said:
I'm trying to compile a flashable zip file with the file manager inside this app. It does not do it correctly it creates a zip folder with the flashable folder inside which does not work I need a direct folder that opens to become flashable... Am I doing something wrong can anyone knows try to create a flashable zip file with this utility. I have root explorer and that works great but I would really like to use this app instead
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've zipped and flashed whole roms with this app? What is it doing wrong? What type of zip are you using? 7zip?
I zipped JusTunBean and it did this
JusTunBean/JusTunBean/flashable stuff root explorer does JusTunBean/flashable stuff make sense? It's making a folder inside a folder
justin860 said:
I zipped JusTunBean and it did this
JusTunBean/JusTunBean/flashable stuff root explorer does JusTunBean/flashable stuff make sense? It's making a folder inside a folder
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gimme a little time to unzip then rezip something and see what it does for me! I'm at work so it won't be right now but soon I just unzipped and zipped a kernel file perfect. Are you trying to rezip a file you unzipped. If so go to the screen that has the Meta info and multiselect all of those then zip. If you want I'll show you screenshots, just let me know
truth77 said:
Gimme a little time to unzip then rezip something and see what it does for me! I'm at work so it won't be right now but soon I just unzipped and zipped a kernel file perfect. Are you trying to rezip a file you unzipped. If so go to the screen that has the Meta info and multiselect all of those then zip. If you want I'll show you screenshots, just let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I got it the difference is with route explorer you just hold down the folder you want to zip and it doesn't for you but with Rom toolbox you have to multi-select the different ones then zip
justin860 said:
Thanks I got it the difference is with route explorer you just hold down the folder you want to zip and it doesn't for you but with Rom toolbox you have to multi-select the different ones then zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I helped if I did, I owe you that lol!