Develop Bugs

Root issues HTC Desire

Hi all, hope this is in the right section.
I rooted my Desire last night using unRevoked 3.3 with the intention of removing all the bloatware on my phone and forcing most of the apps onto the sd card.
My phone seems to have rooted fine, i have the Superuser Permissions application on there, and Titanium backup pro seems to be working too.
Now when i use Titanium backup to try and remove programs such as Stocks, News and Weather, News etc... I click on the app in the list, click un-install and then it tells me its uninstalled. However the apps still appear in my menu and are still there following a reboot. Ive also tried another method using Super Manager and that doesent seem to work either. The apps are still there following them being 'uninstalled'.
Also, similar situation with the SD card, i downloaded Move2SD enabler and that doesent seem to let me move certain apps like Maps, Facebook and others.
Any idea where im going wrong? Im on stock 2.2. My phone is in debug usb mode too.
Any help would be great.
Cheers

The apps you want to remove/move are system apps in stock roms. So you cannot do such things, because you are not s-off. But you might be able to do the things you want with adb:
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Barebones
How to install adb:
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Howto:_Install_the_Android_SDK

Or just delete specified .apk's from the .zip file before flashing.

k3lcior said:
Or just delete specified .apk's from the .zip file before flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He did not flash a rom. He is just using stock rom. There is nothing to delete from a zip file, because there is no zip file he wants to flash.

Then what i suggest is flashing custom ROM and customize it just how you like, you wont need to S-OFF. (which is much more risky than flashing a ROM)
What i would also try is application called "SystemAppRemover", i'm using it for removing all the system bloatware which you mentioned, but im S-OFF so i cannot guarantee it will work.

k3lcior said:
Then what i suggest is flashing custom ROM and customize it just how you like, you wont need to S-OFF. (which is much more risky than flashing a ROM)
What i would also try is application called "SystemAppRemover", i'm using it for removing all the system bloatware which you mentioned, but im S-OFF so i cannot guarantee it will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe he wants to stay with stock rom? If he wants to flash custom rom, I guess he would have asked for it.
To remove system apps in running system with an app, you have to be s-off.

MatDrOiD said:
Maybe he wants to stay with stock rom? If he wants to flash custom rom, I guess he would have asked for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you know better than him, fine.

k3lcior said:
I guess you know better than him, fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was just a clue, had nothing to do with knowledge.
Nevertheless, we should stop filling this thread with our senseless discussion.

haha thanks for the responses guys!
ive been looking at all the custom roms and whilst most of them look pretty cool, im quite happy with whats already on there at the moment, im just bored of seeing my phone telling me i dont have enough internal space etc... so i wanted to root and move as many apps onto the sd card as possible and delete all the unwanted stuff that im constantly closing in taskiller.
i did read something about putting the phone into s-off mode, i guess this is the way to go in regards to deleting the unwanted system apps?
also i believe that i cannot move facebook or google maps onto the sd card, am i correct?

Best option is flashing custom ROM, you could remove any apps you want from the flashable .zip file, and give you an unlimited storage for apps - A2SD. (well limited by SD Card capacity)
You can also S-OFF and remove apps you dont want, but it will barely help as you will probably still run with "low internal storage" errors at some point.
Also with stock ROM you are running, most apps wont be able to move onto SD anyways.
There are custom rom's based on Froyo 2.2 if you like it.

i guess i will look into flashing a ROM. i didnt really want to do that as i didnt want to have to reinstall everything etc... but i guess its the only way i will be satisifed lol.

Just make backup with Titanium Backup and then restore it.

Understanding more after root

So i have read many post and i mean many and i am still working my brain on catching on to all these. If you all notice, there is a lot to rooting, what you can do, names to things, so so much my brain hurts lol.
But, finally after almost 2 years of being here, 3 phones i grabbed my cojones and rooted my SG2 while still stock. So here are some things. I was going nuts to get Nandroid backup, come to find out that is just a normal back up while in recovery mode.
Now i was trying to do some things with Titanium Backup but got a bit confused. I noticed that with the lite version, I can only uninstall apps not freeze. I want to clean my phone from all the clogs, especially when i notice my memory use shows most of the time 550m-769m, which i have to keep cleaning it. Hoping, removing some apps will help this. What is the difference between freezing and uninstalling. Also, i came across:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr...SENVeXlqUm5vV0E&single=true&gid=0&output=html
Which it suppose to tell me which i can which i cant. Does this still apply with ICS? And looking at the list, all greens are good, correct?
Also, using root explorer is kinda weird. I was trying to install S Voice which it seems to be a big pain. For one, i have the package in a folder. When searching for it with Root Explorer, and i find S Voice, try to change permission it wont let me. Telling me the following, "Permissions change was not successful. Please note that some file systems (e.g. SD card) do not allow permission changes."
Also, trying to copy something into my system/app wont let me either.
What am i doing wrong? or missing?
thanks in advance.

dragonfire665 said:
So i have read many post and i mean many and i am still working my brain on catching on to all these. If you all notice, there is a lot to rooting, what you can do, names to things, so so much my brain hurts lol.
But, finally after almost 2 years of being here, 3 phones i grabbed my cojones and rooted my SG2 while still stock. So here are some things. I was going nuts to get Nandroid backup, come to find out that is just a normal back up while in recovery mode.
Now i was trying to do some things with Titanium Backup but got a bit confused. I noticed that with the lite version, I can only uninstall apps not freeze. I want to clean my phone from all the clogs, especially when i notice my memory use shows most of the time 550m-769m, which i have to keep cleaning it. Hoping, removing some apps will help this. What is the difference between freezing and uninstalling. Also, i came across:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr...SENVeXlqUm5vV0E&single=true&gid=0&output=html
Which it suppose to tell me which i can which i cant. Does this still apply with ICS? And looking at the list, all greens are good, correct?
Also, using root explorer is kinda weird. I was trying to install S Voice which it seems to be a big pain. For one, i have the package in a folder. When searching for it with Root Explorer, and i find S Voice, try to change permission it wont let me. Telling me the following, "Permissions change was not successful. Please note that some file systems (e.g. SD card) do not allow permission changes."
Also, trying to copy something into my system/app wont let me either.
What am i doing wrong? or missing?
thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know the difference from freezing and uninstalling is that freezing halts the app from running and removes it from your app list. If you are uninstalling something you think is bloat, back it up first, in case it screws things up you can restore it. Freeze is a good way to test whether or not you want to just simply uninstall it.
Titanium Backup Pro is totally worth the few bucks though if you can afford it.. a real good buy..
As far as the other stuff, I don't mess with system/app things so maybe someone else can help with that.

For the green-coloured apps, I would make sure I have an alternate app that can take care of that feature of the phone. For example you can remove the camera app, but without a replacement/alternate app your phone won't have a camera function.
TBP is the perfect app to test whether an app is good to remove. Just freeze it and see if your phone acts up. My understanding is that freezing=not letting an app run, uninstalling=getting rid of it.
In terms of not having the permission to copy files in the system directories, you may need to install a terminal emulator to change the permissions and do the copying manually.

Thank you guys and sorry for the very late reply. Using TBP i was able to FREEZE many apps, decided to go this route, i was and still am abit afraid of damaging something and not being able to go back and fix it.
However, i still have a few situations. Even freeze so many apps my battery still dies very fax with little use i give the phone. I also see the following apps under my memory usage and i do not know what they are and if they can be froze too to even get more memory back.
Enterprise VPN Service
IPService
SIM Toolkit
CSC
Bluetoothtest (i know that is the bluetooth but do not know if there is a way to freeze this program)
Google Services Framework
Package Access Helper
com.sec.android.providers.d
Download manager
Samsung Account
My Uploads
com.movial.ipprovider
Badgeprovider
Device Management
Systeme manager application
Popupiureceiver
Mobilelife Contacts
smartcardservice

dragonfire665 said:
So i have read many post and i mean many and i am still working my brain on catching on to all these. If you all notice, there is a lot to rooting, what you can do, names to things, so so much my brain hurts lol.
But, finally after almost 2 years of being here, 3 phones i grabbed my cojones and rooted my SG2 while still stock. So here are some things. I was going nuts to get Nandroid backup, come to find out that is just a normal back up while in recovery mode.
Now i was trying to do some things with Titanium Backup but got a bit confused. I noticed that with the lite version, I can only uninstall apps not freeze. I want to clean my phone from all the clogs, especially when i notice my memory use shows most of the time 550m-769m, which i have to keep cleaning it. Hoping, removing some apps will help this. What is the difference between freezing and uninstalling. Also, i came across:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr...SENVeXlqUm5vV0E&single=true&gid=0&output=html
Which it suppose to tell me which i can which i cant. Does this still apply with ICS? And looking at the list, all greens are good, correct?
Also, using root explorer is kinda weird. I was trying to install S Voice which it seems to be a big pain. For one, i have the package in a folder. When searching for it with Root Explorer, and i find S Voice, try to change permission it wont let me. Telling me the following, "Permissions change was not successful. Please note that some file systems (e.g. SD card) do not allow permission changes."
Also, trying to copy something into my system/app wont let me either.
What am i doing wrong? or missing?
thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for s voice there is flashable zip in that thread. Its garbage compared to siri in my opinion.

Another question, i come to noticed that my phone after root, whenever i shutdown or restart it will just hang on the goodbye picture. Is there a fix to this?

dragonfire665 said:
Another question, i come to noticed that my phone after root, whenever i shutdown or restart it will just hang on the goodbye picture. Is there a fix to this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash Darkside Cache Wipe in recovery.

now im on stock, this will not damage any of my stock roms or anything within it, correct?

dragonfire665 said:
Another question, i come to noticed that my phone after root, whenever i shutdown or restart it will just hang on the goodbye picture. Is there a fix to this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Darkside Cache Wipe worked for me.

Atmazzz said:
Flash Darkside Cache Wipe in recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Atmazzz i want to say thank you. Doing what you said helped my hang. I do not have that problem anymore. But i am wondering if fixing the permission could have be the cause i lost S Voice talkback feature. What i mean, is that after doing the wipe cache/dalvik and fixing permissiong, now my S Voice does not talk back to me. No matter how many time i restart the phone or whatever i do, it wont talk anymore.
On another note, thanks to you, i have come to understand more about all the rooting. All i have to do now is soon gets some strength and install a new rom than stock. But there are so many, i do not know which one to use. Especially with the official ICS i bet they are better now.
I just also hope that neither of the rom come with the bricking problem. As far as i read it only happens when using ICS kernel and my phone is 0X12 so i get worry.

Stock Lollipoop rooted with SuperSU - but it keeps resetting everything I do

see #5 for problem
Hi guys,
so after quite some time with custom Roms I decided to go stock again as somehow I don't need root at all. Well, that's not true. I miss AdAway.
As there is no possibility to root the stock rom, is there ANY AdBlocker that works on Lollipop? AdBlock Plus doesn't (yet).

Why did you say there is no possibility to root the stock rom ?
I'm running Stock ROM, rooted and AdAway running fine.

ckpv5 said:
Why did you say there is no possibility to root the stock rom ?
I'm running Stock ROM, rooted and AdAway running fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you root the stock rom? I couldn't find out how.
Can I root without losing my data?

fBx said:
How do you root the stock rom? I couldn't find out how.
Can I root without losing my data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash twrp recovery and root through the recovery. It'll ask you when you reboot the system if you want to root it
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

Huh. Didn't know it was THAT straightforward and I've been flashing my phones for years.
Well. I flashed TWRP and SuperSU 2.46, succeeded. But Adaway and Adfree don't work correctly. They block the ads but only until you reboot, then it's reverted, kinda like with a tethered jailbreak on iPhones.
What am I doing wrong here? Also the block is not like on KitKat - there it was really blocked, really removed, here only the images of the ads are removed but you still see the space they were supposed to be.
I also used a system app removal tool that also didn't work although it shows success. It just removes the installed data like updates.
When I delete apps manually via ES Explorer, they just reappear at the next reboot.
Root Checker says root is fine but it isn't supposed to behave like that and undo my changes.
What's wrong? Do I need another kernel maybe? As I said I went back to stock completely and updatet through to L.

I believe I got whats causing the issue.
After deleting a system app and rebooting, I got a message saying that the phone was restored from an "unnormal behaviour". Does Lollipop bring some kind of system restore point that just automatically restores itself when "weird" things like host file alteration happens? If yes, how do I get rid of that?

This phone has always had system files protected since KitKat. You need a kernel mod to delete system apps.
Don't know why the ad blockers aren't working. Adaway is working fine for me on stock US Dev Edition rooted. You said you are using Adaway and AdFree? Are you actually using both at the same time? maybe they are interfering with each other?

No I meant it happens with both. Only use adaway now. They work but after a reboot the adblock is gone and I need to apply it again. In fact, AdAway says it's deactivated and AdFree says it's already up to date but ads show anyway and I need to install the fix again to get rid of them.
Can you maybe point me to a kernel mod? Would want to get rid of some bloatware.
Maybe I should try installing xposed and see if it's gone after a reboot.

fBx said:
Can you maybe point me to a kernel mod? Would want to get rid of some bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thread is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2701816
But unfortunately, flar2 hasn't had the time to update for LP. A user posted the kernel module in Post #210, but a subsequent user said it doesn't work. Custom ROMs have write protection disabled, as does Dev Edition stock ROM.
fBx said:
No I meant it happens with both. Only use adaway now. They work but after a reboot the adblock is gone and I need to apply it again. In fact, AdAway says it's deactivated and AdFree says it's already up to date but ads show anyway and I need to install the fix again to get rid of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd, as mentioned, I've used AdAway for quite some time now, and don't have these issues.

Yes, very odd indeed. Well, if I don't get it sorted out somehow I might as well switch to Viper or some other close to stock custom Rom again, or make it Dev like you.

Things are getting worse, in 1 of 2 cases AdAway spits an error at me when trying to apply the fixes and the phone just reboots and undos everything. It's like some protection from rooting or changing anything although I am rooted. I don't understand it. I can't possibly be the only one having problems with root on Stock Lollipop
This is really annoying me. I think I'm better of just installing a custom rom and setting the phone up again, will cost me an hour but at least I'm done with the bugs.

Yup, decided to jump the gun, wipe and install ViperOne and now everything works as I wanted it to. AdAway stays active and working.

fBx said:
Yup, decided to jump the gun, wipe and install ViperOne and now everything works as I wanted it to. AdAway stays active and working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. I wonder if Adaway is dependent on the system write protection being disabled. I wouldn't normally suspect that, and only thinking of it since you mentioned the system write protection issue as well.
On the other hand, its the only difference I can think of between my phone and yours that would matter. I am on stock rooted Dev Edition, which apparently does not have the system write protection enabled by default.

redpoint73 said:
Interesting. I wonder if Adaway is dependent on the system write protection being disabled. I wouldn't normally suspect that, and only thinking of it since you mentioned the system write protection issue as well.
On the other hand, its the only difference I can think of between my phone and yours that would matter. I am on stock rooted Dev Edition, which apparently does not have the system write protection enabled by default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also assume that's the reason. I've never been on a stock rom since I don't know when, but figured that actually I only wanted AdAway which would normally not require a custom rom per se... but as it didn't really work in the end (and also other root-requiring stuff), I went back to custom again. Well, it's not that it's that difficult to wipe the phone occasionally and set up a clean custom rom to get it back to perfect performance. Gonna go with it.

[SCRIPT][TWRP] Stock ROM Debloat for KIW-L24, L22, L21 (kiwi)

Disclaimer: I am not responsible for anything that happens as a result of flashing these files. You decided to flash this script.
This script removes a good chunk of the apps installed by Huawei and left over files like a bunch of NFC files.
The full list is as follows:
Air Sharing
Audio Auto Test
Magnifier
Huawei Swype
Huawei Backup
Huawei File manager
Huawei Sound Recorder
Huawei Theme manager
MMI Testing
System Debug
Huawei Floating Tasks
Huawei Floating Mms
Huawei Log collection service
Huawei MMI Test 5
Huawei Weather Clock
Huawei System Manager
Huawei Power Monitor
Period Check
Exchange 2
Email
Print Spooler
AOSP Live Wallpapers
MusicFX
TTS Files
Themes
Delete-able apps
All of the leftover nfc files
All google apps that can be downloaded from the playstore
Google Talkback
If you want to keep something you will need to edit the updater-script everything is labeled well.
Download:
https://goo.gl/q3t4tB​

Reserved
Mine

Dope!!

Nice.

Excellent!!

Worked great! thanks deadman

Maybe it should be mentioned that you need TWRP to flash the zip file. Thanks for the efforts, though. I'm sort of dead in the water until I am able to get my unlock code.

kimtyson said:
Maybe it should be mentioned that you need TWRP to flash the zip file. Thanks for the efforts, though. I'm sort of dead in the water until I am able to get my unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The title of the thread says [Script][TWRP] please read the entire thread before posting.

deadman96385 said:
The title of the thread says [Script][TWRP] please read the entire thread before posting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL. Good point. Sorry about that. It just wasn't very obvious. I guess I got excited and jumped in.

So, does this script removes the app that tries to police the background apps from running? I think it was protected apps under settings? If so.. awesome. we wont have to manually add them after install.

Is it possible that if I was on one of the restricted battery profiles when I ran the debloat script that it could have stuck?
When I first got the phone I put it normal mode and found it pretty good. Even running the Google launcher. However, I have now unlocked the bootloader, installed twrp, rooted, installed MOAB ad blocker and debloated the phone feels slow and janky?!? I figured dumping all the bloat would help to speed it up some. Any suggestions or thoughts?
Thanks,
Justin

TNScrambler said:
Is it possible that if I was on one of the restricted battery profiles when I ran the debloat script that it could have stuck?
When I first got the phone I put it normal mode and found it pretty good. Even running the Google launcher. However, I have now unlocked the bootloader, installed twrp, rooted, installed MOAB ad blocker and debloated the phone feels slow and janky?!? I figured dumping all the bloat would help to speed it up some. Any suggestions or thoughts?
Thanks,
Justin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try removing the unnecessary zram operations using the no-swap method at -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/hon...ipt-disable-enable-swap-honor-5x-kiw-t3308321
When you debloated you removed a number of unnecessary processes and now it's trying to use the ram you freed up by keeping more of your apps in memory - with a constant compression/decompression process that adds lag on the 5X (and every other phone I've checked out that uses it).
Huawei - like every other phone maker with a new launch - will also be releasing performance improvements soon. I've tested both of these mods with the update coming next and you'll still want to use them.
The normal power mode ought to be sticking. If the no-swap mod doesn't help then it's probably a good idea to regress back with a nandroid backup, ensure normal mode and then de-bloat and remove swap.
Edit - and be sure to protect all apps in settings so that you get standard Android task management and not EMUI task management.

Is there anyway to selectively re-install some of the apps that it removed? Im curious because I think it some functionality like HwThemeManager_Local removes the ability to change the lock wallpaper. and if any other issues come up that i want to undo. (Can i somehow restore the individual items from a nandroid backup?)
And thanks for providing a nice commented script!

eruji said:
Is there anyway to selectively re-install some of the apps that it removed? Im curious because I think it some functionality like HwThemeManager_Local removes the ability to change the lock wallpaper. and if any other issues come up that i want to undo. (Can i somehow restore the individual items from a nandroid backup?)
And thanks for providing a nice commented script!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that you can do it directly.
Right now, it's restore your nandroid backup, modify the script here and debloat again.
I've started into an Aroma installer for this so you can just select the bloat you don't want. That's on the back burner with no ETA yet.
Meanwhile - if you want to wait until later today or tonight, I'll pull the file you want and you can reinstall it by hand.
If you don't want to wait, copy your nandroid system.ext4 to your pc (if not compressed) and rename it to system.ext4.tar - I believe that 7zip will work to extract it to your pc and you can find the file and put it back from there. (And I'm going by memory here so you'll want to be prepared for hiccups.)
There may be a utility for this - I think there is, but can't remember it.
OK - just checked another option for you -
My system nandroid spans volumes.
Copy system.ext4.win000 to system.ext4. win000.tar on to a large sd card.
Check out "ZArchiver"
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.zdevs.zarchiver
See if you can extract with that, and if you can, repeat for all volumes.
No promises but you'll probably find the attempts very informative.

Thanks for the info. messed around for awhile trying to get something. I found out Titanium Backup has an "extract from Nandroid backup" feature. you select the backup and it lists the apps that you can restore. The only one i found that looked like the theme manger was: com.huawei.android.thememanager i click on that and restore and it takes a long time (which makes me think TiBu is not working right) about 1-2 minutes (but it does eventually say success), reboot and still cant change the lock screen wallpaper. I also copied the system.ex4 files to windows and renamed them tar. extract them with 7zip and it kinda locks up after a bit. it extracts some extension less files. So maybe im missing some additional files, or Tibu is not really doing anything. i tried mounting system as RW just in case. No biggie, i dont think i want to spend much more time on this. Thanks for the info though. Ill take a look again later.

EarlyMon said:
Try removing the unnecessary zram operations using the no-swap method at -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/hon...ipt-disable-enable-swap-honor-5x-kiw-t3308321
When you debloated you removed a number of unnecessary processes and now it's trying to use the ram you freed up by keeping more of your apps in memory - with a constant compression/decompression process that adds lag on the 5X (and every other phone I've checked out that uses it).
Huawei - like every other phone maker with a new launch - will also be releasing performance improvements soon. I've tested both of these mods with the update coming next and you'll still want to use them.
The normal power mode ought to be sticking. If the no-swap mod doesn't help then it's probably a good idea to regress back with a nandroid backup, ensure normal mode and then de-bloat and remove swap.
Edit - and be sure to protect all apps in settings so that you get standard Android task management and not EMUI task management.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I was going to try and just go back to the fully bloated stock, rooted rom.... however I messed up and somehow didn't do a backup first.... so I have nothing to restore. I tried to download and restore the "full Stock" backup from the other thread, however I'm getting errors for no partitions. I then downloaded the factory firmware from Heuawi, but when it tried to install it seemed to be working, but then booted into TWRP and won't go further. Anyone have suggestions on how I can return this thing to stock?

TNScrambler said:
Ok, so I was going to try and just go back to the fully bloated stock, rooted rom.... however I messed up and somehow didn't do a backup first.... so I have nothing to restore. I tried to download and restore the "full Stock" backup from the other thread, however I'm getting errors for no partitions. I then downloaded the factory firmware from Heuawi, but when it tried to install it seemed to be working, but then booted into TWRP and won't go further. Anyone have suggestions on how I can return this thing to stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I was able to get it all sorted out, I just had to calm down, think, and teach myself some new comand line skills hahaha
I downloaded the stock Firmware, however I wasn't able to install it since I had TWRP and it was blocking it.... so I found this tool, Huawei Update Extractor that can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2433454 Then used this Extractor to expand the firmware and extract the stock Recovery.img out of it. Then flashed that to the phone via fastboot. Now, I was able to run the stock firmware update via the factory EMUI update app. Once that was done I was able too boot the phone back up and I was suprised to find that it didn't wipe the phone, I guess it ran it as a true "upgrade" instead of a nuke and pave.... BONUS!
Anyhow, then I was able to flash the new TWRP recovery back in place and now I'm currently creating a backup.... which if I had taken the time to do in the first place none of this would have happend. Oh, well... who needs more than 3 hours of sleep..... its not like I work full time and have 5 kids under 5 :silly:
Hope this helps someone who gets flash happy and forgets to make a back up like I did!
Justin

Does it work with KIW-L21?

LordKelsier said:
Does it work with KIW-L21?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might. Pre-installed apps may vary by region, the Aroma installer (under construction) is intended to be intelligent about that.
Either way, make a nandroid backup before trying to debloat and you won't be stuck if anything goes wrong.

Worked for the most part.
There were some apps left (mostlygames that came preinstalled as well as Shazam and Instagramm)

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)