Develop Bugs

Deleting system apps after root?? (Root Explorer won't do it)

I used to use "Root Explorer" on my hero to delete system apps before..doesn't seem to work anymore..
solution??
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

did you mount /system in rw mode? (it's ro by default)

U dont have write access to system partition in normal use if i read the tutorial right. U have to do it with an update.zip (editing the update script) or with adb both u have to do in recovery menu from modaco i think. Tell me if i am wrong.
Sry for my bad english

@cezarL yes I did
@xtcislove I wish u were wrong..seems like pain.. anyway to do it without a pc?
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

Damn, you're right. Previously, I had deleted an .apk just to check if it's working, then reinstalled the app right away.
But I just tested now, it looks like after a reboot, the .apk magically reappears, and the application is running as usual

Damn, you're right. Previously, I had deleted an .apk just to check if it's working, then reinstalled the app right away.
But I just tested now, it looks like after a reboot, the .apk magically reappears, and the application is running as usual
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ye..I'm sure it has something to do with the root limitations Paul mentioned in his rooting guide. hope it'll be fixed soon.
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

Try this: Boot in recovery menu and try the following commands:
adb remount
adb shell rm /system/app/APP.apk
adb shell rm /data/app/APP.apk
where APP.apk is the filename of the apk with the .apk extention, remember case-sensitive!
for example:
adb remount
adb shell rm /system/app/FriendStream.apk
adb shell rm /system/app/FriendStream.odex
take a look before if your app has a odex or try this: (here u need only one command)
adb remount
adb shell rm /system/app/*FriendStream*
Good luck and have fun =)
Edit: Just find a topic =)
hxxp://android.modaco.com/content/htc-hero-hero-modaco-com/297207/removal-of-apps-via-adb/#entry1124362
(replace hxxp with http)

I'm trying to do these things in windows at the moment. No issues getting in the recovery with the windows scripts. But when I try to open a ADB Shell after I've gone to recovery I can't really do anything with it and the recovery hangs (not controllable with the track pad).
Anyone can tell me what I'm doing wrong?

You're not doing anything wrong, from what I've seen opening a new adb instance on Windows will kill the server created by the .bat file used for recovery... which means the connection to the device is lost. I haven't looked into it further, but it might be fixeable somehow.

Ah I see, so basicly you undo the patched recovery by opening a new session. It does work properly under Linux then? I run ubuntu on my netbook so It's not a big issue anyway. Thanks for the tip, gonna try under linux now!

I'm having the same problems as:
http://android.modaco.com/content/h...co-com/307401/removing-sys-apps/#entry1256015
I removed a load of HTC widgets but I get strange entries on the widget menu. Anyone know how to get rid of these?
Also, I removed Stocks (.apk and .odex), now I get a force close on 'Accounts & sync'. Anyone know how to remove Stocks properly?
Cheers.

After running the bat file to get into recovery, start a new cmd prompt in windows and use again adb-nilezon for shell commands instead of ordinary adb, and it wont be killed.
This has worked for me atleast

blackadder1000 said:
Anyone know how to remove Stocks properly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best, foolproof, failsafe way is to remove them from the rom before installing it... and remember that some services are still required, weather you use them or not.
But, if a system app is already installed you need to remove:
the apk from /system/app
the data from /data/data/appname
the cache from /cache/dalvik-cache
Do not remove Accounts & Sync...

Thanks for the answer.
I guess now is a good time to bake my own ROM!

blackadder1000 said:
Thanks for the answer.
I guess now is a good time to bake my own ROM!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's what I do... see my sig...

Remove ALL Sprint Crapware? (Q from an ex-WinMo Poweruser)

I moved from an HD2 to the Evo this week (no more TMobile, woot!). I am very familiar with custom WMO ROMS, Hard SPL, blah blah...
I have nearly zero Android development, custom ROM knowledge, etc, however.
I'd like to flash a custom ROM based on the factory, without all the Sprint programs preloaded.
Clearly I need to root; I am on steady ground with that knowledge. After that? Not so clear. There doesn't seem to be a thread with the steps I need to proceed.
Any info would be invaluable, thanks!
(PS - side question: why does Android launch all sort of processes in the background seemingly at random?)

ifiweresolucky said:
I moved from an HD2 to the Evo this week (no more TMobile, woot!). I am very familiar with custom WMO ROMS, Hard SPL, blah blah...
I have nearly zero Android development, custom ROM knowledge, etc, however.
I'd like to flash a custom ROM based on the factory, without all the Sprint programs preloaded.
Clearly I need to root; I am on steady ground with that knowledge. After that? Not so clear. There doesn't seem to be a thread with the steps I need to proceed.
Any info would be invaluable, thanks!
(PS - side question: why does Android launch all sort of processes in the background seemingly at random?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This should be in Q & A.. But unless someone creates a rom with the apps removed. Its easier to just do it yourself.
If you did toasts method of rooting. Boot into recovery and type this
adb remount
adb shell
cd /system/app
ls
This displays all apps on the phone. Do this to delete them.
rm NameOfApp.apk
rm NameOfApp.odex
It is caps sensitive and make sure you type the apk exactly as its written.

Jus10o said:
This should be in Q & A.. But unless someone creates a rom with the apps removed. Its easier to just do it yourself.
If you did toasts method of rooting. Boot into recovery and type this
adb remount
adb shell
cd /system/app
ls
This displays all apps on the phone. Do this to delete them.
rm NameOfApp.apk
rm NameOfApp.odex
It is caps sensitive and make sure you type the apk exactly as its written.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any reason adb remount isn't working for me? I do adb devices and my devices is there but when i type adb remount i get "remount faild: Invalid argument"

I started Toasts root directions, placing PC36IMG.zip on the base directory of the SD card. Shut down, loaded with the Vol Down and Power buttons. The bootloader checked the file on the SD card but then stopped on the white screen.
It seems it was supposed to proceed automatically? But I am dropped off with options on the white screen: FASTBOOT, RECOVERY, CLEAR STORAGE, SIMLOCK, and HBOOT USB.
Directions show Vol Up and Down for previous and next and Power for select.

Alright, I resolved this issue. I recopied the file to the SD card and made sure to eject drive before shutting the device down. Seemed to make all the difference! Proceeding with the remainder of Toast's directions now...

p-slim said:
any reason adb remount isn't working for me? I do adb devices and my devices is there but when i type adb remount i get "remount faild: Invalid argument"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running in to the same issue...

rgordon3091 said:
I'm running in to the same issue...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i fixed it. you have to do this.
adb shell
mount /dev/block/mtdblock4 /system
cd /system/app
ls

Getting error trying to remove nascar..
Code:
rm Sprint_NASCAR.apk
rm failed for Sprint_NASCAR.apk, Directory not empty
Any ideas?

That's Linux trying to protect you. Essentially the rm command by default just removes one file at a time.
Try...
rm -r NameOfFolder
...to delete recursively.
Sent from my EVO 4G using Tapatalk

Go see the thread in the apps sub-forum about this. I have a post (#28, I believe) with the exact code to remove the bloatware. You can just copy any paste.
-------------
Sent from my HTC EVO 4G using Tapatalk Pro.

nick325i said:
Getting error trying to remove nascar..
Code:
rm Sprint_NASCAR.apk
rm failed for Sprint_NASCAR.apk, Directory not empty
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you shouldn't have a problem deleting the apk, because an apk is not a directory.
i deleted it without the same message.

p-slim said:
i fixed it. you have to do this.
adb shell
mount /dev/block/mtdblock4 /system
cd /system/app
ls
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
'
hmmm i put im adb shell then i got a "#" so i put in "mount /dev/block/mtdblock4 /system"
and i got mount:mounting /dev/block/mtdblock4 /system failed: No such file or directory
so what did i do wrong?

Found the issue. Thanks all

Jus10o said:
This should be in Q & A.. But unless someone creates a rom with the apps removed. Its easier to just do it yourself.
If you did toasts method of rooting. Boot into recovery and type this
adb remount
adb shell
cd /system/app
ls
This displays all apps on the phone. Do this to delete them.
rm NameOfApp.apk
rm NameOfApp.odex
It is caps sensitive and make sure you type the apk exactly as its written.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By the way, when I "cd /system/app" and then "ls" I see only NamesOfApps.apk. There are displayed no *.odex files. Is that normal?

thread dead?
IDK if this threads still monitored by anyone, but here's my question: I don't use adb, but I just rused root explorer to locate sprint crap, and added a .bak to the end of all of them to essentially 'disable' them. Is this a safe method? Will Android system waste energy looking for them anymore (they no longer show in app tray, but are they still using resources) ? Thanks much.

scottspa74 said:
IDK if this threads still monitored by anyone, but here's my question: I don't use adb, but I just rused root explorer to locate sprint crap, and added a .bak to the end of all of them to essentially 'disable' them. Is this a safe method? Will Android system waste energy looking for them anymore (they no longer show in app tray, but are they still using resources) ? Thanks much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just about to say something similar. I had uninstalled Nascar using Titanium Backup, and the found out that I cant do the 2.2 OTA unless its there. TB didn't have the ability to restore it for some reason, so I got an APK from XDA, and put it in the system/app folder via Root Explorer. Then, I had to reset the permissions to match the other APK's, and it showed up and launched perfectly. Even did an update. Much easier than all that adb stuff, I think.

I used system app uninstaller for a buck on the market.. Easy and all there with the icons for easy to find and delete sprint and gapps.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

scottspa74 said:
IDK if this threads still monitored by anyone, but here's my question: I don't use adb, but I just rused root explorer to locate sprint crap, and added a .bak to the end of all of them to essentially 'disable' them. Is this a safe method? Will Android system waste energy looking for them anymore (they no longer show in app tray, but are they still using resources) ? Thanks much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a good way.. If something goes wrong just have to rename.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Flash this zip and it should remove most of the Sprint apps. It will back them up to /sdx on your SD card so if anything is removed that you want, it will still be there. It's signed to work with RA.
http://grathwohl.me/uploads/android/evo/Sprint-Apps-Remover-signed.zip

I've seen a few people reference my post, but my post was really just trying to ask if anyone knew if, now that I've renamed them, and they don't run, they shouldn't be using up resources? Right, is that correct, or am I wrong in thinkin this?
And thanks cosine83, that's a really helpful post for a lot of people.

[Q]Removing apps

Okay so I got my phone rooted and installed froyo with gapps.
Now I am trying to delete some apps with "Root Explorer" it works great untill i reboot the phone and all those deleted apps come back.
How to delete apps and save the image or something?

U will prolly have to remove via adb in recovery mode. Then they will stay gone.
Sent from my Htcclay's Remixed Remix using XDA App

I was trying to do that but my phone stays offline in recovery mode.
Maybe an advice please?

What is the command to remove the apps when in recovery?
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App

You have to mount /system then
adb shell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then
cd /system/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then
ls
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then following to remove app
rm -r Appname.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I still cant shell into device while its in recovery mode?
Anyone help?

Did you unplug the phone then plug it back in once you went into recovery (adb devices after that). Otherwise it will say offline. After that:
Cyanogenmod Barebones has the code to remove the apps (and which ones you can remove safely) from adb or terminal.

KCRic said:
Did you unplug the phone then plug it back in once you went into recovery (adb devices after that). Otherwise it will say offline. After that:
Cyanogenmod Barebones has the code to remove the apps (and which ones you can remove safely) from adb or terminal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did plug it out and back in, even tried to do it few times.
Still says offline

Okay, I do not know how, but I got into phone shell in recovery moed and successfully removed apps.
Thanks for help

Probably restarted adb?
Edit: thx for the remove commands
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App

This thread helped out great, thanks guys!

[T-Mobile] Restore Stock Preloaded Data after rooting.

This archive contains the missing apks and stickers that are lost when using the HTC Dev unlock tool.
You can install the apks inside manually, but the png files must be placed into /data/preload/ in order for the gallery app to find them.
Instructions for re-installation. (Busybox must be installed)
Code:
adb push preload.tgz /sdcard/
adb shell
su
cd /data/
tar -xvf /sdcard/preload.tgz
chown root:root /data/preload
chmod 771 /data/preload
chmod 644 /data/preload/*
pm install /data/preload/Flashlight.apk
pm install /data/preload/Calculator.apk
reboot
Download here: http://www.cheatersedge.org/android/m8/preload.tgz

Wow thanks. Did not even realize it was gone.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

FYI, wiping /data/ with TWRP erases these preloads as well.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

Hey I know this is not specifically related but everytime I remove an app via TB they come back upon reboot (T-Mobile Tv, Lookout, etc etc)
How do I stop them from coming back (delete for good)? Thanks

S-off or try http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2702575
[Guide] How to have write protection disabled on boot with stock rom
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

I am uploading a ROM right now that restores these files.

Weird, I'm HTCdev unlocked but I still have the flashlight app but calculator is gone. Weird.

Fenny said:
This archive contains the missing apks and stickers that are lost when using the HTC Dev unlock tool.
You can install the apks inside manually, but the png files must be placed into /data/preload/ in order for the gallery app to find them.
Instructions for re-installation. (Busybox must be installed)
Code:
adb push preload.tgz /sdcard/
adb shell
su
cd /data/
tar -xvf /sdcard/preload.tgz
chown root:root /data/preload
chmod 771 /data/preload
chmod 644 /data/preload/*
pm install /data/preload/Flashlight.apk
pm install /data/preload/Calculator.apk
reboot
Download here: http://www.cheatersedge.org/android/m8/preload.tgz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How would I go about executing these commands? I have tried a command prompt with the phone powered into the OS and with it in fastboot but continue to get device not recognized. Could I place the file on my phone and use terminal emulator?

ghettovirtuoso said:
How would I go about executing these commands? I have tried a command prompt with the phone powered into the OS and with it in fastboot but continue to get device not recognized. Could I place the file on my phone and use terminal emulator?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem fixed! I needed to update my adb tools, was working with outdate ones because they did everything I needed until now.

I tried the commands, but the tar command doesn't seem to work. Do I have to install something to make tar work?
I used Root Explorer to extract the files, then moved them to /data/preload, then changed the permissions using adb. I think I got it correct. How can I tell if the stickers are installed correctly? What uses them? I saw a comment about the gallery but I can't see where that uses them?
Thanks!

fclifton said:
I tried the commands, but the tar command doesn't seem to work. Do I have to install something to make tar work?
I used Root Explorer to extract the files, then moved them to /data/preload, then changed the permissions using adb. I think I got it correct. How can I tell if the stickers are installed correctly? What uses them? I saw a comment about the gallery but I can't see where that uses them?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a pic and edit it. If you can use the stickers you see in folder and the apps are install then I assume all went well.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

ghettovirtuoso said:
Take a pic and edit it. If you can use the stickers you see in folder and the apps are install then I assume all went well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently all went well. I have the apps and the stickers work. :good:
What about tar? Should it have been available?

fclifton said:
Apparently all went well. I have the apps and the stickers work. :good:
What about tar? Should it have been available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know nothing of a tar. I'm not an expert. I was just able to follow the post. Sorry.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

Couldn't install apps from adb
Everything in the op worked up to the point where I tried to install the Flashlight and Calculator apks. I got the following error-
pm install /data/preload/Flashlight.apk
pkg: /data/preload/Flashlight.apk
Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_URI]
I was able to use a file manager to find the apks in the /data/preload/ folder and install them through android.
Is this enough to receive any OTAs? Would I need to convert them to system apps?

[Q] any way of saving images to storage without root?

ok, something really simple somebody may be able to help me with, not sure if its possible, but i want to store a few images onto my fire tv, so i can use them with my xbmc setup as wallpapers, my device isnt rooted, as its the uk version that got sent out today, ive installed dropbox, and es file explorer but their is no option to save. anybody know if this is possible? its driving me crazy. ive also tried uploading with the amazon cloud drive app, the pictures show up on the photo section on my home screen, but thats it... is their any way i would find these in the root access?
thanks

I think you should be able to use adb to push them to the SD card. Try one of the fireTV utility apps for a GUI.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

chantelle310 said:
ok, something really simple somebody may be able to help me with, not sure if its possible, but i want to store a few images onto my fire tv, so i can use them with my xbmc setup as wallpapers, my device isnt rooted, as its the uk version that got sent out today, ive installed dropbox, and es file explorer but their is no option to save. anybody know if this is possible? its driving me crazy. ive also tried uploading with the amazon cloud drive app, the pictures show up on the photo section on my home screen, but thats it... is their any way i would find these in the root access?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Connect to the Fire TV via ADB (WIndows guide and Mac guide)
Then use the command:
Code:
adb push C:\path\to\image.jpg \sdcard\
This will transfer any file from your PC to the \sdcard\ directory of your Fire TV. Root is not needed.

You guys are the best... Thank a lot!
?

AFTVnews.com said:
Connect to the Fire TV via ADB (
Then use the command:
Code:
adb push C:\path\to\image.jpg \sdcard\
This will transfer any file from your PC to the \sdcard\ directory of your Fire TV. Root is not needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
having a little trouble, could you tell me where im going wrong?

chantelle310 said:
having a little trouble, could you tell me where im going wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Change the c:\path\to to actually be the correct path to the image file on your computer (for example c:\users\images\Photo.jpg)
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

collindv said:
Change the c:\path\to to actually be the correct path to the image file on your computer (for example c:\users\images\Photo.jpg)
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will give that a try now.. Thank you.
New ground for me... Can you tell lol

Since you want these in XBMC, you can do in XBMC using the file manager too.

Tight_wad said:
Since you want these in XBMC, you can do in XBMC using the file manager too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I do it directly from my mac without having to sideload?

Still no luck

I don't think its finding the adb program. Are you running the command from the folder where adb resides?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

chantelle310 said:
Still no luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The command is slightly different between Mac and Windows. The command I gave you is for Windows. Here is what you should enter since you're on a Mac:
First, change to the directory where you have adb by running this command:
Code:
cd /Users/channy/Desktop/platform-tools/
Then move the file to your Fire TV by running this command:
Code:
./adb push /Users/channy/Desktop/platform-tools/wallpapers/Breaking-Bad-Simpsons-2362199.jpg /sdcard/

AFTVnews.com said:
The command is slightly different between Mac and Windows. The command I gave you is for Windows. Here is what you should enter since you're on a Mac:
First, change to the directory where you have adb by running this command:
Code:
cd /Users/channy/Desktop/platform-tools/
Then move the file to your Fire TV by running this command:
Code:
./adb push /Users/channy/Desktop/platform-tools/wallpapers/Breaking-Bad-Simpsons-2362199.jpg /sdcard/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
absolute life saver, ive given myself the biggest headache trying to fix this all day, thanks alot,
ps, been following your page on twitter for a while just realised

chantelle310 said:
absolute life saver, ive given myself the biggest headache trying to fix this all day, thanks alot,
ps, been following your page on twitter for a while just realised
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. Glad you got it working! And glad you're enjoying the site.
Here are a couple tips:
If you move the adb file from the platform-tools folder into your /Users/channy/ folder, you can just open terminal and start running "./adb" commands without first doing the "cd..." command.
Also, on mac you can drag and drop files into the terminal window instead of typing the full path to the file. For this case you would type "./adb push ", then drag the image onto the terminal, then type " /sdcard/". Note the space at the end of the first part and the beginning of the second part.

AFTVnews.com said:
Awesome. Glad you got it working! And glad you're enjoying the site.
Here are a couple tips:
If you move the adb file from the platform-tools folder into your /Users/channy/ folder, you can just open terminal and start running "./adb" commands without first doing the "cd..." command.
Also, on mac you can drag and drop files into the terminal window instead of typing the full path to the file. For this case you would type "./adb push ", then drag the image onto the terminal, then type " /sdcard/". Note the space at the end of the first part and the beginning of the second part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even better.. Thankyou for that info. Whilst I caught you online.. Little off topic but do I need to block OTA updates? I plan on eventually rooting when/if it becomes available. And if so... The only way I can do this as I'm on stock firmware would be to use the block domain methods with my router?

chantelle310 said:
Even better.. Thankyou for that info. Whilst I caught you online.. Little off topic but do I need to block OTA updates? I plan on eventually rooting when/if it becomes available. And if so... The only way I can do this as I'm on stock firmware would be to use the block domain methods with my router?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have any interest in rooting it's always best to block updates. At the very least that way you can choose whether you want to install the update or not.
If you're not rooted, your best option is to block the update domains via your router. If that isn't something you can do, you can always sign up for a free OpenDNS account and block the domains that way. You would just need to enter the OpenDNS DNS IP addresses into your Fire TV's settings, just like in this guide.

AFTVnews.com said:
If you have any interest in rooting it's always best to block updates. At the very least that way you can choose whether you want to install the update or not.
If you're not rooted, your best option is to block the update domains via your router. If that isn't something you can do, you can always sign up for a free OpenDNS account and block the domains that way. You would just need to enter the OpenDNS DNS IP addresses into your Fire TV's settings, just like in this guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're awesome. Thank you very much. My xbmc setup is now looking exactly how I wanted it with your help.