Develop Bugs

Apps on SD uninstalling themselves

Every once and a while I find that the odd app on my SD card will uninstall itself.
When I go into application manager the application shows as being on the SD card but has lost its icon and I cannot find any way to get it back other than to unistall the app and redownload from the market. The unistall usually errors the first time but succeeds on the second attempt.
I do not recall this issue prior to the Froyo update last year.
The sequence of events is as follows.
-Update an app from the marketplace.
-Reboot phone
-A different app to the one updated will have been uninstalled.
I know that SD apps take a little longer to register after a reboot but this is well after that period.
It has probably occured about 5 or 6 times since installing Froyo and would like to know what causes it, how to avoid it and what can be done to retrieve the app other than uninstalling re-installing.
My phone is an HTC Desire factory unbranded unlocked non-rooted
Cheers
Baz

Delete the Android folder on SD and reboot.
Possibly repartition the SD card if still having problems.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

mayad79 said:
Delete the Android folder on SD and reboot.
Possibly repartition the SD card if still having problems.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
A couple of questions concering this
- What does the Android folder contain and what will I lose by deleting it?
- I haven't partitioned the card before and was wondering if this is something that would ever need to be done on a non-rooted phone and if so how would you do it?
Cheers
Baz

ROM Manager is getting on my last nerve, won't delete backup

This happened to me before and I ended up having to restore. I thought they had fixed it with the update, but apparently not. Even after I delete the backup I made, I never get the space back. I lost 3 GIGS of space. I've looked using a file explorer and everything and still can't figure out where the backup is (it doesn't show in ROM manager itself anymore after deleting ) . any tips? I will hate my life if I have to restore again because of this retarded problem....
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Solange82200 said:
This happened to me before and I ended up having to restore. I thought they had fixed it with the update, but apparently not. Even after I delete the backup I made, I never get the space back. I lost 3 GIGS of space. I've looked using a file explorer and everything and still can't figure out where the backup is (it doesn't show in ROM manager itself anymore after deleting ) . any tips? I will hate my life if I have to restore again because of this retarded problem....
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you are using Rom Manager I am assuming you are runing CWM Recovery. If that is the case the files are located in \sdcard\clockworkmod (or something close to that) if you want to remove all your backups delete everything in that folder. I personally would use ES File Explorer you can check the size of the folders. If there is a "blob" folder in forementioned location most of the backup resides in there.
If all of the above is true for you, you may want to look into installing TWRP for recovery and goo manager. It's pretty simple to do. I can help you out with that let me know.

Thank you so much, I am using es explorer, but there's no obvious folder taking that much space. I looked in clockworkmod folder and there is only a download folder, and its only like 16 megs. But when I go to settings and storage it still shows that 3 gigs missing. I even went in this app called 1 tap cleaner, and it also shows me with only 1 gig left (I had 4 gigs before doing the backup). I just don't understand why this only happens to me repeatedly, I've searched Google and cant find the problem. There has to be some reason for this, I can't believe I'm going to have to restore again ,I should have learned my lesson the first time ....
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

By the way, is twrp the same as titanium backup? Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

The backups are stored in [root]/data/media/clockworkmod on my N7
From a Nexus S bathing in Jelly Beans

Solange82200 said:
By the way, is twrp the same as titanium backup? Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP is a touch-based custom recovery, that basically handles the same as CWM. It's a recovery, not an app.

Check out this screenshot, the graphic Chart seems to show that I have four gigs, not one. And if you add up all the categories and how much space they use, it doesn't add up to 13 gigs, there is three gigs gone in thin air. this app screwed up my tablet, what a headache.....
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Solange82200 said:
Check out this screenshot, the graphic Chart seems to show that I have four gigs, not one. And if you add up all the categories and how much space they use, it doesn't add up to 13 gigs, there is three gigs gone in thin air. this app screwed up my tablet, what a headache.....
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you're rooted, check out "[root]/data/media/clockworkmod" with a file explorer. Not on the Sd card, on the root of the entire system. You should see folders like "system" there. That's where the backups are stored, at least on my N7. I'm not sure ES Explorer can go there. If it can't, try Total Commander (free) or Root Explorer (not free).

Thank you, using Total Explorer I did find a blobs folder exactly where you said it would be, filled with crap, but it won't let me delete it! It tries to, but then says it can't delete.....
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Solange82200 said:
Thank you, using Total Explorer I did find a blobs folder exactly where you said it would be, filled with crap, but it won't let me delete it! It tries to, but then says it can't delete.....
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm, strange...works well for me...it shouldn't need root access for that...might be a file explorer thing...try some other explorers, too. Maybe you can get a hold of Root Explorer.

Logomotph said:
hmm, strange...works well for me...it shouldn't need root access for that...might be a file explorer thing...try some other explorers, too. Maybe you can get a hold of Root Explorer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boom! Root Explorer worked. I was able to delete that Blobs folder and now I have 5.12 gigs free... Should I delete anything else, like that clockworkmod folder? Will that do any harm? There is also a backup folder in the clockworkmod folder, should I delete that? I really dont want anymore to do with this crappy Rom Manager app. Ive purchased Titanium and Im just using that going forward. Thanks you saved me a painful restore!

Solange82200 said:
Boom! Root Explorer worked. I was able to delete that Blobs folder and now I have 5.12 gigs free... Should I delete anything else, like that clockworkmod folder? Will that do any harm? There is also a backup folder in the clockworkmod folder, should I delete that? I really dont want anymore to do with this crappy Rom Manager app. Ive purchased Titanium and Im just using that going forward. Thanks you saved me a painful restore!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can delete the entire clockworkmod folder, it won't affect anything else. CWM Recovery creates it to store backups, but it has no influence on anything else.
Glad everything worked out

Titanium is only good for backing up apps and settings and some are saying it's not really good for that anymore.
Install GooManager from the play store (it's free) open it, tap the three dots in the upper right hand corner, tap on install open recovery script. It will then install TWRP as your recovery program. You can manage your system backups from inside recovery including deleting them. If you ever want to manually delete a certain recovery while in the Android system (regular running conditions) Use your favorite file explorer to navigate to \sdcard\TWRP and the files will be in a subfolder within.
Sent from Keone's Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

You could always lock and unlock. That'll wipe up the mess. Or find a superwipe flashable zip... but I don't know if there is one for the N7 yet.
Or just send it to me, I'll solve your problem for you!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

freakshow999 said:
Titanium is only good for backing up apps and settings and some are saying it's not really good for that anymore.
Install GooManager from the play store (it's free) open it, tap the three dots in the upper right hand corner, tap on install open recovery script. It will then install TWRP as your recovery program. You can manage your system backups from inside recovery including deleting them. If you ever want to manually delete a certain recovery while in the Android system (regular running conditions) Use your favorite file explorer to navigate to \sdcard\TWRP and the files will be in a subfolder within.
Sent from Keone's Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, got it and made a backup. If you don't mind, can I just clarify how I would use the backup in the future? Basically I would copy the backup folder to my computer to save it, and if i ever return to stock, I would then just root, install goo manager, use it to install twrp, transfer the backup folder back to tablet, them launch twrp and choose the option to restore the backup? Thanks everyone for taking time to respond, you guys rock
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Damnit, the backup isn't showing anywhere, even though three gigs of space is gone. I used es file explorer and it shows the Twrp folder empty. If I launch twrp, how do I manage the backups? I chose install to see if it shows the backup but I didn't didn't dish didnt see it. Something is wrong with my tablet, damn
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

OK I found it using total commander, i had to go in root, data, media, twrp. Just like with ROM manager. How come its installing the backups there on mine, but not you guys. Is it because Im on 4.2.1? How do I get twrp to see the backup?
Ok I found this using google:
"One thing to note is that by default the latest version of TWRP will store your backups in a directory that’s inaccessible unless you use a file browser with root access. You’ll want to navigate to the /data/media/TWRP folder to find your backups manually.
In fact, even TWRP won’t be able to find the folder where your backup is stored automatically. You’ll need to navigate to it manually (or copy the backup to a more accessible folder).
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app"
Im not having much luck using Root Explorer to copy the folder to my sdcard, it says pasting for a couple minutes, then my screen shuts off and the tablet becomes unresponsive, so I end up having to reboot. I have no way to use or access this backup. This is nuts. I cant even get it to my computer, i cant access root from it, right?
Edit: Ok, after a lot of time and headaches, I finally got the backup folder pasted to my sdcard. Now twrp sees it and gives me the option to delete it. Only problem is, getting it onto my computer. Windows explorer still wont see the file, the same thing happens to me with my titanium backup folder too, it takes several tries and time to finally get windows to see it for some reason. I must be one of the few people to be doing backups and transferring them lately, I cant believe everyone else isnt dealing with this headache....

As an update, now that I moved the backup folder to the sdcard, now new backups are saving there automatically.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

In the future, use disk usage to find what I'd taking up space. Then solid explorer can delete the files... And calm down, geez. you sound like someone who is on the edge of a cliff just because of a tablet... Nit the end of the world
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Whatever, being annoyed because I keep having to restore over a stupid problem only equates to thinking its the end of the world in your mind. Its kind of hard to judge tone of what someone is saying over the internet, which is why most people don't (you know, judge how someone is feeling based on written comments)
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

[Q] HTC One M8 SD card

Hi All,
I went and looked at the HTC One M8 today and was very very impressed. Looking to uograde from an s4 to the M8.
The salesmen said something interesting though and after a little research I am concerned.
He said that 3rd party apps will not be able to access the sd card at all. I know there have been conplaints about this in regards to KitKat.
As I live in Australia all the plans have horribly low data so cloud really isnt an option here, especially to store music and video.
I was just wondering if this were true? Are they able to be installed on the sd? are they able to write to sd?
Thanks for any advice

Spoorman88 said:
Hi All,
I went and looked at the HTC One M8 today and was very very impressed. Looking to uograde from an s4 to the M8.
The salesmen said something interesting though and after a little research I am concerned.
He said that 3rd party apps will not be able to access the sd card at all. I know there have been conplaints about this in regards to KitKat.
As I live in Australia all the plans have horribly low data so cloud really isnt an option here, especially to store music and video.
I was just wondering if this were true? Are they able to be installed on the sd? are they able to write to sd?
Thanks for any advice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried and yes you can but I am rooted don't know if that's why it moved

I'm not rooted. Using solid file explorer, I'm not able to write to the card. Very frustrating.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

It's a new security feature of Kit Kat, stops apps from having full read/write access to the whole sd card. The developers just need to update there apps to resolve the issue. I had the same problem moving files across but came across the answer in another thread on here.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

What about the camera? Can you change the default storage for that?

Spoorman88 said:
What about the camera? Can you change the default storage for that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can

Is there anyway to restore write on SD Card capabilities? Did anyone proove it?

I have just got a HTC one m8 it's not rooted(yet) I can save photos to the sd card but cant copy from internal to it. I can't even create a folder in the ext sd card where is the stock file manager I can only see Polaris if that's what it's called If I try to copy a file in that app it will not even show the ext sd card. Help any one

P4ULM4C said:
I have just got a HTC one m8 it's not rooted(yet) I can save photos to the sd card but cant copy from internal to it. I can't even create a folder in the ext sd card where is the stock file manager I can only see Polaris if that's what it's called If I try to copy a file in that app it will not even show the ext sd card. Help any one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root it..

This is a feature of google kitkat 4.4.2. Anyway is supposed to work with default file manager. If not, you need to root and instal Sdfix from play store.
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 12:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:22 PM ----------
"Feature"
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Root and install SDFix from playstore or root it and flash a custom ROM. AFAIK all the custom roms have that fixed by default now without having to install an app.

DeathmonkeyGTX said:
Root and install SDFix from playstore or root it and flash a custom ROM. AFAIK all the custom roms have that fixed by default now without having to install an app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the SDFix on stock rooted rom, but titanium backup still cant write on SD card. (It says: this folder is not writable) i even tried modifying system/etc/permissions/platform.xml manually but still no luck.
Is it an issue with titanium backup, or am i doing something wrong?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

You need to flash a custom kernel with system write protection turned off then you can use something like SDfix or foldermount to enable writing to the external SD for all apps
Try Elemental kernel, it worked for me.

Stock and rooted here and sdfix worked fine. Titanium and all other apps write to SD fine.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

bentez2003 said:
You need to flash a custom kernel with system write protection turned off then you can use something like SDfix or foldermount to enable writing to the external SD for all apps
Try Elemental kernel, it worked for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not true! I am on stock rom / kernel, just rooted and SDFix installed, and Titanium and all other apps read /write on extSD. No custom kernel requied!

Didn't work for me, were you s-off?
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

bentez2003 said:
Didn't work for me, were you s-off?
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am. I've no idea if that effects this though.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

Tried using the SDFix. Checked the permission.xml file. The changes has been made. However, once restarted the phone, changes have been revoked.
Using stock rom/kernel, rooted. Still no luck...seriously wtf.

Workaround for storing/modifying files on SD card
Hey guys,
I'm myself in shock what Google did in KitKat - that's just pure stupidity.
However, I'd like to share with you a simple hint on how to actually make use of SD card, using tTorrent as an example.
As you know, it is no longer possible to select a directory on SD card to store downloaded data - apps no longer have permissions, including file browser in Polaris Office. Well... it is not entirely true.
Let's say you want to select a directory on SD card, so tTorrent has as much space as big your SD card is.
All you have to do is to select a directory which your app has an access to.
What's the directory? It's the directory of particular app:
/storage/ext_sd/Android/>>your app's directory<<
In particular case of tTorrent that would be:
/storage/ext_sd/Android/hu.tagsoft.ttorrent.lite/
That's all. If you select above path in tTorrent, tTorrent will have a full access within it, so it can create/modify/delete files in this directory.
The same rule applies to any other apps - all you have to do is to select your app's directory/put files in it and your app will be able to fiddle with these files, inside its directory on SD card.
I know it is not as elegant solution as rooting device and modifying /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml file, but at least it's something.
Have fun, folks, and let's wait for an update from crazy Google - I heard that they are receiving tons of complaints about this "security feature" which I personally call simply a bug.

So that's the problem with KitKat?? For example I couldn't unpack zip on sd card, I had to unpack it to the internal memory. Since m8 hasn't default explorer, is there any explorer that doesn't have this issue, or I strictly have to root it??

[Q] Where is the File Manager?

Am I missing something? or is there no preinstalled File Manager?
Preinstalled apps, and google apps are the only apps allowed to write/edit to the miceSD card, so why wouldn't HTC install one?
Already regretting getting this phone, since I download a Lot of work files via my phone, and now I'm unable to move them from the downloads folder to the proper folder on the microSD.

Just downloaded one from Google play, loads to choose from.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

UberSlackr said:
Am I missing something? or is there no preinstalled File Manager?
Preinstalled apps, and google apps are the only apps allowed to write/edit to the miceSD card, so why wouldn't HTC install one?
Already regretting getting this phone, since I download a Lot of work files via my phone, and now I'm unable to move them from the downloads folder to the proper folder on the microSD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.estrongs.android.pop&hl=en_GB
this is the best one on the market never use stock file mangers always this one

jonny68 said:
Just downloaded one from Google play, loads to choose from.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ones I've installed won't let me delete files or move anything to them...

jaythenut said:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.estrongs.android.pop&hl=en_GB
this is the best one on the market never use stock file mangers always this one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will try... Thanks for the suggestion.

jaythenut said:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.estrongs.android.pop&hl=en_GB
this is the best one on the market never use stock file mangers always this one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I tried it, but that app, just like all the other ones on the play store do not let you move files from the phone memory to the microSD.
It won't let you Delete anything either...
All you can do is view the microSD. No writes can be made to it.
Android 4.4 won't let the apps do that anymore. (Unless rooted)

UberSlackr said:
Android 4.4 won't let the apps do that anymore. (Unless rooted)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then no other File Manager can do it either (without root). Can you delete files when connected to a PC?

EddyOS said:
Then no other File Manager can do it either (without root). Can you delete files when connected to a PC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the files on the microSD can be altered via the PC. But apps like airDroid won't work anymore.
Working all the go, I don't have time to stop to plug the phone up to the computer every time I need to move/rename/delete a file.

UberSlackr said:
Yes the files on the microSD can be altered via the PC. But apps like airDroid won't work anymore.
Working all the go, I don't have time to stop to plug the phone up to the computer every time I need to move/rename/delete a file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same boat here. I copy via USB2go all the time on my Note 3, and this is crippled for the M8. There's a work around, but you need to unlock the boot loader first, which for me is a pain, since it will reset the phone. I'm pretty OCD and it takes me some time to set everything up the way I like it. At this point, i'm just doing the PC transfer thing.

Upload the files to Google drive and then download to your memory card?
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

clax6 said:
Upload the files to Google drive and then download to your memory card?
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Drive saves any downloaded files to the internal memory, under the download folder. And there is no way to change where its saved to (that I know of)
It was just a poor choice of Google to disallow 3rd Party Apps from emaking changes to the external memory. They should have atleast
Made it a requirement for the manufacturer to include a file manager. Or Google them self should have. I understand they trying to push people to use Google Drive, but until data usage is free I won't used Google Drive to save nothing more than Google docs.

UberSlackr said:
Google Drive saves any downloaded files to the internal memory, under the download folder. And there is no way to change where its saved to (that I know of)
It was just a poor choice of Google to disallow 3rd Party Apps from emaking changes to the external memory. They should have atleast
Made it a requirement for the manufacturer to include a file manager. Or Google them self should have. I understand they trying to push people to use Google Drive, but until data usage is free I won't used Google Drive to save nothing more than Google docs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A google backed file manager with full write permissions would be awesome, but that would be going against what they are trying to accomplish.

[Q] Cannot write to extSD card using any third party app. Any workaround?

Write to disk denied whenever using any third party app.

welcome to kitkat. if you are not root. nothing we can do to help you out.

Thnx a lot for your reply . Best rooting method for the Tab S 8.4 SM-T705?

currently there's only one method. cf-autoroot which... will make your knox counter 0x1 which mean your warranty is void in some country.

3820
mubeen491 said:
Thnx a lot for your reply . Best rooting method for the Tab S 8.4 SM-T705?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ta da: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/development/root-cf-autoroot-t700-t2805366

Did you guys get the microsd writing working with root+sdfix app? It doesn't work for me even though sdfix runs and says fix done. I also tried manually editing the settings file and I am on rom supersamsung v2 which is supposed to be fixed on rom level but nothing works! Which file manager are you using?
And the usb file transfer in either camera or media device doesn't work. I don't know if it is related. I have 128Gb card... I'm ordering original Sammy microsd now if it helps.
Sent from my SM-T805 using XDA Free mobile app

What does it says when they don't let u write to SD card?
I did the root and supposing using a rom that have the fix installed but I still can't download torrent files to my card, not sure faulty card or just fix not working.

Well basicall if I try to make a new folder or copy a file to extsd root it gives an error msg or restricted access or what ever depending on app. I have used es file manager and other file managers.
Sent from my GT-I9506 using XDA Free mobile app

aitzo said:
Well basicall if I try to make a new folder or copy a file to extsd root it gives an error msg or restricted access or what ever depending on app. I have used es file manager and other file managers.
Sent from my GT-I9506 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same issue with my 8.4" wifi. Tweaking apps say that writing is enabled, but still not working. :crying:

same here. Spent hours to look for alternative solution but non avail. Sigh... those fixes app and platform.xml editing all done but still not working.
bought a Samsung EVO 64gb, but technically its useless now. Back to 16gb internal storage....WTFFFF

i have the same problem with scan disk SD card i tried Kingston and working fine

You can thank Google/Android for deciding user needs are irrelevant. The only way you are going to write to the external SD card on an unrooted stock ROM is use Samsung-provided tools like their lousy file manager and gallery. Third party apps are useless unless you are willing to root and ruin your warranty.