So if we used a symbolic link to store data/app and data/data on the sdcard instead of our phones, what would be the potential risk if we removed the sdcard after having done this? Would our phone go crazy and blow up or what? Would this not solve the problems of apps being stored on the phone's internal memory?
theres a discussion going on here
neerhaj said:
theres a discussion going on here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
One of the users on that forum said that a symbolic link would simply duplicate the information...is that correct?
Stericson said:
Thanks.
One of the users on that forum said that a symbolic link would simply duplicate the information...is that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unless this phone changes the way a symbolic link works that user is incorrect... Think of it like shortcuts on your desktop... it doesn't create a new program to display the shortcut... it just is a small file that tells the computer to run the real program. You could do the same but there needs to be a lot more work than just that. Basically the app is stored in data/app and the data is stored in data/data but then there are other files the program may have installed elsewhere and links may need to be done to quite a few different folders. Basically it will be messy... someone needs to make an app that installs to the sdcard
Ok, I thought he was wrong but I was just making sure....Do you know where the android market is storing all of its cache because the app is growing on my phone and I want to
A) reduce it by clearing the data
or
B) use a symlink to stop it from taking up space on my phone.
if I am not mistaken cache is in data/cache... I know that the /cache directory is a symlink to somewhere else. Forgot where thou.
Related
Noob question here, how do i make a backup on this phone? do i need to unlock bootloader? it was so easy on the hero lol
I am also wondering this. I have a new stock NS4G with 2.3.4. I would like to root it, but my understanding is that is only possible on 2.3.4 if I unlock the bootloader also... right? Which will wipe my data.
Is there ANY option I have to backup data while not rooted? Specifically some saved games I have... Plants vs Zombies and Cut the Rope... I've spent (wasted) way too much time on those games to lose my saves!
I think game data saves are stored in/data/data/
I'm not 100% on this. See if you can back that folder up. Again, I'm not 100% on this. Do your research and come back to confirm but im about 75% certain it's /data/data/ but don't take my word.
Hmm... using androzip on phone, I browse to /data and I see no contents. :-( But there are some other directories outside of SDcard that I can see contents. Weird.
You do have permissions to access the data files themselves, but you do not have permissions to see the folder contents. So you need someone rooted who has those games installed to give you the path and filenames for the save files. Then download terminal emulator and
cat /data/data/com.happy.gamex/subfolder/gamesave1.poo > /sdcard/backup/com.happy.gamex/subfolder/gamesave1.poo
Make sure the file copied correctly (the new one is not empty). Then backup the sdcard, as that will get wiped, too. After you root, play a couple levels so the game will recreate the save files. Then to put your info back:
cat /sdcard/backup/com.happy.gamex/subfolder/gamesave1.poo > /data/data/com.happy.gamex/subfolder/gamesave1.poo
Thanks for the info Max, that sounds promising. Very strange to have access permissions but not "see" permissions... never heard of that in my other computing experience. Now to find somebody to help me. I wonder if I can use SDK to install games there and see some directory structure in the emulated device to answer the question? I did a google search for Plants vs Zombies and found one guy saying it's impossible with that game, rooted or not... but I still want to find out for myself.
The111 said:
Thanks for the info Max, that sounds promising. Very strange to have access permissions but not "see" permissions... never heard of that in my other computing experience. Now to find somebody to help me. I wonder if I can use SDK to install games there and see some directory structure in the emulated device to answer the question? I did a google search for Plants vs Zombies and found one guy saying it's impossible with that game, rooted or not... but I still want to find out for myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'm having trouble installing PvZ on my virtual device, but I have some other things installed and would like to browse my device directories, but I think they are all buried in .img files in my virtual device on my Windows machine. Any tips on getting inside these .img files to look around?
The111 said:
Thanks for the info Max, that sounds promising. Very strange to have access permissions but not "see" permissions... never heard of that in my other computing experience. Now to find somebody to help me. I wonder if I can use SDK to install games there and see some directory structure in the emulated device to answer the question? I did a google search for Plants vs Zombies and found one guy saying it's impossible with that game, rooted or not... but I still want to find out for myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the way linux permissions work. If a folder has execute but not read permissions, you can access subfolders and files, but cannot read the folder contents. If one of the files in it has read access, you can copy it, even though you can't see the actual file listing.
Maximilian Mary said:
You do have permissions to access the data files themselves, but you do not have permissions to see the folder contents. So you need someone rooted who has those games installed to give you the path and filenames for the save files. Then download terminal emulator and
cat /data/data/com.happy.gamex/subfolder/gamesave1.poo > /sdcard/backup/com.happy.gamex/subfolder/gamesave1.poo
Make sure the file copied correctly (the new one is not empty). Then backup the sdcard, as that will get wiped, too. After you root, play a couple levels so the game will recreate the save files. Then to put your info back:
cat /sdcard/backup/com.happy.gamex/subfolder/gamesave1.poo > /data/data/com.happy.gamex/subfolder/gamesave1.poo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This appears to be untrue.
I finally found (via another forum) the complete path to one of the saved game files I was interested in:
/data/data/com.zeptolab.ctr/shared_prefs/CtrApp.xml
So I tried in terminal: "cat /data/data/com.zeptolab.ctr/shared_prefs/CtrApp.xml > /sdcard/test.xml"
result: "/data/data/com.zeptolab.ctr/shared_prefs/CtrApp.xml: Permission denied"
The111 said:
This appears to be untrue.
I finally found (via another forum) the complete path to one of the saved game files I was interested in:
/data/data/com.zeptolab.ctr/shared_prefs/CtrApp.xml
So I tried in terminal: "cat /data/data/com.zeptolab.ctr/shared_prefs/CtrApp.xml > /sdcard/test.xml"
result: "/data/data/com.zeptolab.ctr/shared_prefs/CtrApp.xml: Permission denied"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh... so frustrating. I want to upgrade to 2.3.5 rooted, and if I know for sure I have to lose these files, then I guess I'll lose them. But if there is any way at all to save them obviously I want to figure that out before I cross the point of no return...
hey guys i just wanted to ask something. Its possible to install apps via update.zip immediately after flashing ROM rite? I searched XDA and found this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=917922
but im not sure how to do it and anyway the meaupload link for that download is down. Btw since all my app data together is more than the data partition of the phone (>200mb), is it possible to make the apps link to my second partition of sd card via update.zip script or something? Hope u guys can help me!!
Does anyone know how to do this? if possible i think it would save a lot of time as when reinstalling via titanium backup. this way would be more hassle-free if possible.
So no one knows how to do this? ok then nvr mind i guess it must be too hard or something....
Why not just use an ext partition and app2ext?
Creating an update.zip is possible, but it's not very convenient. Esp keeping it up-to-date.
Mioze7Ae said:
Why not just use an ext partition and app2ext?
Creating an update.zip is possible, but it's not very convenient. Esp keeping it up-to-date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
srry if im asking a really dumb qn but does that mean that if u install apps to ur ext2 via link2sd, u dont have to install them again on new ROM?
App2ext is different from link2sd (but they both use ext partition.
In link2sd you usually create /sd-ext/link2sd folder, reboot and then use the Link2SD app to manually move apps to /sd-ext/link2sd. This is good if you want to mix apps on SD and internal.
In app2ext (which I'm suggesting) you instead create /sd-ext/app folder on sdcard and reboot. All your installed apps will be moved there from internal memory and new apps will be installed there automatically. They will still be there after you factory reset or install a new ROM. (To preserve application data you need something else such as titanium backup)
Ohhhhh. Thx a lot!! Ok I just wanna try a bit of programming that's why I asked how to make update.zip. haha. Anyway Thx!!
Sent from my XT720 using XDA App
androidlover123 said:
Ohhhhh. Thx a lot!! Ok I just wanna try a bit of programming that's why I asked how to make update.zip. haha. Anyway Thx!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can learn by studying the gapps package used by CM or any other update.zip. The "magic" is inside the META-INF folder. META-INF/com/google/android/updater-script has the installer commands that do things like mount /system and extract files, set permissions etc. The final step is to sign the update. OpenRecovery allows unsigned updates, but you should sign anyway even using testkeys--it forces a sha1 verification of the zip files to detect corruption before the update is applied.
Mioze7Ae said:
You can learn by studying the gapps package used by CM or any other update.zip. The "magic" is inside the META-INF folder. META-INF/com/google/android/updater-script has the installer commands that do things like mount /system and extract files, set permissions etc. The final step is to sign the update. OpenRecovery allows unsigned updates, but you should sign anyway even using testkeys--it forces a sha1 verification of the zip files to detect corruption before the update is applied.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oooh i can kinda understand the code in the updater-script. for eg: ui_print to print to screen, package_extract_dir to extract files to the directory in whatever folder u state. but what is the update-binary file?
The update-binary is the program that reads and executes updater-script.
Mioze7Ae said:
The update-binary is the program that reads and executes updater-script.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that something you must write yourself or something? Or just copy from other update.zips?
I just copy it. It's probably in the AOSP source somewhere but I've never looked.
Hi. I just found out that apk files are kept in the device after installation of the app.
I just recently downloaded a file explorer app and I found out that the apk files of the free games which I downloaded and installed from android market are kept in this folder:
/mnt/asec (I'm using Samsung Galaxy Ace)
There are individual folders for each game, and in each folder are a lib folder and the apk file. For example:
Fruit Ninja folder (which is found in mnt/asec folder) contains a lib folder and an apk file.
Fruit Slice folder (which is also found in mnt/asec folder) contains a lib folder and an apk file.
My question is, is it ok to delete these apk files? Will the games still work?
Also, can I send these apk files to someone else via bluetooth so they may download the apps without having to visit android market?
yeah you can delete the apk file after installing any app for it to still function, I do it all the time. Yes you can send the apk file to your friend so they can install it. If you're still cautious, try doing a trial run with one apk file...send it to your friend first, then delete, see if it works.
The .apk files are like setup files for windows. Once installed, you don't need the apk, especially if you are backing up with Titanium or similar backup program.
follow up question
Hi. Thanks guys.
Is everything from the android market ".apk"? Is it possible that some have a different extension? I downloaded a dictionary app, I can't be sure but I think it's a .zip file.
Thank you.
pakattack
I tried to delete the apk file. It cannot be deleted.
However, I copied it to my sd card, uninstalled the app, re-installed it using the one already in my sdcard, and it installed just fine.
I still want to be able to delete the apk file that is in the system though (/mnt/asec).
Any ideas or do I just have to deal with it?
sending .apk signed with another device
PakAttack1994 said:
yeah you can delete the apk file after installing any app for it to still function, I do it all the time. Yes you can send the apk file to your friend so they can install it. If you're still cautious, try doing a trial run with one apk file...send it to your friend first, then delete, see if it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with deleting it won't be a problem but sending to a friend?
sometimes I think there would be a message stating that its not sign
correctly.. correct me if I'm wrong Thank You
WillShaka, like I said, I tried to delete it. I can't. Not allowed.
I don't know why. I'm using ES File explorer
not sure if this works but have you tried unmounting the sd and delete?
WillShaka said:
I agree with deleting it won't be a problem but sending to a friend?
sometimes I think there would be a message stating that its not sign
correctly.. correct me if I'm wrong Thank You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, and I don't mean to veer out of topic (this question is often ignored in Q&A forum), if I use Odin to upgrade my stock firmware instead of using Kies, will it erase all my data? I have a feeling it will...
WillShaka said:
not sure if this works but have you tried unmounting the sd and delete?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried it. Doesn't work, but thanks for suggesting. =)
Yes, you can delete the APK after installation. But the APKs in /system/app/ need to stay where they are to function appropriately
MarlonKaye said:
Also, and I don't mean to veer out of topic (this question is often ignored in Q&A forum), if I use Odin to upgrade my stock firmware instead of using Kies, will it erase all my data? I have a feeling it will...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MarlonKaye said:
Just tried it. Doesn't work, but thanks for suggesting. =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes odin your phone would wipe out all the user and data status.
your welcome sorry I couldn't help
All-In-One Toolbox App
MarlonKaye said:
WillShaka, like I said, I tried to delete it. I can't. Not allowed.
I don't know why. I'm using ES File explorer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the All-In-One Toolbox app to automatically find and delete all .apk files. It also has an automatic backup and restore function for apps.
So my daragon city and messenger are in the apk files I don't know if its backed by another zip folder my tablet is the amazon fire so if I deleted the apk files that is downloaded for an android would my appe still work the same
There is this option called Themes in the settings menu. consider me a complete newbie and tell me how that works(Like does it help in changing themes if so how do I do it).
There is no option called themes on the stock Rom. What are you running?
blackuse said:
There is this option called Themes in the settings menu. consider me a complete newbie and tell me how that works(Like does it help in changing themes if so how do I do it).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A custom ROM dev may choose to add the new CM theme engine to his/her ROM. If you were to install a theme (via Play Store or .apk from XDA, NOT themes that you flash or where you modify files) you use the theme manager to use the theme.
Lethargy said:
A custom ROM dev may choose to add the new CM theme engine to his/her ROM. If you were to install a theme (via Play Store or .apk from XDA, NOT themes that you flash or where you modify files) you use the theme manager to use the theme.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice it works great !!. how do i add fonts to the system like change the whole system fonts
hi do u remember my pre question about my missing internal files i jst figured out that when i delete this folder "storage" all the files gets wiped out
only happens when i delete it through my comp, not able to see the file using any file explorer with in the phone and i have no idea of which app created that file
blackuse said:
hi do u remember my pre question about my missing internal files i jst figured out that when i delete this folder "storage" all the files gets wiped out
only happens when i delete it through my comp, not able to see the file using any file explorer with in the phone and i have no idea of which app created that file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Storage is an android folder and it contains links to tour /sdcard
Don't delete things of you don't know what they are
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
blackuse said:
hi do u remember my pre question about my missing internal files i jst figured out that when i delete this folder "storage" all the files gets wiped out
only happens when i delete it through my comp, not able to see the file using any file explorer with in the phone and i have no idea of which app created that file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You deleted a symlink that linked to your internal storage, thus it deleted everything. You can't see the symlink in a file explorer while in Android but while connected to a PC, you can.
https://www.google.com/#q=define+symlink
Lethargy said:
You deleted a symlink that linked to your internal storage, thus it deleted everything. You can't see the symlink in a file explorer while in Android but while connected to a PC, you can.
https://www.google.com/#q=define+symlink
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow never expected it to be so complicated. Does this symbolic link show up only in custom rom's, if no then normal users like myself would probably mistake it for an empty folder and delete it.
Thanks for the explanation.
blackuse said:
wow never expected it to be so complicated. Does this symbolic link show up only in custom rom's, if no then normal users like myself would probably mistake it for an empty folder and delete it.
Thanks for the explanation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It exists in any ROM. You shouldn't delete anything if you don't know what it is.
Sent from my Nexus 5
It isn't really that big of a deal, but just something weird. I noticed that all my stuff was gone from my file explorer. But it wasn't. It shows the "0" folder which contains all my files. But that file is supposed to be hidden right? And when I take a pic, it starts a new "camera" folder since it's technically empty in the new 0 directory. I had to move my TB folder from inside the "0" folder to the new directory.
Any fix for this? Or should I just put everything on my laptop and wipe internal?
Again, I have full SD access, I know people had issues from KK to L where they lost SD access. This isn't me lol it's just an inconsistency and all my app data is in the old directory, so I can't even continue progress on a game unless I move the folder to the new SD "root".
/sdcard is /data/media/0. Sounds like you have /data/media/0/0.
Knowing that, the fix is obvious
rootSU said:
/sdcard is /data/media/0. Sounds like you have /data/media/0/0.
Knowing that, the fix is obvious
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too bad people don't search before they post. I see tons of "sdcard problem" posts, and all they have to do is search and they will quickly find your thread in the general section. WTF?
upndwn4par said:
Too bad people don't search before they post. I see tons of "sdcard problem" posts, and all they have to do is search and they will quickly find your thread in the general section. WTF?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its common unfortunately.
This one is slightly different in that he has nested /0 folders which is much rarer. Perhaps I could add that.
Simple answer is move /data/media/0/0/* to /data/media/0
snappycg1996 said:
It isn't really that big of a deal, but just something weird. I noticed that all my stuff was gone from my file explorer. But it wasn't. It shows the "0" folder which contains all my files. But that file is supposed to be hidden right? And when I take a pic, it starts a new "camera" folder since it's technically empty in the new 0 directory. I had to move my TB folder from inside the "0" folder to the new directory.
Any fix for this? Or should I just put everything on my laptop and wipe internal?
Again, I have full SD access, I know people had issues from KK to L where they lost SD access. This isn't me lol it's just an inconsistency and all my app data is in the old directory, so I can't even continue progress on a game unless I move the folder to the new SD "root".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just go to terminal emulator and type in:
Su
restorecon -FR /data/media/0
It should be fixed after a reboot, worked for me.
Also to everyone else in this thread, cut op a break, it would be so much simpler to just post the solution instead of bashing op over how simple/easy it is.
N00TN00T said:
Just go to terminal emulator and type in:
Su
restorecon -FR /data/media/0
It should be fixed after a reboot, worked for me.
Also to everyone else in this thread, cut op a break, it would be so much simpler to just post the solution instead of bashing op over how simple/easy it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couple of points
1) I didn't bash the OP. I helped him
2) your fix is the fix to something else. Please read my /sdcard thread in general
rootSU said:
Its common unfortunately.
This one is slightly different in that he has nested /0 folders which is much rarer. Perhaps I could add that.
Simple answer is move /data/media/0/0/* to /data/media/0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct of course.
But a quick search would have landed them on your thread instead of floating around in Q&A.
upndwn4par said:
You are correct of course.
But a quick search would have landed them on your thread instead of floating around in Q&A.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've updated that thread to include this issue now too
rootSU said:
I've updated that thread to include this issue now too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your help
upndwn4par said:
You are correct of course.
But a quick search would have landed them on your thread instead of floating around in Q&A.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, his thread was the first thread I did look at, because I noticed a LOT of problems when coming from KK to Lollipop, however I was on stock Lollipop and flashed another Lollipop custom ROM. I searched, and seen absolutely nothing on my issue. I have SD files showing, and music still works, pictures still show, it's just the folders were misaligned.