help: how to add removable apk to roms? - myTouch 3G, Magic Android Development

I wasn't able to find info about this until now. But I need to know how to make the apks I include in a rom removable. I guess, maybe, I have to copy into a different folder instead or /system/app. is it right?
thanks

you have to install it in data directory not in system directory. so data/app

ok, thanks, but, if it doesn't exist, should I create it?

no u should not create it because then it wouldnt be a proper directory for your rom, the rom may not recognize it, i think.
which rom are you on? most rom has a data directory, that is where third party apps are installed and where apps downloaded from the market is also installed

this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=556962&highlight=enomther

ok i see what u mean when there's no data directory. what you should test out first is go to market and download an app. then see where that app is install. see if it created a data directory or not. it should...

I had a look using root explorer, and there is a folder in the root called /data/app , and there inside are every installed apk, even the ones I installed by astro...
and there is another one called /data/data where I find folder of every app too
ANd another one called /data/app-private (there I found one apk that I downloaded from market.
I try to download a new one

Yup put your apks in data/app

on a related note, is there any way to flash unsigned ROMs? like if I want to drop .apk 's into the data folder of a rom before flashing?

The_Chrome_Coyote said:
on a related note, is there any way to flash unsigned ROMs? like if I want to drop .apk 's into the data folder of a rom before flashing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think no, but have a look for a program called autosign.
It very easy

NguyenHuu said:
Yup put your apks in data/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but it only appear in my phone,not in the files of the rom.
Anyway I'm going to ask enomther, the creator of the rom, maybe he can help me

joshuas_79 said:
but it only appear in my phone,not in the files of the rom.
Anyway I'm going to ask enomther, the creator of the rom, maybe he can help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok your running a reg rom system, thus meaning 1.5/1.6 non hero. i can teach you step by step on how to set up "signing .zip's". its super super convenient!! i promise and its not to hard. just pm me if you need help. its way way easier to flash a rom with whatever apk you want then to push them and hope you pushed them to the right spot.

Related

[Q] newb problem How to rezip a rom

I have googled this alot and have not found any helpful results. I have unziped a rom I like to remove some .apks and add some of the ones I always find myself re-installing. I also have been playing with the build.prop, and the framework. I'm not trying to steal anyones work I just want to have a fresh version of this rom when I go back to it (which I do about once a week). my intent would be to flash, enter my wifi and google passwords, and start using it. I know I can just do a backup and reinstall that, but this has been helpful with my trying to understand how to build a rom and what makes it work. My question being what are the steps to rezip this rom into a flashable update. I have tried dsixda kitchen with no luck, just reziping it, and some other dumb methods. What am I missing here? plz help thank you.
also don't think it matters but this is for a o.g. evo
we got same problem, i edited a working rom for galaxy y (adding and removing some apk) then i was like huh??? what to do next, tried zipping it but doesnt work. hope.someone will reply here.
Sent from my Nokia 3310 running ICS
The problem is the signature verification of the ROM. We sign the ROMS when we create them.
No idea what custom recovery you might use but there should be an option to disable it before you try flashing.
I hope this helps.
No I have cwm and I disabled signature verification, it still starts fine says updating than immediately says its failed
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I also just have it in the folders it unzips in then inside a folder and I just zip that folder is that not right I don't know lol hope someone can help
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
That's what's wrong. You can't zip an entire ROM as a folder then zip that folder. Doesn't work that way.
Open a ROM. See how its packed. You'll have a system folder, data, sdcard perhaps. But that's how you package it.
This isn't as easy as you think. You can't just hack stuff up and expect it to work if you don't do it properly.
MattCrystal said:
That's what's wrong. You can't zip an entire ROM as a folder then zip that folder. Doesn't work that way.
Open a ROM. See how its packed. You'll have a system folder, data, sdcard perhaps. But that's how you package it.
This isn't as easy as you think. You can't just hack stuff up and expect it to work if you don't do it properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I'm leaving the folders inside the ROM intact. everything is in a folder with all the folders ( data folder, META-INF folder, system folder ect..., and the boot image inside that single folder and then I am ziping all those items in the folder into a zip. I just can't get it to flash it starts then after a second of installation it says aborted.
sknight13602 said:
No I'm leaving the folders inside the ROM intact. everything is in a folder with all the folders ( data folder, META-INF folder, system folder ect..., and the boot image inside that single folder and then I am ziping all those items in the folder into a zip. I just can't get it to flash it starts then after a second of installation it says aborted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Zip up the ROM you want. Take that ROM to the kitchen then build it again. Try that. Sign it and everything. If you want a walk through PM me and ill give you my gtalk address.
sknight13602 said:
No I'm leaving the folders inside the ROM intact. everything is in a folder with all the folders ( data folder, META-INF folder, system folder ect..., and the boot image inside that single folder and then I am ziping all those items in the folder into a zip. I just can't get it to flash it starts then after a second of installation it says aborted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After reading this more I'm still understanding that the data and meta, system folders are in a folder, then that folder is zipped.
This is incorrect way to package it. The data, meta, system etc needs to be zipped all together as one. Not in a folder that is zipped. Make sense? Hope this explains more.
I'll try that I guess Mabry them all being in a folder is the prob I hope thanks man
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Yup. Let me know if you need anymore help and if that works for you.
MattCrystal said:
After reading this more I'm still understanding that the data and meta, system folders are in a folder, then that folder is zipped.
This is incorrect way to package it. The data, meta, system etc needs to be zipped all together as one. Not in a folder that is zipped. Make sense? Hope this explains more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol so I find this funny but after some research I found that their were some commands in my update script I was leaving in that needed to be removed because I was removing the apk from the rom but it was looking for them and causing errors so after all my headaches it was something simple that'll teach me not to mess with something that aint broke
just tryed to flash it and now after it almost finished flashing I got
"update sdcard/romname/blah blah. failed"(status 6)
does that mean anything to you besides that I messed something up?
I playing with a sense 3.5 rom on a gb 2.3.5 base. Is their an easier rom to play with thats is more user freindly for a newb? mabey takeing the original ruu and tweaking that? I just want to start somewhere and develop my skills.
sknight13602 said:
just tryed to flash it and now after it almost finished flashing I got
"update sdcard/romname/blah blah. failed"(status 6)
does that mean anything to you besides that I messed something up?
I playing with a sense 3.5 rom on a gb 2.3.5 base. Is their an easier rom to play with thats is more user freindly for a newb? mabey takeing the original ruu and tweaking that? I just want to start somewhere and develop my skills.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
k I got it now thnx for your help MattCrystal
Your welcome. Every phone works a little differently but get used to having problems and fixing them. Part of the struggle. And to me the fun. I love troubleshooting.
i think just open the zip (not unzip it)..
when dialog box open,,you can choose the apk or the others you want to delete..
if you want add somthing to zip,,just open the folder location you want add that,,and than drag n drop the file(s)..
thats it..
than close the dialog box..
winrar will ask you to save the change or not,,choose,,save..
its work for me..
P.S.
use the rom by yourself..
as your personal rom..
if you want to publish it,,ask the permit from the devs..

[Q] Is it ok to delete apk files after installation? Please read further.

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?
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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

Way to "pre-install" apps for new ROMs?

So now that I've jumped into trying new ROMs, aside from Titanium Backup and the like, is there a way I can "pre-install" apps/apks much like slipstreaming a Windows install?
A lot of the basic stuff that I'll download immediately (maps, drive, chrome, facebook, etc) - I have the apk files...can I just open up the ROM's zip file and insert them into data/app or system/app? If I just back up everything via TB, is it just the same?
Place it in system/app then when you flash it you will have those apps pre-installed.
Evi1Yoda said:
So now that I've jumped into trying new ROMs, aside from Titanium Backup and the like, is there a way I can "pre-install" apps/apks much like slipstreaming a Windows install?
A lot of the basic stuff that I'll download immediately (maps, drive, chrome, facebook, etc) - I have the apk files...can I just open up the ROM's zip file and insert them into data/app or system/app? If I just back up everything via TB, is it just the same?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
copy apk files only in /data/app because /system/app is reserved from system applications and /system partition doesn't have to much space or you'll be overwhelmed also don't forget to sign .zip file -your rom if not CWM will refuse to flash it also to sign .zip archive take a look at this post
hmm...is there any way to get the apk's from the phone? Can i copy them from data/app from my phone and then put them in the rom zip file?
z3nith66 said:
hmm...is there any way to get the apk's from the phone? Can i copy them from data/app from my phone and then put them in the rom zip file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.
Nice, thanks guys. I'll give it a shot tonight on a new ROM and see if it helps cut down on installation/download time.
Evi1Yoda said:
Nice, thanks guys. I'll give it a shot tonight on a new ROM and see if it helps cut down on installation/download time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck mate! :good:

[Q] Recover data from previous rom

Installed new rom, need to restore system app from old rom. Is it possible without a backup of the system App?
warlock5 said:
Installed new rom, need to restore system app from old rom. Is it possible without a backup of the system App?
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Click to collapse
Nope! And even if u do, it might not work on the new ROM. Try asking the person on that ROM to extract it for u.
Lifehacker7 said:
Nope! And even if u do, it might not work on the new ROM. Try asking the person on that ROM to extract it for u.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are a bit wrong there. Do you still have the install package (.zip) for the rom? If so, download WinRAR.
Now open the zip, and open system. Open app, and copy out the .apk for the app you want.
Hope this helps!
Johnsmith41junk said:
You are a bit wrong there. Do you still have the install package (.zip) for the rom? If so, download WinRAR.
Now open the zip, and open system. Open app, and copy out the .apk for the app you want.
Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya. That's possible. I just told in other way to get it from someone else who has it!

[Q] Settings-->Themes

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

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