Database Info

Dev Question

How would one edit any of the .xml files without a schema file for control to un encrypt the .xml file? I have modified the ROM Im using as far as graphics and need to change the title bar or status bar fornt color. When I open the .xml file as I would normally, it is not readable. I am a 20 year web developer but this ROM stuff is all greek to me. If someone could point me in the right and correct way, I would be very thankful.
-Z

Help me out! editing XML file..

I just recently checked out LauncherPro beta, and i really like it, my only problem is that the shortcut icons arent really what I like.
All I want to do it edit the default_workspace.xml so that the target APKs for the shortcuts will be Phone, Messages, Gallery, and Browser. I've already edited the icons to reflect that.
I already decoded the binary XML, I just need to know how to re-compile it to a binary XML after editing.
Sorry guys, I'm a complete noob when it comes to any kind of coding... and thanks in advance
edit: I already read Stericson's sticky, but I either just didnt get it, or didnt see anywhere to re-compile a decompiled binary XML.

If you have used AXMLPrinter to decode XML, then no, you can't compile it back. It's for looking into XML files only, not for editing them as text.
AFAIK my apktool is only one tool, which gives you possibility to edit XML files easily:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=640592

AXML is what I used, but re-editing it is no problem. I tried using apktool, but it gives me a "java" is not recognized as an internal blah blah message.. I've googled it, and made sure the environment variables were correct also, just updated Java a couple hours ago as well.
edit: and oh, thanks for the reply.. it's the only one I've gotten so far between here and droidforums so far.

I don't really know, why you don't have java command set in your PATH - I think Java installer does it automatically :-/ You could find java.exe file on your disk and:
Add it to PATH - there are many arts about this in the internet.
Edit apktool.bat file to call java command using full path, i.e. replace "java" with something like: ' "C:\Program Files\Java\java.exe" '.
Don't use apktool.bat, call Java directly: ' "C:\Program Files\Java\java.exe" -jar %WINDIR%\apktool.jar d somefile.apk outdir '

Editing XML, extreme noob

Hey guys, i've spent a few hours searching while figuring out these new tools I've downloaded in hopes to modify some basic apk's. After successfully modifying the background image for the pandora widget, my intention's are to now expand the widgets width. To do so I understand I would need to modify the xml file associated to the widget, and this is where my trouble's lie.
From what I've gathered I've been able to decompile the binary xml file to regular xml using AXMLPrinter, after editing it there seems to be no hope in recompiling it to an android freindly xml file.
After a bit of searching i've learned most suggest using apktool to decompile the apk, edit the necessary xml files, and then recompile. From what I understand this is the most appropriate method for what I desire.\
The problem i'm having is that once I decompile the apk, all I find is "smali" type files, and not one single xml file. This is where i'm lost..
Thanks for any help in advance, and sorry for this stupid question, it seems that everywhere I search this is the part that is directly skipped over.

you will find the xml files in the /res folder

[Q] How to modify any android apk file?

I use Bluestacks 0.9.11.4119 . I Install android applications and games, from root folder (i.e. device/android/data/data) i copy all the folders to windows directory (i.e. publicfolder/pictures), now many of the apps or games have two type of similar files and i need to see what's inside of the files,
1st.- .so files and database files
2nd.- some of the files have no extension so if i open it on notepad then it comes in Alphanumeric symbolic format,i think its encrypted so i am not able to see even i have tried many language decrypter but failed
3rd.- how to dissemble the apk file and how to modify it.
4th.- how to read XML file of android apps, when i open it on notepad or Microsoft XML it shows error.
I want to learn something so please help me with these issues, and thank you for previous help

To edit any apk is necessary Apktool. Look this guide and try edit:
http://www.xda-developers.com/decompile-edit-and-recompile-in-one-tool-with-apk-studio/

gamer22881 said:
I use Bluestacks 0.9.11.4119 . I Install android applications and games, from root folder (i.e. device/android/data/data) i copy all the folders to windows directory (i.e. publicfolder/pictures), now many of the apps or games have two type of similar files and i need to see what's inside of the files,
1st.- .so files and database files
2nd.- some of the files have no extension so if i open it on notepad then it comes in Alphanumeric symbolic format,i think its encrypted so i am not able to see even i have tried many language decrypter but failed
3rd.- how to dissemble the apk file and how to modify it.
4th.- how to read XML file of android apps, when i open it on notepad or Microsoft XML it shows error.
I want to learn something so please help me with these issues, and thank you for previous help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In addition to apktool (thanks, @kaiodduarte), you're also going to need a good text editor (I use Notepad++), an archive manager (like 7zip or WinRAR), and the ZipSigner app for your device.

ИΘΘK¡€ said:
In addition to apktool (thanks, @kaiodduarte), you're also going to need a good text editor (I use Notepad++), an archive manager (like 7zip or WinRAR), and the ZipSigner app for your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for the advice but i have 1 worries
if the text file or a file is encrypted the how is notepad++ is going to help me..??

gamer22881 said:
thank you for the advice but i have 1 worries
if the text file or a file is encrypted the how is notepad++ is going to help me..??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will help you with actually being able to make edits to text files without screwing up all of the line endings and encoding.

[Q] Problem Modding APK

Hello guys,
I am modding an apk to bypass an update check.
I have this outdated APK that functions fine since the URL and query and site address remains same but whenever it checks for and update it crashes. The thing is the developer made it topnotch but since then left and his site was recently taken down so check update query crashes it totally. What I need to do is update just the one function where it brings up the GUI after start. Otherwise it keeps saying download update or crashes randomly at time of starting up.
Now I have been browsing for a day or two for all the tutorials and right now I`m hell lot of confused. I have downloaded many tools and dependencies but I dont know how to proceed. I will tell you guys what I have and what I need.
I have de-compiled the APK using "dex2jar", I had a .JAR file which I decomplied using JD-GUI-Windows now after saving source I have .ZIP file in which I made the necessary editing. Next I downlaoded APKTool.JAR and extracted resource files and XML files that can be read in text editor. Along with some .SMALI files.
Now I am not familier with SMALI language at all and editing in it seems rather complicated and on the other side I have the .JAR file that decomlied all the classes just fine.
MY QUESTION IS:
How do I recompile the files I have ? I have the main coding extraced using dex2jar so in java format and JD-Gui to in .ZIP files, and resources/XML files also decoded using APKTools. What do I do next to recompile the APK ?
In short I have plain text based java source code and plain text XML and other resource file. How do I recompile it ?