New Captivate guide coming soon! - Captivate General

As you all know the Pimp my Captivate guide is rather old. Systoxity's original version of the guide is from just days after the phone came out. That said, a new one was needed so I am creating a new one. If you could can you please tell me what guides you would like added? An added bonus if you can write that section yourself and PM it to me.
Stay tuned it should be ready in the next couple days. But I really need your help writing sections. Don't worry you will receive proper credit. I still retain the right to make changes though so don't be surprised if your section is not word for word what you wrote.
I will post the guide on the forum for download as soon as it is finished and hopefully this one stays up to date longer then the last.

Make sure to included unleash the beast
And the battery circle mod
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

The unlock tutorial
the original is here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7776555&postcount=1
But, I created a guide with pictures with the alternative adb command, for the users that experience problems loading the original script, along with an update to the original guide that makes it function as intended.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=761408

Bowsa2511 said:
The unlock tutorial
the original is here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7776555&postcount=1
But, I created a guide with pictures with the alternative adb command, for the users that experience problems loading the original script, along with an update to the original guide that makes it function as intended.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=761408
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am I allowed to use the pictures?

I am not going to include unleash the beast because it is all in one and not everyone wants ALL of those things.

Pre-release version
I have create a pre-release version. If you would like to tell me what I should add etc. that would be great. Yes, I know the table of contents is out of order I am fixing that in a new release.
http://www.multiupload.com/1H5UNU5OUG

nbs11 said:
I have create a pre-release version. If you would like to tell me what I should add etc. that would be great. Yes, I know the table of contents is out of order I am fixing that in a new release.
http://www.multiupload.com/1H5UNU5OUG
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guide is beautiful. You can add recommended apps as well.. and if you're cool enough have QR codes and maybe pictures of each recommended app
That's if you're up for that type of work..
IE. Beautiful Widgets, D: XDA app hehe.
and you can also maybe talk about upgrading stock firmwares .. JH3 of somesort all in all it's very superb!

This does not list instructions for removing AT&T market restrictions. Is that no longer needed? Thanks for putting this together.
-mm

mm1983 said:
This does not list instructions for removing AT&T market restrictions. Is that no longer needed? Thanks for putting this together.
-mm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is still needed, but I forgot.

Related

[REQ] Input for new video. Tell me what YOU want!

Greetings All!
With the onslaught of questions and concerns that have been directed at me, I have decided that there may be a few items that would need to be addressed in an additional video. I am looking for input from you, my viewers, as to what you would like me to cover.
I have already decided that I am going to go over the installation of khalpower's new v2 and I will step through the usability and features of it. I will also discuss the differences between the versions out there, and what patches are. I can discuss the differences between apps2sd, link2sd, and all of that stuff. I will also probably give me own opinions as to what everyone SHOULD be running, and what I deem to be the perfect setup.
I encourage you to speak up in this thread and tell me what you need from a new video. Obviously, YouTube restricts me to 15 minutes per video, so if I need to, I can always do more than one. I was originally going to make a new video tomorrow, but I decided that I would give the XDA community a chance to give me your thoughts first.
Try to be coherent, and if something has already been requested, request it anyway. The more requests for a specific subject, the more likely it will be covered.
With your input, and my mad editing skills, I hope to help as many of you as possible with this new series of video.
Let the requests begin!
Really thorough instructions so that even a girl like me can follow through.
Beako said:
Really thorough instructions so that even a girl like me can follow through.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knights everywhere suit up! Rescue the poor hapless girl from the horrors of technology!
ಠ_ಠ
Setup of apps2ext or link2sd
pleeease explain the setup for the khalpowers apps2sd, there have been so many versions and setups directions. The choices don't help either, this will hopefully make everything clear for us noobs! your 8 min tutorial and instructions helped me start out. So thanks again for all your hard work sometimes we forget how hard it is to figure things out the first time, now looking back, it seems to be a breeze.
Mioze7Ae said:
Knights everywhere suit up! Rescue the poor hapless girl from the horrors of technology!
ಠ_ಠ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, to this day, I'm still on stock 2.1 with App2SD. It's more of a MOTOROLA Y U LOCK BOOTLOADER issue for me.
Links2sd
your videos have been great.
A video walkthrough of how to activate links2sd would be superb. - conflicting information out there has me confused
....and like you said the differences between links2sd, apps2sd.. apps2ext etc... like which one is faster/ your recommendations
this may not be relevant or urgent but if it is...(if this still hasn't been fixed yet) sorting out the keyboard dictionary, my english version 2.1 one was brilliant but since 2.2 versions auto-correct has been hopeless
Much appreciated. your first videos helped a noob (me) improve his phone
Right now I'd like to see a clear tutorial for installing Khal's ROM (whatever version is current) and his honeycomb theme for that, since those are the things I'd like to do (though I may have already figured it out by the time you get the vid up) ).
EDIT:
Oh and if you could clear up if ROMs like Khal's can be installed over things like Mioze7ae's patch (currently running Dexter's 1.3 with Mioze7ae's patch .2) with no issue, that would be fantastic.
Thanks, it's great to have people like you on this forum.
How I do apply theme? I'm a bit confused. That video would be nice for beginners for me. Cheers!
Sent from my XT720 using XDA Premium App
I also vote for good apps2sd instructions!
side note: what is the best partition software for a mac?
would be nice to have good video explanation setup-Dexter-kal rom, patch, it's not always clear to everyone and everything .... thanks a video would be very appreciated.....sorry translation
Putting Things back as Was ..
REV -
I would like to see a video where we can back up a phone with all its content before say applying a new custom ROM. Then if the ROM doesnt work we can put the phone back to as it was. THis may then give a bit of security to people wishing to flash about etc knowing that they can put all back as was.
thanks
IronMit said:
your videos have been great.
A video walkthrough of how to activate links2sd would be superb. - conflicting information out there has me confused
....and like you said the differences between links2sd, apps2sd.. apps2ext etc... like which one is faster/ your recommendations
this may not be relevant or urgent but if it is...(if this still hasn't been fixed yet) sorting out the keyboard dictionary, my english version 2.1 one was brilliant but since 2.2 versions auto-correct has been hopeless
Much appreciated. your first videos helped a noob (me) improve his phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just realised your previous videos on using gparted etc has enough information for those wanting to use link2sd on khals Rom. So all one would have to do is follow those directions- add a 'Link2sd' folder instead of an 'apps' folder and flash the Rom like in your dexter videos.
Tell me if i'm missing any key steps so i'l wait for your video!
cheers
moved to General, as some people are unable to reply in DEV
AllGamer said:
moved to General, as some people are unable to reply in DEV
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I hadn't thought of that.
I think a video on installing open androidiani flashing a ROM and an update... just an idea.. seems to be the current newbi question...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1011882
It doesn't look like there are very many requests here.
I've just gotten back from holiday and will be creating new videos this week.
Stay tuned.
backing up using nandroid and how to reboot into nandroid when booting from a power off situation, such as a crash.
I just wanted to thank you, first of all. Your videos have been great for me since I am also a Cincinnati Bell customer. I loved my first smartphone (BB Curve) for the email and flexibility it gave me as a small business owner, but Cincy Bell was no longer offering a large screen BB and I was having trouble reading email and web on the small Curve screen, so I got the XT720. Once I realized the memory limitations of Eclair, I set out to find a way to get Froyo on my XT720 and your vids were perfect for me.
reverendkjr said:
I will also probably give me own opinions as to what everyone SHOULD be running, and what I deem to be the perfect setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I want to see, but if there is a way for you discuss the best setup for performance, battery saving, and a good mixture, I'm up for that too since it seems to be the one common downfall for just about every large screen smartphone owner.
reverendkjr said:
It doesn't look like there are very many requests here.
I've just gotten back from holiday and will be creating new videos this week.
Stay tuned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear. I was actually going to try and figure out how to do it, but I prefer being lazy and watching your walkthroughs so I decided to wait (+it does have the added benefit of making my phone less likely to explode).
The steps to disable the default app2sd and the set up of the Link2sd.

[Rom] Ics Nexus / Sdk Port [Alpha2]

Moved Here
Also a notice to the Admins, Mods, and various users at this site:
My personal email address is not to be used to mock, insult, or otherwise argue points made on this forum. The comments made here, despite how offensive they may be interpreted, do not hold a serious tone. If you feel it necessary to send things to my personal address, please have spine to use your own return address. Please respect the fact that I do not invade your personal life by keeping my comments restricted to this site, and I only request I am granted the same common decency.​
Wow, haven't seen you in a long time. Thank you for giving this a shot! : )
RjsShadows said:
Wow, haven't seen you in a long time. Thank you for giving this a shot! : )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems that in some alternate reality it is acceptable to assume that "in your spare time" means cancel all of your plans and get used to fluorescent lighting because daylight is just the glare on your computer screen. Either way, I am downloading some 2 gigs of random ICS stuff and finally received my replacement Macbook, so between projects I will try to get something moving on this.
You rock! Subscribing.
Right now all I have is the sdk version from RootzWiki, which appears was a post of just the modified boot. I have a few Nexus4g builds that claim to work. I have a rebuilt boot image and I am trying to pack all of it together and see what happens so I know where to start.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
twistedumbrella said:
Right now all I have is the sdk version from RootzWiki, which appears was a post and abandon build. I have a few Nexus4g builds that claim to work. I have a rebuilt boot image and I am trying to pack all of it together and see what happens so I know where to start.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sick, i'm really looking forward to this. Don't overwork yourself though
twistedumbrella said:
Right now all I have is the sdk version from RootzWiki, which appears was a post and abandon build. I have a few Nexus4g builds that claim to work. I have a rebuilt boot image and I am trying to pack all of it together and see what happens so I know where to start.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am guessing these first ports will be very alpha due to no real software from google to work with?
Thread cleaned (and it's only a few hours old).
If you have nothing useful to say, DON'T bother posting...
the_scotsman said:
Thread cleaned (and it's only a few hours old).
If you have nothing useful to say, DON'T bother posting...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did I miss? Did the angry beavers try to build another dam? I fell asleep waiting for the new mac to migrate from the old one. Now that everything is moved over I can actually load up what I have and at least move a little closer to posting actual files to play with.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
Real deal? Did source drop and only for you? Cause otherwise this is just another non-working SDK port.
doug piston said:
Real deal? Did source drop and only for you? Cause otherwise this is just another non-working SDK port.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess if you didn't see the previous thread, which was more or less a rick-roll youtube video that said it isn't possible to get anything running, then an understandable first reaction is to make rude comments...
But if you read the thread you are responding to, you would have seen that on the Nexus it is a working build, capable of being used as more than just a proof-of-concept. Then again, I don't expect people to read these days because they are too busy writing...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1313337
http://forums.androidcentral.com/sprint-nexus-s-4g-rooting-roms-hacks/127806-rom-ics-sdk-port-wip.html
Best leave the developing to the developers and stop back when there is something to load up and complain about
So getting an SDK port working on a Nexus S is the same as getting it to run on the ThunderBolt?
I'm not saying it isn't possible though I highly doubt it will work. I'm saying don't call it the "Real Deal".
doug piston said:
So getting an SDK port working on a Nexus S is the same as getting it to run on the ThunderBolt?
I'm not saying it isn't possible though I highly doubt it will work. I'm saying don't call it the "Real Deal".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is real ICS development, and not a prank so it is as the title says "ICS Development (Real Deal)"
And no, getting a port working on the Nexus S is not the same as getting it to work on the Thunderbolt, which is why there isn't a file in that first post yet. I think you are assuming that the only thing available is the SDK image, though, when the full system dump is out there also.
My previous statement still stands.. Why don't you go shake down some kids for their script source, and come back when there is something here to test.
thatdudebutch said:
Posting threads with no content seems ridiculous. Why not work on the port rather than type sentence after sentence of nonsense in here. Just saying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do know downloads, packing, transferring, uploading, etc do run in the background right? I remember back when threads like this rallied up support and assistance instead of whatever you call what you're doing... For the record I am waiting on a data wipe and a lot of stuff is still installing since the computer only came yesterday.
I can just toss up every little edit I test and brick phones all day long, or I can document the process and release when it hits milestones. That way I can catch input along the way and prevent a lot of wasted time.
Just swapped the boot on the posted Nexus build, changed over all the apn info, and added in all the keylayout and hardware files. Going through and finding everything that needs to be swapped for a straight port, then if it runs I will post up the progress.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
twistedumbrella said:
You do know downloads, packing, transferring, uploading, etc do run in the background right? I remember back when threads like this rallied up support and assistance instead of whatever you call what you're doing... For the record I am waiting on a data wipe and a lot of stuff is still installing since the computer only came yesterday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whether you get anywhere or not, good luck
Nothing wrong with doing something just for the challenge of having said you did it and the experience.
I am glad to see someone putting some real effort into getting an ICS port going. And appreciate you posting your progress here along the way. I'm interested in seeing how you get where you get.
Good Luck
As already mentioned, this thread is for relevant discussion of the upcoming port.
If you have nothing constructive to contribute then keep it to yourself.
No *****ing and whining about the probable lack of functionality, no pestering for ETA's and no petty personal playground nonsense.
No more warnings​If this goes off topic again then there will be repercussions​.
conantroutman said:
As already mentioned, this thread is for relevant discussion of the upcoming port.
If you have nothing constructive to contribute then keep it to yourself.
No *****ing and whining about the probably lack of functionality, no pestering for ETA's and no petty personal playground nonsense.
No more warnings​If this goes off topic again then there will be repercussions​.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. The good news is that I have a shopping list of what has been changed to go from sdk to working port. The bad news is that I also have a project due Thursday that I need to actually spend some time with.
For anyone with the sdk build, make sure before even trying to run it that you replace all the /system/bin files that just say toolbox with real files or set up symlinks for them. Busybox also needs to be added/replaced in /system/xbin
This will get that version to where you can run logcat and see the EGL errors, but it will also be in a condition to start tweaking files to get the touchscreen running.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
I can't waaaaiiiitttt!!
Take as much time as you need! Your life is more important than this.
I am uploading what I have, but not because it is a huge step forward. I fixed all the commands and added the files that should fix the touchscreen, but didn't on this device.
This is still a step forward from the base build we currently have. At least typing a command no longer results in "toolbox" being displayed instead of results. I reverted everything I tested to make sure the only test changes were absolutely necessary to provide a solid base. I will post a link as soon as it is up.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

Ideas and help for Noobs? Fresh to Root...Help?

Alright I am a total NOOB, to root. Yesterday I followed the instructions and successfully rooted my device. But now the curiosity rises in me, So if anyone can help me with these questions. and throw other suggestions out there for me and help me out with instructions or even just simple ideas and tutorials for anything that would be great.
Now that I am rooted I am curious as to some good Free (for now until I can get my card loaded with some money to get more apps that are paid) ((so free and paid would be good to list, but for right now mostly free)) root apps? I have seen a few but I am not to sure which ones are good to download or which would be good apps to use. Definitely a good Overclocking Underclocking app =) I would like to push this thing and also have the ability to have a little more of a power saver when I'm just doing things at home and such.
Side Note: I did download Meta Morph & Ad Free. for Meta Morph does anyone happen to have a link maybe a tutorial site for how to actually use it or anything having to do with that? Maybe even a forum link on it?
This is my last question for now. Kind of stumped due to how many there actually are listed throughout the web for the device I am using Samsung GS2 Skyrocket. Can anyone list any ROM's that they would recommend to try out on this device. I'm looking for something smooth that has been around for sometime and has more than one development project? (but ultimately I am waiting on a Jelly Bean leak for this device =).)
I Thank all of you who can help me in advance and Thank the person who posted the original root for the leak and root on ICS 4.04 for this device. it was a big help and a great success. Everyone have a wonderful day. and thank you again. hope someone can help me =)
Paulk1989 said:
Alright I am a total NOOB, to root. Yesterday I followed the instructions and successfully rooted my device. But now the curiosity rises in me, So if anyone can help me with these questions. and throw other suggestions out there for me and help me out with instructions or even just simple ideas and tutorials for anything that would be great.
Now that I am rooted I am curious as to some good Free (for now until I can get my card loaded with some money to get more apps that are paid) ((so free and paid would be good to list, but for right now mostly free)) root apps? I have seen a few but I am not to sure which ones are good to download or which would be good apps to use. Definitely a good Overclocking Underclocking app =) I would like to push this thing and also have the ability to have a little more of a power saver when I'm just doing things at home and such.
Side Note: I did download Meta Morph & Ad Free. for Meta Morph does anyone happen to have a link maybe a tutorial site for how to actually use it or anything having to do with that? Maybe even a forum link on it?
This is my last question for now. Kind of stumped due to how many there actually are listed throughout the web for the device I am using Samsung GS2 Skyrocket. Can anyone list any ROM's that they would recommend to try out on this device. I'm looking for something smooth that has been around for sometime and has more than one development project? (but ultimately I am waiting on a Jelly Bean leak for this device =).)
I Thank all of you who can help me in advance and Thank the person who posted the original root for the leak and root on ICS 4.04 for this device. it was a big help and a great success. Everyone have a wonderful day. and thank you again. hope someone can help me =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, here is original thread for NinjaMorph made by author of that app ( MetaMorph has the same author)
if you get free app from Market this is very limited you can only change images in framework-res.apk also you need to use a PC to finish your job finally NinjaMorph/MetaMorph is used to compile files in apk if you want to do something do it from scratch or use a tool like APK Manager
also try Ultimate Online Theme Kitchen this make a good job for you just upload framework file ..
do not forget the gold rule: do a nandroid backup before editing system files/framework
What I have
Paulk1989 said:
Alright I am a total NOOB, to root. Yesterday I followed the instructions and successfully rooted my device. But now the curiosity rises in me, So if anyone can help me with these questions. and throw other suggestions out there for me and help me out with instructions or even just simple ideas and tutorials for anything that would be great.
Now that I am rooted I am curious as to some good Free (for now until I can get my card loaded with some money to get more apps that are paid) ((so free and paid would be good to list, but for right now mostly free)) root apps? I have seen a few but I am not to sure which ones are good to download or which would be good apps to use. Definitely a good Overclocking Underclocking app =) I would like to push this thing and also have the ability to have a little more of a power saver when I'm just doing things at home and such.
Side Note: I did download Meta Morph & Ad Free. for Meta Morph does anyone happen to have a link maybe a tutorial site for how to actually use it or anything having to do with that? Maybe even a forum link on it?
This is my last question for now. Kind of stumped due to how many there actually are listed throughout the web for the device I am using Samsung GS2 Skyrocket. Can anyone list any ROM's that they would recommend to try out on this device. I'm looking for something smooth that has been around for sometime and has more than one development project? (but ultimately I am waiting on a Jelly Bean leak for this device =).)
I Thank all of you who can help me in advance and Thank the person who posted the original root for the leak and root on ICS 4.04 for this device. it was a big help and a great success. Everyone have a wonderful day. and thank you again. hope someone can help me =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a complete and utter noob as well, just rooted my tf300 last night actually. The app I'm using for overclocking is EZOverclock, however all it's doing is overclocking it doesn't have the features I was looking for (managing battery and such). Depends on what app supports your device and also some of the best rooted stuff may not be in the marketplace.
I also got Voodoo OTA Rootkeeper so I can receive updates and possibly not lose root. Titanium Backup to manage apps, remove anything I deem "bloatware". And of course the most essential was Sixaxis controller so I can use my ps3 controller for gaming.
Course I'm a noob and I just got some of the apps just to get the job done until I find something better.

Semi Easy Rooting Guide - Complete Detailed Steps

I was a child and don't need proof of it lmfao. Rip hero cdma on that note.
megaghostgamer said:
Hey hater grow a pair of balls and show yourself and stop hiding in the bushes rating my threads 1 star like the lil sin you are. Get over it stop hating on others cause you can't develop for yourself or make good threads. Your probably just a little kid with no life starring at the computer screen all day. Prove me wrong and post like a real person If not just goes to show who you really are :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not going to rate the thread, its good, but definitely not SUPER EASY, thats fixable however, as its just how the guide is setup which detracts from being SUPER EASY...
Numbers/Letters for steps, more spacing, less run-ons in sentence structure...
XDA is a site thats supposed to be for developers but id hazard a guess and say 95%+ are USERS and probably 95% of that 95% are only here from hap-hazard links from other sites and/or google search's and will get lost in your guide...
Dont misunderstand me, after being here on XDA it was EASY for ME to understand, but probably not for the majority of people.
NEEDLESS TO SAY, thanks for a great guide, its nice to see a refresh for the "how-to" guides every once in a while (yearly?)
ROM Manager won't install on the latest OTA of the HTC Hero by Sprint. Making this essentially a root-only guide. Unless by some chance it has not been updated.
DizturbedOne said:
ROM Manager won't install on the latest OTA of the HTC Hero by Sprint. Making this essentially a root-only guide. Unless by some chance it has not been updated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This guide was late to the game.
There's a older version of cwm that works that's been posted several times, even recently.
Or just use "flash_image."
I read the wiki and I'm fine.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
I don't quite follow... he wrote this guide two months ago. It's OK, but I'd take a more remedial approach. I may submit my own, one that I crafted to help me through the process last year. There's definitely older ways to do things and newer ones as well, the newest being more straightforward.
As for the Hero, the later ROM published by Sprint blocks you from replacing the bootloader. You have to manually flash an earlier version of the Sprint ROM (2.27.651.5). Some enterprising folks have simplified it by creating an EXE that does it all, found HERE.
cytherian said:
I don't quite follow... he wrote this guide two months ago. It's OK, but I'd take a more remedial approach. I may submit my own, one that I crafted to help me through the process last year. There's definitely older ways to do things and newer ones as well, the newest being more straightforward.
As for the Hero, the later ROM published by Sprint blocks you from replacing the bootloader. You have to manually flash an earlier version of the Sprint ROM (2.27.651.5). Some enterprising folks have simplified it by creating an EXE that does it all, found HERE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had my hero for ages ever since it was released I didn't know htc locked the bootloader. I'm getting tired of them doing that but this is the guide I used when I rooted my hero and I don't know why cwm is only available to 2.2+ ill have to post the apk. Sorry I haven't been around. As you see I have 3 other devices to maintain which is my signature.. The hero just so happens to be my slowest which isn't good. I love the hero don't get me wrong it has the best feeling on the outside. I mainly port ics/jb which hero doesn't play nice with. I have to release some roms over here soon
Sent from my VS920 4G using xda premium

[THEMERS][ATTENTION REQUIRED] Minimum Theme Quality Control [RESEARCH CONCLUDED]

Hi All
For a while I've being trying to learn the art of themming by example. Like Curious George, I try browsing the diverse works and learn from them. Unfortunately I've found some glitches that could be corrected with simple and quick actions.
Let's see one example extracted from a "XDA Recognized Themer" distribution package:
ZIP Size: 117 Mb
Unpacked: 144 Mb
"Thumbs.db": 132 files accounting for 77 Mb
53% of the distribution are useless junk files that are being flashed on users devices. This is wrong!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We all know that themming is hard, laborious and a huge time consuming. Nevertheless is important that we do take care about what we are distributing. There are cases too where graphics that never existed on that app are being injected.
My shallow knowledge on android app's don't give me any authority to say but it I wonder if this injections are increasing the apps footprint on memory/caches slowing down the systems.
Addendum 1
The increase of app's size has been already corroborated with this experiment. At moment, lasts the question if this can be harmful indeed. For devices with limited memory space, wouldn't this compromise the system performance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Addendum 2
As pat of the research, the following question was made and with the usual supportiveness, Master @JustArchi provided the final enlightenment to the matter
[KERNEL DEV ANALYSIS] Does 'Junked' APKs Affects Performance ?
JustArchi said:
APK is some kind of an archive, which contains precompiled source (classes.dex) and resources (resources.arsc and everything else).
Not-loaded parts of the archive (f.e. thumbs.db) are not affecting ram, neither performance because Android doesn't load them at all.
In the best scenario, apk may load a bit longer, but this "a bit" is less than 0.1 sec. This is ONLY due to uncompressing apk needed for loading classes and resources.
So yeah, mostly we're talking about storage space here.
Hope it helps .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Addendum 3
Motivated by this assumption, a tiny tool to help developers and users get their themes clean of these files, was developed:
[THEME][TOOL WIN][DEV & END-USER] The Dethumber™ Pro (as seen on TV)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Conclusion
As the matter were previously plainly unknown, just this shallow discussion has been suffice to enlighten the main points and create a piece of the knowledge base that future developers may consider useful.
We could determine that:
> "Thumbs.db" like files are been created by unnoticed themers using the Windows operating system and distributed inside their theme packages.
> Users are flashing these files without noticing their existence.
> Villain Flash System (vrtheme) is the most used tool by themers to distribute their works and, as expected, insert those files into the apk's regardless their previous existence. A fork project Universal Theme Flasher can the desired behaviour but ONLY if the UFT.config flag CLEAN_MORPHING is set to YES.
> As previously stated, what regard devices performance there is no perceivable compromise.
> Until the quality of the releases improves, the problem is restrict to storage and distribution sizes.
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So, if you really care about your "customers" please take this problem seriously. It won't take you more than 30 seconds to correct.
Source and Solutions to the problem:
Wikipedia: Windows thumbnail cache
What are Thumbs.db Files and Can I Delete Them?
How to Switch Off the Thumbs.db Image Cache File in Windows
Users: Please reinforce this information with your fellow Theme Developer to guarantee the quality of the work you are receiving. The voice of the customer can and will make the difference.
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Click to collapse
Nice regards and good work.
.
Kdio said:
"Thumbs.db": 132 files accounting for 77 Mb
53% of the distribution are useless junk files that are being flashed on users devices. This is wrong!
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I've already seen these files within several themes here on the forum ... I thought it was OK.
Will try to pay more attention on what I'm flashing on mu device.
Tks for the notice.
Just my two cents here....now a days a Theme is almost never for a single device. what is redundant to you is actually themable and frequently used in another phone, say the GN3.
Now, when a themer makes a theme, he won't work separately on SGS4 and the GN3, or the Xperia Z and the ZL,ZR etc. He will release a composite theme for all.
Heres my solution since you have taken so much pain to actually unzip and look into the themables, use some photo editing software (like paint.net, if you want a lightweight alternative) to chalk out the unneeded themed pngs and chuck them out (or delete them altogether) and then clear off the vr-theme data from your internal memory.
this is just my opinion.
and oh, another thing! the themers here are no "VENDORS".The themers devote time for "free" and mostly as a hobby. so, in case something is not liked, taking the theme and modifying to the liking is the optimal solution.
just my two cents, have been around xda for quite sometime and felt like something to be said here.
sorry if I bothered someone, didn't mean to.
regards,
Achyut.
Hi achyut
Tks a lot for your words. As a xda rule of thumb, this is and always will be an open discussion and every different opinion is important.
achyut said:
now a days a Theme is almost never for a single device. what is redundant to you is actually themable and frequently used in another phone, say the GN3.
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Click to collapse
This is not the central point but I'm really skeptical on submitting to my users things that will never be used. Just to illustrate, it's like you bought a brand new S4 and the seller gives you a wonderful S3 cover. What's for? That is junk for you and you will get rid of it as soon as possible. That's just my point and, as I've said, theming is difficult.
achyut said:
... since you have taken so much pain to actually unzip and look into the themables, ...
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Think you misunderstood me. I don't call it "pain". I call it learning.
achyut said:
use some photo editing software (like paint.net, if you want a lightweight alternative) to chalk out the unneeded themed pngs and chuck them out (or delete them altogether) and then clear off the vr-theme data from your internal memory.
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Click to collapse
I do prefer Gimp but I think that again you misunderstood me. I don't browse others themers works to copy. It's just learning. You may, if you wish, verify that on my attempts on theming.
achyut said:
and oh, another thing! the themers here are no "VENDORS".The themers devote time for "free" and mostly as a hobby. so, in case something is not liked, taking the theme and modifying to the liking is the optimal solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Third time but this is on me. I didn't quite made myself clear to you.
What I've meant about "Customers" is the approach you have with your users. The work I do here on xda is completely altruist as I do have the support from my outside paid Customers. Nevertheless, I do interact with my xda users as they were real Customers because as a 50 years old IT engineer, I can't deal with them differently (don't know how to). This is my point of view but isn't the main subject here.
If you could express yourself about the "Thumbs.db" files problem, I would be very thankful.
Nice regards.
.
@op (kdio):
I'll reply to you here instead of by pm (sorry I have no time for myself these days...)
The thumbs.db problem you've seen -where more than half the packaged theme data consists of those Microsoft thumbnails database files- is just plain unbelievable to me. How can someone -who is surely an experienced themer in making a 100MB+ theme- not realize this issue? I wonder.
Anyhow, I do agree to a certain extent with achyut in the sense we should not complain too much about stuff that is given to us for free. I'm not accusing you to do so, but posting this post at three different places on xda and addressing the issue in a general/public way might not be the best way to tackle the issue.
Btw, I remember while being at my very firsts steps in theming, I did post something very similar on a popular xda theme engine guide thread (I might have deleted it since though - will look for link later..) : suggesting the author to add a note on the OP about those files and how to remove them. Well, no one on that thread cared to reply/comment on it - like if it was a non-issue... So I gave up thinking that it only bothered me....
Themes are usually not open-source and are just shared "as is". They are also much easier to "inspect" than apks and having a look at/into whatever we install on our phones is surely a good practice and also always highly advisable... And so is accepting users' critics and bug reports positively for the themers/developers.
So that was going to be my suggestion to you anyway: whenever something like this is noted, it would be better to first try to see with the themer if this can be corrected. If that turns out to be unsuccessful or ignored, one could then try to ask a forum moderator and ask his/her view on it. Maybe, he/she can then add a special note/warning on the theme's OP or take any other action they might deem appropriate in the circumstances.
Again, I do not want to go against what you've done here; I understand that you have good intentions. But I think that there's no need to tackle this fight globally and singlehandedly; better go on a case by case basis.
The good news is that I believe that thumbs.db files will 'eventually' not be an issue with themes. I'd have to triple check this, but I believe that since I've switched to Windows 8, I no longer have to delete those files before compiling my personal theme and I haven't seen any such files within my signed apk either...
Anyhow, long answer for not much valuable input from me in the end, but that's how I see it anyway...
Good luck, happy new year and keep on theming!!
Cheers,
/AL
[to all: please do not full-quote my long posts - ty]
Hi @[] AL []
Thank you very much for yours valuable words. From my view it's a milestone reached.
Before posting here, For a long time I'm trying to elucidate this issue. My first action was on 30th July when I've posted this question regarding exactly the same issue. No answers (0). I've tried too PM's to the dev's and even posting in the respective threads. I've just got these effectless responses (same as you've did):
I mean no harm.
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Click to collapse
I don't see them.
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Click to collapse
Next step, as you've suggested, I've PM'ed 2 Recognized users (one was you) about the issue and this thread was only opened after I've been suggested to. Placed those 3 because S3 and S4 forums are where I have my relationships and it would be nice to the 'buddies'. Android Theme is the main. Nevertheless, there are only few cross-forum-readers in here so...
Please, be welcome to, if considered inappropriate, delete these threads. I, by myself, know what is happening and would never flash something like this on my devices. My main concern is with the ones with shallow knowledge that will continue blind to the matter. As we both had already experienced, no one is given a damn to it.
Just forgive an old man that after 28 years as a software developers struggling hard to create quality code, thought that the professionalism should had already permeated all the IT world. I was wrong.
Even if this thread goes off, please keep my sincerely thanks.
Nice regards.
.
OFF TOPIC
Just wanna place 2 question here to all IT workers ... no need for answers as this should be considered OT
- Call Can we really be foolish as this with IT resources ?
- Can't we learn a bit from the mess we did with the real life ?
Nice regards.
.
@Kdio:
Well, I didn't know that you did try to ask the themers and that they did nothing about it. Saying that they don't see them tells me that they must know ****e about many things... Might be worth to try again by explaining them how to show Windows hidden and system protected files this time....
I'm curious to see such a theme; any link you could give me?
Regarding the 3 identical posts, I do not care much about that; I've just mentioned it because this is part of xda guidelines and so is the one suggesting to not take matters in our own hands. Although, that last one is more intended for times when there are disagreements/arguments between users.
What I suggested you to contact a thread moderator, not recognised users. Recognized themers and contributors have no special authority or powers here; they're just regular users that have been nominated by their fellow members as 'special' participants. There is nothing more that they can do other than preaching by example...
To contact a mod, the easiest way is to view the incriminating thread on a desktop browser and hit the top right button "report" while on the OP. You can then explain what the issue is and see what the moderator will choose to do about it.
I checked again earlier while updating my theme, and again on Win8, I do not see any such files. Does that explain the answers you got from the themer? I don't know but that's one more reason why I'm curious to download such a theme to find out. But if the files are in there, I'd guess that they did use WinXP or something prior to Win8 anyway as those ought to be created before the theme is compiled....
I'm kind of worry though about the very few (and the kind of) responses you got; what would it be if it was malware included? People would also keep a blind eye? Scarry!! But I have to say that lately I did see a xda moderator closing down a custom rom thread until further revew over concerns of included spyware/adware... So my suggestion still holds and it shows they (mods) do care about (and can act upon) such issue...
Nevertheless, it's nice to see that some people worry about such issues (so thanks for that) and I hope that your journey will bring positive results... even if it has to be one themer at a time...
/AL
[] AL [] said:
Might be worth to try again by explaining them how to show Windows hidden and system protected files this time...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's at OP
[] AL [] said:
I'm curious to see such a theme; any link you could give me?
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Click to collapse
PM'ed you ... but it got worst ... now the distribution package is composed of 67% of those useless junkies
[] AL [] said:
What I suggested you to contact a thread moderator, ...
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Sent you a Moderator thread with those junkies too ... Should this be considered a dead end ?
[] AL [] said:
I checked again earlier while updating my theme, and again on Win8, ...
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Click to collapse
Sorry AL but I don't quite see this as an solution. Shall we wait untill then ?
[] AL [] said:
I'm kind of worry though about the very few (and the kind of) responses you got;
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I'm frighten dude. The 3 thread together sum 876 views and we've got only these replies here !!! The only themer that, al least, thanked the OP was @HS™ !!! (not even you !!! )
But I'm confident that, as the matter had never been openly addressed here on xda, at least now it has. Not for my profile but sure it will be good for the community.
And one more thought: One would never accept useless parts inside his device. This same one would never accept an app with junk code inside. Why themes should be different?
For a long time I've been seeing here on xda the incubation of great developers. So I ask myself how these theme designers are being prepared to the professional world. Will they, in their future works, act like that or this disregard for a minimum quality control is just the result of the gratuity?
Nice regards.
.
[] AL [] said:
I hope that your journey will bring positive results...
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Click to collapse
Hi [] AL [] and all
Just to let you all know that I've just released a tool to windows themers that somewhat can be useful on this matter:
[THEME][TOOL WINDOWS][FREE] The Dethumber™ Pro (as seen on TV)
Nice regards.
.
Hello mr. @Kdio
I see all your post since#1 and love your response and your objective to help everyone get rid of some junks away from their work (themer) or their phone (users)
Want to thank you for this. And hope you will keep on. I will tell all my friends to see this thread .
best regards..
pas2001 said:
Hello mr. @Kdio
I see all your post since#1 and love your response and your objective to help everyone get rid of some junks away from their work (themer) or their phone (users)
Want to thank you for this. And hope you will keep on. I will tell all my friends to see this thread .
best regards..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi pas2001
Your words are very appreciated and makes me believe that there will be some light at the end of the tunnel.
I've been following your amazing work with batts and boot animations so, these words coming from you are a real honour for me.
Thank you very much sir.
Nice regards.
.
There is a point that needs to be made here, while I agree that everyone wants to and should be flashing clean error free files, whether its PNG.9s or XMLS.........
BUT regarding "junk files" or files that are not needed, it doesn't really matter to much if your using VRTheme (which most of us do), this method will only flash files that match stock system files, you could have 100 useless PNGS for example but unless they match the stock ones they will simply be overlooked by the script and wont flash, this method causes way less errors and makes it almost universal too (excluding xmls of course).
A themer should really tidy his files up (no excuse for 100 files dragged over from another device theme for example) but the only real downside, apart from been untidy would be the actual size of the file and the extra unnecessary time it takes to download.
Just a side note, Im going to move this to general soon as only actual themes or apps are allowed in this sub forum.
Very nice topic thread though :good:
Hi Rixta
Thank you for your supportive words.
Rixsta said:
BUT regarding "junk files" or files that are not needed, it doesn't really matter to much if your using VRTheme (which most of us do), this method will only flash files that match stock system files, you could have 100 useless PNGS for example but unless they match the stock ones they will simply be overlooked by the script and wont flash, this method causes way less errors and makes it almost universal too (excluding xmls of course).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to suggest the below experiment:
1) Download View attachment Thumbs.Experiment.zip. It contains one lonely "Thumbs.db" file with 1 byte long inside SystemUI.apk\drawable\drawable-xxhdpi
2) Flash the file
3) After reboot, take a look at that folder inside SystemUI.apk.
Can you confirm the above behaviour ?
Looking at my devices result, unfortunately seems that vrTheme should but is not that smart.
Anything given to vrtheme will be injected regardless previous existence. As so, all those 'junk' (mostly Thumbs.db) files are indeed been flashed to users devices.
As I've said before, after working 28 years as a software developer, I'm unable to call this different than a severe error.
EDIT: (sorry ... this came to mind lately)
If your argumentation was valid, we will be unable to implement 1% battery awareness as vrtheme would not be capable of flashing the complimentary icons (1, 2, 3...) as they were not previously inside SystemUI. So, vrtheme is right and does what it's meant to.
EDIT 2: With the amazing help of @xxmrgreenxx starting here, he pointed out that Universal Theme Flasher can have the behaviour you've mentioned but ONLY if the UFT.config flag CLEAN_MORPHING is set to YES.
Rixsta said:
Just a side note, Im going to move this to general soon as only actual themes or apps are allowed in this sub forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would lead this theme matter to disappear under the ostracism but this is an moderator prerogative.
Nice regards.
.
i found 259 *.db files im my theme.
great, Thanks
aki-saar said:
i found 259 *.db files im my theme.
great, Thanks
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Click to collapse
wow
Kdio said:
Hi Rixta
Thank you for your supportive words.
I would like to suggest the below experiment:
1) Download View attachment 2552719. It contains one lonely "Thumbs.db" file with 1 byte long inside SystemUI.apk\drawable\drawable-xxhdpi
2) Flash the file
3) After reboot, take a look at that folder inside SystemUI.apk.
Can you confirm the above behaviour ?
Looking at my devices result, unfortunately seems that vrTheme should but is not that smart.
Anything given to vrtheme will be injected regardless previous existence. As so, all those 'junk' (mostly Thumbs.db) files are indeed been flashed to users devices.
As I've said before, after working 28 years as a software developer, I'm unable to call this different than a severe error.
EDIT: (sorry ... this came to mind lately)
If your argumentation was valid, we will be unable to implement 1% battery awareness as vrtheme would not be capable of flashing the complimentary icons (1, 2, 3...) as they were not previously inside SystemUI. So, vrtheme is right and does what it's meant to.
EDIT 2: With the amazing help of @xxmrgreenxx starting here, he pointed out that Universal Theme Flasher can have the behaviour you've mentioned but ONLY if the UFT.config flag CLEAN_MORPHING is set to YES.
This would lead this theme matter to disappear under the ostracism but this is an moderator prerogative.
Nice regards.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems your right, very good and valid points.
We're going to allow this thread to stay in this forum
Thanks again.
Rixsta said:
We're going to allow this thread to stay in this forum
Thanks again.
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Click to collapse
Please pin it too if possible mate.
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
pas2001 said:
Please pin it too if possible mate.
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't warrant a sticky at the moment, I will of course review this in due course.
Thank you

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