Database Info

replacing framework-res.apk?

(basically im tryna put villians themed framework-res into sanpeis latest rom)
ok i found this ROM with a modded taskbar thing... the battery icon, 3g icon, etc were different.
i took the framework-res.apk from that rom and replaced it with the one already in my phone but now my phone wont pass the second flashscreen even if i leave it for half an hour.
wtf i checked the permissions of the new framework-res and made it to match the rest of the files in the system/framework folder but nothing changed
is it just not compatible?

if you change it it has to be from same style rom, if it's a legend rom you need one from legend rom, you cannot mix that easy hero and legend framework files

If the only thing you wish to change is those icons, then take both apk files apart with some compression tool(I know 7zip works), find the files that you wanna take from villains that are in res folder and copy them to res folder from sanpeis rom(ofc you need to put them in right folders, but when you open up res folder you'll know what to do. After you replaced those files, take all the files that were from start in sanpeis framework and the edited res folder and create a .zip file. Rename the file to framework-res.apk(no, the name shouldn't be xxxx.apk.zip, but you need to change the extension from zip to apk) and push it like you would normally do. Also you should probably want to know that the more compression, the more likely that the apk will fail So your best bet is to go with store. Good luck
Sent from my HTCMagic using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

You will have to sign your framework-res.apk using testsign.jar if you have made any changes to it.

Why would he need to do that if he's just going to push it?

klothius said:
Why would he need to do that if he's just going to push it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i just want to push it from one legend-based rom to another.. it doesnt work but im going to try to tear them open and see what i can do from there..
Thanks
EDIT: NICEEE i got it working.. and i just replaced a few things from one framework-res to the other.. thanks again, i didnt know it could be opened with 7-zip hahah

No prob, glad to see it's working for ya. Enjoy it

png
i edited 166 icons in framework-res.apk
adb pushed it, worked flawlessly.
even on XDAndroid on htc diamond 2

st0kes said:
You will have to sign your framework-res.apk using testsign.jar if you have made any changes to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect. /system/app/*.apk's donot require to be re-signed upong modifying them because the core doesnt no check its certs/hash for consistency. So just pull/modify/push. Use apk manager in my signature if ur new to this

Themeing and CWM FLashable File

Hey guys/girls. I'm creating a theme for Andromeda 3 and one thing I cannot fifure out is how to make my theme CWM flashable to test it.
I opened the zip from a different flashable theme, replaced the framework-res.apk and twframework-res.apk with the modified ones from Andromeda and repackaged them using Winrar. I have followed the guides to resign the APK's and ZIP but no mater what I do, after a reboot I get a solid black screen and the phone vibrates.
Im not sure what I am doing wrong because I thought that was all that went into creating a CWM file.
Thanks in advance......

7 posts under this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1037842
the meta info is alot more specific than just swap any other files...

Thanks, I found that one about 5 mins ago but couldn't seem to find it when I searched the forum before posting. Must have missed it

Should also point out that if you're decompiling the framework apks with apktool, modifying any of the xml's or code, and recompiling, you'll need to sign the resulting apk or you'll end up with a boot loop.

modest_mandroid said:
Should also point out that if you're decompiling the framework apks with apktool, modifying any of the xml's or code, and recompiling, you'll need to sign the resulting apk or you'll end up with a boot loop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I'm just opening the apk's with winrar. I make the changes to the folders/files and rezip them with Winrar with Store mode (no compression?) Then I resign them with testsign.jar.
I have read the themeing guides but they are really lacking in the small details dept.

modest_mandroid said:
Should also point out that if you're decompiling the framework apks with apktool, modifying any of the xml's or code, and recompiling, you'll need to sign the resulting apk or you'll end up with a boot loop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong.
Never resign system apks such as framework-res or twframework-res. His problem has nothing to do with the signature.
If you are simply copying over files inside the apk and getting this error, then you are adding more files than was originally inside the apk. I repeat, DO NOT ADD FILES THAT ARE NOT ALREADY INSIDE UNLESS YOU KNOW HOW TO RE-COMPILE THE RESOURCES.ASRC!
Also, use 7-zip to edit apks when you just want to overwrite files. Never unzip, or re-zip. Just right-click > 7-zip > Open Archive > Drag and drop files > close the window > you're done
Edit: Also, this goes in Q&A not General.

ryude said:
Wrong.
Never resign system apks such as framework-res or twframework-res. His problem has nothing to do with the signature.
If you are simply copying over files inside the apk and getting this error, then you are adding more files than was originally inside the apk. I repeat, DO NOT ADD FILES THAT ARE NOT ALREADY INSIDE UNLESS YOU KNOW HOW TO RE-COMPILE THE RESOURCES.ASRC!
Also, use 7-zip to edit apks when you just want to overwrite files. Never unzip, or re-zip. Just right-click > 7-zip > Open Archive > Drag and drop files > close the window > you're done
Edit: Also, this goes in Q&A not General.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks man.
Will I need to resign the final theme.zip before flashing it?
Also, can't I just grab the updater-script from another theme.zip and us it in my mine?

ryude said:
Wrong.
Never resign system apks such as framework-res or twframework-res. His problem has nothing to do with the signature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't say anything about resigning? Apktool creates an entirely new, unsigned apk, which unless I'm extremely mistaken you'll need to use if you intend to modify certain resources.

modest_mandroid said:
I didn't say anything about resigning? Apktool creates an entirely new, unsigned apk, which unless I'm extremely mistaken you'll need to use if you intend to modify certain resources.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He doesn't need to use apktool, because he isn't edited any code.

timbrendelaz said:
Ok, thanks man.
Will I need to resign the final theme.zip before flashing it?
Also, can't I just grab the updater-script from another theme.zip and us it in my mine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you don't have to sign CWM zips because Clockwork doesn't check for a signature.
You could use another updater-script, but the problem with that is if it tries to perform an action on a file or folder that isn't inside your zip it will crash while flashing. You'll be left with a bricked phone and have to ODIN back to restore.

ryude said:
He doesn't need to use apktool, because he isn't edited any code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But what if he is lol? Cause that's what im trying to do and having some issues. Know of a good thread on this? Editing xml that is
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App

TXLunchbox said:
But what if he is lol? Cause that's what im trying to do and having some issues. Know of a good thread on this? Editing xml that is
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're editing code, I recommend using apk manager since it will automatically recompile the resources.asrc for you. Just make sure to downgrade the apktool that comes with it to 1.3.1, 1.3.2 is known to cause problems with xml edits.
1. Set new project apk.
2. Decompile apk, if it's a system apk use the option for dependency apk and use twframework-res.apk as the dependency apk.
3. Edit your xml files.
4. Recompile, when asked use yes twice. It will tell you to delete files in the Keep folder.
5. Delete the resources.asrc if you edited any xml/added new files. Delete the files that you added/edited.
6. Once you're done it will automatically copy over the signature and use the compression that you set (default level 9, I recommend level 0).
Don't worry that it says "unsignedFramework-res.apk", it will work since it's a system apk because system apk signatures get copied over to the new file. Just rename it to Framework-res.apk or whatever you need it to be called.

ryude said:
He doesn't need to use apktool, because he isn't edited any code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hence the 'if' in my original statement, you know, 'if' he ever chose to in the future.

[Q] Editing more than just images in Phone / contacts apks

Howdy all,
I am wanting to kno if there is anything special about editing certain system apps, do they all need to be signed with the same keys. i think i read this somewhere.
cause when i decompile the phone.apk then recompile with no changes / or with changes, signed it with autosigner or APK-Manager, it just FC's on the phone and i cant make sence of the logs...
oh and i tried pushing the file with adb and x10 mod tool, tried in the emulator, still no joys.
been googling for hours... and i feel i am searching for the wrong things...
Thanks in advance
Pvy.

you can use 7zip to browse the apk as an archive and replace png's and .9.png's inside the drawable folders.
you wouldn't have to resign the apk this way, but i would recommend zip-aligning the apk after you replace the png's.
i would also make sure you know how to work with .9.png's before replacing them. not doing .9.png's correctly will break the app.

I have edited the pngs there is no prob there I can put all the images in.
I am editing the xmls and the manifest... I tried drag and drop but it seems to break the apk...
Thanks tho.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

Go ahead and compile with apk manager, say yes to 'is it a system apk?'.
Then open the new apk with 7zip and pull out the xmls, etc. you changed.
After that open the original apk w/7zip and drag in the compiled xmls along with your images.
That should work.

So I did this,
compiled phone.apk chose system app when it asked.
drag and dropped the 3 pngs I modded, and a few xml files, and the modded androidmanifest.xml to the original
Pushed it to my phone, rebooted...
But it wont install.
It appears the signing breaks.
Pvy
AyDee said:
Go ahead and compile with apk manager, say yes to 'is it a system apk?'.
Then open the new apk with 7zip and pull out the xmls, etc. you changed.
After that open the original apk w/7zip and drag in the compiled xmls along with your images.
That should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

Changing default image
I wondered if anyone could help me out with this
Many thanks

pvyParts said:
So I did this,
compiled phone.apk chose system app when it asked.
drag and dropped the 3 pngs I modded, and a few xml files, and the modded androidmanifest.xml to the original
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My suggestion is after doing this add the now modded original .apk into a flashable.zip and use xRecovery/FreeXperiaRecovery to install the app.
If you don't know how to make a flashable.zip just use 7zip to replace the phone.apk in a theme update.zip and delete any other folders/.apks that you don't want being reinstalled (framework-res etc.).
Not sure if this will work because I haven't tried this after modding .xml files, but it works after I make any other changes, even changing .9.pngs.
Best of luck, hope this works.

nope that didn't work either... took me a while but once i figured out the update.zip i got it going. and still no joy.
thanks heaps guys for all your help, i think i must have to compile from source or something silly like that...
I'll keep at it and let you all kno how i go...

Re-Compile Framework-res.apk = Bootloop

Helo, sry for noobish thread but i can's solve my problem. This method allways work for me using Zte blade. But now on Xperia Arc it doesn't.
Im trying to change somethink in framework (values) , but first i try to re-compile framework to check. And what ? i got bootloop.
Im using
ApkMultiTool 1.0.6
ApkManager 5.0.2
apktool.jar
signapk.jar
First i decompile this clean stock framework (o errors), then i try to compile (0 errors, no changes inside framework) and i got bootloop.I sign new framework and put it in my rom zip file. Then i try to make it manualy, so i run ms command line :
java -jar apktool.jar d framework-res.apk
java -jar apktool.jar b framework-res.apk
Then Sign manualy :
java -jar signapk.jar certificate.pem key.pk8 framework-res.apk signedframewok-res.apk
AND ? BOOTLOOP :////////////////////

same prob
OmenHTX said:
Helo, sry for noobish thread but i can's solve my problem. This method allways work for me using Zte blade. But now on Xperia Arc it doesn't.
Im trying to change somethink in framework (values) , but first i try to re-compile framework to check. And what ? i got bootloop.
Im using
ApkMultiTool 1.0.6
ApkManager 5.0.2
apktool.jar
signapk.jar
First i decompile this clean stock framework (o errors), then i try to compile (0 errors, no changes inside framework) and i got bootloop.I sign new framework and put it in my rom zip file. Then i try to make it manualy, so i run ms command line :
java -jar apktool.jar d framework-res.apk
java -jar apktool.jar b framework-res.apk
Then Sign manualy :
java -jar signapk.jar certificate.pem key.pk8 framework-res.apk signedframewok-res.apk
AND ? BOOTLOOP :////////////////////
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same prob here too happening.....i cant able to change theme....!!

Before decompiling you mmust install the .apk use this command:
Cd C:/.. navigate to your framework-res.apk
Once you in the folder where it is located use this command to 1)install:
Apktool if framework-res.apk
2)Decompile:
Apktool d framework-res.apk
3)Recompile:
Apktool b framework-res
4) new .apk is in .../framework-res/dist/
I think you forgot to install the .apk
Sent from my GT-I9001 using xda app-developers app

Diablob555 said:
Before decompiling you mmust install the .apk use this command:
Cd C:/.. navigate to your framework-res.apk
Once you in the folder where it is located use this command to 1)install:
Apktool if framework-res.apk
2)Decompile:
Apktool d framework-res.apk
3)Recompile:
Apktool b framework-res
4) new .apk is in .../framework-res/dist/
I think you forgot to install the .apk
Sent from my GT-I9001 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he didn't install the apk, he wouldn't be able to not even decompile correctly.
OP: I also have this problem, but from what I read, after you recompile, you need to open the new and the old apk with WinRar or 7-Zip, copy the resources.src (or something like that) from the original framework-res.apk to the modified framework-res.apk. I read that this should do the job. I'm going to try that myself later when I get home. Good luck for you.
Sent from my LT26i with Tapatalk 2

You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.

kong said:
You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This simple comment of yours gave peace to my soul... THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!
:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::victory::victory::good::good::good:

Great solution !!!!

kong said:
You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry for a 6 month later post, but i'm having the same problem and this solution isn't making sense to me..
edit: holy **** it worked
i compile first, I just drag them into the newly compiled apk
thank you!

eris72 said:
sorry for a 6 month later post, but i'm having the same problem and this solution isn't making sense to me..
edit: holy **** it worked
i compile first, I just drag them into the newly compiled apk
thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me it is not working. My phone keeps looping after rebooting it.
I tried with 7zip and winrar and it is not working.
1.- Decompile with apktool1.4.2
2.- Compile with apktool1.4.3 (in this step i was editing eri.xml I need to edit this file, but also without editing this file I have the same result)
3.- Drag the META-INF and AndroidManifest.xml from the original apk to the newly created one with 7zip(also tried with winrar)
4.- push the file to the phone (system/framework)
Actually right after pushing it I get an error message saying Unfortunately, C has stopped.
What am I missing?

Did you fix permissions before pushing back to system/framework

dutchmaster18 said:
Did you fix permissions before pushing back to system/framework
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I decompiled and compiled, both processes with the latest version and that solved my problem

kong said:
You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
really thank you worked for me!!!!

Helped........
kong said:
You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you...it helped me to overcome a problem i was unable to solve....thank u very much...:good::good::good::good::good::good:

kong said:
You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Four years later and you're still saving frustrated XDA'ers.
Thank you!
Five hours of Googling and I finally have success.
Anyone know of a quicker workaround?

framework-res re/compile, push to phone
Hi have the problem with bootloop after overwrite framework-res.apk to /system/framework
use apktool2.2.2
phone note 3 with phronesis rom
I made
1.apktool if framework-res.apk (0 error)
2. decompile apktool d framework-res.apk (0 errors)
3. changed color.xml and styles.xml (only changed color text)
4. from orginal framework-res.apk drag resources.arsc to decompiled folder
5.make re-compile (apktool b framework-res) (0 errors) after this, program created new folder BUILD and DIST, in /build/apk/is META-INF, android manifest,RES folder and resources.arsc
Now i tried ( with tutorials ) drag from orginal framework-res.apk, folder META-INF, AndroidManifest.xml to BUILD folder and recompile second time (0 errors) then, from DIST folder i took framework-res.apk and overwrite to phone/system/framework and reboot = bootloop
Also trying after 1st re-compile, drag META-INF and androidmanifest.xml from orginal framework-res to newly recomplied framework-res.apk in DIST folder, again overwrite in phone/system/framework but still bootloop
before overwrite make permission rw-r--r- the same permisson of orginal framework-res.apk
then overwrited my apps example touchwiz, google play has stopped, reboot but unfortunately booloop
Any solution? ^^ thx

DrMalaN said:
framework-res re/compile, push to phone
Hi have the problem with bootloop after overwrite framework-res.apk to /system/framework
use apktool2.2.2
phone note 3 with phronesis rom
I made
1.apktool if framework-res.apk (0 error)
2. decompile apktool d framework-res.apk (0 errors)
3. changed color.xml and styles.xml (only changed color text)
4. from orginal framework-res.apk drag resources.arsc to decompiled folder
5.make re-compile (apktool b framework-res) (0 errors) after this, program created new folder BUILD and DIST, in /build/apk/is META-INF, android manifest,RES folder and resources.arsc
Now i tried ( with tutorials ) drag from orginal framework-res.apk, folder META-INF, AndroidManifest.xml to BUILD folder and recompile second time (0 errors) then, from DIST folder i took framework-res.apk and overwrite to phone/system/framework and reboot = bootloop
Also trying after 1st re-compile, drag META-INF and androidmanifest.xml from orginal framework-res to newly recomplied framework-res.apk in DIST folder, again overwrite in phone/system/framework but still bootloop
before overwrite make permission rw-r--r- the same permisson of orginal framework-res.apk
then overwrited my apps example touchwiz, google play has stopped, reboot but unfortunately booloop
Any solution? ^^ thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. apktool if framework-res.apk
2. decompile apktool d framework-res.apk
3. change color.xml and styles.xml
4. apktool b framework-res
5. drag from the NEW (dist folder) framework-res.apk this files (with zip editor): -res folder, -resources.arsc, -classes.dex (if you edited the smali too) to the OLD framework-res.apk
6. Now you can use the 'old' framework-res.apk with your phone, but now with your modifications.
I hope its help you. Sorry for the long time delay, but i just find now this therad

Make sure that you put the original manifest and meta folder back into the apk before pushing it. There's no need to resign unless you modify the manifest, all you should have to do is open the newly compiled app with winrar and add the contents of the originals folder. (Which is the manifest and meta folder)
Sent from my KYOCERA-C6745 using Tapatalk

kong said:
You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANK YOU!!!

kong said:
You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks... Your suggestion worked for me :good::good:

RealWelder said:
Make sure that you put the original manifest and meta folder back into the apk before pushing it. There's no need to resign unless you modify the manifest, all you should have to do is open the newly compiled app with winrar and add the contents of the originals folder. (Which is the manifest and meta folder)
Sent from my KYOCERA-C6745 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that didn't work for me , im still getting bootloop

Adding my own 1% battery icons

So as in my earlier thread I have moved back to eagles blood 4.0.4 AOSP rom. One of the drawbacks is that the hdpi drawable folder in my systemui does not have 1% icons. I've read a few tuts on how to make my own....or add them from a downloadable zip.
My question to those who are more knowledgeable about development is this: will opening the drawable hdpi folder from my systemui.apk with 7-zip and replacing all my stock sys_batt PNG images with the custom 1% images and then saving those to the folder and pushing the systemui.apk back to my phone do the trick?
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

Pain-N-Panic said:
So as in my earlier thread I have moved back to eagles blood 4.0.4 AOSP rom. One of the drawbacks is that the hdpi drawable folder in my systemui does not have 1% icons. I've read a few tuts on how to make my own....or add them from a downloadable zip.
My question to those who are more knowledgeable about development is this: will opening the drawable hdpi folder from my systemui.apk with 7-zip and replacing all my stock sys_batt PNG images with the custom 1% images and then saving those to the folder and pushing the systemui.apk back to my phone do the trick?
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should add long as those are referenced (I think in the xml, but then, I have never done this myself). Would need a nandroid for sure .
-- The noob says:
From first-hand experience, a smartphone is incapable of making you smarter!

Nope, they're not. I have to manually reference them in the sys_bat icon XML file located in drawable folder. Then I have to swap in the images in the drawable hdpi folder once they're referenced. However, I'm having issues. Once I extract the files from the apk with 7zip, specifically the drawable folder to get to the sys_bat icon XML file, I cannot open it in notepad++ to edit it. I'm getting an error. Any ideas mansa?
Edit- LOL nandroid was the first thing I did!
Now I have to crank out this stupid paper for class so I can continue tinkering with my Android lol
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

Ok, So I've come to learn that in order to edit XML files within the APK, that the APK needs to be decompiled with APK Tool, not simply extracted using 7zip. I downloaded APK tool and set everything up according to this tut----> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1989533
I have the APKTOOL folder placed on the root of my C:/ drive. Inside that folder I have placed the following aapt (the apktool exe or application file), apktool (batch file), apktool.jar, and my framework-res.apk (I know I need to use systemui.apk, I'm just using this as I follow the tutorial on how to get this program working before I try anything on my own files). When I get to the command c:\apktool>apktool if system.apk to install the APK on my system so I can decompile I get an error saying it's not a recognized command. Any ideas dev-friendly users?
So I realized I didn't have the JDK installed on my pc since I did a system wipe on it the other day. Reinstalled it but it's still not working. Very frustrating. I'm also using win 8 if that means anything.

Giving up on apktool as I cannot seem to get a way around the error. However, apk manager seems much more user friendly and have seen tuts using the program specifically for ics roms. I've only seen tuts for apktool using jelly bean roms so maybe that's the issue. I won't be home until late tonight as I have class. If anyone has any tips/suggestions please let me know.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

Not that many people are in here anyway but I figured I'd give it a shot. So I went to use apk manager instead of apk tool which seemed to be a much more "newb friendly" program. I can successfully decompile my framework-res.apk but cannot decompile my systemUI.apk afterward. I get an error....here's my log if anyone can help me with it:
EDIT- deleted log as I was able to decompile systemUI with a different apk program. That was a huge headache getting it to decompile. Now editing the XML should be no problem, along with swapping out the PNG's. Recompiling on the other hand will most likely be another headache!