Related
Playing around with the ls -R command, I found where the SMS database is kept, and it's somewhat readable in a text editor...
UPDATE (thanks staulkor): This database is viewable, and searchable using an SQLite database viewer.
Code:
/data/data/com.android.providers/telephony/databases/mmssms.db
Just run the following command to back it up to the SD Card:
Code:
busybox cp /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db /sdcard
Happy hacking
You can use an SQLite viewer to read the database correctly
Would seem simple enough to write a script to run on a PC/Mac to back up the database and load it into some sort of viewer... searchable perhaps?
I'm not too familar with databases, but would seem simple enough to make a lightweight app to keep the SMS archive...
Cool, maybe we'll soon see a port of PIM Backup. Would be nice...
Hmm...
/data/data/com.android.providers/telephony/databases/mmssms.db
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and
busybox cp /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db /sdcard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are two different paths - I think both are supposed to be
Code:
/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/
(since I can't cd to the other one).
At any rate - thanks for the tip, but can anyone else confirm this works for them? On my android (R30) I get "opendir failed, Permission denied" if I try to read the contents of that directory.
Seeing as it's fully possible to write an application to back up the database to the sdcard (or even to a website), wouldn't that make more sense?
Afterall, there's no need to have the actual database -- and the method is highly restrictive to both people with root on their phones and those with a USB cable and computer handy.
Also, backing up this database will not backup any MMS attachments, which are stored here:
/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/app_parts/
Refer to the "part" table for an index matching the files there to messages/filenames. (For each MMS, there should be an XML file that helps identify the type of message, and then the file itself, such as a jpeg).
is this the best and safest way to back up sms database as of yet? I have about 1000 sms and it slows down my messaging so I've been try to find a way to free that up. Backing them up would be great so i can clear them.
If anyone has tried this, please share with the rest of us on its effect on the phone.
Thank you,
Hbguy
P.S: This site is truely GREAT because pros are patient with noobs
i don't understand this...i downloaded the file managers on marketplace, and cannot when i click on data file, there is nothing in there..so i dowonloaded a terminal program and still don't understand how to use the commands to move sms from memory to sim...can u do a quick step-by-step? do i have to use any specific programs to do this? sorry, so used to the simplicity of WM6 on my old phone, having trouble adapting to this platform..thanks for any help.
jazzmanmonty said:
i don't understand this...i downloaded the file managers on marketplace, and cannot when i click on data file, there is nothing in there..so i dowonloaded a terminal program and still don't understand how to use the commands to move sms from memory to sim...can u do a quick step-by-step? do i have to use any specific programs to do this? sorry, so used to the simplicity of WM6 on my old phone, having trouble adapting to this platform..thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to have root on your phone to follow the instructions given above (if you don't know what that means, you don't have it). For non-root users, most of the Android system on the G1 is locked down -- including /data and all its subfolders.
If you do have root on the phone, you can follow the instructions at the top from a terminal while logged in as root. You can verify you are root by running the program "id":
# id
uid=0(root) gid=0(root)
From there, to copy the SMS/MMS database to your sdcard, you can follow the above instructions. If you don't have busybox (ie, "busybox: not found"), you can use the "cat" command as so:
cat /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db > /sdcard/mmssms.db
You may also want any files stored here:
/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/app_parts/
Which are from MMSs (if you've no MMSs saved, then you've no need to bother).
Also, not sure if there is a clarification needed for you. The instructions provided offer no way to access SMSs stored on the SIM, as Android uses a PDU interface that doesn't use the SIM's SMS storage space. It is possible to read SMSs off the SIM, however, and into the internal memory storage. See the settings window in the messaging application.
If someone does take the time to create an application to do this, then it would not require root access. Applications are allowed to access the SMS/MMS database, provided the user grants them permission, and could then be used to read the data from the database and into a new database or other file (eg, csv).
do ya think it would be posible to move these permanently to the memory card? ummmm.... ill try if i get a chance ..... ya can connect to phone via adb in recovery mode right ? an undo whatwver i break?
how would you view your backed up sms messages using staulkors sql database?
step by step would be great
hbguy
Just to be clear - for most people on RC30, this probably will not work.
Per http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=442480 the hacks to gain root access have been blocked since RC30 was deployed in early November. Someone should write an application to support this, but instead everybody is busy creating new useless calculators and niche geolocation applications.
If I'm wrong about the above, it would be terrific for anyone to chime in and clarify that.
goodwinm said:
Cool, maybe we'll soon see a port of PIM Backup. Would be nice...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://github.com/jberkel/sms-backup-plus
I dont have kwoledge about android.
On windows Google earh has a cache size limit of 2GB that can modified on the registry. Have realized that on android GE has only 200MB. I suspect that must be a way to can reach that limit on android, can you give me a light?
hi! i am new here!
macbill said:
hi! i am new here!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
??
Hello everybody, Im new here, can anyone help?
lagoausente said:
I dont have kwoledge about android.
On windows Google earh has a cache size limit of 2GB that can modified on the registry. Have realized that on android GE has only 200MB. I suspect that must be a way to can reach that limit on android, can you give me a light?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Registry is Windows only. On Unix systems apps config is usually stored in configuration files in home directory. And Android is totally different story.
Brut.all said:
Registry is Windows only. On Unix systems apps config is usually stored in configuration files in home directory. And Android is totally different story.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That means that is dificult or not posible? I just want to change the google earth cache max size. It has 200MB by default. Is posible to change that or is something that requires be changed by Google?
Thanks a lot for your reply.
lagoausente said:
That means that is dificult or not posible? I just want to change the google earth cache max size. It has 200MB by default. Is posible to change that or is something that requires be changed by Google?
Thanks a lot for your reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That means it may be stored anywhere. In Android's preferences system, some custom file in /data/data or even hardcoded in Google Earth's app. It doesn't matter where it's written in desktop, windows application.
Brut.all said:
That means it may be stored anywhere. In Android's preferences system, some custom file in /data/data or even hardcoded in Google Earth's app. It doesn't matter where it's written in desktop, windows application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I have GE installed in the N1 and in the Galaxy Tab, this one has internal memory, even if I not use a sd card I can see the "sd card" in the file explorer, something like if where a virtual disk.
Must I have my devices rooted to have a look if find something on the preferences system or data/data? Hope any guy with knowledge here find this issue interesting enough to have a look, maybe its a simple thing to change but I have no idea how to look for.
You can try to unpack the apk file for the google earth app and check if any of the files there has any mention of the size limit.
I think it is better than to go hunting for the configuration files spread all over your phone.
snakerdlk said:
You can try to unpack the apk file for the google earth app and check if any of the files there has any mention of the size limit.
I think it is better than to go hunting for the configuration files spread all over your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have unpacked the apk, open with notepad, there are characters unreadeable and some text. On the text have found references to the "clear cache" , that refer to that option on the app, but no specific. Only this:
buttonView c cacheDir cal
callbackProxy canWrite cancel cause cb cel
What I think doesn´t mean anything. I guess..., maybe 200mb is the default cache that Android allows for any app considering that the the most often devices a mobiles phones with limited space and or performance?
You see all those funny characters because the app is compiled.
You should try decompiling it. I would post a link for you , but I'm new and can't post links , so just search on google the word : smali.
Hope this helps
Sorry , You should search apktool not smali
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=994932
As I thought it's in some config files in /data/data
I have noticed that android apps are horrible with file management. When you install an app on the phone it installs a whole new file hierarchy.
Example... when you install Meme Generator it creates a memegenerator folder within that folder it caches Favorites, Instances, Generators, and shares
when you delete the app it doesn't remove this folder or any of its contents​
My idea is an app that would scan folders and mark if the folder is useless or not. Especially the unknown data folders that say something like com.fatsecret.android and have nothing but random .dat files or a .nomedia folder/file. Almost like a registry checker for a PC.
Another idea is to have an app that scans the SD card and locates all media. It would tell you how many of what type of file you have on your phone, and allow you to mass move to selected folders (Not copy or transfer but actually move th file to its new location)
im no programer but these would be great apps if they were to be developed
It would be really great man, unfortunately, I'm not able to develop things like this, but let me know about if it's ready.
Sent from my Boston using XDA App Slovakia
Lmfao i neglected to mention I am only beginning to learn the android programming. So im in no position to even comprehend programming this ... but im researching the possibility.
Smells like WINNING from my T-959 xda premium app
File management is very messy at the moment. Something needs to give!
I agree, I've been looking for a decent file manager, but haven't found anything yet!
theblacknight said:
I agree, I've been looking for a decent file manager, but haven't found anything yet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are quite a few but 'Astro' seems to be the most popular. Give it a try!
I use Astro and i'm quite happy with it.
The question would be how to determine useless folders.
Dark3n said:
The question would be how to determine useless folders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My initial idea was to use a system similar to a windows registry. Once the app starts for the first time it will create a database that stores folder data, which then it tries to match to an app that installed it. If the folder shows that the app that created it has been deleted it shows a red folder or has a negative mark next to it, if its still installed it shows a positive or green folder. This way you can get rid of the bad folders.
My second idea was to have an app create a drop folder for certain file types. For instance a folder like MY DOCUMENTS that has the folders MUSIC, PICTURES, AND VIDEOS. When the app starts it has you select a folder to drop a specific file type (example .MP3 files into MY DOCUMENTS/MUSIC). The all then media scans the phone and locate all matching file types and MOVES the file not COPYS.
Smells like WINNING from my T-959 xda premium app
Something kinda similar to what you want was introduced in FroYo. It gives each app a directory (on the SD card I don't know about onboard memory) that is automatically deleted by the system when the app is installed. Currently it has a few fairly big bugs but hopefully they will get fixed and developers will start to use it.
coreyja said:
Something kinda similar to what you want was introduced in FroYo. It gives each app a directory (on the SD card I don't know about onboard memory) that is automatically deleted by the system when the app is installed. Currently it has a few fairly big bugs but hopefully they will get fixed and developers will start to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds liie it will be excellent once its implemented. I'm sure as most new things take time to catch on this will probably take a little while for it to happen. Maybe Google is going to make it mandatory for devs to do this.
Smells like WINNING from my T-959 xda premium app
It wouldn't necessarily have to be an app but some process that would make create or add to (create a sub-directory) default folders. I'm not saying it has to be a window like system but as simple as it gets Music, Images, Documents, Downloads maybe a spare folder for necessary background files (Hidden) But accessible when needed. The biggest problem here is that I don't think too many people that want this solution are programmers. because if you know how to program then you spend all day sorting throu this stuff anyway.
Well i'm on 2.2.1 and the system still keeps the settings folders in /dbdata/databases/*packagename* after you uninstalled it.
I usually resort to deleting the folders in adb shell when programming and testing apps.
So it seems there is need for this and there is no such tool yet?
I might start on it then, do you think there is enough intrest in something like that?
Help me with the most difficult and important step, invent a name for such an app !
Sounds like a useful tool. Great idea.
I'm constantly searching through my sd card and trying to figure out what can be deleted.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
mobbeel said:
I use Astro and i'm quite happy with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried file expert? So much functionality for free.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Dark3n said:
Well i'm on 2.2.1 and the system still keeps the settings folders in /dbdata/databases/*packagename* after you uninstalled it.
I usually resort to deleting the folders in adb shell when programming and testing apps.
So it seems there is need for this and there is no such tool yet?
I might start on it then, do you think there is enough intrest in something like that?
Help me with the most difficult and important step, invent a name for such an app !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Name ideas
-sd looter
-Datei Objekts (file objects in German)
-file euphoria
-Zen management
-SD filed or SDefiled
Just a few to spark interest.
Smells like WINNING from my T-959 xda premium app
Allright, here we go:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1013063
First version is out, please help me test it.
This needs to be created. I'm just sorry I can't do any of the programming.
Just Incredible
Hey guys, I have a request for an app. I'm tired of having 5 different folders for music, 3 for pictures, and so on. Is there an app that can read a files extension, and then categorize it into an appropriate folder? For example, any files that have a .mp3 .ogg .wma etc. extension will be grouped into a folder called "music" any file with the extension .mp4 .m4a etc will be grouped into a videos folder, and then .jpg .png .gif and things like that into a pictures folder. I get music from amazon, from a music downloader, and from 3 of my web browsers, and they all save in different locations. It is very annoying and cluttered. Does this exist / can it be made?
BUMP.
I wanna know the same thing. very helpful if you switch roms a lot!!
Ahh u can move the files ur self its kinda hard u drag and drop but its ya
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
dc13 said:
Ahh u can move the files ur self its kinda hard u drag and drop but its ya
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the exact opposite of what I wanted to know.
Sent from my LG Optimus V running Sense 3.0
App like this would be so useful.
Does this app exist? I need something like this badly
Sent from my LG Optimus V running Sense 3.0
Well, this can be easily done with a simple shell script which gets runs regularly by Tasker or similar app; heck, could be even an init script that runs on boot in case you do not mind the slowdown on boot...
However, note that some apps may not look at your single folder at all or need to be manually configured to look there. So, think about what you are doing.
dr.notor said:
Well, this can be easily done with a simple shell script which gets runs regularly by Tasker or similar app; heck, could be even an init script that runs on boot in case you do not mind the slowdown on boot...
However, note that some apps may not look at your single folder at all or need to be manually configured to look there. So, think about what you are doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how to script. Also, I'm not necessarily talking about an application pushing the downloaded file into one folder, so much as an application (or script) pulling all downloaded files into their corresponding folder. Pulling, not pushing. Hope this clarifies. If someone were to clarify this, it would be an amazing tool to be able to utilize.
gerbetta33 said:
I don't know how to script. Also, I'm not necessarily talking about an application pushing the downloaded file into one folder, so much as an application (or script) pulling all downloaded files into their corresponding folder. Pulling, not pushing. Hope this clarifies. If someone were to clarify this, it would be an amazing tool to be able to utilize.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For "pulling" something, you need some daemon running which will watch SD card and do something when a file of a certain type is created. That is exactly what stuff like gallery does (watch pictures/movies and create thumbnails for them). It is resource intensive and basically slows everything down.
Learn to use shell.
Code:
# busybox find /sdcard/* -iname "*.mp3" -type f -exec busybox mv -f {} /sdcard/Music \;
The above will move all MP3 files to Music folder on your SD (assuming the SD card is mounted on /sdcard). Use mv -n instead if you have files with the same name in different dirs, otherwise they will be overwritten.
Good afternoon!
I have entered into a strange predicament regarding my Galaxy S3. Over the weekend, the phone took a nasty fall and the LCD was shattered on the phone, rendering it technically working internally as it will boot up, take battery charge, and allow me to access files via USB. The only problem here is that I cannot see ALL files visible within the phone.
A month or two back, I installed an app called Hide It Pro that hides photos and files of your choosing from general browsing in the phone. The only issue here is that I cannot seem to locate these files anywhere within the visible files of the drive. As such, I was looking at the file size of the the "Phone" as listed under My Computer, which lists the Galaxy's drive as 1.5 gigs in size, but I am only viewing 750 megs of files when I actually browse the phone. I can only assume the firmware and other files are hiding somewhere within the phone and along with them, the files I need.
Is there any way for me to view everything on the phone including the firmware files? You guys are the super pros at this and I know you all might be able to help me out. Any help is appreciated!
-Arcko
Using adb, you can see all the files on the phone, all the way down to the "/" root. If they're hidden, you can see them using
Code:
ls -a
once you're in the directory they're in...I don't know that you can do it visually (windows explorer).
They are located in programdata/android/.fr/
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Thanks for tips, guys.
I'll mess around with ADB and some of these other explorers. Hopefully I can find something.
As for the post about them being in Program Data/Android/.fr, there is my problem. I did not have an SD card in the device when I installed the app. So that directory technically does not exist and I cannot find the files. And no one seems to know where I might be able to find the Hide It Pro directory without an SD Card. I'm convinced it hid the files somewhere near the root or at least beyond what is visible when hooking up the phone via USB.
-Arcko
Arcko said:
Thanks for tips, guys.
I'll mess around with ADB and some of these other explorers. Hopefully I can find something.
As for the post about them being in Program Data/Android/.fr, there is my problem. I did not have an SD card in the device when I installed the app. So that directory technically does not exist and I cannot find the files. And no one seems to know where I might be able to find the Hide It Pro directory without an SD Card. I'm convinced it hid the files somewhere near the root or at least beyond what is visible when hooking up the phone via USB.
-Arcko
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually it is the same as internal, thing is tho the .fr folder is hidden and the only way to access it is through a file explorer to see all the data on your internal memory and search for all pictures and then it will find it the directory will look actually like this
Data/Android/Language/.fr
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