I have owned a number of tablets but this is the first time I'm unable to write files to my ext. SD card. Anyone else have this issue?
Thanks
Mr Dasher said:
I have owned a number of tablets but this is the first time I'm unable to write files to my ext. SD card. Anyone else have this issue?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same issue when using any 3rd party file manager, but doing such through the built in one works. I suspect I just need to back up and format the card through the computer, try that and see how it works.
I ran into the same issue, but reformatting the external SD have no effect. Whether the system is grabbing hold of the extSD and locking out other apps is as yet unknown. Currently I am attempting to figure out how to root the unit so I can gain access with a better FileMngr than the stock one. Still waiting for the download during the reset to finish, so don't know if it will work.
FYI - My device is rooted and I am using ES File Manager and it still does not work.
Mr Dasher said:
FYI - My device is rooted and I am using ES File Manager and it still does not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you format your sd card? I've got same problem, but now it's ok with ES File manager
gacon1000 said:
Have you format your sd card? I've got same problem, but now it's ok with ES File manager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure? Try this:
Reboot the tablet.
Before you do anything else, start ES File manager, and immediately navigate to /mnt/sdcard/extStorages/SdCard.
Menu->New->Folder (leave the default and hit 'OK')
Did it create the folder or show an error message?
(This has become a puzzle for me. Sometimes I can read/write with ES, sometimes I can't. It's damn annoying...)
Mr Dasher said:
I have owned a number of tablets but this is the first time I'm unable to write files to my ext. SD card. Anyone else have this issue?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't post a link to the original post on another forum that worked for me so I will quote it:
Simple solution for external sdcard write access on Android 3.2...if you're rooted
I've found a simple solution for gaining write access to the external sdcard (/mnt/sdcard2) on Android 3.2. The sdcard is mounted r/w, but the owning group is media_rw which is linked to the WRITE_MEDIA_STORAGE permission. Unfortunately, this permission was not required for access to the external sdcard prior to 3.2 so most file management utilities do not request it when they run...meaning they only have read access to the card.
The simple solution, if you're rooted, is as follows:
1. Using a root-enabled file manager, navigate to /system/etc/permissions and make sure you have mounted the file system r/w.
2. Edit platform.xml and find the WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission.
3. Add an additional group definition for this permission...<group gid="media_rw" />
4. Save the changes to the file.
5. Restart your tablet.
After this change, any apps that request the WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission (which includes almost anything that access either of the sdcards) will gain group membership in both sdcard_rw AND media_rw, giving them r/w access to both sdcard filesystems.
Interesting that it requires root to fix. You would think that even the Samsung file manager would be able to handle it, but it doesn't.
thaloneus said:
I can't post a link to the original post on another forum that worked for me so I will quote it:
Simple solution for external sdcard write access on Android 3.2...if you're rooted
I've found a simple solution for gaining write access to the external sdcard (/mnt/sdcard2) on Android 3.2. The sdcard is mounted r/w, but the owning group is media_rw which is linked to the WRITE_MEDIA_STORAGE permission. Unfortunately, this permission was not required for access to the external sdcard prior to 3.2 so most file management utilities do not request it when they run...meaning they only have read access to the card.
The simple solution, if you're rooted, is as follows:
1. Using a root-enabled file manager, navigate to /system/etc/permissions and make sure you have mounted the file system r/w.
2. Edit platform.xml and find the WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission.
3. Add an additional group definition for this permission...<group gid="media_rw" />
4. Save the changes to the file.
5. Restart your tablet.
After this change, any apps that request the WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission (which includes almost anything that access either of the sdcards) will gain group membership in both sdcard_rw AND media_rw, giving them r/w access to both sdcard filesystems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@thaloneus:
Thanks for finding and posting that procedure. Was having that excact problem and after making the edit to permissions I am now able to write to the external sd card. ES file explorer now allows writing to the external sd as well as Titanium Backup.
Interesting note: Titanium was backing up to the internal sd. Once the external became available to write to I was able to create a backup folder there and ran another batch of backups.
thaloneus said:
I can't post a link to the original post on another forum that worked for me so I will quote it:
Simple solution for external sdcard write access on Android 3.2...if you're rooted
I've found a simple solution for gaining write access to the external sdcard (/mnt/sdcard2) on Android 3.2. The sdcard is mounted r/w, but the owning group is media_rw which is linked to the WRITE_MEDIA_STORAGE permission. Unfortunately, this permission was not required for access to the external sdcard prior to 3.2 so most file management utilities do not request it when they run...meaning they only have read access to the card.
The simple solution, if you're rooted, is as follows:
1. Using a root-enabled file manager, navigate to /system/etc/permissions and make sure you have mounted the file system r/w.
2. Edit platform.xml and find the WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission.
3. Add an additional group definition for this permission...<group gid="media_rw" />
4. Save the changes to the file.
5. Restart your tablet.
After this change, any apps that request the WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission (which includes almost anything that access either of the sdcards) will gain group membership in both sdcard_rw AND media_rw, giving them r/w access to both sdcard filesystems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks worked like a charm
Please someone provide me more details or give me the picture of the edited .xml thanks.
Sent from my GT-P6200L using Tapatalk
boonhim said:
Please someone provide me more details or give me the picture of the edited .xml thanks.
Sent from my GT-P6200L using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a screenshot of the edited .xml
Sent from my GT-P6210
StingerDog said:
@thaloneus:
Thanks for finding and posting that procedure. Was having that excact problem and after making the edit to permissions I am now able to write to the external sd card. ES file explorer now allows writing to the external sd as well as Titanium Backup.
Interesting note: Titanium was backing up to the internal sd. Once the external became available to write to I was able to create a backup folder there and ran another batch of backups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what Ive found you need superuser access to the external sdcard to write to it. I've always been able to access the external sdcard with Titanium Backup as the location of the backup was the first thing I changed in its settings when I installed it. Root Explorer can write to it too. The only programs that can't are the ones without superuser access, ES File Explorer is one I have that I can't get its root explorer working, its not requesting superuser access, so it can't write to the sdcard.
Not sure if this has anything to do with the sdcard mounting to a pc as an MTP device instead of MSC or not but really irritated by that protocol. Not sure if this (MTP) is native to Honeycomb or if Samsung wanted the external storage accessed in this way.
Thank so much.
Sent from my GT-P6200L using Tapatalk
kzoodroid said:
From what Ive found you need superuser access to the external sdcard to write to it. I've always been able to access the external sdcard with Titanium Backup as the location of the backup was the first thing I changed in its settings when I installed it. Root Explorer can write to it too. The only programs that can't are the ones without superuser access, ES File Explorer is one I have that I can't get its root explorer working, its not requesting superuser access, so it can't write to the sdcard.
Not sure if this has anything to do with the sdcard mounting to a pc as an MTP device instead of MSC or not but really irritated by that protocol. Not sure if this (MTP) is native to Honeycomb or if Samsung wanted the external storage accessed in this way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're still having trouble with apps not writing to the external sd, you might want to edit that .xml file thaloneus had mentioned.
Once I did that I had full access to write to that card from any app. Took me all of like five minutes to edit and test it out.
I'm having some trouble with this procedure. Like everyone else, I couldn't write to my external SD card using ES Explorer or what not, although the stock Samsung My Files explorer could (and strangely, if I use a Samba mount I could write to it from my Win7 PC).
Anyway I've rooted everything, and was about to edit platform.xml, but I can't save it. I don't have the ability to write to the system folder.
I think I've done the Mount rw thing, ES File Explorer's option to do it was disabled, but on File Expert it was available. For good measure, I also used the app "mount /system (rw /ro)" but even with all these tools, I still can't write to the system directory.
I'm at my wits end, any ideas?
Mochan said:
I'm having some trouble with this procedure. Like everyone else, I couldn't write to my external SD card using ES Explorer or what not, although the stock Samsung My Files explorer could (and strangely, if I use a Samba mount I could write to it from my Win7 PC).
Anyway I've rooted everything, and was about to edit platform.xml, but I can't save it. I don't have the ability to write to the system folder.
I think I've done the Mount rw thing, ES File Explorer's option to do it was disabled, but on File Expert it was available. For good measure, I also used the app "mount /system (rw /ro)" but even with all these tools, I still can't write to the system directory.
I'm at my wits end, any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you using to edit the .xml file? It may not have root explorer functions.
I used the Root Browser from ROM Toolbox to make and save the edit.
Worked for me with Root Explorer. I have tried most of the free file managers, and Root Explorer is worth every penny to me. It is the only app I have paid for.
StingerDog said:
What are you using to edit the .xml file? It may not have root explorer functions.
I used the Root Browser from ROM Toolbox to make and save the edit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i used the free Astro File Manager to navigate to /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml. When I tapped on the platform.xml file I was given a choice of text editors to open it with. When I finished I was offered the option to save the file.
thaloneus said:
i used the free Astro File Manager to navigate to /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml. When I tapped on the platform.xml file I was given a choice of text editors to open it with. When I finished I was offered the option to save the file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There you are thaloneus!
You made the one post that helped me fix that issue, then you disappeared. Glad to see you're back.
Thanks again!
Related
Heya. Does someone knows why i can't change the sdcard storage to RW instead of RO, in Es File Explorer v3.0.3?
What i mean:
View attachment 2000780
andrei7radu said:
Heya. Does someone knows why i can't change the sdcard storage to RW instead of RO, in Es File Explorer v3.0.3?
What i mean:
View attachment 2000780
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im guessing u granted it root permissions first in settings/root-settings?
andrei7radu said:
Heya. Does someone knows why i can't change the sdcard storage to RW instead of RO, in Es File Explorer v3.0.3?
What i mean:
View attachment 2000780
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Storage is r/w by default-I think,
Are you expeariencing any troubles with writing to external storage?
Edit: on the app level:
An app asks permission to write to external, on instalation
You- as a user are always allowed to write to...
This in app option is perhaps needed when a part of internal memory,
Is used as sd card- as it is in tablets or htc one x...
or it is an ext (system ) partition, that option is concerned about...
anyway, I'm using es... for ages now, and never have had any troubles with
mounting sd card as r/w
jmcclue said:
im guessing u granted it root permissions first in settings/root-settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeap. Otherwise i wouldn't be able to change and save the others 2 (main root and /system), which i can.
asgardr said:
Storage is r/w by default-I think,
Are you expeariencing any troubles with writing to external storage?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right ... the in initial state should be RW. I can manipulate the files from Es FE (cut/copy/paste and delete), but i can't change any file's properties or permissions. Strangely, the only ways i can see the storage via usb connection are MTP and PTP (and same behaviour - cut/copy/paste and delete - but no properties changes available - greyed out). If i switch to Media Storage, the PC only displays Removable Storage and prompts me to insert it. Huh?
andrei7radu said:
Yeap. Otherwise i wouldn't be able to change and save the others 2 (main root and /system), which i can.
That's right ... the in initial state should be RW. I can manipulate the files from Es FE (cut/copy/paste and delete), but i can't change any file's properties or permissions. Strangely, the only ways i can see the storage via usb connection are MTP and PTP (and same behaviour - cut/copy/paste and delete - but no properties changes available - greyed out). If i switch to Media Storage, the PC only displays Removable Storage and prompts me to insert it. Huh?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you running- by any chance- any aosp 4.2.2/4.1.2 rom?
I have the same symptoms on them,
just installed third party app from the market,
and my problem is gone (pc)
as for es.. I've never had any troubles with changing atributes
or permissions
Edit: it is this brand new shiny inrerface of es file explorer,
that makes many- including me- to get confused and sometimes lost- at first
asgardr said:
Are you running- by any chance- any aosp 4.2.2/4.1.2 rom?
I have the same symptoms on them,
just installed third party app from the market,
and my problem is gone (pc)
as for es.. I've never had any troubles with changing atributes
or permissions
Edit: it is this brand new shiny inrerface of es file explorer,
that makes many- including me- to get confused and sometimes lost- at first
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using a CM10.1 (see my signature). I'm starting to think that the problem isn't ES's. When i connect the device as a Media Storage i get the following feedback from the status bar: "Connected as an Installer" ... never seen this before.
Will try to restore an earlier backup to check if lest an app is conflicting ... dunno ... I'll return the result.
P.S.
You're right about ES's fresh interface ... a little confusing after using the ancient one for a l.l.long time. Missing the pop-up on long press, instead of (the new) select feature. Eh ...
As for atributes of the files on sd card- I think it does not matter what they are,
because an external storage is a slave disc for the system..
which uses it only as storage...
different story would be if a part of such a slave drive is partitioned to be used as an extention
of an internal memory (ext partition )
but then it is not been seen from the level of a file manager...
Edit: I belive, the trouble with mounting usb disk drive,
is (or at least I think) purely on the system's side..
Would not be bad, if somebody else could comment,
or clarify the matter further though
strange that it dont work coz i just tried it and no problems
menu/root explorer (grant permissions) /mount r/w and i can delete, copy/paste, everything really.
Have u tried uninstalling es file explorer then installing it again?
jmcclue said:
strange that it dont work coz i just tried it and no problems
menu/root explorer (grant permissions) /mount r/w and i can delete, copy/paste, everything really.
Have u tried uninstalling es file explorer then installing it again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, uninstalled it and reverse, but no change. I restored an earlier backup with only a few (necessary) third-party apps, but the problem is still there. Also, if anyone can answer, what the heck is "Connected as an installer" status when selecting Media Storage? Thanks.
Hello all!
I'm not sure if this has come up yet with anybody here, and I didn't see a post referencing it. I just rooted my Shield Tablet and
installed Titanium Backup. When I went to the preferences to change the backup folder to my external SD card it told me that
it was read-only and wouldn't allow me to use it at all.
I just want to save anybody else in a similar situation some time. I'm unable to link things currently but all the credit goes to
mateenf in the Note 3 Dev Forums for posting this fix:
mateenf said:
1. Using a root-enabled file manager, navigate to /system/etc/permissions
2. Edit platform.xml and find the WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission.
3. Add an additional group definition for this permission...<group gid="media_rw" />
4. Save the changes to the file.
5. Restart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also add that you must mount the partition as R/W first or you will not be able to save the edit.
Virus.Shell said:
Hello all!
I'm not sure if this has come up yet with anybody here, and I didn't see a post referencing it. I just rooted my Shield Tablet and
installed Titanium Backup. When I went to the preferences to change the backup folder to my external SD card it told me that
it was read-only and wouldn't allow me to use it at all.
I just want to save anybody else in a similar situation some time. I'm unable to link things currently but all the credit goes to
mateenf in the Note 3 Dev Forums for posting this fix:
I would also add that you must mount the partition as R/W first or you will not be able to save the edit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had some issues with the SD card as well. Now that you have root access go to the play store and install SD fix and netapp sd fix. Install them both and run them. I started with netapp SD fix and it said it worked but only certain apps got the right permissions. After i also installed the SD fix (kitkat) Both of them said status of good to go. And now all apps worked with the SD card. Be sure to also use the Root checker app to verify that your root is sticking.
If you have your Shield or Shield Tablet rooted, I would suggest installing Xposed Framework and then installing the "HandleExternalStorage" module. That will give you back read/write access to external storage. I'm able to read/write to my 128GB Micro SD in my Shield and Shield Tablet and to my 64GB card in a memory card reader using an OTG cable with no issues.
Virus.Shell said:
Hello all!
I'm not sure if this has come up yet with anybody here, and I didn't see a post referencing it. I just rooted my Shield Tablet and
installed Titanium Backup. When I went to the preferences to change the backup folder to my external SD card it told me that
it was read-only and wouldn't allow me to use it at all.
I just want to save anybody else in a similar situation some time. I'm unable to link things currently but all the credit goes to
mateenf in the Note 3 Dev Forums for posting this fix:
I would also add that you must mount the partition as R/W first or you will not be able to save the edit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just stumbled upon this post and appreciate the information! Have an S5 and was wondering why I couldn't use my extSDcard for backups. Seems ridiculous to be limited to internal storage... One simple line of code and all is working flawlessly.
As I understand, lollipop should bring back the write access to SD card for third party apps.
However, the app "Ftp server" still cannot write to the SD card.
I cannot root the device due to company restrictions.
Any ideas or suggestions?
Bump!
Yeah, no root no acces.
TheTeslaCoil said:
Yeah, no root no acces.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got this reply from the developer of FTP server pro:
"Basically I would need to use a new set of functions created by google (which are not standard); but I can not do that as I am using a standard implementation of ftp protocol."
So apparently there is a non standard implementation available?
waxxan said:
I got this reply from the developer of FTP server pro:
"Basically I would need to use a new set of functions created by google (which are not standard); but I can not do that as I am using a standard implementation of ftp protocol."
So apparently there is a non standard implementation available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly mine problem too. I have upgraded to Lollipop in hope to be able to write via FTP Server app to SD card again but it still doesn't work.
Is there another FTP app which can do it?
Also isn't there any other file browser app which can write to SD card (like pre-installed File Commander) ?
Yea, the preinstalled file commander can write to sd. It even have a ftp client.
But I want the other way around.
Have tried a few of the free most popular fpt server apps, but same problem on them all.
Probably/maybe if you make it a system app it'll work. (use Titanium backup for that)
Nvm that's only applicable if you have root, sorry i forgot you can't root...
For those who are interested. FTP server pro has now been updated, and support full access to SD card.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.theolivetree.ftpserverpro&hl=en
No dice, FTP server pro only writes to it's proprietary folder, not to SD card in general.
It is working on my Z3 at least. You might have to choose custom folder, then point the custom folder to the SDcard. That is how i have it configured.
That does the trick ! Thanks !!
Custom Folder
LG G4 - I set up the custom folder to be home but I'm still seeing the root (/). If I try to delete or transfer files -- no dice.
Non-rooted phone.
I'm on non-rooted too. Directly after selecting the sdcard as custom folder, I had the option to grant write access as described here:
https://metactrl.com/docs/sdcard-on-lollipop/
Wobstar said:
I'm on non-rooted too. Directly after selecting the sdcard as custom folder, I had the option to grant write access as described here:
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't receive anything about write access or otherwise after the the window opened to let me select the SD Card.
You have set home folder to custom? And then opened the activated browser just below the home folder option? And select external SD card in that option?
If yes and it didn't work, I would suggest reinstalling the app...
Wobstar said:
You have set home folder to custom? And then opened the activated browser just below the home folder option? And select external SD card in that option?
If yes and it didn't work, I would suggest reinstalling the app...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it helps to follow ALL the instructions... this is important:
"Don't navigate down into any subfolder. You must select the top-level root folder of the SD card. This is important."
This FTP-Server worked for me:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.theolivetree.ftpserver
In the settings you can select your root directory, don't select "ext. SDCard" it will only let you write in the apps own folder on the SDCard. Select personalized home directory than android asks you were your root directory should be, select your SDCard and confirm it, this should do the trick.
(Tested on LG G4 - Android 6.0)
Hope it works for everyone ;D .
CyanogenMod 13 + ROOT
Yes, writing to external card seems to work this way.
But deleting from the external card does not work. When trying to delete a file i get the error:
error 450: no permission to delete
Why?
I'm having an issue with my internal storage. Sometimes I cannot modify files or folders using either a file manager (e.g. ES File Explorer or free version of Root Explorer) or when connected via USB to my computer. For a bit more backstory, please refer to my previous thread, which has received no replies and so I am asking for help here.
Basically, I would like to be able to move files and directories freely across my internal storage. Not much to ask for, really. However, some files and folders can't be moved (cut and paste) or simply copied (copy successful, paste fails). This first started when I was on PureNexus (6.0.0, 12/01/2015) with ElementalX 0.07 and rooted with SuperSU 2.62 (not systemless root). I've since returned to complete stock 6.0.1 (flashed factory image using fastboot), and now on systemless root (2.61) for a couple apps that I use.
Symptoms are:
1. could "copy" any file, but could not paste into any directory. ES File Explorer throws an error "/sdcard/directory/file_name: open failed: EACCES (Permission Denied)". Root explorer (free version) would say "Copy failed, file_name to /sdcard/directory"
2. when connected to a computer over USB, can copy files from computer to any directory on phone's internal storage, but cannot delete anything. When I try to delete a file or folder, I get the Windows error message that the destination has been disconnected, etc., even though it's not.
3. if I've copied a file from computer to phone (say music), some files cannot be copied to another location in internal storage, some files can.
Previously when I was on PureNexus with normal root,
If I am on my device and using ES File Explorer and if I am in the path /storage/emulated/0/* then I am unable to copy/move files and directories, as I've described above.
If I am on my device and using ES File Explorer and if I am in the path /sdcard/* then I am unable to copy/move files and directories, as I've described above.
If I am on my device and using ES File Explorer and if I am in the path /data/media/0/* then I am able to do anything I damn well please.
Now that I've reverted to stock 6.0.1 from factory image and with systemless root,
If I am on my device and using ES File Explorer and if I am in the path /storage/emulated/0/* then I am unable to copy/move files and directories, as I've described above.
If I am on my device and using ES File Explorer and if I am in the path /sdcard/* then I am unable to copy/move files and directories, as I've described above.
I do not see anything under /data
Having said all of this, none of my apps have any problems accessing internal storage, be it for data, cache, or writing anything to /Android/data (or obb)/*
Is this a hardware issue? I didn't think it would be, because it doesn't seem like the internal storage is faulty, since everything else runs perfectly fine.
Mod Edit
Hi,
You seem to have found the correct forum in which to post.
This is not a Q&A forum. It is more to guide new users to the best place on the site for their problem .
Please read the OPENING THREAD and the Second one , too.
Thank you for your attention in this matter.
malybru
Forum Moderator
I'm trying to write to a file on the external SDcard with an app, but it remains with permissions of 771. (execute only for Others) In Termianl I su and chmod 777 file, but it remains at 771.
This seems to mean the OS is preventing this file from being world writeable. Each app is run by a different user so I can't know which user will try to write at a given time. As root I can 'touch' new files all day, but I can't set them world-writeable.
What is preventing me from doing this?
Quantumstate said:
I'm trying to write to a file on the external SDcard with an app, but it remains with permissions of 771. (execute only for Others) In Termianl I su and chmod 777 file, but it remains at 771.
This seems to mean the OS is preventing this file from being world writeable. Each app is run by a different user so I can't know which user will try to write at a given time. As root I can 'touch' new files all day, but I can't set them world-writeable.
What is preventing me from doing this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm... your external SD card is FAT32, it doesn't support Linux file attributes and permissions.
That's well and good, but look at it with the file manager.
And why can't I write into files on the external when I can on the internal?
Quantumstate said:
That's well and good, but look at it with the file manager.
And why can't I write into files on the external when I can on the internal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your app needs to have permission to use the ext storage... I have no problems with ES File Explorer, just has to select the SD card and the first time it prompts you to select the root and go. Then it's good, apps need to be built to be compatible with Marshmallow, how it addresses the SD card is different than previous Android versions.