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[Q] How to copy a /data file from unrooted Nexus S [I9020XXKD1]?

Hi there,
Is there a way to temporary root my Nexus S [I9020XXKD1] or alternatively a non-root way to access /data so that I can copy a file in and out? Essentially I want to be able to backup and restore some game saves
Most posts I've read basically have folks saying "Just root it", which is good advice to most but isn't right for me - I really don't want to have to wipe my phone and I'd also like to be able to dip my toe into rooting before taking a full leap. That, and aside from needing this one file in /data my phone works exactly as I'd like it to
I only need "su" access for a brief moment to copy off a file to and from /data. I set up the android sdk but ADB didn't work because of the protection of "production builds".
VISIONary seemed like the right kind of thing, but I don't believe it works for the Nexus S or recent firmware, so while temp rooting would be nice so would any solution that allows me to backup and restore some files in /data.
At the moment I am wondering if writing an apk of my own that copies/replaces this one file is the way to go - but that seems perversely long way around!
So any help/suggestions most appreciated

There is no temporary root for the Nexus S. You're either rooted, or you're not. However, if, perchance, you are on Android 2.3.2 or earlier, you might be able to root without wiping.
Without root, you cannot see the files in /data, but you can read/write the files directly if they have the proper permissions and you know the exact path/filenames. After poking around a bit, it seems that read & write permissions vary among apps. Most apps have full permissions reserved for the parent app. Some allow other apps/user to read some files, and read+write others. (The permissions being app-specific, if it can't be done by command line, I doubt it could be done by creating an app, either.)
So, what is the game? Perhaps I can do some exploring.

If you have the old bootloader (2.3.2 i think) you can boot a recovery without flashing. From you computer use "adb boot recovery.img" and boot clockwork recovery. From there you can mount and access the filysystems.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Maximilian Mary said:
There is no temporary root for the Nexus S. You're either rooted, or you're not. However, if, perchance, you are on Android 2.3.2 or earlier, you might be able to root without wiping.
Without root, you cannot see the files in /data, but you can read/write the files directly if they have the proper permissions and you know the exact path/filenames. After poking around a bit, it seems that read & write permissions vary among apps. Most apps have full permissions reserved for the parent app. Some allow other apps/user to read some files, and read+write others. (The permissions being app-specific, if it can't be done by command line, I doubt it could be done by creating an app, either.)
So, what is the game? Perhaps I can do some exploring.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I figured as much. The game is Dungeon Hunter 2 and essentially I am trying to implement a simple fix to make my save game work again (the fix is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1042675 a few posts down) but it requires root. So I do know the exact paths and filename.
Thank you for your helpful answer

Ok, I'm not having any luck here, and it's pissing me off. FYI, I don't have that game, so I'm testing it with Angry Birds. I can read and copy the file just fine, but I can't modify it without using root. The data file itself has read/write access, but the containing folder (files/) is read-only, so I can't overwrite the file after I've modified it. Since the file itself has r/w access, I wonder if it would work to modify the file directly, instead of using an outside program to modify it then overwriting it. (I'm a bit ignorant of the finer points of linux permissions.) This would require an app that would allow you to open and modify a file by typing the full path & filename, instead of just browsing the directory tree. You could also try < adb pull /data/data/com.gameloft.android.TBFV.GloftD2HP.ML/files/dh2_000.savegame dh2_000.savegame > (using the correct path, if that's not it). Then see if < adb push dh2_000.savegame /data/data/com.gameloft.android.TBFV.GloftD2HP.ML/files/dh2_000.savegame > works. The fact that you can copy the file out is promising, anyway. So even if you had to root, you could backup the file before rooting wipes everything, then fix it & back it up after you had root.
Btw, what version of Android are you on?
Edit: I think I'm getting somewhere. While you can't modify the file itself, you can modify the file contents. So something like this might work: < adb shell >
< more /sdcard/dh2_000.savegame > /data/data/com.gameloft.android.TBFV.GloftD2HP.ML/files/dh2_000.savegame >
So the next step is to get some help from someone who has the game and is rooted as to the exact path to the savegame file. Once we have that, I think we're golden. (Or, let me know if adb pull works with the path I guessed at.)

wow! Thank you for your help
In answer to your questions: my Nexus s is running 2.3.4 and you are correct about the file path (many other kind xda users died to bring us those paths ) is /data/data/com.gameloft.android.TB with the filename being dh2_000.savegame
I don't want to drive you to distraction! If I could back it up I probably would go ahead then and root the phone given how complexplaying with a non-rooted phone is!
I will try the adb pull method and let you know how I get on.
Thank you again for your help and for showing me why I probably do want to root!

[Q] makign an app to put a specific file in a specific folder

if this is in the wrong place mods i am sorry so feel free to move to the right place at your discretion as i am not sure where this question would go.
is there an easy to understand way to make an app that would install 1 specific file to a specific folder on the system (/data/local). im no coder so i have no idea how to do this but i want to make an app that is simple and basic so that when a user opens the app it's only function is to install a certain file into the /data/local folder

Couldn't you just use Root Explorer to do this? I would think there would be a way to do this with Tasker, but I'm not really familiar with the app. I tried out the trial (available on the Tasker website) and learned a little about how to work it, but ultimately realized that there wasn't much that I'd use it for.
I'm sure if you gave your intentions - what file for what reasons, etc - you'd be more likely to get a solution.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

i use root explorer for my own phones but i create custom boot animations and i am lookign for a way to make an App that would include (X) bootanimation, and upon downloading/installing it he app would automaticly install the bootanimation.zip file that its bundled with into the users /data/local folder, as some people dont have the tools or abilitys/familierty with the there phone to move the bootanimation to where it needs to be to actually work.

[Q] Can I just delete an APK?

I'm an Internet person, and pretty much a Linux guy as well but I don't have a lot of experience with Android yet.
Question: I have a rooted (thanks Jcase and team) HTC DNA phone. I want to know if I can just "delete an APK" to remove something that came with the phone.
Example: The carrier installed a game that keeps updating itself called Reign of Amira. CAN I just delete the .apk somewhere? Or are there implications?
Please advise. Thanks.
-Joe
Try futz.me - A Command line for the web.

You can. If it is a system app, you should be able to find it under /system/app, if not you can find it under /data/app. Before deleting, you can make a backup or instead of removing it you can rename file extension from .apk to .bak, for example. By doing the rename you are disabling the application because Android will only look for the .apk.
That is for a file that you know what it is. If you will be messing around with other files you don't know, then I highly advise to make a nandroid backup first.

Seems to work. Thanks for the confirmation.
-Joe
futz.me - Try Futz.me, A Command Line for the Web
bgcngm said:
You can. If it is a system app, you should be able to find it under /system/app, if not you can find it under /data/app. Before deleting, you can make a backup or instead of removing it you can rename file extension from .apk to .bak, for example. By doing the rename you are disabling the application because Android will only look for the .apk.
That is for a file that you know what it is. If you will be messing around with other files you don't know, then I highly advise to make a nandroid backup first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Wait, there is a problem:
Anything in \system\app that I rename to .bak, will rename itself BACK when I reboot.
Also, My Google Play store "My apps" section went blank (white screen) for two reboots.
Do I need the s-off for the phone which hasn't been done yet?
bgcngm said:
You can. If it is a system app, you should be able to find it under /system/app, if not you can find it under /data/app. Before deleting, you can make a backup or instead of removing it you can rename file extension from .apk to .bak, for example. By doing the rename you are disabling the application because Android will only look for the .apk.
That is for a file that you know what it is. If you will be messing around with other files you don't know, then I highly advise to make a nandroid backup first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

You can try Titanium Backup for freezing, disabling and deleting apps

avkiev said:
You can try Titanium Backup for freezing, disabling and deleting apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate your help, but is this a definitive method? If deleting the apk doesn't work, then can I use the "force remove" option in Titanium Backup? Or Could that hurt something? I'm just talking about removing obvious crap here like that game I mentioned, some NFL game, a few stupid verizon services, etc.

Live by this motto: "When in doubt, freeze it out". Use an application to freeze any applications you feel you don't need or want. It's best that way, and will help you avoid any problems by deleting an app and subsequently running into problems later on down the line...
ΧΔΑ Fraternity's Godfather. Read About Our History!

Freeze it. Don't delete. It might need to be restored in order to take an OTA system upgrade.

If I may:
1.) Is there some sort of app or file that calls these apps I'm going to freeze? Meaning, Can I just "freeze" (which I assume means disable) the app, and not have to worry about telling whatever file calls it to not call it?
2.) Do I need to buy that Titanium (free version doesn't freeze) or is there something else you use?
3.) Does freeze simply mean rename to .bak? Because if that's the case, I've already tried that with Root Explorer and the files rename themselves BACK to .apk upon reboot.
Thanks.
85gallon said:
Freeze it. Don't delete. It might need to be restored in order to take an OTA system upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

commandlinekid said:
If I may:
1.) Is there some sort of app or file that calls these apps I'm going to freeze? Meaning, Can I just "freeze" (which I assume means disable) the app, and not have to worry about telling whatever file calls it to not call it?
2.) Do I need to buy that Titanium (free version doesn't freeze) or is there something else you use?
3.) Does freeze simply mean rename to .bak? Because if that's the case, I've already tried that with Root Explorer and the files rename themselves BACK to .apk upon reboot.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) If you freeze an app using another app designed to do just that, there will be no way the app can be launched by another file or program (I believe that's what you're asking here)
2) Boat Freezer is good or Root Uninstaller is free (also good)
3) Bloat Freezer will rename the app with a .bzw file extension, and others work similarly. However, you cannot simply rename apps yourself and expect not to cause problems. This is where a good app freezer comes into play.
Also, whenever you make a change using the Root Explorer, the modified file will have a .bak extension. If you want your modified file to stick passed boot, you must delete or move the .bak file created after the editing.
ΧΔΑ Fraternity's Godfather. Read About Our History!

Ok, I'll try that. Thanks.
Joe
Apex_Strider said:
1) If you freeze an app using another app designed to do just that, there will be no way the app can be launched by another file or program (I believe that's what you're asking here)
2) Boat Freezer is good or Root Uninstaller is free (also good)
3) Bloat Freezer will rename the app with a .bzw file extension, and others work similarly. However, you cannot simply rename apps yourself and expect not to cause problems. This is where a good app freezer comes into play.
Also, whenever you make a change using the Root Explorer, the modified file will have a .bak extension. If you want your modified file to stick passed boot, you must delete or move the .bak file created after the editing.
ΧΔΑ Fraternity's Godfather. Read About Our History!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

i recommend using BloatFreezer ...
it freezes(or stops) unncessary system apps..or any other app you want...
and the advantage is that you can defrost it to get it back..!

neelay92 said:
i recommend using BloatFreezer ...
it freezes(or stops) unncessary system apps..or any other app you want...
and the advantage is that you can defrost it to get it back..!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true for any app freezer, in that you can freeze/un-freeze apps as you please. Even better: running a custom ROM that's already been de-bloated and using an app freezer for any other apps you don't want running.
ΧΔΑ Fraternity's Godfather. Read About Our History!

Can I just do this:
1.) adb shell
2.) Yay, I'm in Linux. I can now do stuff.
3.) Move the .apk files from \system\app to \sdcard\backup
4.) That's it.
Then if I need to move them back, I can.
Instead of all this "freezing", relying on a third-party app, etc.
Am I missing something here?
Please advise. Thanks.
Apex_Strider said:
1) If you freeze an app using another app designed to do just that, there will be no way the app can be launched by another file or program (I believe that's what you're asking here)
2) Boat Freezer is good or Root Uninstaller is free (also good)
3) Bloat Freezer will rename the app with a .bzw file extension, and others work similarly. However, you cannot simply rename apps yourself and expect not to cause problems. This is where a good app freezer comes into play.
Also, whenever you make a change using the Root Explorer, the modified file will have a .bak extension. If you want your modified file to stick passed boot, you must delete or move the .bak file created after the editing.
ΧΔΑ Fraternity's Godfather. Read About Our History!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Question,
Can I just do "adb shell", then once I'm in Linux, I can just move the .apk files I want to stop over to another directory...so I have them?
Is "freezing" even a real thing?
Please advise, if you don't mind, whether or not the above method is as good as freezing. Then, I won't have to rely on a third-party app (regardless of how much people love these apps) to accomplish the task.
Thanks.
Apex_Strider said:
1) If you freeze an app using another app designed to do just that, there will be no way the app can be launched by another file or program (I believe that's what you're asking here)
2) Boat Freezer is good or Root Uninstaller is free (also good)
3) Bloat Freezer will rename the app with a .bzw file extension, and others work similarly. However, you cannot simply rename apps yourself and expect not to cause problems. This is where a good app freezer comes into play.
Also, whenever you make a change using the Root Explorer, the modified file will have a .bak extension. If you want your modified file to stick passed boot, you must delete or move the .bak file created after the editing.
ΧΔΑ Fraternity's Godfather. Read About Our History!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

commandlinekid said:
Question,
Can I just do "adb shell", then once I'm in Linux, I can just move the .apk files I want to stop over to another directory...so I have them?
Is "freezing" even a real thing?
Please advise, if you don't mind, whether or not the above method is as good as freezing. Then, I won't have to rely on a third-party app (regardless of how much people love these apps) to accomplish the task.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but why go through all that trouble? The beauty of the app freezer is that it does what you want, right from your phone. No computer needed. If you use adb, you'll have to adb push them back to the right folder/directory of you want them again. Then, you'll have to set permissions, and is just more work. What if your computer crashed, how would you adb the apps of you ever needed them? The app freezer is all you need, right from your phone, no hassle, no worries! Trust me, that's the easiest way to go about this
ΧΔΑ Fraternity's Godfather. Read About Our History!

Give root permission to an app by edit system/etc permission.

I want to know about something interesting.
How can I give superuser permission to any APK by make a .Xml file to give this apk root permission.
Something like this"android.permission.ACCESS_SUPERUSER – Allows an app to access ROOT"
Inside system_root/system/etc/permissions.
And then open xml and write some script and APK name.
Kindly some tell me please.
Because I cannot put my phone.
I have used all popular apps and magisk and superuser but none of them root it.
So I need this information please.

How do I modify system files (so they STAY modified)?

I think this is a universal issue that would apply to any android system. But in case it makes a difference, I've got some Samsung devices. I've got an original Tab S (10.5 inches) and a Note 4 (8 inches). The first is running Resurrection Remix (based on Nougat) and the second is running LineageOS 16.
WHAT I WANT TO DO:
I want to modify some files that live in subdirectories of sys and system. Basic text files, whether XML or anything else. I want to change the configuration settings within the files. I'm rooted and all that. I can edit the files, but after I do, the system puts them back the way they were.
I can only draw one conclusion from this: THE SYSTEM THINKS IT'S BETTER THAN ME, AND IT WANTS TO FIGHT.
I need help. How can I modify the files and have them stay modified? How do I put on my digital boxing gloves and show the system who's boss?

FailSafeNow said:
I think this is a universal issue that would apply to any android system. But in case it makes a difference, I've got some Samsung devices. I've got an original Tab S (10.5 inches) and a Note 4 (8 inches). The first is running Resurrection Remix (based on Nougat) and the second is running LineageOS 16.
WHAT I WANT TO DO:
I want to modify some files that live in subdirectories of sys and system. Basic text files, whether XML or anything else. I want to change the configuration settings within the files. I'm rooted and all that. I can edit the files, but after I do, the system puts them back the way they were.
I can only draw one conclusion from this: THE SYSTEM THINKS IT'S BETTER THAN ME, AND IT WANTS TO FIGHT.
I need help. How can I modify the files and have them stay modified? How do I put on my digital boxing gloves and show the system who's boss?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it looks like the app's data you want to modify is kept by the app itself and gets restored everytime. It's a security precautions and I don't think you can do much about it. Is it a game or something ?
But if you saw someone modify successfully the XML file without it being constantly restored I can't help you much, maybe uninstall/reinstall will do the trick but tbh it would be kinda weird.
Hope this help, good luck with your fight.

It's not an app. These are system files. They belong to the system itself.

FailSafeNow said:
It's not an app. These are system files. They belong to the system itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you precise the path to the file, it may come handy

FailSafeNow said:
I think this is a universal issue that would apply to any android system. But in case it makes a difference, I've got some Samsung devices. I've got an original Tab S (10.5 inches) and a Note 4 (8 inches). The first is running Resurrection Remix (based on Nougat) and the second is running LineageOS 16.
WHAT I WANT TO DO:
I want to modify some files that live in subdirectories of sys and system. Basic text files, whether XML or anything else. I want to change the configuration settings within the files. I'm rooted and all that. I can edit the files, but after I do, the system puts them back the way they were.
I can only draw one conclusion from this: THE SYSTEM THINKS IT'S BETTER THAN ME, AND IT WANTS TO FIGHT.
I need help. How can I modify the files and have them stay modified? How do I put on my digital boxing gloves and show the system who's boss?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, you're rooted, that's only part of what you need in order to modify system files. The next step is, are you using an app that has a "root explorer" built-in and do you have your read/write permissions set to r/w? If you haven't set your read/write permissions to r/w, you won't be able make changes and have those changes persist.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk

Droidriven said:
Ok, you're rooted, that's only part of what you need in order to modify system files. The next step is, are you using an app that has a "root explorer" built-in and do you have your read/write permissions set to r/w? If you haven't set your read/write permissions to r/w, you won't be able make changes and have those changes persist.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I'm using FX, with the root explorer, and the system is mounted read-write.
Let's go with the example I'm most concerned with currently. My Note 4 has sound coming out of the wrong channels. Right and left are switched. I've tried modifying mixer_paths.xml in system/vendor/etc, which is supposed to be a way of fixing this. But the system just changes the file right back.

Edit: The permissions for the System directory are thus: All can read, but only Owner Root can write. Can I change this somehow?

Further update: I rooted my device even more than it was before. I installed the root binary for Lineage OS and set the built-in root to ADB and Apps. I used chmod from a terminal to change permissions for /system, /system/vendor, and /system/vendor/etc to 775. Those permission changes are sticking. But I can't seem to change the xml file so that it stays changed. I even used FX to modify its permission, but it just doesn't work. Nothing doing.