Database Info

Broke my New phone Installing Gapps??

I just bought a Chinese phablet and was excited about the good deal I got for $250. The phone (Ginwave G503) arrived on Monday and I was disappointed to learn that the retailer did not install google apps as they do for some of their chinese phones. I figured I would just look around the internet and just install them myself. This proved to be much harder than I thought. I came across a German forum for Chinese phones and installed the google apps package that one user had uploaded to my system/app/ folder and it didn't work. I was told in the forum that It might not fork because I used some old files for Android 2.3. So they pointed me to a thread with a newer version and I deleted everything I had copied into the system/app/ folder and then replaced them with the new files. Then even less worked. My phone didn't ring anymore, sound didnt work, and the play store wouldn't even start at all anymore (it gave me a download manager stopped error or something like that). So then I figured out that those files were probably for Android 4.1 and my phone has Android 4.0.4. So then I found a package on rootzwiki for 4.0.4. I again deleted all the stuff i had put in the system/app/ folder and did a factory reset.
When I restarted the phone I was not able to install my ES File Explorer from my SD Card again. When I click on it it asked me if I want to install to phone or SD card, no matter what i select it says "X Application not installed". So I went into the chinese app store that was on the phone (called 360 followed by some chinese symbols) and actually found ES File Explorer on there. But when I tried to install it from ther, it downloaded and then gave me the same error. No matter what apps I try to install, I get this error now. What can I do? Did I break my phone?

If I did end up breaking the Rom and can't find a replacement rom for this phone online is there like a universal android version that can be installed on any phone? Would there be any way I could somehow play a new Android on my phone without having to know how to program something

Wow.. This forum is extraordinarily worthless

u should think before bought a phone/tablet from china,dude...

agstwn21 said:
u should think before bought a phone/tablet from china,dude...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this point, it's not where he bought it from, it's what he did to it. Sorry to say OP, but you're very far up ****'s creek.
If you can't get ahold of the factory ROM and no one has made an aftermarket ROM for your device, you're going to have to learn to compile yourself. I wouldn't advise you do that, however. Based on your original post, you don't do any research before mindlessly flashing any old thing from the internet to your device.
If I'm coming off as a ****, that's because you want to call xda worthless when you clearly have your head up your ass. Someone might've tried helping you before you insulted the forums.
The only thing I can suggest now is using recovery mode to factory reset your device. This might only work if you still have your factory recovery; you never mentioned that you flashed a new one and I can't imagine you flashed anything to your phone without a custom one... But again, reading your OP it sounds like you just flash things all willy-nilly.
BTW, your device didn't have gapps because it's probably not approved by Google to access the play store. No access to play store = no gapps.

stefan0325 said:
I just bought a Chinese phablet and was excited about the good deal I got for $250. The phone (Ginwave G503) arrived on Monday and I was disappointed to learn that the retailer did not install google apps as they do for some of their chinese phones. I figured I would just look around the internet and just install them myself. This proved to be much harder than I thought. I came across a German forum for Chinese phones and installed the google apps package that one user had uploaded to my system/app/ folder and it didn't work. I was told in the forum that It might not fork because I used some old files for Android 2.3. So they pointed me to a thread with a newer version and I deleted everything I had copied into the system/app/ folder and then replaced them with the new files. Then even less worked. My phone didn't ring anymore, sound didnt work, and the play store wouldn't even start at all anymore (it gave me a download manager stopped error or something like that). So then I figured out that those files were probably for Android 4.1 and my phone has Android 4.0.4. So then I found a package on rootzwiki for 4.0.4. I again deleted all the stuff i had put in the system/app/ folder and did a factory reset.
When I restarted the phone I was not able to install my ES File Explorer from my SD Card again. When I click on it it asked me if I want to install to phone or SD card, no matter what i select it says "X Application not installed". So I went into the chinese app store that was on the phone (called 360 followed by some chinese symbols) and actually found ES File Explorer on there. But when I tried to install it from ther, it downloaded and then gave me the same error. No matter what apps I try to install, I get this error now. What can I do? Did I break my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before anyone ever uses a new device thee shall make a Rom Backup; just in case... (at least i would do this).
Anyway; i don't understand why you've put the *.apk file inside the \System\apps folder...
You should try (have tried) to install Android SDK (If you've not installed already); and install the *.apk through adb.
Check these:
http://www.xda-developers.com/xda-tv-2/pro-tip-number-4-installing-applications-using-adb-xda-tv/
[and]
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=879701
I don't believe that the operating system blocks "Google Apps / Play Store". Either way i'm not going to say that it is impossible. But it doesn't make much sense.
But like "rockingondrums" said; If your device doesn't have have "gapps"; it's probably because it's not approved by Google to access the play store.
No access to Play Store = No "gapps"...
(Never seen that happening though)
Also you didn't need to root your device for that. "Play Store" doesn't require Root Permissions...
In order to help you (and help yourself up); I've done research for you (just because i understand your situation).
1st of all you shouldn't insult XDA Forum. This Forum has loads of information scattered around. Just dig like everyone else... There's probably the info you need. Yes it may take hours, day or months if you have no idea of what you're messing with. If the info is there, just don't expect people to do the research for you...
But, XDA is far from being "worthless". I've lost the count of how many times it helped me; and what i've learned is priceless. (And i still don't know everything i want to know ^^)
2nd; [Get your Device Working]
If you haven't messed up much... (Like flashing a wrong Rom)
Use "Recovery Mode" to "Factory Reset" your device.
I'm not sure if the method i'm about to show, works for every device or for your device; but it's a good example.
On my device i would do:
- Turn off the device;
- Press and hold in the following order: Camera Button; Then Volume - and then Power Button; let it vibrate 3 times; and then release the buttons.
In other words; this will "Reinstall / Reset" your system. You'll see in your screen if it works. Just dont turn off your device in any way while it's executing that operation.
Note: It may be different on your device. If it is... You have to search for a different method that will work for you.
Search this forum, Google, or Ginwave Website (if it has one...)
After this; i recommend you to do some search and learn on how to backup & restore your device.
Search XDA Forum. Grab some examples, compare the info you've got; then backup that device.
3rd; If you've flashed a wrong Rom; then you really have to compile your own, as i also couldn't find a Stock or Custom Rom for your device.
Note: If you (ever) find a Rom for your device; remember that it has to be A ROM FOR YOUR DEVICE! AND NOT SOME OTHER. Otherwise you'll probably end with a dead device...
And that would be sad and wasted money.
Here's a good example on how to flash a Rom and a good place to start with:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Flashing_Guide_-_Android
Do some more reasearch; and now don't ever say that XDA is worthless.
P.S - Experienced People aren't here every day and every hour just for you... Sometimes you've got to wait and pray for a god answer (lol - so true...).
I hope this helps solving your problem.
Best Regards;

stefan0325 said:
If I did end up breaking the Rom and can't find a replacement rom for this phone online is there like a universal android version that can be installed on any phone? Would there be any way I could somehow play a new Android on my phone without having to know how to program something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,Did you have chance to find ROM-replacement? D you have any ROM image for this Ginwave GnoteM?

Telsda A198

I bought a chinese phone Telsda/TSD A198 . The firmware reports it as an MT6589 CPU but the computer reports it as a spreadtrum phone. I need to root the phone to get rid of some apps on this to make space. Also without rooting is there anyway to backup the stock rom on my phone before I mess up to root? I have seen a method on XDA but that requires root. Now I am trying to backup to get to rooot !!!! Also I have also researched researchdownload but without a ROM backup and not knowing which CPU model to flash its impossible to it right. I also looked into mtkdroidtools and it tells me "unstructured rom backup not possible" , so I am guessing its a fake MTK CPU that is being reported by tweaking the firmware.
This is the link to the phone
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-...3-MTK6589-4-0-INCH-smart-phone/879312434.html
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

I also interesting for this phone, but I have some doubt about the specs of this item. If you could clear some important properties for me, such as:
Does it have GPS functionality?
If not, this indirectly indicates that CPU is not MTK-based (likely Spreadtrum SC6820 if 3G functionality is absent or Spreadtrum SC8810 if it is present)
What is the real width of the phone?
It seems to me it is about 64mm, not 60.8 (as described in seller specs)
What is the RAM size?
Does it have 256 or 512MB RAM?
What is the real Andriod version?
Does it have Android 2.3.X disguised as Android 4.X.X?
I will be grateful for your response.

Villis1251 said:
I also interesting for this phone, but I have some doubt about the specs of this item. If you could clear some important properties for me, such as:
Does it have GPS functionality?
If not, this indirectly indicates that CPU is not MTK-based (likely Spreadtrum SC6820 if 3G functionality is absent or Spreadtrum SC8810 if it is present)
What is the real width of the phone?
It seems to me it is about 64mm, not 60.8 (as described in seller specs)
What is the RAM size?
Does it have 256 or 512MB RAM?
What is the real Andriod version?
Does it have Android 2.3.X disguised as Android 4.X.X?
I will be grateful for your response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, first my honest suggestion dont buy this phone it has pathetic performance. For the same price go for a real MTK6577 dual core. ANyways below are the answers to your question
> Real CPU frequence seems to be 1GHZ
>Mali 300 GPU
>no 3G
>no GPS
>256MB RAM and 256 MB ROM
>I am not sure if its real JB and I cant figure it out but it says JB 4.2.1 and the kernel is 2.6.35.7 and hence I guess its a fake JB. The funny part is under baseband version it says "MT6589 1.5GHZ quad cores" !!!! offcourse it means the firmware/build.prop has been tweaked and is reporting false values. Also when I ran Antutu it gives a score of about 3500 which is useless when compared to what is required to run games ..etc. I hope I have helped.

Thank you much - you helped me to avoid hasty purchase. And good luck in rooting your device.

custom recovery
Villis1251 said:
Thank you much - you helped me to avoid hasty purchase. And good luck in rooting your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally I was able to stitch a ROM, using bits and pieces from different sources and its perfectly working. I only need to build a CWM recovery image based on the recovery image I have attached. Can someone help me do that? so that I can do a nandroid and ump my rom in case someone needs to recover their telsda A198

I need help. I have the same smartphone. But I need it to flash. Do You have the firmware for it?

aspirus said:
I need help. I have the same smartphone. But I need it to flash. Do You have the firmware for it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have stitched firmware which works perfectly and is rooted. I also got google play store installed. Its not original firmware, the original one is supposedly 4.2.1 (I think its fake), what I have got installed is 4.0.4 if that works for you let me know.

hel me please!!!
braindia said:
I have stitched firmware which works perfectly and is rooted. I also got google play store installed. Its not original firmware, the original one is supposedly 4.2.1 (I think its fake), what I have got installed is 4.0.4 if that works for you let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
braindia hello ... I bought the same phone and I have problems with the sims do not have to call or receive coverage ..... could you explain you did and how you did it?
there say that you put android 4.0 not work quite right? ... greetings from chile

Braindia hello...I have a bad microphone works, but only when you call. So there are 2 options: trash or firmware.I need a firmware that works correctly works. So 4.2.1 or 4.0.4 for me is not important. I am new in the firmware of the phone (did the firmware only the tablet). Thankful for step by step instructions from the specialist. While I couldn't even get the root.:silly:

aspirus said:
Braindia hello...I have a bad microphone works, but only when you call. So there are 2 options: trash or firmware.I need a firmware that works correctly works. So 4.2.1 or 4.0.4 for me is not important. I am new in the firmware of the phone (did the firmware only the tablet). Thankful for step by step instructions from the specialist. While I couldn't even get the root.:silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok looks like lot of people have issues with this phone. Its a junk phone, all fake stuff on it. ANyways I will upload the firmware images and then you guys can use those to flash on your phones. Below is what I have done
1> Patched a 4.0.4 ROM which works perfectly
2>Removed useless preinstalled apps
3>rooted
4>Perfectly working dual sim,GPRS,WIFI,Camera,Camcorder .,..etc etc
4>The issue is with the IMEI, because of the way its stored you guys will need to use your own NV files.
The only thing I havent been able to do is get a working CWM, but you dont need it as you can flash the firmware images using researchdownload.

Braindia, you even pierced smartphone using researchdownload? Maybe I need a USB driver or researchdownload? What have you used? I can't understand how to enable the firmware on this phone: food & + -test menu; food & - picture with your phone and the triangle, but windows does not find the device driver.

working firmware files
aspirus said:
Braindia, you even pierced smartphone using researchdownload? Maybe I need a USB driver or researchdownload? What have you used? I can't understand how to enable the firmware on this phone: food & + -test menu; food & - picture with your phone and the triangle, but windows does not find the device driver.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go, you flash at your own risk. If there are bricks/issues you are responsible for your own device.(Standard disclaimer) . I have uploaded all the files except system and NV, system image is kind of big and I am trying to figure it out where to upload it.. You dont need to worry about NV unless you completely erased the flash(never erase the complete flash or format it). If you havent done so then you are good to go.
Please google to find researchdownload and use it to flash the attached files. I wont be able to write the tutorial on using researchdownload so google is your friend.
I have also uploaded the gapps zip which will get you up and running with google play store. You need root to copy these files directly into system/apps folder.
I will be able to upload a system file which works, not the patched one with google play store, root ...etc etc . You do that on your own, I will help you do it.
Thanks !

Tutorial researchdownload not needed. I installed the USB driver and researchdownload. When the phone is loaded, I can connect it to your computer . BUT when I try to flash the phone with the help of researchdownload I need to enable firmware on your phone. In the mode of firmware (if I understand it correctly) phone is not detected by Windows. I wanted to know what USB drivers and version researchdownload used you, and as included mode firmware on your phone.
I have the original firmware.

aspirus said:
Tutorial researchdownload not needed. I installed the USB driver and researchdownload. When the phone is loaded, I can connect it to your computer . BUT when I try to flash the phone with the help of researchdownload I need to enable firmware on your phone. In the mode of firmware (if I understand it correctly) phone is not detected by Windows. I wanted to know what USB drivers and version researchdownload used you, and as included mode firmware on your phone.
I have the original firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your phone is probably not detected due to 2 reasons
1> windows disabling non signed driver.. if thats the issue while you start the PC keep hitting F8 you will be shown various options
Select disable windows driver signature enforcement
2> Second reason is you need to add an entry in adb_usb.ini file I think its 0x1782 which is for SPRD enumerator. There are tons of links for this one of which is
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=37271476

Possible causes checked. NO 1 and NO 2 Everything correctly, but still not working.To go the other way, I've tried about 10 of options to get the root, but the result is zero. You got root?

aspirus said:
Possible causes checked. NO 1 and NO 2 Everything correctly, but still not working.To go the other way, I've tried about 10 of options to get the root, but the result is zero. You got root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
getting root is simple, flash a CWM I have attached one, please note this does not work but it works enough to get you root. follow the below steps
1> Flash attached recovery
2> boot into recovery ... this will not show the normal CWM options but dont worry just connect to your pc
3> run ADB shell, you will be automatically in root mode
4> perform mount /system and then exit shell
5> push su binary & busybox directly to /system/bin (from the command prompt using adb push)
6>change permissions for su & busybox to make them runnable
7> exit from the shell and reboot
8> do adb install superuser.apk(optional this can be done later)
thats it you have su, and then you can sideload the superuser apk or you can do step 8 as above. Once you have rebooted and verified that you indeed have superuser you can flash the stock recovery back on the phone.
Note note note : The CWM recovery image is only for you to get root and it doesnt work and doesnt show the normal CWM options... you have been warned. You should flash your old recovery/stock recovery after you have achieved root.
Also can you give me the stock recovery image so that I can build a working CWM out of it. I overwrote mine and now stuck with another recovery which works but is not for this phone.
Thanks

:cyclops:
1> Flash attached recovery
2> boot into recovery ... this will not show the normal CWM options but dont worry just connect to your pc
3> run ADB shell, you will be automatically in root mode
error:device not fround
TADAN
I have a magic smartphone. In recovery he annihilated.

aspirus said:
:cyclops:
1> Flash attached recovery
2> boot into recovery ... this will not show the normal CWM options but dont worry just connect to your pc
3> run ADB shell, you will be automatically in root mode
error:device not fround
TADAN
I have a magic smartphone. In recovery he annihilated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm... I am not sure what is the issue please try attached drivers and pray that they work . use either 64bit or 32bit depending on your OS.
Also you said you have the firmware can you upload it ? I can do something more with the stock/original firmware, so please upload it

I installed a different driver for windowsXP and windows7, but the result is the same. Too much time for 54$. I buried this smartphone. So good luck to you on the path to custom firmware. One month firmware will be available my personal archive: http://files.mail.ru/A9FBE04381094135959559784E5F49A4

aspirus said:
I installed a different driver for windowsXP and windows7, but the result is the same. Too much time for 54$. I buried this smartphone. So good luck to you on the path to custom firmware. One month firmware will be available my personal archive: http://files.mail.ru/A9FBE04381094135959559784E5F49A4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks ... I know this phone is a waste of time and money both. I am just using this phone as an experiment platform knowing fully well that this piece of junk will die anytime.

[Q] Exchange the whole UI stack on Android

Hi
I am new to hacking android. I have built linux distros in the past, and have worked with Linux for 15 years,
I have just rooted a ZTE V965. It doesn't come pre-installed with Play store, and has all sorts of ZTE-specific Chinese apps. It has a good baseband circuit, a good screen, reasonable camera and I think is a great value phone, apart from the awful UI.
It is an android phone, although heavily customised. It has an MTK6589 processor coupled with 4Gb ROM and 512Mb RAM.
I have other phones which operate a much more "Vanilla" android. For example, the Guophone 9105 which also uses an MTK6589. This has a troubling tendency to reboot every random interval. Approx 6 times a week.
I have had success in the past running Linux systems built for much earlier kernels on later kernels. This suggests the ABI (application binary interface) for the Linux kernel changes rather slowly.
I am wondering how well the userland apps are separated from the kernel and drivers on Android.
Specifically, is it feasible to dump all the UI stuff from one phone onto another then change the init to launch the other UI?
Would this risk bricking the phone, or would the shell commands and ADB infrastructure still likely operate?
I guess I should change the bootloader to one that supports fastboot first, right? Is ther a how-to on achieveing this from the root shell?
Thanks for any thoughts
Nick.

Nick Hill said:
Hi
I am new to hacking android. I have built linux distros in the past, and have worked with Linux for 15 years,
I have just rooted a ZTE V965. It doesn't come pre-installed with Play store, and has all sorts of ZTE-specific Chinese apps. It has a good baseband circuit, a good screen, reasonable camera and I think is a great value phone, apart from the awful UI.
It is an android phone, although heavily customised. It has an MTK6589 processor coupled with 4Gb ROM and 512Mb RAM.
I have other phones which operate a much more "Vanilla" android. For example, the Guophone 9105 which also uses an MTK6589. This has a troubling tendency to reboot every random interval. Approx 6 times a week.
I have had success in the past running Linux systems built for much earlier kernels on later kernels. This suggests the ABI (application binary interface) for the Linux kernel changes rather slowly.
I am wondering how well the userland apps are separated from the kernel and drivers on Android.
Specifically, is it feasible to dump all the UI stuff from one phone onto another then change the init to launch the other UI?
Would this risk bricking the phone, or would the shell commands and ADB infrastructure still likely operate?
I guess I should change the bootloader to one that supports fastboot first, right? Is ther a how-to on achieveing this from the root shell?
Thanks for any thoughts
Nick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Nick, I have the same phone. I'm also very new to android, last phone was iOS and before that windows. I managed to root the V965 using Vroot. I also managed to install SuperSU and CWM. However, the CWM is not fully functional, I can only do a factory reset, not install any packages or roms. Probably the phone has a locked bootloader. I can't check, because the USB driver with the phone doesnt support fastboot.
I really need to get google play working in this phone, read a lot of stuff, tried many things, but I havent succeeded yet. Please let me know if you make any progress.
In China they are flashing this phone, found some ROMs even, but I am not sure how they manage and google translate isn't much help there.
http://www.romjd.com/Device/zte-v965/hot/all/1

Hmmm my V965 is having some issues now
After a factory reset, the setup wizard keeps crashing. Even after another resest. So I can't get in the phone anymore.
Any chance you can send me the USB drivers that are on the phone? My phone isnt deteceted anymore, so I can't access the drivers, which I want to reinstall. And of course they are not on the ZTE website.

Byte_Me said:
Hmmm my V965 is having some issues now
After a factory reset, the setup wizard keeps crashing. Even after another resest. So I can't get in the phone anymore.
Any chance you can send me the USB drivers that are on the phone? My phone isnt deteceted anymore, so I can't access the drivers, which I want to reinstall. And of course they are not on the ZTE website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
You can temporarily download the ZTE v965 USB drivers from
www dot nickhill dot co dot uk forward slash ztev965usb dot zip

Byte_Me said:
Hi Nick, I have the same phone. I'm also very new to android, last phone was iOS and before that windows. I managed to root the V965 using Vroot. I also managed to install SuperSU and CWM. However, the CWM is not fully functional, I can only do a factory reset, not install any packages or roms. Probably the phone has a locked bootloader. I can't check, because the USB driver with the phone doesnt support fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fastboot and ADB appear to be standard protocols, at least on my Ubuntu, which don't need special drivers. However, it does appear that the stock boot loaader on the v965 does fail to incorporate the fastboot option.
If you remove the battery, replace it then turn on holding the volume down, you will get a menu, but fastboot is not there.
I don't know for a fact, but I do suspect that if you have access to the running android system as root, then you could in principle change any of the internal flash data. Therefore, in principle, I guess you could replace the boot loader or anything else in the running android system. Anyone please correct me if I am wrong, or confirm if I am right.
The feature set of this phone seems to be the same as the feature set of my Guophone. MTK6589, dual SIM, etc. So this image may be a good place to start if considering a transplant.
If you have ROMs, then perhaps it is possible to flash the ROM from a root terminal. I'm thinking add the uncompressed ROM to the Micro SD card, then using the dd command, block copy it to the appropriate image area on the internal ROM, reboot, reset to factory defaults.
If anyone more experienced than me with the nuts and bolts of Android can confirm or deny this will work, or where it should be put, please let me know.

An important factor is that the NAND is not locked on the ZTE V965. So if you have a root shell on the phone, you can issue the following command:
mount -o remount,rw /[email protected] /system/
Once you have done this, you will have read/write access to the system partition.
The only thing I then need to know is what should I avoid changing that may break the ADB bridge/root console?
And is all the UI stuff kept together, if so, where?
Shuffle it around a bit, make a new ROM

Thanks for the driver!
Unfortuntely it doesn't help
I found out the culprit, I tried to install gapps (google apps package) to the system app folder. I thought these changes would be reversed with a factory reset, but they are not. Setupwizard.apk keeps crashing and is preventing me from accessing my phone, so I must find a way to remove it from the system app folder. However, since this error occurred, I am not able to contact the phone in any way from the PC. Adb toolkit does not detect it, even when I reinstalled your driver. It's quite puzzling, I dont understand why in recovery mode I cannot connect adb-toolkit anymore.

Got my V965 working again, but it was a lot of hassle with shell access. Still not fully functional, no drives detected when i connect to USB, which is quite annoying, but not more than that. If you ever make any progress with google apps or flashing, please keep me informed, that would make this phone much more useable. I'll also keep hacking away at it, but without a bootloader unlock (I still think this is the problem), I don't think it will be possible.

I'm convinced it's possible to flash the phone, it seems they do it a lot in China.
I found a website with a couple of custom ROMs specific for the V965:
http://www.romjd.com/Rom/Detail/17086
And what I suspect is a rooting & flashing tool. Rooting works, I haven't figured out flashing yet.
http://dl.vmall.com/c0xa12brvo
I've also tried flashing from the settings - update menu in the phone, but it never finds the ROM (update.zip)
I did find another problem, I can't be reached on my phone, it always goes to voicemail. Same SIM in another phone works fine. No idea what's causing this.

Byte_Me said:
Got my V965 working again, but it was a lot of hassle with shell access. Still not fully functional, no drives detected when i connect to USB, which is quite annoying, but not more than that. If you ever make any progress with google apps or flashing, please keep me informed, that would make this phone much more useable. I'll also keep hacking away at it, but without a bootloader unlock (I still think this is the problem), I don't think it will be possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
I might be able to help you with the problem.
I have a mint, unused ZTE v965. I have used MTK Droid root and tools to extract a backup of the entire new phone. It is currently uploading to www dot nickhill dot co dot uk forward slash ZTE-V965_new_backup.zip
You should be able to write this back to your phone using flashtool.exe.
I don't know for sure if this will work, so entirely at your own risk! Just trying to help. If unsure, ask around.
I am new to this forum, so please remember to click the thanks button if you find anything I have done helpful!
Meanwhile, the MTK droid root and tools has a function to remove much of the chinese stuff (once the system has been installed) and there is always the cyanogenmod gapps package. This may be worth investigating.

Nick Hill said:
Hi
I might be able to help you with the problem.
I have a mint, unused ZTE v965. I have used MTK Droid root and tools to extract a backup of the entire new phone. It is currently uploading to www dot nickhill dot co dot uk forward slash ZTE-V965_new_backup.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The file size should be 635,972,093 bytes and should finish uploading at 04:00 GMT
md5sum 17ecfdd1040d5dbfab70a3adbc24e07a

Thanks for the ROM, i'll give it a go. I will try to install it using the update option in the settings, that seems the safest.
Be careful with gapps. setupwizard.apk + factory reset = a lot of problems (if you install in system app folder)

OMG that tool is awesome. created CWM boot, installed your ROM, then installed a clean ROM, then installed gapps, all working!!!

Byte_Me said:
OMG that tool is awesome. created CWM boot, installed your ROM, then installed a clean ROM, then installed gapps, all working!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly, I'm glad it's working for you.
Secondly, which tools did you use? Did you unpack the zip, open flashtools, select the scatter file then program the phone, or did you use some other method?
Which clean ROM did you then install, and how did you install it?
Did you then use MobileUncle to install CWM then use the cyanogenmod 10.1 gapps, or did you do something different?
It is useful to remember that MTKdroidtools has a useful function to remove chinese stuff. I think if more people contributed to the list of Chinese files that are safe to remove, that would be blade.
A detailed step-by-step guide might be helpful for anyone else with the same problem. One of the general problems I find is that there are plenty of guides around referring to this program, or that program, but few are detailed enough for someone who doesn't already know about those programs to use.
I pretty much bricked a Lenovo A766 yesterday, and it took several hours to learn about the tools to eventually unbrick it.
I would have rather spent my time understanding what is really going on, rather than spending my time learning vaguely what tool achieves what end result. If I understood more about the Android system, and built that knowledge on my understanding of Linux, I reckon I could achieve much more.
One thing I notice is that tablets and smartphones are actually replacing desktops and laptops. February this year, windows machines were down 7% YOY. I use Ubuntu for my main computer. Using these tools on Windows led me to significant frustration! This has led me to understand why there is a move. Maybe the tools provided for windows need to eventually move to android. We could then potentially use USB OTG to service other android devices. MTKdroidtools and flashtools runnng as a host on a separate Android system would be cool.

Nick Hill said:
Firstly, I'm glad it's working for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, me too
Secondly, which tools did you use? Did you unpack the zip, open flashtools, select the scatter file then program the phone, or did you use some other method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used MTK tools as described in that topic, rooted, made backup, installed CWM
Which clean ROM did you then install, and how did you install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the update tool from CWM to flash this ROM:
http://www.romjd.com/Rom/Detail/17086
That ROM is not very clean though, You might as well clean your own ROM
Did you then use MobileUncle to install CWM then use the cyanogenmod 10.1 gapps, or did you do something different?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CWM is installed using MTK Droid Root and Tools:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=44660171&postcount=417
This gapps version I installed: gapps-jb-20121011-signed
It's installed using CWM bootloader: install .zip package
It is useful to remember that MTKdroidtools has a useful function to remove chinese stuff. I think if more people contributed to the list of Chinese files that are safe to remove, that would be blade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the delete China function, but it didnt catch very much. But with all the functions available now, it's quite easy to clean manually.
A detailed step-by-step guide might be helpful for anyone else with the same problem. One of the general problems I find is that there are plenty of guides around referring to this program, or that program, but few are detailed enough for someone who doesn't already know about those programs to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I plan to make a topic for this phone, but at the moment I am still testing many things.
I pretty much bricked a Lenovo A766 yesterday, and it took several hours to learn about the tools to eventually unbrick it. I would have rather spent my time understanding what is really going on, rather than spending my time learning vaguely what tool achieves what end result. If I understood more about the Android system, and built that knowledge on my understanding of Linux, I reckon I could achieve much more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know how you feel, I was ready to toss this phone in the trash
One thing I notice is that tablets and smartphones are actually replacing desktops and laptops. February this year, windows machines were down 7% YOY. I use Ubuntu for my main computer. Using these tools on Windows led me to significant frustration! This has led me to understand why there is a move. Maybe the tools provided for windows need to eventually move to android. We could then potentially use USB OTG to service other android devices. MTKdroidtools and flashtools runnng as a host on a separate Android system would be cool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea about the possibilities there. I'm not a programmer, just someone who is good with computers and knows a little bit of everything.
PS. I could also use some thanks as well, maybe get some respect around here

Nick Hill said:
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you give it a try yet? Another user did and google apps are working for him, so thats 2 for 2.
Are you still on your original ROM? If so, I have a question for you. Do you get notification badges on your icons, for instance, when you have a missed call, is there a red box with a 1 on the phone icon? Also, do your contacts get ID-ed when they call you? I have some problems with that, caused by the country code prefix. I am still running that ROM I downlaoded from the Chinese forum, but if your ROM doent have these issues, I will switch back ASAP.

Nick Hill said:
Firstly, I'm glad it's working for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as you are a Lenovo a766 owner, may you help me with this?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49076877#post49076877

Where are configuration settings stored accross factory resets?
I have come to the (perhaps erroneous) conclusion that the user interface and what the user will experience is governed primarily from:
the APKs in
/system/app/
/system/vendor/operator/app/
and the configuration files pertaining to the installed apps, which is located at:
/data/user/0/
I guess that when the android device is factory reset, the /data partition is completely cleared, right?
Is there a set of standard configurations which are unpacked from somewhere into /data/user/0/ after a factory reset, or is it normal for all configurations to be stored in their respective APKs?

[Q] Unable to install GApps on Maxell C8 with ICS

Hi all,
I'd like to politely ask for your help with adding Google Play to my friend's tablet which unfortunately doesn't provide this app in factory setting.
First of all I'd like to mention that I've searched here before (and other sources over the internet as well) and found many threads with similar issues. Still I was unable to get everything working because of some problems that I'm not able to solve as I'm still just a user... Unfortunately it seems that each device is unique and requires a little different stuff to reach the goal.
So here's some basic information about the device:
Maxell Maxtab C8
Android 4.0.4
Kernel version: 3.0.8+
Here's what I was able to do so far:
Successfully rooted the device
Successfully set -rw to /system (using the "Mount /system (-rw / -ro)" app
I've tried many various Google Play installers including:
Android Market_install_files.zip
PlayStore_v4.6.17.apk found somewhere here in the forums
And about 5 more other without any success. Result is that Google Play is there but it doesn't work - I mean the icon has been added, Gmail account has been "assigned" to it during its first run and then every time I try to run Google Play there occurs an error saying that "Google Play stopped working" and it simply won't run. I also tried the simple solution with "Android-Market_install_files" package (4 apps) - as I found out it's the official way how to use Google Play on devices where it's not preinstalled. Still it didn't work as well - again ended up with the same error (stopped working). But there is maybe some kind of problem with the installation because two of four .apk files included in the "Android Market_install_files.zip" package cannot be installed as the device tells me that this app cannot be installed because of the conflicting signature (I found more about this here: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/...g-package-by-the-same-name-with-a-conflicting). I'm using files signed by Google. Advices are to firstly uninstall the original apps and then install these but I'm not able to uninstall as I can't find them. Guess these are some kind of system apps and I'm not sure where to find them exactly. Still no luck even using Root Explorer. These apps are called "OneTimeInitializer-signed.apk" and "GoogleServicesFramework-signed.apk". I think maybe Google Play from this package could work but the problem is caused by the device which doesn't overwrite the original apps (because of the signature).
Currently I've also found GApps Manager (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2589167) - I think this might work but I'm not able to test it at all. Simply I can't find how to get this Maxell tablet into recovery mode to find the "install from zip file" option.
Interesting is that there is no "Phonesky.apk" file in the device's memory...
Sorry for my post being soooo long but I'd like to provide as many additional information as possible.
Could you please give me advice how to install GApps on Maxell Maxtab C8 device or any other solution?
This could look easy for many of you but I'm working on it over two weeks now and I'm really clueless, even more when there are users confirming that Google Play works with this device. So I hope you're be so glad to help. Any help will be highly appreciated! Thanks!
With kind regards
PJ

Some info, since you have root, you can simply move .apk to your /system/app folder.
Also you had stated there is a conflicting issue with the same type of signature, this is because there is already an existing file of the same source.
To uninstall this .apk it usually located in the following folder(s).
- /system/app
And
- /system/priv-app
Just select and delete it. Reboot the device. And move your new files into /system/app and reboot. Make sure you also move Ann app called "Google Play Services.apk or GP will not start
Great things come in small packages.

Re:
Hi krishneelg3,
many thanks for your answer. Your advice looked really easy and reasonable but it didn't work.
I deleted all required .apk files from /system/app. Maxell tablet doesn't have /system/priv-app folder. Then I copied all the GApps files to corresponding folders in the tablet (/system/app, /system/etc, /system/framework, /system/lib). Then the setup wizard started but when I tried to confirm the setup guide touching the green Android icon it did nothing. After restarting the tablet I didn't see the setup wizard app any more. Tried about 5 times in a row from the beginning (copied the original files from the backup back to tablet, then replace them with the new ones from GApps) and always ended up with the same result.
There's also META-INF folder included in the GApps package. It seems to contain some certificates but I'm not sure what to do with it or where to copy these files. Could this be causing the problem?
Thank you very much.
PJ

I would like to tell you that, the GApps package is supposed to flashed via recovery.
The META INFO contains scripts to install and also certs
So if you have a custom recovery available for your device flash the custom recovery img and if you already have it then just flash it via recovery.

Sorry for the delay... I didn't manage how to switch the device to recovery mode. I tried many solutions reported to work for this device but they didn't for me. Some tested, some not because apparently my knowledge is user-level. To be honest after over 3 weeks trying I gave up.
But thanks for your effort.
Regards
PJ

[Completed] invalid OTA package missing scatter when trying to flash a zip file

Hi,
First of all, I am new to the android community and I hope that you will understand that I am writing as a noob.
I'm having an issue with my Chinese smartphone POMP W88A. It was a brand that was making smartphones, but it seems they have stopped producing phones. The phone is running on JB 4.2.2. It is running on MTK6589 processor. Kernel version is 3.4.5. Screen resolution is qHD (960x540). This phone seems like a Galaxy S4 clone. It has touchwiz installed, or I assume that it is touchwiz, even though it wont support the Accuweather S4 widget and other Samsung apps. What I was trying to do - I was going to install the Touchwiz launcher and the Accuweather widget from this link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2259228
It seems that it supports a large number of devices. However, when I rebooted into recovery and tryed to install the zips, I got an error message: Installation aborted. I googled a bit and found that some recoveries demand the zip files to be signed. I signed the zip files, rebooted again into recovery, and this time, the installation started, the progress bar started filling and suddenly it aborts the installation with this error message: "Invalid OTA package missing scatter". I tryed to google how to fix that problem, but I am unable to find a solution. There are some topics on this matter regarding the flashing of ROMs, but I just wanted to flash the launcher and the widget. I also found a topic saying that it might be because the Recovery demands Busybox to be installed, so I also installed Busybox, but the problem is still there. I also tried installing other recoveries via Mobileuncle Tools, but none of them worked, so I swithched back to the factory one, which is called Android system recovery 3e. Anyone have any clue how I can fix this? If there is a way to install zips without rebooting into recovery, I could try that, but I dont know if that is possible.
Here's the link for my phones ROM, maybe it could help you out to understand my issue:
http://www.needrom.com/download/pomp-w88a/
Thanks in advance. I would appreciate anyone's help.

Mirsaneli said:
Hi,
First of all, I am new to the android community and I hope that you will understand that I am writing as a noob.
I'm having an issue with my Chinese smartphone POMP W88A. It was a brand that was making smartphones, but it seems they have stopped producing phones. The phone is running on JB 4.2.2. It is running on MTK6589 processor. Kernel version is 3.4.5. Screen resolution is qHD (960x540). This phone seems like a Galaxy S4 clone. It has touchwiz installed, or I assume that it is touchwiz, even though it wont support the Accuweather S4 widget and other Samsung apps. What I was trying to do - I was going to install the Touchwiz launcher and the Accuweather widget from this link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2259228
It seems that it supports a large number of devices. However, when I rebooted into recovery and tryed to install the zips, I got an error message: Installation aborted. I googled a bit and found that some recoveries demand the zip files to be signed. I signed the zip files, rebooted again into recovery, and this time, the installation started, the progress bar started filling and suddenly it aborts the installation with this error message: "Invalid OTA package missing scatter". I tryed to google how to fix that problem, but I am unable to find a solution. There are some topics on this matter regarding the flashing of ROMs, but I just wanted to flash the launcher and the widget. I also found a topic saying that it might be because the Recovery demands Busybox to be installed, so I also installed Busybox, but the problem is still there. I also tried installing other recoveries via Mobileuncle Tools, but none of them worked, so I swithched back to the factory one, which is called Android system recovery 3e. Anyone have any clue how I can fix this? If there is a way to install zips without rebooting into recovery, I could try that, but I dont know if that is possible.
Here's the link for my phones ROM, maybe it could help you out to understand my issue:
http://www.needrom.com/download/pomp-w88a/
Thanks in advance. I would appreciate anyone's help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi and thank you for using XDA Assist
About your problem, Chinese copies are not the best choice....
The error which appear to you it's cause also for the fact that you need a custom recovery for it like TWRP or CWM.
If you are able to get root access on your phone you could simply decompress the flashable zip and then push to system the files to their respective folders.
Other ways i couldn't find.
But for futher assistance i suggest you to head over here: Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

nilac said:
Hi and thank you for using XDA Assist
About your problem, Chinese copies are not the best choice....
The error which appear to you it's cause also for the fact that you need a custom recovery for it like TWRP or CWM.
If you are able to get root access on your phone you could simply decompress the flashable zip and then push to system the files to their respective folders.
Other ways i couldn't find.
But for futher assistance i suggest you to head over here: Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I know they are not very stable. I was wondering something: when I reboot into recovery, I dont have an option called Install zip from SD card, like many other recoveries I saw on Youtube have. I only have Apply update from SD Card, Apply update from Cache and Wipe partition data. Maybe that option "Apply update from SD card" that I was trying is ment for installation of ROMs and flashing updates. Im just guessing... So, how could I install CWM? I already checked the TWRP website, but ofc I couldn't find my device on their list. CWM, however, I don't know how it works. About pushing the apks into system/app - I already tried pushing various launchers into system/app and changing permissions, but none of them worked. Last one bricked my phone, so I reflashed the ROM via SP flash tool. Now its working smoothly, but on the other hand, I payed this phone pretty cheap, and I would love to customize it and learn something new about customizing