[Q] How To Edit ROM's? - Optimus One, P500, V Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello everyone,
This is a quick question, that I seen asked before but it several different ways.
I would like to know how to simply edit my favorite ROM's, in ways of just adding a new theme or modifying the layout.
I don't wanna get too deep into it, just the simple things like adding apps to ROM's.
Can someone help me out here?

I think a flashable zip with addons(like gapps) is a good way, or just browse the rom.zip and add things(system/app/bin/extras) before flashing it
also try this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33349661

Trytohaxme said:
Hello everyone,
This is a quick question, that I seen asked before but it several different ways.
I would like to know how to simply edit my favorite ROM's, in ways of just adding a new theme or modifying the layout.
I don't wanna get too deep into it, just the simple things like adding apps to ROM's.
Can someone help me out here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
grigtm said:
I think a flashable zip with addons(like gapps) is a good way, or just browse the rom.zip and add things(system/app/bin/extras) before flashing it
also try this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33349661
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do agree with grigtm. Use OOne ROM Editor as I personally tried that and it works great.

I had some problems with OOne ROM Editor that it removed some direcotries from root of the ROM. So I made my ROM in Total Commander :laugh:.

I'd agree that the easiest way is to edit a ROM in place with some Zip program since you can effectively skip re-signing the zip. One thing to note from the RootzWiki on signing (emphasis my own):
With custom recoveries such as ClockworkMod Recovery, the recovery does not verify that the key is authorized, but just that the signature of the ZIP is valid. Most recoveries now have this option disabled by default, due to excessive user complaints: Many "popular" developers are incapable/unwilling to properly sign their ZIPs, causing the signature check to fail on such ZIPs even when they are not corrupt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if this applies to current Clockwork Recovery for our phone (5.0.27), but I know it can be turned of manually if necessary.
Number two, I believe it is standard practice for most archive programs and types (including programmers API's) to automatically remove empty directories, which OOne Editor likely uses. Although, the OOne Editor is becoming popular enough that if it almost suits your needs you should probably file a bug in the OOne Editor thread.

Related

Custom clockworkmod compatible update.zip

Hello, I would like to create my own update.zip that would be compatible with clockwork mod. I have several files in several locations that I manually copy over after new installs like multicolored bash nano iwconfig iwlist etc. And I think it would be much easier to create a installable package for that, I also delete a number of built I. Apps like tweeter amazon etc. And I have seen the scripts inside oyhers update.zip's that I could add the bash commands to remove those things as well.unfortunately I know nothing about what clockworkmod wants and I see binarys inside these zips dont know if those are customized for each zip or the same in all of them, I dont know what files or information is absolutely required. The best possible solution is if I had a blank update.zip that held all of the required files settings and all I needed to do was add my files and asd a few lines to a preexisting script to remove sum stock apps.thinking back I might have seen a file containing all the files names and md5 chucksums for each as well which if necessary I can do. Is there something like this available for download sumwhere? If not ajy resources to learn the required information and find the required binarys.thank you in advance.
Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk
Hi,
I've been trying to learn the same thing. I'm curious if you found anything useful since posting this.
Of course, if I find anything, i'll post back here too.
Thanks.
Same problem here
Good to hear someone with same problems. I want to create a generic ROM for myself and I want to use ClockworkMod to help flash it instead of using fastboot.
Well, I have found no documentation about what ClockworkMod may need for a zip file.
But I guess it could be possible to just replace them with your own by downloading an existing zip file created by someone else.
I'll try it to see if that works or not. Of course, a documentation would be better.
I regularly flash a new CM7 Nightly as they are released and I have to manually modify some things each time a new rom is flashed. I change screen density and add a notification ringtone that CM7 does not have. I wanted to automate that. Since I have to reflash the Google Apps each time anyway, I thought why not modify the gapps zip to include my changes. After searching the web I found a little info about how to do it. I just modify the zip on my computer using WinRar, copy the file to my device and re-sign the package using signapktic which is free on the market. Then flash using CWM. It worked great. No more manual adjustments. There are some instructions here which helped me:
http://forum.cyanogenmod.com/topic/15030-moving-apps-to-system/
I been getting into the kitchen
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=633246
So far i`ve managed to integrate a few apps , ringtone should be easy
next the fonts from utmost rom
thanks to the kitchen, Im now running at script kiddie level

[Q] How to modify a deodexed .zip ROM file?

I wanted to get some insight, direction and perhaps guidance on how to take the existing Deodexed ED2 ROM and get inside and make some edits, remove bloatware, replace Touchwiz with a different launcher etc. I am not looking to build a full blown custom ROM, I am just looking to edit a stock (yet deodexed) ROM to meet my needs.
Any help would be greatly appreciated so I can learn more about this process.
There are two ways you can do it. First way, that is usually a little easier to work with, is to extract the zip file, make the changes you want, and re-zip the whole thing. The other method is to just open the zip file (7zip or similar will make this a little easier) and add/delete stuff as you want. It eliminates the decompress/recompress part, but is a little harder to work with unless you know exactly what you want to do.
As far as figuring out what to remove and such, some files are named in a manner that they are easy to figure out (Mms.apk for example) and other files are not (Dlna.apk is AllShare). If you want to figure out what an APK file is, a good indication is sometimes opening it with say 7zip (they are essentially zip files) and extracting res/drawable-hdpi/icon.png and you can see what the icon is. Astro File Manager can also give you some info on the specific Apks, as can Titanium Backup I believe.
As for replacing things (like the launcher) it is as simple as taking one out and putting another in for most stuff. I will let you know that I had battery drain issues when I removed the stock TWLauncher, but I believe I know how to fix it then. A lot of stuff though, if you are replacing things, you'll want to do 1 or 2 things at a time and also be familiar with logcat as it is an invaluable tool when testing out ROM changes and problems.
Thanks imnuts, I will start to play with a zip file and go from there. As you mentioned the bloatware is in the system folder and not the data folder so perhaps I will just delete the bloat, and install GB Launcher on my phone and make it default so that TW is still there just not in use.
Hi,
a little late, but...
did you actually make this work? I'm trying the exact same thing, but my 4ext recovery always aborts the installation. Do I need to sign it or what is wrong?
Thanks a lot...
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A

[ATTN][DEV] VillainROM and Partners Presents VillainTheme System 0.3.5 [THEMERS ONLY]

VillainTheme System 0.3.5 for the TF101
http://www.villainrom.co.uk/forum/showthread.php/4971-About-VillainTheme-System
pulser_g2 said:
OK, so I think it's time to explain what this is about. It's born from the idea that came about on IRC, for a way to make a theme once for a ROM, rather than have to adjust it for each incremental update for a given ROM or ROMs.
As a user, you don't need to know much - just flash this zip like a regular zip, and you'll get your theme running. But you should be able to apply themes to any device, ROM, and version of the ROM, without it causing adverse effects. That means less time spent by themers making the original theme, and less time spent modifying it constantly for new versions of ROMs.
As a themer? Well, here is the information:
Inside the zip, in the vrtheme folder, you can create a folder called "system" and "data". The former is required, the latter is not required unless you wanted to theme a data app (strongly not recommended, unless you know the app will be there on every phone)
Inside the system or data folder, create a subfolder "app", and in these, make subfolders named EXACTLY after the APK name. For example, to theme the Browser, you need a folder called "Browser.apk". It must be correctly capitalised.
Within there, place the files you require for your theme, in the relevant locations. So most PNGs will be in res/drawable-hdpi/. You can put in xml files too (those which are not in resources.arsc), if you compile them via apktool, and extract them with a zip tool.
In the vrtheme folder, as well as system and data folder, one called "raw" can exist. Within here, you can place files to be copied verbatim to the ROM (for example, modified JAR files). Note that using this may make the theme device dependent (read WILL make it device dependent)
And that's about it.
Features
Will modify APKs in a ROM, without changing signatures, and can be used on any ROM where the filenames of themed files is the same.
Should not need updated between versions of a ROM
Zipaligns all APKs before installation
Stores a backup of all files being modified in /cache/vrtheme-backup/
Requires no coding abilities or editing of files - just drag and drop
Can copy "raw" files, though at risk of not working on other devices (well, let's face it, it won't work on likely a slightly different ROM, so this feature is not recommended or encouraged)
Credits
Doctorcete for the original idea in a discussion on IRC
Stericson for the original idea of metamorph. While totally different, it's a shared goal to separate themes from ROMs
Matt from the Metamorph team, for the zip binary compiled for Android
Seshy, for testing
EULA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing evil or complicated - just a few little things. You should not charge for access to this code. That includes a zip containing this, or a derivative of it. So please don't sell themes using it. That's not particularly cool. If you want to use it commercially for some reason, get in touch with us.
If you spot a bug or error, and find a fix, please reply in this thread and let us know, or post the changes you made. If you're going to distribute the changed version, it is expected that you share the change made by contacting us, or posting it here.
Finally, don't be a douche - don't rip this off or call it your own, and leave all headers and comments identifying the origin of the code in place. Don't rename this to match your ROM or "team" name - it's not cool, and it's not yours to go and adjust. I chose to make this a readable "plain" script, but can easily obfuscate and encrypt it if you want to be a douche.
Copyright VillainROM (2011). All rights reserved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now this project was created around the SGS2, and as such it did not work on the TF101 at first, however me and Pulser have spent the day looking for solutions and finally got it working for the TF101.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE THE SGS2 TEMPLATE FROM THE VILLAINROM WEBSITE.
Download:
0.3.6 experimental
Clean template without theme included: http://www.mediafire.com/?5bs9srz88i4wdq4
Asus Eee Pad TF101 VRTheme template: http://www.mediafire.com/?5gyr1g0xgd05t70
Note: for now the template is my windows phone 7 theme since it shows you where everything goes really well
If you find any issues or bugs PM me with as much info as you can and if possible a recovery log (found in /cache/recovery/) so I can try and find a solution to your problem.
Changelog
0.3.5
Fixed ASCII art in updater script.
Minor clean up of installtheme.sh
Added preview.png to template.
0.3.3
Modified installtheme.sh as it was giving possible problems.
0.3.2
Fixed a problem with raw folder copying. Put contents of /raw in /system now on the root of the .zip
Fixed some status 0 errors.
Currently known bugs:
You may have issues trying to flash framework files and app files in the same .zip (code 0 error).
Temporary solution: Flash the framework folder and the app folder in seperate .zip files.
hello,
is that you can see screen pls ?
And this theme is compatible with any rom ?
wallah said:
hello,
is that you can see screen pls ?
And this theme is compatible with any rom ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you had taken 3 seconds to read the post you would know it's not a theme.
This is for themers only.
yes I have read and I have not really understood ...
sorry I disturb
For any themers who want a better example of how it works, I just updated my own theme to use this method:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1120525
Hey seshmaru,
This is definitely a great method! As soon as I get a chance, I will experiment with adapting PCB Blue to use the VillainROM theming method (with leaving all credit intact of course )
If someone wants to uninstall any themes applied this way, what would be the best method though? Just reflash their ROM?...(is what I'm thinking).
Thanks for working on this with the Villain Team, and if there's anything I can do (help/test/etc.), please don't hesitate to PM me.
Thanks again, and cheers for now!
scar45 said:
Hey seshmaru,
This is definitely a great method! As soon as I get a chance, I will experiment with adapting PCB Blue to use the VillainROM theming method (with leaving all credit intact of course )
If someone wants to uninstall any themes applied this way, what would be the best method though? Just reflash their ROM?...(is what I'm thinking).
Thanks for working on this with the Villain Team, and if there's anything I can do (help/test/etc.), please don't hesitate to PM me.
Thanks again, and cheers for now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well seeing as the current .zip makes a backup of the original files, in the future there will probably be a script made to restore the back up.
Till then the easiest way is to just reflash your ROM without a wipe or to reflash whatever theme you had before.
If you want to help with testing (constantly fixing things since pulser is away so it's my task to keep the SGS2 template and TF101 template as identical as possible) or have any questions you can pop by the VillainROM IRC since I'm generally in there.
Hmm... I can't quite figure out why, but it is not working right for me.. My framework-res.apk file is exactly the same after flashing....
I managed to do some debugging, and i found out that the file file is actually created, but it doesn't copy it over for some reason...
within the VRTheme folder (which i prevented from being deleted so i could check out the contents) the framework-res.apk file is in apply/system/framework/framework-res.apk...
So i tried editing the install script, all the way down at the bottom, and i changed the code from from cd /cache/vrtheme/apply/system/framework/aligned/ to cd /cache/vrtheme/apply/system/framework/ and it worked!
All i can guess is that the file isn't getting aligned for some reason, so that folder/file is never created, but the script is still calling for it...
Can you please let me know if my fix is acceptable, or if there is something off with it that can be fixed and would allow it to be aligned therefore creating the folder and the file?
-trailblazer101
I just want to confirm this. I made some xml edits for the framework, finsky, and gmail were I change the color of the text. Those are in the values folder in the colors.xml file. After you compile the apk you cannot see that folder so I am guessing that you cannot use this to flash that xml correct?
went toflash the theme i get error 0
MetAloid said:
went toflash the theme i get error 0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just try the new version now i get error 6
MetAloid said:
just try the new version now i get error 6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got error 6 as well.
Error 6
I'm gettting same error ^ as cescribed by others.
I have been wanting to get into the Honeycomb theme arena and this looks like a good place to start, thanks for your work and I hope I can figure it out. Would it be ok to drop by IRC if I have any questions?
Hi all, just looking for confirmation that the VillainTheme flasher is able to apply .XML files (specifically in framework-res/drawable)?
Thanks in advance!
It should be able to, although it's had some issues at times.
Anyone getting status 6, try this new updated template: http://www.mediafire.com/?5bs9srz88i4wdq4
seshmaru said:
Anyone getting status 6, try this new updated template: http://www.mediafire.com/?5bs9srz88i4wdq4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That 0.3.6 template works for me
Regards, folgui.
I'm having a problem with Recovery giving "E:Error in... / Error 0" with my theme for the TF101 below.
Can someone please test it and report their findings? Note that you should do a Nandroid backup first!
Thanks in advance...
** EDIT ** - Found the problem and fixed it...sorry for the post!

[Q] Editing zip before flashing a ROM

I know I have done this before and this is a noob question, but lately I've been having trouble with this.
If I make changes to the zip file of a ROM (eg replace a few existing files, and remove some unwanted system APKs, but not add anything new), do I need to sign the zip before flashing or just flash straight after editing? Also what's the best tool to use to replace the files within the zip? I trust WinRAR will do the trick...
djsubtronic said:
I know I have done this before and this is a noob question, but lately I've been having trouble with this.
If I make changes to the zip file of a ROM (eg replace a few existing files, and remove some unwanted system APKs, but not add anything new), do I need to sign the zip before flashing or just flash straight after editing? Also what's the best tool to use to replace the files within the zip? I trust WinRAR will do the trick...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never added anything (yet!), just deleted un-wanted APK's and altered some system files (ie build,prop etc). I've never signed anything and I used IZArc although only as that's what's installed on my XP system.
This is something that I too would like to do more so that I can further personalize and tweak some of these already great ROMS, so I'm also curious for some pointers from more the experienced.
Check the portal, there's an app to create flashable zips there.
PS - POST QUESTIONS IN THE GENERAL SECTION !!!!!!!!
You can set a flag in recovery to check for signatures or not. When it is not set you can flash any zip file
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA App
jorgen2009 said:
You can set a flag in recovery to check for signatures or not. When it is not set you can flash any zip file
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this once, and then I flashed the zip. It was a CM7 zip which would normally take at least 20-30 seconds to complete, but this modified zip flashed in less than ten seconds. It said successfully flashed but when I rebooted nothing had actually happened. Hence I was wondering what went wrong?

[Q] Updater script and build.prop

Hello all!
I am looking to automate a couple things I do when I flash a new build of Cyanogen mod. Namely my couple edits of the build.prop.
Yes I do understand that some will disagree with me editing the build.prop, and some may say it's dangerous. I'm not here to discuss those matters.
What I do want to discuss is that I want to create a flashable zip that contains an updater script that will essentially add my changes for me before I even start Cyanogen mod and save me time and effort. I am very unfamiliar with such things and was hoping someone could give me a hand and point me in the right direction. That way I can do my own thing and ask less questions in the future.
P.S. Do note I do prefer to be taught than just handed a script with everything I want in it.
Zadeis said:
Hello all!
I am looking to automate a couple things I do when I flash a new build of Cyanogen mod. Namely my couple edits of the build.prop.
Yes I do understand that some will disagree with me editing the build.prop, and some may say it's dangerous. I'm not here to discuss those matters.
What I do want to discuss is that I want to create a flashable zip that contains an updater script that will essentially add my changes for me before I even start Cyanogen mod and save me time and effort. I am very unfamiliar with such things and was hoping someone could give me a hand and point me in the right direction. That way I can do my own thing and ask less questions in the future.
P.S. Do note I do prefer to be taught than just handed a script with everything I want in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here my friend same here.
But what i do to my ROMs when i have edits i wanna make is i extract the build.prop from the zip and edit what i want using Notepad++ then drag the build.prop back to the 7zip window to add it back to the zip and i flash. Simple as that
Now, if you really wanna get fancy, you could create an sh script that will read the build.prop AFTER flashing the ROM. It will read the build.prop, then change the things you want for you.. I dont really recommend this method as its not very simple and quite frankly im too lazy to create the sh script for myself. But i do believe it is possible.
elesbb said:
Same here my friend same here.
But what i do to my ROMs when i have edits i wanna make is i extract the build.prop from the zip and edit what i want using Notepad++ then drag the build.prop back to the 7zip window to add it back to the zip and i flash. Simple as that
Now, if you really wanna get fancy, you could create an sh script that will read the build.prop AFTER flashing the ROM. It will read the build.prop, then change the things you want for you.. I dont really recommend this method as its not very simple and quite frankly im too lazy to create the sh script for myself. But i do believe it is possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting... I have tried the modify then drop the build.prop back into the zip, using 7-zip even, and it refuses to do so. hence me trying to do it in the manner of an updater script.
Zadeis said:
Interesting... I have tried the modify then drop the build.prop back into the zip, using 7-zip even, and it refuses to do so. hence me trying to do it in the manner of an updater script.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could always make a second zip containing your modded build.prop. I remember having to do this with one of my edits on my S2 cause the ROM wouldnt set itself up with the changed Build.prop.
elesbb said:
You could always make a second zip containing your modded build.prop. I remember having to do this with one of my edits on my S2 cause the ROM wouldnt set itself up with the changed Build.prop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm maybe. I'll try using winrar to see if it makes any difference using the same drag and drop new build.prop method just to satisfy my curiosity.
Could it be an MD5 issue since you are "modifying" the zip?
Still Charged Up
Reilly1812 said:
Could it be an MD5 issue since you are "modifying" the zip?
Still Charged Up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually winrar worked. 7-zip can delete files from a CM archive but not add for some reason when winrar can do both. Not sure why but I still prefer 7-zip myself for everything else.
Though while this method does work I still wouldn't mind knowing how to add my changes via build.prop to streamline the entire process of updating CM.
Zadeis said:
Actually winrar worked. 7-zip can delete files from a CM archive but not add for some reason when winrar can do both. Not sure why but I still prefer 7-zip myself for everything else.
Though while this method does work I still wouldn't mind knowing how to add my changes via build.prop to streamline the entire process of updating CM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
7zip works for me without any issues..
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