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[Q] How to merge update.zips

Hello,
I am running CM7 A8.1, and I am wondering how to merge the following update.zip files into 1 update.zip so I don't have to install 1 by 1?
Here is the order in which I install the following zips after flashing the Alpha8 through Odin:
1. CM7.2.0-GT-I5800_Alpha8.1a_CWM.zip (http://cm7-i5800.googlecode.com/files/CM7.2.0-GT-I5800_Alpha8.1a_CWM.zip)
2. Google Apps (http://goo.im/gapps)
3. Deodexed version of A8 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1415179)
4. ICS Complete patch by AChep (same as above)
5. MegaBassBeats audio (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1602753)
6. Hillbeast's test002 kernel of G3Mod (http://db.tt/PteQpsdY)
If someone could merge all of these into 1 update zip I would be very grateful, if not just tell me what I should do to merge them
And if that's not possible could you link me a thread on how to make my own rom with the current things i have installed (all of the above update.zips) and convert it into a tar so i can just flash that instead of update.zips

mrdjibrilo said:
Hello,
I am running CM7 A8.1, and I am wondering how to merge the following update.zip files into 1 update.zip so I don't have to install 1 by 1?
Here is the order in which I install the following zips after flashing the Alpha8 through Odin:
1. CM7.2.0-GT-I5800_Alpha8.1a_CWM.zip (http://cm7-i5800.googlecode.com/files/CM7.2.0-GT-I5800_Alpha8.1a_CWM.zip)
2. Google Apps (http://goo.im/gapps)
3. Deodexed version of A8 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1415179)
4. ICS Complete patch by AChep (same as above)
5. MegaBassBeats audio (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1602753)
6. Hillbeast's test002 kernel of G3Mod (http://db.tt/PteQpsdY)
If someone could merge all of these into 1 update zip I would be very grateful, if not just tell me what I should do to merge them
And if that's not possible could you link me a thread on how to make my own rom with the current things i have installed (all of the above update.zips) and convert it into a tar so i can just flash that instead of update.zips
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This can be done via Aroma Installer Script which is a full GUI Mode for Installing which Runs in Recovery.. I think Rubensollie was making one.. Not sure when he will release..

aimad100 said:
This can be done via Aroma Installer Script which is a full GUI Mode for Installing which Runs in Recovery.. I think Rubensollie was porting one.. Not sure when he will release..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I try and overwrite one after another with total commander and then apply the zip that is made of all the overwritten files (also delete the .odex files and the unnecessary apps from system/app)?

mrdjibrilo said:
Can I try and overwrite one after another with total commander and then apply the zip that is made of all the overwritten files (also delete the .odex files and the unnecessary apps from system/app)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but can't understand what you mean. You asking how to Deodex?

aimad100 said:
Sorry but can't understand what you mean. You asking how to Deodex?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not only that, I am thinking about overwriting the files in that particular order which I would usually run update.zip, so I can get 1 instead of 6 update.zips

mrdjibrilo said:
Not only that, I am thinking about overwriting the files in that particular order which I would usually run update.zip, so I can get 1 instead of 6 update.zips
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah! now I get what you actually meant. Actually what you want can be done without Aroma Installer.. You just need files at proper place directories..
1.Take CyanogenMod Alpha 8.1 Extract the ZIP.
2.Remove zImage and add the zImage of HB Kernel
3.Remove Apps and Framework folder from /system and add from Deodexed CyanogenMod
4.Go to each folder in Achep Patch and replace the files in the CyanogenMod 7 Folder..
5.Do similarly and replace file for MegaBassBeats and Gapps.. Be careful to place in correct directory.
Repack the META-INF, system and zImage folder at Store Compression Level. Apply it and there you go!

aimad100 said:
Ah! now I get what you actually meant. Actually what you want can be done without Aroma Installer.. You just need files at proper place directories..
1.Take CyanogenMod Alpha 8.1 Extract the ZIP.
2.Remove zImage and add the zImage of HB Kernel
3.Remove Apps and Framework folder from /system and add from Deodexed CyanogenMod
4.Go to each folder in Achep Patch and replace the files in the CyanogenMod 7 Folder..
5.Do similarly and replace file for MegaBassBeats and Gapps.. Be careful to place in correct directory.
Repack the META-INF, system and zImage folder at Store Compression Level. Apply it and there you go!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks that's the guide i've been looking for!

[Request] Deodexed stock ICS ROM for Sensation 4G

So Mike has posted deodexed stock ICS roms for both sensation and sensation xe, a long time ago in the dev section, but not for sensation 4G .
I am looking for such a rom (deodexed stock ICS) that works for sensation 4G as well.
I am sure a lot of other ppl would also be happy to have this

Here you go man, just what you requested.

T-Macgnolia said:
Here you go man, just what you requested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot!
Im on the exact same ROM but odexed, do you think flashing this in recovery would flash my dada (i.e. erase everything)?

alireza_simkesh said:
Thanks a lot!
Im on the exact same ROM but odexed, do you think flashing this in recovery would flash my dada (i.e. erase everything)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have to look in the updater-script in META-INF/com/google/android. If the updater-script has thecommands to erase and format data then yes it will. But if it does not it will not remove your data.

T-Macgnolia said:
You will have to look in the updater-script in META-INF/com/google/android. If the updater-script has thecommands to erase and format data then yes it will. But if it does not it will not remove your data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Can you pls tell me where the META file is again? i extracted rom.zip from RUU but there is no folders inside rom.zip, just image files....

alireza_simkesh said:
Thanks!
Can you pls tell me where the META file is again? i extracted rom.zip from RUU but there is no folders inside rom.zip, just image files....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you extracted the Rom.zip from the RUU then if I remember right that is just the system.img in the zip or the system.img and boot.img in it. You will have to put the Rom.zip in a kitchen and let the kitchen convert the system.img into a system folder and also let it generate the META-INF folder. Or just place the boot.img with a META-INF from a Sense ROM an then package the three into a zip. The META-INF is in the zip file you download for a ROM or the zip file the kitchen makes when you build the ROM.

T-Macgnolia said:
If you extracted the Rom.zip from the RUU then if I remember right that is just the system.img in the zip or the system.img and boot.img in it. You will have to put the Rom.zip in a kitchen and let the kitchen convert the system.img into a system folder and also let it generate the META-INF folder. Or just place the boot.img with a META-INF from a Sense ROM an then package the three into a zip. The META-INF is in the zip file you download for a ROM or the zip file the kitchen makes when you build the ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK so installed your stock ICS deodexed rom, then i restored my Data from Nandroid backup that i made earlier, but now the rom is odexed again....I didnt restore the System (just Data)...is there anything else that i can do?!

alireza_simkesh said:
OK so installed your stock ICS deodexed rom, then i restored my Data from Nandroid backup that i made earlier, but now the rom is odexed again....I didnt restore the System (just Data)...is there anything else that i can do?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any thought?...

[TUT] How to extract .ftf file to make custom rom - and few tips [2012 Xperia]

[TUT] How to extract .ftf file to make custom rom - Flashable ZIP [2012 Xperia]
This tutorial is for developers who want to make their own custom rom based on official firmware. OK, let's start.
Explanations:
Inside every flashable zip file there are two folders - system and META-INF:
1) system folder - That is actually your ROM and all it's content (If you ROOT your device you gain access to this folder in your device).
2) META-INF folder - That folder gives instructions to your device (ClockWorkMod) how to flash ROM, sets permissions...
This is method to get Stock/Official system folder that you need to edit to make custom ROM.
You will need to find/make yourself contents of META-INF folder - You may took it from another ROM and (maybe) edit.
NOTE: If you use this method your ROM will work for both Locked/Unlocked bootloaders, and it will require that you have firmware your ROM is based on already installed before flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to get contents of stock/official system folder - Extract .ftf file:
1. Download .ftf file for your device.
2. Extract .ftf file using 7Zip.
3. You will get system.sin and other files. You only need system.sin file so delete others.
4. Open flashtool and inside flashtool open SIN Editor to dump data from system.sin - you will get an ext4 file.
5. Open ext2Read and extract ext4 file.
6. Done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to put CWM into your ROM:
OK, Now you ask - Why do I have to put CWM into ROM? Let's explain:
CWM is custom recovery that you use to flash zip files to your device. There are two types of CWM:
1. For both Locked and Unlocked bootloaders - Recovery is in the system folder of the ROM.
2. Only for Unlocked bootloaders - Recovery is somewhhere else (You don't need that).
Because your ROM is based on official firmware it will be for both Locked/Unlocked bootloaders.
Therefore, you will flash your ROM in CWM for both Locked/Unlocked bootloaders.
And if you flash you will replace system folder of previous ROM. Because CWM was in that folder of previous ROM - You will lose CWM.
That is why you need to put CWM.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Find CWM for both bootloaders for your device.
1. Copy sh file inside files folder to system/xbin.
2. Copy other files inside files folder to system/bin.
3. Go to META-INF/com/google/android/ and you will find updater-script.
4. Add the following lines to it
Code:
set_perm(0, 0, 0755, "/system/bin/recovery.tar");
set_perm(0, 0, 0755, "/system/bin/battery_charging");
set_perm(0, 0, 0755, "/system/bin/battery_charging_help");
set_perm(0, 0, 0755, "/system/xbin/sh");
Thanks srl3gx for tutorial.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to add ROOT into your ROM:
Want your custom rom to be rooted? Here is how:
1. First you need to choose from two great root management apps: Superuser (choose ARM one) and SuperSU(I prefer SuperSU).
2. Download zip file.
3. Go to "system" folder in downloaded zip and copy files within their folders to its place in your rom (same directory - if was "app" then copy in "app".
4. Edit updater-script to set correct permissions - Find that on someone elses rom, it should look just like for CWM, but for those files.
5. Done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Useful notes:
1. Don't edit any file in zip with Windows Notepad or else you will get an error in CWM - you need Notepad++.
2. When you put system and META-INF folders into zip set compression to - Store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

thanks.....
very helpful :good:

Option58 said:
[TUT] How to extract .ftf file to make custom rom - flashable ZIP [2012 Xperia]
This tutorial is for developers who want to make their own custom rom based on official firmware. Note that as of 2012 our Xperias use ext4 file system so other tutorials won't work.
Inside every flashable zip file there are two folders - system and META-INF...System folder is ROM content...and META-INF gives instructions to CWM how to flash ROM Content....This is method to get contents of SYSTEM folder, you must find META-INF yourself....​
1. Download .ftf file for your device.
2. Extract .ftf file using 7Zip.
3. You will get system.sin and other files..You only need system.sin file so delete others...
4. Open flashtool and inside flashtool open SIN Editor to dump data from system.sin - you will get an ext4 file.
5. Open ext2Read and extract ext4 file...
6. Done...you will get contents of system folder that you need to modify...
7. IMPORTANT - When you later make zip choose compression - Store
PS: Don't edit files with Windows Notepad or else you will get an error in CWM - you need Notepad++...
Maybe later I will make Screenshots
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any idea on how I can edit boot.img? the one used for this device are different from what I know.. I am trying dual boot..

you can pack and repack boot img with Android kitchen i think

Great tut
Sent from my Xperia Tipo using xda app-developers app pro

I already knew this method. However I congratulate you for your initiative. :highfive:
Well I learned something else. Before it only used to extract some files. I did not know we could do this way the custom roms.
I'll try to make a custom rom.
However verified that the file size of system.ext4 is 665,654 KB. Once extracted using ext2read, is only 467 MB.
It is normal for this situation? Instead of decreasing, should not increase after extracted?
Kind regards,
Jorge Moreira

drummer1839 said:
you can pack and repack boot img with Android kitchen i think
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope.. you cant.. It says android magic header not found. researching a bit, found out that this is a cpio archive.. I did manage to extract it to get 2 .gz files.. but they cannot be opened..

Jorge Moreira said:
I already knew this method. However I congratulate you for your initiative. :highfive:
Well I learned something else. Before it only used to extract some files. I did not know we could do this way the custom roms.
I'll try to make a custom rom.
However verified that the file size of system.ext4 is 665,654 KB. Once extracted using ext2read, is only 467 MB.
It is normal for this situation? Instead of decreasing, should not increase after extracted?
Kind regards,
Jorge Moreira
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was my problem too I ended up with an ext2read error and less size
But ext4 is Linux system partition and not zip file. Maybe flashtool made partition that big so every file could go there easily and it couldn't set exact size.
There is no other tool on internet, only ext2read.

Option58 said:
That was my problem too I ended up with an ext2read error and less size
But ext4 is Linux system partition and not zip file. Maybe flashtool made partition that big so every file could go there easily and it couldn't set exact size.
There is no other tool on internet, only ext2read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyway I will try this weekend, make a custom rom lighter and functional.
Kind regards,
Jorge Moreira

Jorge Moreira said:
Anyway I will try this weekend, make a custom rom lighter and functional.
Kind regards,
Jorge Moreira
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, don't forget to add CWM and root into your ROM. Actually I will rewrite my post in few days.

OK, the tutorial is rewritten. But it is not done. I will finish the rest later.

i did these steps[even without adding CWM ,just making a flashable stock rom(not included cwm) from cwm] ,but while want to install zip (my custome rom) from recovery ,installation after 2 seconds facing with error("installation aborted")
what is it's reason?
thanks

Jamal_RS said:
i did these steps[even without adding CWM ,just making a flashable stock rom(not included cwm) from cwm] ,but while want to install zip (my custome rom) from recovery ,installation after 2 seconds facing with error("installation aborted")
what is it's reason?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's some error in updater script, upload it...
Have you edited with notepad or Notepad ++

Option58 said:
There's some error in updater script, upload it...
Have you edited with notepad or Notepad ++
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i didn't edit updater script

Jamal_RS said:
i didn't edit updater script
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you took it from who?

Option58 said:
And you took it from who?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh understood!!
i want to combine your tutorial and this thread
to make a rooted and included cwm custom rom
so i used from "META-INF folder and ROOTING files" that presented on that thread
i think this is my fault!
is it right?
thanks

Jamal_RS said:
oh understood!!
i want to combine your tutorial and this thread
to make a rooted and included cwm custom rom
so i used from "META-INF folder and ROOTING files" that presented on that thread
i think this is my fault!
is it right?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand now.
First that zip should only make use to you to learn a little bit more about development. To install that you need already to be rooted with CWM installed.
Second it doesn't install because our devices use a little bit different things. Edit and change every MTD to EMMC and every yaffs (or similar) to ext4. (Notepad ++)

I have only one recovery, from this thread : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2034639
Where I need to put it? in zip file or in system folder?

lozohcum said:
I have only one recovery, from this thread : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2034639
Where I need to put it? in zip file or in system folder?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read my tut again, that recovery wont do the job.
Does anybody want help me about the new project. Extract ftf. Look at Q&A section.

I read it several times and still can't get it. So please explain. And can You reupload flashtool?

[Q] Edit a flashable zip for my own - zNXT

Hello guys,
caus ive less than 10 posts, i cant reply in the developers section.
I downloaded this rom - zNXT
there is an addon zip. i flashd both.
now i will make my own "addon" file only with these thinks i like to have.
( lockscreen,bootscreen, the scerren (i dont now wich name it is) in the attachments, ... )
can i copy the files i want in my zip and flash it ? .. and for what is the META-INF folder ?
soooo. i want to learn that all and some answers are very helpful ^^
GreeZ
Slluxx

you can edit the zip you have to make sure the folder structure is right to where you want the files to flash to and you need to digitaly sign the zip for it to flash. META-INF is where the update-binary and the updater-script are. The update-binary updates the su binary (i think) and the updater-script tells CWM what goes where out of the signd zip to the android system and mount & unmounts the partitions you want to flash files to it is writen in edify scripting which you can learn or borrow one out of someone elses zip and edit as you want instead of writing a whole one your self. The digital signature you sign the zip with is in there to. There is a certain structure to the folders aswell which must be right or you will get flashing error.

so thats a thing that i cant do without intensive learning ?
easy said. i cant drag n drop into the zip and flash.
i have to write data where whatever has to go and id has to be in the right folder structure ... ,..., ...
hm.
anyway thanks for your help

if the files are just replacing others in the zip then all you have to do is extract the zip change the files you want then re-zip then download android auto signer to sign the zip then your good to go. oh and make sure you delete the old signature files out of META-INF folder there will be 3 files as soon as you open META-INF delete them

yeah ..
i dont know wich data is exactlx for what and where it is ..
i want to flash the stock rom with a few datas of the custom rom and a few from the "addon" zip ..
so i dont know if it works. and what i have to edit/delete
before this i only followd the flashing instuctions. i dont made any from these things from my own so sorry that im a noob

[TOOL] Apktool : decompile and recompile apk on android

decompile and recompile apk or even extract android boot.img/recovery.img on your android phone using this tool
This tool might come in handy is for all respected devs,modders and themers of our device
How to's :
First Download the package apktool4.4_armhf.zip from
https://code.google.com/p/apktool/downloads/detail?name=apktool4.4_armhf.zip&can=2&q=
Extract archive to /sdcard or if you want Better read write speed use the cache/data folder set permission to rwrr
Install Apktool4.x.apk
Now open the app from app drawer.
And
Make the most out of it !
For boot.img and recovery.img
Copy your boot.img to sdcard or /cache/yourfolder(for fast processing)
Single click boot.img select "extract"You will see new file named "kernel" and new folder "ramdisk"
if extracted properly no error will show up.
You can edit files in ramdisk folder.after editing touch ramdisk and select "repack" you can make the new boot.img which is named as new.img. For recovery.img it's the same way.
Hope this helped

NIKHILALWAYZ said:
decompile and recompile apk or even extract android boot.img/recovery.img on your android phone using this tool
This tool might come in handy is for all respected devs,modders and themers of our device
How to's :
First Download the package apktool4.4_armhf.zip from
https://code.google.com/p/apktool/downloads/detail?name=apktool4.4_armhf.zip&can=2&q=
Extract archive to /sdcard or if you want Better read write speed use the cache/data folder set permission to rwrr
Install Apktool4.x.apk
Now open the app from app drawer.
And
Make the most out of it !
For boot.img and recovery.img
Copy your boot.img to sdcard or /cache/yourfolder(for fast processing)
Single click boot.img select "extract"You will see new file named "kernel" and new folder "ramdisk"
if extracted properly no error will show up.
You can edit files in ramdisk folder.after editing touch ramdisk and select "repack" you can make the new boot.img which is named as new.img. For recovery.img it's the same way.
Hope this helped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first thnk u sir for ur tutorial i am mtk user. i put my boot.img into system folder and extracted i got this msg:-
"1250 1 records in
1250 1 records out
2247 blocks". and following folders are created there 1)ramdisk
2)kernal
3)ramdisk.cpio.gz (this file also get created) is it ok? should i go ahead?

prajul1123 said:
first thnk u sir for ur tutorial i am mtk user. i put my boot.img into system folder and extracted i got this msg:-
"1250 1 records in
1250 1 records out
2247 blocks". and following folders are created there 1)ramdisk
2)kernal
3)ramdisk.cpio.gz (this file also get created) is it ok? should i go ahead?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes:good: ,for more info search on xda about decompiling and tools for editing.

I want to make a duplicate apk by using apktool 4.6 for phone.
example wechat.apk to wechat01.apk
And to install both on same device..
PLEASE PROVIDE TUTORIAL FOR DOING IT...
THANKS

Nit Patel said:
I want to make a duplicate apk by using apktool 4.6 for phone.
example wechat.apk to wechat01.apk
And to install both on same device..
PLEASE PROVIDE TUTORIAL FOR DOING IT...
THANKS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First,you will have to change the entire framework of the app (sorry,i have no idea how to do that) and secondly, both apps won't work in using the same device because of the android ID. i know to how to edit text/pictures/icons /fonts etc of an app..but no idea relating permissions management , so if you have any questions regarding that feel free to ask