Database Info

[Tool] Yaffs Explorer, made for Defy

Its a free Root Explorer without Ads and without network use.
When busybox and root modes are enabled, you can make dumps of your nand partitions and export Kernel and initramfs (Menu/Tools)
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
https://market.android.com/details?id=fr.wdscript.yaffsexplorer
You can report here bug and feature requests...
Example : Dump and Rename The /cdrom partition (p17)
change dump file ext from .raw to .iso and you get your Windows drivers (MotoHelper 2.0.44 Driver 4.9.0 - 27 Jan 2011)
Version 1.9.9.8 attached

Awesome thanks, will def check this out.

useful tool

How can i dump the roofs?
can i restore it after backup?
Thank you.

This tool execute this command :
dd if=/dev/block/<partition> of=/sdcard/<partition>.raw ibs=8192 obs=8192 conv=notrunc
So you can do the reverse command (not in the tool because dangerous)

Update v1.1 : You can create yaffs images now

Epsylon3 said:
This tool execute this command :
dd if=/dev/block/<partition> of=/sdcard/<partition>.raw ibs=8192 obs=8192 conv=notrunc
So you can do the reverse command (not in the tool because dangerous)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know, how to dump and remount the rootfs?
Thank you.

in fact, i dont know... rootfs is mounted before android (initrd on some devices)

Epsylon3 said:
in fact, i dont know... rootfs is mounted before android (initrd on some devices)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thank you.

Ok, been using this for a while now; couple suggestions.
1. Copy feature needs to work more like Root Explorer.
---- So when you long-press and copy a file, two buttons popup, Paste and Cancel - Maybe you could even add a third to paste quickly to a favourites folder without leaving working directory ?
2. Be able to change text size of file browser. I have big fingers heh.
3. Have a Mount/Unmount button similar to the Mount R/W in Root Explorer.
--- I find I cant copy anything to anywhere, am I just missing something ?
4. Select multiple files, and copy, delete, zip, move . . . . . to favourites ?
5. Compress files or folders and save zip to a saved favourites without leaving working directory.
6. Load apk icons maybe; easier to find things sometimes.
7. Show favourites picker on program startup. I'm always working in the same directories.
A built in text editor with line numbers would be awesome. Maybe an sqlite editor addon too ?
I like what this looks like so far; I really like that you can see symlinks, the dropdown with recent paths, nandroid dumps of any partitions (nice), and the favorites are cool. Just hoping it can take over for root explorer.
Keep up the great work so far. Will be keeping on eye on this for sure.

Thanks for your report
First, i dont want to copy Root Explorer or all these slow and "3 lines" explorers... So no image/movies preview... This tool is focused on system files exploration
Apk icons maybe but not in my prority (filter by name is nice), line size : not for the moment (maybe a zoom or something later)
The multiselect on click is almost ready (for files), to keep folder navigation
the Mount/Unmount will be in tools menu later (in mounted devices menu) i need to make a new window for that... but that need work (and could make lot of reports from unknown devices, like chinese ones)
Compression.... yea hmm v2.0

Hm. I tried this, but it is a lot slower than Root Explorer. Perhaps this is because it shows a lot more objects, or due to it having a lot of features I do not directly associate with a program to manage files. Still, I can not say that having more competition is a bad thing, so keep up the good work

its because the tool use a terminal process to list folders, and a new one on each refresh... I think i can optimize that if i keep the shell process opened.
but Root enabled, its 5x slower (220ms instead of 40ms)... i think there could be a problem with superuser tool, will try to uninstall it to check...

johnw.xda said:
Do you know, how to dump and remount the rootfs?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to remount In fact like others :
Code:
mount -o rw,remount,relatime -t rootfs rootfs /
This feature will be available in some minutes (v1.3.0)
But to dump... you need to skip /proc /tmp and /sys

Hi.
I´m using your app in a Samsung galaxy S.
I lost one file and I want to recover it from a CWM backup.
Your app lets me read the backup, but I cant save the needed file ...
Is there a possibility to extract it from the backup?
Thanks in advance

Its the next step yaffs extraction...
sorry, not for the moment (but soon)
just made an update v1.3.2 which really enhance exploration speed...

I hope you release it soon
Thanks

I can't Dump Partition. A circular thing shows up then it disapear and no text saying records in+out and that it finished (like in the screenshot). And there is no file on my SD card and yes I have plenty of space.
Tried several of the small 512k partitions and the Boot and Recovery partitions.
I'm running rooted froyo 3.4.2-155, few bloat APK's removed.

this feature uses busybox "dd" applet, try to set another busybox in setting window
you can search for them in other apps, do a search in /data/data/

Namiga said:
Hi.
I´m using your app in a Samsung galaxy S.
I lost one file and I want to recover it from a CWM backup.
Your app lets me read the backup, but I cant save the needed file ...
Is there a possibility to extract it from the backup?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done... in v1.5.0 Single file or Folder for the moment... (file/folder context menu)
full extraction will be possible in next version... not linked

Change T-Mobile Wifi Calling icon for Sensation 4G

This icon has bugged forever... and I finally took care of it...
I couldn't find this for Sensation 4G... so I took from Galaxy SII forum and with a little guidance from XDA member KaneHusky got it done
So if you are on T-Mobile, and rely on wifi calling like I do, and want an ICS syle icon that is always in upper left corner... this is for you
(I am running CM9 RC1)
Before:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
After:
1. Use root explorer to copy wifi calling .apk from system\app to root of sd card
(In CM9 file is: HTC-PYRTM-ICS-4.0.1-2.3-49986-4.3.apk)
2. Mount to PC and use 7-Zip to explore .apk (dont extract or mess with anything, just explore)
3. Explore to the folder: res\drawable-hdpi\
4. make sure icons are saved and renamed accordingly:
blue: "ic_status_notify.png"
green: "status_icon_incall.png"
5. Right-click drag to Copy the two attached icon files into the folder (they will overwrite ugly ass icons)
6. Copy over original .apk in system\app (backup original to be safe)
reboot into recovery, wipe cache, (i also fixed permissions although I don't think it's necessary) then reboot and enjoy the cleaner look
Boom
UPDATE:
Sorry Everyone.... didn't realize the attached images are renamed when inserted into a thread...
which makes my whole post meaningless as they will only overwrite the proper icons if named the same.
the step by step above has been elaborated on to hopefully alleviate this issue.

What weather widget you using. Looks awesome
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda app-developers app

Thanks... Beautiful Widgets - Super clock with Vanilla ICS skin and full alpha transparency

i must be doing something wrong , i open apk file in 7zip (open archive) then i copy icon files but when i right click on drawable-hdpi, i doesnt give me option to paste???

Try Ctrl-v when inside the folder
Sent from my Sensation 4G running CM9

The icons attached in the op save as attachment.php

not working for me??? oh well looks nice.

What rom are you using?

cooljoe226 said:
What rom are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
arhd 1.2

Thanks for sharing.

see my update
derekny said:
not working for me??? oh well looks nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't realize the file names were changed when linking to dropbox

see update...

screenshots
some images of me trying to do this????

derekny said:
some images of me trying to do this????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open the 'drawable-hdpi' folder in 7Zip so you can see all of the png files.
then right-click drag the new icons into that open folder and you should see this:

worked
much thanks for all the help!

Updated APK
Hello,
Thanks first to Da_Sheezy for making this, I really like the new icons.
In the spirit of making things easier and the implied approval of Da_Sheezy, I am attaching the modified apk, so people don't have to do the whole 7zip thing.
In short, here are the steps:
1. Turn off Wifi in your phone, this is just a precaution.
2. Download the attached file.
3. Save it to root directory of SD card.
4. With Root Explorer, [/B]copy original apk (for backup purposes) anywhere in the SD card, but the root directory.[/B]
5. Now, copy the downloaded file to system/app, it will ask you if you want to replace the file, say yes. You phone will freeze for a couple of seconds and reboot automatically.
6. After rebooting, go back to system/app using Root Explorer and change permissions to rw-r--r--
7. Reboot your phone one more time and you are done.
I hope that this helps some people. I am currently running CM9 RC2 and it is working like a charm.
Thanks again to the OP for this.

cgjjaf said:
Hello,
Thanks first to Da_Sheezy for making this, I really like the new icons.
In the spirit of making things easier and the implied approval of Da_Sheezy, I am attaching the modified apk, so people don't have to do the whole 7zip thing.
In short, here are the steps:
1. Turn off Wifi in your phone, this is just a precaution.
2. Download the attached file.
3. Save it to root directory of SD card.
4. With Root Explorer, [/B]copy original apk (for backup purposes) anywhere in the SD card, but the root directory.[/B]
5. Now, copy the downloaded file to system/app, it will ask you if you want to replace the file, say yes. You phone will freeze for a couple of seconds and reboot automatically.
6. After rebooting, go back to system/app using Root Explorer and change permissions to rw-r--r--
7. Reboot your phone one more time and you are done.
I hope that this helps some people. I am currently running CM9 RC2 and it is working like a charm.
Thanks again to the OP for this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How dare you imply my approval!...
JK... solid work!
I just flashed RC2 myself and had to do this all over again...
and I am glad I kept my upgraded APK...
only had to do what you explained above.

[GUIDE] Alternative (.IMG) Backup Method (For Kitchen, Etc.)

NOTE: IF YOU HAVE NO CLUE WHAT THIS IS, THEN LEAVE IT BE
CAUTION: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING POSTS ABOUT BACKING UP "USERDATA".
CONFIRMED WORKING!!!
Thanks to then following for their feedback and testing:
open1your1eyes0
con247
scrosler
While playing around with my extra SCH-I535, I came across something very interesting.
I was having a lot of problems getting "full" backups of my larger .img's (ie. data, cache, etc.) I was told to try and mount my system as r/w and adb through my computer instead.
When i would try backing them up in a terminal emulator, I would always get an error about the file being too large...[\B]
I got too confused trying and got way too frustrated.
I found out that I could obtain these .img's just as easily as copy and pasting.
I was able to get the full backup sizes this way also.
Now this method does not have EVERYTHING worked out. If I could get some input and help on this, that would be greatly appreciated.
DIRECTIONS:
1. Take any rooted sgs3 and install ES File Explorer.
2. Setup ES with root (go into settings and click on the "root options" and allow ES to take advantage of root and go up to the "/" directory).
3. Also make sure to change your default home folder to "/" in settings.
4. Now exit out of ES and open it up again. You should be in the root directory (/).
5. Open up the folder marked "dev" (or the "/dev" folder) and locate the "block" folder (or the "/dev/block" folder).
6. Copy the folder named "block" (long-press and select "Copy").
7. Now move to your extSdCard (or you can stay in your internal card if you insist and have a lot of room to spare).
8. Create a folder and name it something you will remember.
9. Paste in that folder and go make yourself a bowl of oatmeal or whatever (you can see the process ongoing in your notification bar).
10. After they are done copying, you will be left with a lot of files (there will be a folder in the folder you created and then a few more folders you will have to open to get to the folder with all the goodies in it)(you'll understand when you see it). Most of them you will find familiar if you ever opened up a stock ODIN tar.md5 before.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
---
11. Now you have all these files, but none of them have extensions. Transfer this folder to your Linux environment and go ahead and add the proper extensions to these files by renaming them.
Some of them should be .sbn, some should be .img or .ext4. The best thing to do is to download a stock ODIN img and add the file extensions that correspond with them to your copied files.
12. Now you can use the kitchen or any other method that would require these files.
I have only had time to test these files out in the kitchen and create a working folder for them (so I could remove unwanted things and bloat ware, etc.).
I used the system.img.ext4 and another boot.img to create a flashable ROM.
I didnt use the boot.img from the copy I made cause I didn't have time to play around at the moment. But I will be trying later tonight.
It would be cool if anyone else could help me out by testing this and letting me know what was up.
NOTE: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING YOU DO. PERIOD. BOOM.
IF I MADE YOUR LIFE ANY EASIER, HIT THE THANKS BUTTON
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Interesting...
I will give it a shot tomorrow

Good method but essentially this is the same as this without creating an actual ODIN image: Link to thread
Minor word of caution, the "userdata" partition include all the contents of your /sdcard partition (meaning your internal storage). Basically if you're backing that up you have to have enough space to duplicate the contents of your internal storage your external SD card or the same internal SD card (whichever location you are copying to).

open1your1eyes0 said:
Good method but essentially this is the same as this without creating an actual ODIN image: Link to thread
Minor word of caution, the "userdata" partition include all the contents of your /sdcard partition (meaning your internal storage). Basically if you're backing that up you have to have enough space to duplicate the contents of your internal storage your external SD card or the same internal SD card (whichever location you are copying to).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This!
And, backing up userdata while it is being "used" can result in corruption. I wouldn't recommend this backup method for backing up userdata.

Thanks for the feedback brothers.
For the system partition and what not, its a much easier way for me. And it takes some confusion out of getting the errors (too large errors).
Its a bit faster too.
Just wanted to share it with y'all.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Have you noticed anything odd with the files you get using this method? I was just wondering about backing up partitions while the system is booted normally. To be honest I haven't noticed anything wrong with images that I pull from my device while its booted normally, but I was looking at this thread and the thought popped into my mind that maybe some files might be in use by the system? Probably not except for log files.
Anyway, I could write a script that would do this on your device without having to fiddle around with ES. The only difference would be that I use tar and excludes to get /data without pulling /data/media. I'd really like to get a /data img without having to resort to tar, but I haven't gotten around trying to dd mmcblk0p15 without getting the whole internal sdcard along with it. I have the 32gig SGS3 so its a big issue for me. I had an idea to unmount /mnt/sdcard, but I'd imagine its not as trivial as unmounting the internal sdcard while in recovery and I really don't want to destroy my phone.
Anyway, nice find mate.
Ta,
ALQI

I personally haven't had any problems when backing up my system.img. I always make sure to do a fast reboot and kill any tasks running with ES right before I do it.
I have taken the system.img and used it in the kitchen a few times andnnot had any problems.
This method works for the most part but shouldnt be something to mess around with unless you know what your doing. I am trying to work out a way so that I can get it to match 100% with a regular dump (MD5).
This is really just a kind if a shortcut for people already using ES on a rooted system.
If your already rooted and already have ES File Explorer installed, all you literally have to do is go into the /dev folder and copy the /block folder (or whatever you need from it) to your extSdCard. And then add ".img" or whatever the extension should be to the end of the file.
Just copy, paste and add extension.
I was having issues with the terminal kicking back at me with "file too large" errors when trying to get some of my backups.
I was fiddling around with ES and discovered this.
I was hoping someone might be able to use this. Or that maybe it was a missing piece to someone's puzzle or that someone could do something more with it.
When I discovered I could get a result from just copy and pasting, I thought I might be able to figure out another easy way that backup. In known there is a couple really good ones out there already, but having different options can sometimes benefit different situations, scenarios and whatnot.
If you wanna play around with this, feel free to brother.
:thumbup:
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[GUIDE] Changing status bar icons and more (framework-res.apk)

So friends, here is a quick and easy guide for changing the status bar icons of your Gingerbread(Actually any phone )
For those who don't know how to do it(for anyone actually :highfive
Theory
Android is the awesome platform which is easily configurable and is able of being edited very easily
The icons used in every app and Android framework are located as png images in apk of those respective apps in location:-
*.apk/res/drawable-mdpi (in my case, as our phone is mdpi)
So, we can change any icon of our status bar like battery, signal, (not clock[clock is to be configures in SystemUI.apk{will post how to change it shortly}]), etc by editing png's in framework-res.apk
Not even that, you can edit images of any app as I told you
There are several ways to decompile and compile apk in which we have made change
If we want full access of apk and want to change every thing like the xml's in it and smali content in jar files, then we would have to do it on computer by apktool or apkmanager
But, we are here to only change image, so we would not go in detail of apktool or apkmanager. For changing images, that can be very easily done even on the phone by an app NinjaMorph that is made for developers by our senior head and DEVELOPING LEGEND Stephen(Stericson)
But be careful as backing up the original file if you do something wrong
And as you all know any developer or even a newbie posting something interesting that you want to try WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE for your mobile blowing up, resting in peace, sleeping like a dead, behaving like a non-living BRICK, or anything whatsoever that may or may not happen to phone in this universe or any other universe known or unknown
What to do if anything happened to my mobile
We have had a backup of your original file so we can restore it
But if while editing the system files like framework-res.apk
If you deleted some un-backed up apk's
Well you can always have backup of your ROM and that is why Koushik Datta has made clockworkmod Recovery
You can restore your ROM from there
Pre-Requisites
Patience
Mind
A Android (A spare one if you brick your phone, just kidding)
Root access(to change the apk)
NinjaMorph(http://bit.ly/ninjamorph)
Root Explorer(Optional)(http://bit.ly/stericson)
GUIDE
So Let's Start
Download NinjaMorph. Install it and give it root access. It will prompt for starting checks. Click on start checks.
Now you would have three options, namely, New Project, Finish Project, Existing Project
Click on new project. Go to system/framework/ and click on framework-res.apk. It will start extracting files
Once it has extracted all the files, it will open to show you what is inside framework-res.apk.
Exit it and go to your file explorer.
Go to /sdcard/AndroidThemes/workspace/framework-resapk
This is what is inside apk. Go to res/drawable-mdpi folder
There you will see hundreds of icons of your menu, lockscreen, battery, signal, and everything
You can edit them and replace them as you want. But the name of the file you are replacing and size and dimension must be equal to the file you are replacing with(I recommend Googling and finding icons of battery, signal, and other things)[I have even used hdpi icons, there was no problem]
If you download a theme file which is to be flashed in recovery that is not for your phone, no problem, extract the zip and place its framework-res.apk in your sdcard and extract the apk with Ninjamorph. Replace your icons with its icons and TADA
After you have done replacing the icons and you are satisfied(I am never)
Go to NinjaMorph. Click on Fininsh Projects. Click on framework-resapk. It will recompile and ask to replace the original apk with modded one. Click OK
Then it will ask if you want to remove the completed project, Say No(As you would need it if something gets wrong)
Reboot your phone
Maximum chances are that your icons will be replaced. Rare cases have their status bar gone or no change, if so:-
Download(Buy) Root Explorer. Go to /sdcard/AndroidThemes/workspace,
There you will see framework-res.apk. Copy it and go to /system/framework
Mount as R/W
Paste the apk. If it asks that file already exists, overwrite it.
SET PERMISSIONS
Long click on framework-res.apk and click on permissions
You will see three columns
Read Write Execute
You have to set them in the following way
x means you have to tick it
blank means uncheck
Read Write Execute
.....x........x.................
.....x...........................
.....x...........................
Click OK
You will see it as rw-r--r--
Reboot
Do it over again if nothing happens
Enjoy
This way you can edit not only framework-res.apk but any apk
Treat
This section is different from the thread topic
I: Faking Up
Want to make your device show Jelly Bean in About Phone
Go to Root Explorer
Go to /system
Long click on build.prop
Click on Open in a Text Editor
Change the files as
ro.build.display.id=Jelly Bean
ro.build.version.release=4.1.4
Save Changes
Reboot
II: Easter Egg
You all must know that an image of GingerBread Zombie comes up when you repeatedly click on Android Version in Setting>About Phone
Wanna change it to look like Jelly Bean?
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Extract framework-res.apk
Go to res/drawable-nodpi
You will see platlogo.jpg
Replace it with the file in attachment
Recompile
Reboot
Troubleshooting
Will find and update it
Tell me what problems are you having

Reserved

Reserved

Reserved

BUMP

BUMP

thanks - interesting reading!

Wow Amazing.. will check and post the results ..

Phelin said:
Wow Amazing.. will check and post the results ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks

Please include screen shots

o0ojake13o0o said:
Please include screen shots
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do after exams

o0ojake13o0o said:
Please include screen shots
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it's old
But why do you need screenshots for a guide?

Where attach for platlogo

Any guide for marshmallow?

.APK files not showing up in app folders

I am really lost with this problem as i cannot find any other instance of it...
device: Redmi note 9S, not rooted, developer options enabled, Android 10, MIUI 12.0.4.0
in the android/data/ directory, under the com.[author].[app] files, i can't seem to find any apk files, it just appears to be empty except for an additional "files" folder that doesn't contain any useful files, while the tutorials i was following need access to a base.apk file that, in my case, does not exist. I need to know if this is a new version general android change, a device specific one ? where are the apps running from? are they all web shortcuts? if they use an apk file, where can i find it? I'm unexperienced in all those things, but I felt this would be the best place to get an answer.

LasevIX_ said:
I am really lost with this problem as i cannot find any other instance of it...
device: Redmi note 9S, not rooted, developer options enabled, Android 10, MIUI 12.0.4.0
in the android/data/ directory, under the com.[author].[app] files, i can't seem to find any apk files, it just appears to be empty except for an additional "files" folder that doesn't contain any useful files, while the tutorials i was following need access to a base.apk file that, in my case, does not exist. I need to know if this is a new version general android change, a device specific one ? where are the apps running from? are they all web shortcuts? if they use an apk file, where can i find it? I'm unexperienced in all those things, but I felt this would be the best place to get an answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go through your file manager settings and find the option to show hidden files.

@LasevIX_
An app's APK-file is housed in folder /data/data. The APK-file itself gets installed in folder /data/app as base.apk.
Example:
/data/app/[your_package_name]-[1,2,n]/base.apk

jwoegerbauer said:
@LasevIX_
An app's APK-file is housed in folder /data/data. The APK-file itself gets installed in folder /data/app as base.apk.
Example:
/data/app/[your_package_name]-[1,2,n]/base.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, i know that path. my problem was that it isn't available/doesn't exist on my machine

Droidriven said:
Go through your file manager settings and find the option to show hidden files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done that already, but the apk files still don't show up.

also, I think this thread may benefit from further precisions:
the .apk files do not show up either in the phone's built in file manager, windows explorer or in ADB ls commands.
I am practically sure it isn't hidden files, I have all the settings for viewing them enabled.
if there's some secret setting that may provide access to those files, please do tell where.

after further checking, the app i was trying do copy to my computer reports an app size of 106MB, but the com.____._____ folder reports 21B, so i suspect it may be some sort of shortcut to another folder.

.

Typically one makes use of ADB commands to pull an APK file ( Android must NOT be rooted ):
Step 1: Get location of desired app in Android's filesystem
Code:
adb shell "pm path com.example.someapp"
The output will look something like
package:/data/app/com.example.someapp-2.apk
or
package:/data/app/com.example.someapp-nfFSVxn_CTafgra3Fr_rXQ==/base.apk
Step 2: Using the full path name from Step 1, pull the APK file from the Android device to the Windows computer
Code:
adb pull /data/app/com.example.someapp-2.apk <PATH-ON-PC>

jwoegerbauer said:
Typically one makes use of ADB commands to pull an APK file ( Android must NOT be rooted ):
Step 1: Get location of desired app in Android's filesystem
Code:
adb shell "pm path com.example.someapp"
The output will look something like
package:/data/app/com.example.someapp-2.apk
or
package:/data/app/com.example.someapp-nfFSVxn_CTafgra3Fr_rXQ==/base.apk
Step 2: Using the full path name from Step 1, pull the APK file from the Android device to the Windows computer
Code:
adb pull /data/app/com.example.someapp-2.apk <PATH-ON-PC>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't aware that you could use adb to find the location of apps, but the command you suggested gives an unexpected result (screenshot attached). it gives multiple results of files despite them being invisible to file explorers. Once i try to pull the package with the method you suggested, it gives an error as if it wasn't there. Did I type the wrong syntax? does the "pm path" command only give expected locations for files?
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

for clarification, I am trying to access the netflix client APK in order to manually make it recognise widevine L1 certificates, as described in this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/netflix-hd-on-tab-s2.3274295/#post-65001865 .

The NETFLIX APK you want to extract from Android is a so-called Split-APK. IMO you've to turn this Split-APK into a normal non-Split-APK.
How to:
How to turn a split APK into a normal non-split APK - Platinmods.com - Android & iOS MODs, Mobile Games & Apps
Hey guys, recently many modders contacting me about how to mod a split APK. We have already many tutorials about how to download or extract the split APKs, mod a split APK as it is and how to use a split APK installer to make the mod apply to the device. Here some examples of the mentioned...
platinmods.com

jwoegerbauer said:
The NETFLIX APK you want to extract from Android is a so-called Split-APK. IMO you've to turn this Split-APK into a normal non-Split-APK.
How to:
How to turn a split APK into a normal non-split APK - Platinmods.com - Android & iOS MODs, Mobile Games & Apps
Hey guys, recently many modders contacting me about how to mod a split APK. We have already many tutorials about how to download or extract the split APKs, mod a split APK as it is and how to use a split APK installer to make the mod apply to the device. Here some examples of the mentioned...
platinmods.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will be helpful for teh future, thank you for directing me to that tutorial.
but it still requires to pull the apk, which i have not been able to do.
as described in my previous reply, ADB seems to be able to return the location of the apk, but can't pull it, as if it never existed.

According to the screenschot you provided earlier I think the package ( APK ) you want to pull is stored as
/data/app/com.netflix.mediaclient-YUY-VwSu3KeCc44bkA
shorthanded as
base.apk
but don't really know it: this is not my world.