I've been getting a lot of messages asking, 'How do you create ROM's?' Well, I got so many I decided to make this. This process is called cooking a ROM.
The first thing you have to do is get a ROM that's already been created and signed that you'd like to change around. Make sure it's a signed update.zip. Then, you unzip the rom, and you should see directories, like data/ and system/. If you want to add/remove applications in the ROM, you would goto data/app/. In there you will find the apk's of files that will be pre-installed on the ROM. You can add or remove the apk's there. Another place for the apk's is in /system/app. You really shouldn't put new apk's in here, but you can remove the system apk's. So, if you wanted to remove Sprint TV, delete Sprint_tv.apk. Also, the apk's can be treated as zip's; you can unzip them and look inside, and if you wanted to, change around the icon's and stuff like that. After you are done changing around the ROM, you might want to edit the build.prop (This part is optional!) You would find it in system/build.prop. Look for a line that says 'ro.build.description='. You can edit that with the name of your ROM. When your all done, you would zip it all back up, and sign the update.zip. On windows, this is pretty easy. Download flipz pre-kitchen, and use a setting in tools called something like sign apk/update.zip. Navigate to where you put your rom, and sign it. Then, your rom should be ready to flash.
This is also a good post to read:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=551711
Notes:
*DO NOT* TRY TO FLASH A GSM ROM TO A CDMA HERO!
If you edited a apk, make sure to sign it before zipping it and signing the update.zip.
If you have any problems, I created a IRC channel for this, so I can give live support:
server: irc.bikcmp.info port 6667 (port 6670 for SSL)
channel #hero-cdma
If you don't have a IRC client, use mibbit:
http://widget.mibbit.com/?server=irc.bikcmp.info&channel=%23hero-cdma
Told ya! But, seriously -- thanks a whole hell of a lot, this is very much needed!!
pseudoremora said:
Told ya! But, seriously -- thanks a whole hell of a lot, this is very much needed!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome! If you have any problems, get me on IRC.
This should be a Sticky!!! Was thinking about doing it but not best speller.......
Thanks for the guide, what I really like is the irc, I think we should have had one of these up for awhile now, it would help keep the clutter in the forums down.
theoottesen said:
Thanks for the guide, what I really like is the irc, I think we should have had one of these up for awhile now, it would help keep the clutter in the forums down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's even better is it's being DDoSed. . Anyone got a spare server? LOL.
But seriously, DDoS'es ARE NOT COOL.
Alright, I've got my ROM made and everything -- signed it as well. I put it on my SD Card, and its flashes successfully -- but now I'm stuck at the HTC Screen?
I took the battery out; went back into recovery and Wiped and formatted my SD Card, and flashed again (successful), but still stuck on HTC screen?
Any ideas?
bikcmp said:
What's even better is it's being DDoSed. . Anyone got a spare server? LOL.
But seriously, DDoS'es ARE NOT COOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is crazy awesome to give a small how to on 'cooking' ROMS....I've always been interested! However what are DDoS'es....if it's all good to ask?
I don't have linux on my windows laptop...but do I need to get a dual boot/OS on my laptop to get this running. Last I knew, Linux and Windows were not friends...?
pseudoremora said:
Alright, I've got my ROM made and everything -- signed it as well. I put it on my SD Card, and its flashes successfully -- but now I'm stuck at the HTC Screen?
I took the battery out; went back into recovery and Wiped and formatted my SD Card, and flashed again (successful), but still stuck on HTC screen?
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What ROM did you start with...? Did you do all kinds of crazy stuff to it? I found a ROM, downloaded it and opened it....saw a bunch of stuff in there that the OP described. Not quite sure what is game to pull and what is cool to add...?
Konikub said:
What ROM did you start with...? Did you do all kinds of crazy stuff to it? I found a ROM, downloaded it and opened it....saw a bunch of stuff in there that the OP described. Not quite sure what is game to pull and what is cool to add...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright -- this is what I did.
1. I made a new folder called Penguin
2. Took Gumbo1.5c and unzipped it
3. Moved all the stuff from Gumbo to Penguin
4. Began removing apps I didn't want in /system/app
5. Added some apps in /data/app
6. Added a white taskbar to its respective dir
7. Added Espresso -- again to its respective dir
8. Added the 2.1 Icons
9. SIGNED the new zipped folder (Penguin) successfully
10. Copied to SD Card
11. Flashed successfully
12. When I reboot, I stuck at the HTC Screen (I waited about 2 and half minutes)
Steps I've taken to solve:
1. Removed battery
2. Wiped
3. Formatted card
4. Flashed again
5. Stuck again at HTC (again 2 minutes or so, until removing battery again)
5. Stuck again
Konikub said:
I think this is crazy awesome to give a small how to on 'cooking' ROMS....I've always been interested! However what are DDoS'es....if it's all good to ask?
I don't have linux on my windows laptop...but do I need to get a dual boot/OS on my laptop to get this running. Last I knew, Linux and Windows were not friends...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DDoS is a denial of service attack. They are attacking my server and also my home network. I've got a lot of it cleared out, but still a lot of IP's doing it. Also, try Wubi for that Linux and windows issue.
Should you have waited longer than 2 and a half mins? I flashed Godzson Dialer and rebooted and it took 5 or 6 mins to boot, and when it did...I was happy.
Not sure if you took too much out or added something you shouldn't have, or just perhaps didn't wait long enough for it to boot.
...OH Wait, you mean that HTC symbol at the very begining..........gotcha now! I at least was on the nexus bootscreen when I waited.
Hope you get an awnser soon, I am looking forward to playing around and perhaps cooking up something good of my own
Konikub said:
Should you have waited longer than 2 and a half mins? I flashed Godzson Dialer and rebooted and it took 5 or 6 mins to boot, and when it did...I was happy.
Not sure if you took too much out or added something you shouldn't have, or just perhaps didn't wait long enough for it to boot.
...OH Wait, you mean that HTC symbol at the very begining..........gotcha now! I at least was on the nexus bootscreen when I waited.
Hope you get an awnser soon, I am looking forward to playing around and perhaps cooking up something good of my own
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what I was saying, 2 minutes isn't enough for the first boot. It takes 5 or maybe even 10!
bikcmp said:
Exactly what I was saying, 2 minutes isn't enough for the first boot. It takes 5 or maybe even 10!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well -- I've reflashed and am now playing the waiting game -- going to wait 15 minutes. Started at 2:17 (central)... we'll see in a little bit.
Here is a good list of Apps/Apks I found to help out some who don't know what to remove without causing a slew of FC's......if anyone knows of anymore that are safe, please keep this "How To" going strong!
APPS that are SAFE to remove
Question....where would the respective 'dir' be for throwing 2.1 icons into a ROM while cooking...? data/apps?
I'm honestly trying to google all my questions as well as search this forums threads....but sometimes I don't get the answer I need
Konikub said:
Here is a good list of Apps/Apks I found to help out some who don't know what to remove without causing a slew of FC's......if anyone knows of anymore that are safe, please keep this "How To" going strong!
APPS that are SAFE to remove
Question....where would the respective 'dir' be for throwing 2.1 icons into a ROM while cooking...? data/apps?
I'm honestly trying to google all my questions as well as search this forums threads....but sometimes I don't get the answer I need
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The directory that the 2.1 icons should go in is /system/app/
Lets say I want to change the Browser.apk icon. I would pull it, open it as a zip file, look for ic_laucher.png (or something of this sort) -- and replace this file with the newly created icon (has to be the SAME name as the original file), you'll copy this new "icon" into the original dir, overwriting the changes -- and that's it.
If you need some help:
This will help you changing icons:
http://forum.androidcentral.com/htc-hero-roms-hacks/6070-changing-hero-application-icons.html
ROM FAQ/Building
http://forum.androidcentral.com/hacking/6037-general-rom-faq.html
I waited 15 minutes and still nothing -- so I just did a nandroid. I'll work on it some more tomorrow.
pseudoremora said:
The directory that the 2.1 icons should go in is /system/app/
Lets say I want to change the Browser.apk icon. I would pull it, open it as a zip file, look for ic_laucher.png (or something of this sort) -- and replace this file with the newly created icon (has to be the SAME name as the original file), you'll copy this new "icon" into the original dir, overwriting the changes -- and that's it.
If you need some help:
This will help you changing icons:
http://forum.androidcentral.com/htc-hero-roms-hacks/6070-changing-hero-application-icons.html
ROM FAQ/Building
http://forum.androidcentral.com/hacking/6037-general-rom-faq.html
I waited 15 minutes and still nothing -- so I just did a nandroid. I'll work on it some more tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any luck...? Anyone out there having success in trying to get this to work?
pseudoremora said:
The directory that the 2.1 icons should go in is /system/app/
Lets say I want to change the Browser.apk icon. I would pull it, open it as a zip file, look for ic_laucher.png (or something of this sort) -- and replace this file with the newly created icon (has to be the SAME name as the original file), you'll copy this new "icon" into the original dir, overwriting the changes -- and that's it.
If you need some help:
This will help you changing icons:
http://forum.androidcentral.com/htc-hero-roms-hacks/6070-changing-hero-application-icons.html
ROM FAQ/Building
http://forum.androidcentral.com/hacking/6037-general-rom-faq.html
I waited 15 minutes and still nothing -- so I just did a nandroid. I'll work on it some more tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried just opening the zip,editing the name and files inside the zip,then resign it an flash. I ran into problems when I tried to take the files out and make my own.
[email protected] said:
Have you tried just opening the zip,editing the name and files inside the zip,then resign it an flash. I ran into problems when I tried to take the files out and make my own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What files exactly are you saying I should edit? I'm up for any ideas -- I'm definitely going to get this to work, I want to contribute damn it!!
I just downloaded a ROM and took some apks that were on the "SAFE" list to remove from the link in the above post. Replaced some apk files with the 2.1 icons....using the same name as the ones I replaces (so I'm not 'adding' anything new)
Renaming my ROM and then zipping it up to flash. (doing it now, and if that works....then I will play with it a little more and see how far I can get until it does not boot)
HOPEFULLY this boot with what I've just done....lol. I should, I've done nothing really...
Ok, here's my situation: I made a custom themed, modified version of ADW.Launcher 1.0.1, as I have with previous versions. They will not install via a file browser & package manager on the phone or using adb. The only way I've gotten them to install is by flashing it to /system/app/, but that makes future updates impossible unless I restore my phone to an earlier state.
My question: How can I simply make this install or how can I theme an application already installed to /data/app/? I suppose signing it myself could work, but I'd have to learn how to do that.
Thanks!
you need to resign the apk. You may need to delete META-INF
http://ip208-100-42-21.static.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=473580
This has me very frustrated. I use Linux, not Windows. The link you gave me doesn't help. I cannot figure out how to do this, and it's ticking me off. I shouldn't have to spend hours trying to do this.
I used the following link and successfully created a signed apk, but it still won't install.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=538020
xvenom89 said:
This has me very frustrated. I use Linux, not Windows. The link you gave me doesn't help. I cannot figure out how to do this, and it's ticking me off. I shouldn't have to spend hours trying to do this.
I used the following link and successfully created a signed apk, but it still won't install.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=538020
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why you're getting ticked off... I'm only trying to help you and you didn't even specify what os you were using.
Did you delete meta-inf before resigning? You'll also need to unistall adw before reinstalling.
If all else fails, upload the apk and I'll resign it for you
xvenom89 said:
This has me very frustrated. I use Linux, not Windows. The link you gave me doesn't help. I cannot figure out how to do this, and it's ticking me off. I shouldn't have to spend hours trying to do this.
I used the following link and successfully created a signed apk, but it still won't install.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=538020
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude relax he just spent time trying to help you where no one else even bothered
Sent from my Incredible
No guys, you've got it all wrong; I'm not ticked at any of you, but at my own failure. I'm not sure why it won't work. Yes, I deleted the META-INF folder before signing it and got an output file containing a new META-INF, but the errors persisted. Having someone else do it for me would be nice, but it won't help much since I'll have to do it after every update. Thanks a lot for your offer, though.
I'll just keep trying..
seems to be always running, process is com.sonyericsson.signatureapps.components
what is this and how could it be removed, could it be safely removed?
http://ccalonnec.fr/wiki/index.php?title=SE_Xperia_X10_:_list_of_default_apps_and_how_to_remove_them
Hey XperiaX10iUser,
Like your work. Helped me go from first time AT&T smartphone user 3 weeks ago, to unbranded-rooted 2.1 X10 A, now with sdk and adb capabilities. Still confused as @#$%, but learning more each day. This list is for 1.6, but updated in November...can it be used for 2.1?
agentJBM said:
Hey XperiaX10iUser,
Like your work. Helped me go from first time AT&T smartphone user 3 weeks ago, to unbranded-rooted 2.1 X10 A, now with sdk and adb capabilities. Still confused as @#$%, but learning more each day. This list is for 1.6, but updated in November...can it be used for 2.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi.
Glad to have helped. I would say so, it would obviously be better if it covered 2.1 but the descriptions of what does what and if it can be removed should apply to both. I'm still learning too btw, there's a lot happening for the X10 right now so it's opened up a whole new World so to speak.
I wanted to try and use Droid Explorer and abd method for my first time(thanks to ABD for Noobs). Once I got all the sdk tools saved and DE recognized my phone, I did a > select all > copy > paste > of my entire internal drive including sdcard and made a copy in a new folder on my desktop. It seemed to copy all the files, but when I accidentally deleted some of the 2.1 Sync apps and part of Goggle .gapps (I don't remember the entire file names) and went to use abd to push an app back on to the phone I opened the file it was completely empty. What did I do wrong? What folders of the drive do I need to copy and how do I save them, so I can use them individually to push apps back on the phone?
I had to to re-flash using SEUS to get a complete ROM. After I reflashed I realized the phone needed to be rooted in order to use Droid Explorer. Z4root was saved in my sd card, but was unable to figure out how to install them from my PC. I ended up setting up wifi and google account to use the Market to install a file explorer, and opened z4root that way. How do you install apks in a phone that has not been rooted from a computer?
Hey i am trying to use apk manager 4.9 but it says adb cannot be found. Im thinking this is because its been moved from tools to platform-tools. Is there anyway to make it look in there instead or is there a different solution?
Ive tried a lot of different ways to sign the apps but I cant get the app to install after i do it.
Thanks.
Copy the contents of platform-tools to tools.
worked up till a point
thanks that works. although once i get the app installed it closes (says it has stopped working).. have you had success modding apps? all i changed was one image slightly and saved it as the exact same name ect.
edit: im a retard. ignore this post
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?