Database Info

Some general ROM/Kernel questions from a newbie

Hi, I am a relative newbie to ROM flashing and the like. Additionally I dont have a very deep computer knowledge base. I have rooted my Samsung Captivate and have flashed a ROM (which flashed properly, but didn't quite work). I have three questions about ROM usage and such:
1. I know kernels basically add aspects to the ROM you are running, but when should you flash these? How do you flash them (same process as with ROMs? do you just do it over-top of the Rom you currently have loaded? etc...)
2. If a newer version of the ROM you have running comes out, do you have to start over and completely wipe the device over again and do the whole process from start, or can you load a newer version of your current ROM over the one you have?
3. I have been hearing/reading about some problems with the Android Market disappearing on certain ROMs when the market updates, how can i avoid this/fix this?
Thanks. Sorry the basic/stupid questions.

1. Yes
2. There are WIPE versions and NO WIPE version. Usually you can use the NO WIPE version and keep everything. But sometimes if the roms are too different you get problems and errors, then it is recommended to flash a WIPE version.
3. Hm did not experience this yet, but there are fixes somewhere .

Whats up... No question is a stupid one buddy.... (Sometimes )
To answer your first question about kernels. Flashing kernels aren't a must. You don't have to flash them really, unless there is a need. Kernels for the most part can often change the way Android handles stuff like memory management, battery resources and even multitasking. They change (tweak) the way the Android OS itself interacts with the phones hardware. That's all a kernel is really. So read up on them before flashing them because each has their advantages and disadvantages. For example, the kernel I use gives me a good RAM boost and much better battery life but it suffers on the multitasking side and I have to do other stuff to compensate for that. That's how it is. As far as flashing them is concerned. That depends. Usually, you just flash them through recovery (Like a ROM) but I would suggest you follow the instructions they give you (if it exists).
Your second question is simple. Just follow the instructions they give you for installation. Some ROMS require a full wipe and others don't. It just depends on the ROM. When in doubt, follow the instructions (again if it exists).
Your third question is a weird one, I've never heard about that really. BUT.... Some ROMS may or may not include the GAPPS applications (Google Apps).
If the ROM you flash doesn't have Google Apps built in, it would literally be missing. You would have to flash it separately. Usually in those cases though, at the download location for that ROM, they would also provide links for GAPPS zip files to flash separately so you can have the option to go with Android Market, Gmail and such OR you can use an alternative. Short of that..... never heard of that issue before..... If the issue is happening after the Market app updates, in that case it might be some type of ROM issue, you'll probably have to somehow get the updated Vending.apk (Android Market) remove/backup the original and reinstall it manually (the way you would a regular apk). I'm guessing though....
Don't you just love research........

Thanks. And now, inevitably, answers lead to more questions.
With regards to kernels, how do I know which one's do what, are compatible with which ROMs etc. I feel like its the kinda thing that needs a giant database for them, but i know there isn't.
Also, is the process for flashing other .zip files the same (though either Rom manager or a built in Recovery option). For example, a bootanimation.zip?
Ultimately I hate the idea of asking overly simply questions, but I just don't know what I dont know, nor what is supposedly implied. Thanks.

Don't sweat it...... I'm in the same boat so I have no hangups....
I think I know what you mean when it comes to kernels. Ultimately, learning about kernels requires a lot of reading in many forums (Just like this one)... Why?.... Because in many instances the persons posting the kernels might not always give you an exact breakdown on exactly what it does..... so I understand. Your best bet would be scanning XDA. I've found all sorts of really excellent kernels lying around and the devs here love documentation so there is a good chance you'll know what it does...
You could also try DroidBasement: http://droidbasement.com/db-blog/
They actually have just what you wanted, a database....kind of. They have a very large variety of kernels for different devices so its a good place to start as well.
They also tend to do a breakdown of what each kernel is capable of, the device it should be used on and so on.
About flashing zip files. Generally speaking, most zip files are flashed through recovery but its not written in stone. Following the instructions concerning said zip files are always very important. Always look for instructions before you do so at least at first. In the case of bootanimation.zip.... They are not always flashable. But if it is flashable, you can flash it through recovery which would be the best method....
If you want though, you can replace the original bootanimation.zip file with the new one manually, once you have root and some type of root explorer (for example RootExplorer for Android).
Generally, the boot animation directory is usually, /System/Media so you can check to see if its there and if it is, just backup the original and replace it with the new one.... That should work... Always nandroid before doing so though.... before doing anything really....

Thanks. I actually had a question about nandroid but forgot. Basically, what is it. I realize contextually that it's a backup program and apparently works through the recovery menus. I read a ROM flashing step-by-step that mentioned it but couldnt figure out where to get it (not in the market unlike Ti-bu which i use currently).

Nandroid is a backup program that basically creates a flash image of your phone... If you've ever heard of "Ghosting" or "Imaging" a Hard Drive, its exactly the same thing.
Its really as good as it gets as far as data backup is concerned. Its also a low level backup, so even file structures would be recorded.. In other words, you can completely screw up your phone (file partitions everything!!!!) but once you can boot to recovery, your phone can be restored. That's why its so important because its your safety net....
Its not something that you can install like an apk, so its not in the market.
You would have to flash a custom recovery. If you have one already, it should be located in one of the menus (It changes depending on the type (brand) of recovery).
If you don't see the option in your recovery then its probably not custom and you're going to have to do some digging on these forums and maybe a bit of googling for instructions on exactly how to do so. Because it could change from device to device.
Nandroid also allows you to backup your sd-ext partition as well, so if you switch cards, you can restore to another card.... Its really incredibly handy and I wouldn't suggest you do anything until you can create nandroid backups....

Now, I'm having an interesting problem I posted this same thing in general Captivate forums but maybe someone who is looking at this/answering me knows. here's what i posted there:
have a Captivate that I recently flashed Di11i's 7.1.1 to, before that I had flashed my first ROM which was Serendipity 6.2. Both times I have found that I don't get incoming calls. People calling me get 2-3 rings, and then a traditional "busy signal" sound. On my end, either the phone vibrates once but the screen doesnt change from whatever screen I'm on. Or, The screen goes black like its going to the incoming call screen, but the black screens only flashes and goes away, as does a force close message box that goes away quickly without me clicking it.
Everything else on my phone works as far as I can tell, I've been running my current ROM for about 5 days without issues other than this one. This same exact problem also happened when I flashed Serendipity 6.2 (which I only kept for like a day because of this problem)

Ok....I currently use a G1 and most of my experience has been on HTC Devices. I'm not sure of how to reply to this as I have never really modded Samsung devices before. So I'm not really familiar with software and hardware differences (Like Bootloader, Recoveries, Radios and such). But based on what you're describing.... It sounds like a ROM or maybe a radio issue. Maybe its an issue with the phone app itself. If the app is somehow buggy then thats exactly what would happen. When the phone rings the phone app would try to run but then force close....
I'm guessing here, but it could also be a radio issue because you're getting a busy tone as well which is not good. Maybe the ROM requires a specific Radio version BEFORE its flashed.... Check the source of the download and determine if it requires a specific Radio version.
In my experience though, if the correct radio version isn't used for a ROM that requires it, the phone just won't boot..... but then again, I don't know what would happen on a Samsung Captivate.... Not sure if I can help on this one because I don't have any info on that type of hardware. I don't own one you see.....

What about if you found out a new kernel isn't as good as the old kernel, how would you go on to take away the new kernel to replace it with the old kernel? Is it the same process or even harder?

vlen22 said:
What about if you found out a new kernel isn't as good as the old kernel, how would you go on to take away the new kernel to replace it with the old kernel? Is it the same process or even harder?
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Click to collapse
NOW THIS IS ANNOYING..
u have to flash ur rom again..
but fortunately u dont need to do and wiping data or partitioning sd card.. jus flash rom..

Its not something that you can install like an apk, so its not in the market.

zeemar007 said:
NOW THIS IS ANNOYING..
u have to flash ur rom again..
but fortunately u dont need to do and wiping data or partitioning sd card.. jus flash rom..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The rom kernel that I downloaded, or flashing clockwork recovery mod? Like adrenylyne's kernel for the thunderbolt.
EDIT: Never mind, I found out. I didn't mean any harm if MY POST was annoying.

If you have two kernels, in a flashable zip, you can just flash them over each other to exchange them (turn off any modification the kernel did befor though, like lagfix).

New question, I had an app (quick office) that came on my captivate. Now that I've flashed di11i's 7.1 I don't have it anymore. This is particularly peculiar because all the other native apps are still here:samsungs media player from example. How do I go about getting this missing app back on my phone. I have all the backup files on my computer so I should have the .apk (although I'm not entirely sure how to install those properly) thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Meaning of Custom roms, kernels etc.

Can anyone explain me the meaning of 1.Custom Roms
2.Kernels
3.CMW Recovery
Also Does any Custom Rom allows me to change the boot animation?
Any help would be appreciated.

OK Im goin to try
Custom ROM - you could think of it as modified version of android. Stock ROM is ROM that comes with your phone when you but it. Custom ROMs are mostly debloated (without crap apps that just slow you phone etc. and they are tweaked to run more efficiently)
Kernel is a piece of software that is a core of your OS and basically mediates comunication between hardware and applications.
CWM Recovery is a "upgrade" of default recovery. It enables you to do NAND Backups and Restores of your whole phone, and many other great features that you cant do on default recovery. Its very powerfull tool
OK I hope that this will help you
Sent from my HTC Wildfire S using xda app-developers app

pansysk75 said:
Can anyone explain me the meaning of 1.Custom Roms
2.Kernels
3.CMW Recovery
Also Does any Custom Rom allows me to change the boot animation?
Any help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm new to the Android/Rooting community so take everything I say with a grain of salt. I'm still learning, but this is what I've learned in the past month of tinkering with this stuff:
1) A custom ROM is like a custom version of the software you interact with. Android by itself is not configured to each specific device it is installed on. So, the manufacturers (like Acer, Asus, Samsung, etc) take that android compilation and configure it for the devices they sell. Each of these configurations is different and some of them prevent you from having full functionality, whereas others might be bloated/slow/need other tweaks. Enter some awesome guys here on the XDA-forums and other places who took these manufacturer-specific installs and stock installs and customized them to enhance performance, battery life, change the look and feel, and offer various tweaks & fixes.
2. A kernel is the underlying code that runs the operating system. I haven't messed with this stuff yet, I don't know much about it, and if you don't know anything just DON'T mess with it. Breaking the kernel will completely prevent you from using your device (I'm applying my computer knowledge to assume the Linux/android kernel operates on the same principles as computers)
3. CWM recovery stands for clockwork mod recovery. Basically, these stock tablets and devices include a "recovery" module built-in that lets you backup your tablet and hopefully restore it in case things go horribly, horribly wrong. CWM is an after-market/3rd-party recovery that has a TON of functionality and is very well-supported and updated. Most tutorials assume you HAVE CWM recovery installed so its a pretty awesome and pretty important program to have. The CWM recovery wiki has more information depending on your model of device.
I hope this answers your questions, and if I am mistaken in any aspect I encourage another member to correct me.
Thanks,
Opethfan89

This link explains all kinds of android terminology. I was incorrect about a few things, glad I found this: link here

Thanks for your time!

pansysk75 said:
Thanks for your time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as for your other question about bootanimations....you only have to be rooted to install a boot animation. and depending on the original location (some manufacturers put it in system/media orthes in a non-root required location)
find an animation you like, download it, use root explorer or another file explorer and copy it to the system/media folder and change permissions to rw/r/r and reboot and it will play the new animation.
there are also apps on the market (Rom toolbox) that has a TON of tablet specific animations, it will download them, and install them for you....and as long as you are rooted you just have to sit back and relax

[Q] LG P509 Optimus T (CM10 No Play Store Icon)

I used the ROM from here. (LG Optimus T (P509): January 8: Build 7/Final)
I have no Google Play store icon anywhere. I see the Google Play process running in the background.
but have no way to get it to show up. This on a fresh ROM, all User data, Cache, and all that cleared.
Any help on this would be nice.
Would of asked on that post where I got the ROM. but I don't have the patience to or any thoughts about other post to make to meet the requirements to even post there.
Tried without flashing the Google Apps and with the google apps they list there.
Flashing Google Apps just crashes things like the browser. it wont even open.
Not flashing Google Apps I can use the browser just fine. but I still see "Google Play Services" Running. So that tells me google play is installed.
So don't have to flash it. but cant open it even if i did or not. no Icon anywhere no matter what I try. I been wanting to use CM10. but this issue keeps me going back to CM7.
Thanks in advance to the person with the answer.

TroyFoxxin said:
I used the ROM from here. (LG Optimus T (P509): January 8: Build 7/Final)
I have no Google Play store icon anywhere. I see the Google Play process running in the background.
but have no way to get it to show up. This on a fresh ROM, all User data, Cache, and all that cleared.
Any help on this would be nice.
Would of asked on that post where I got the ROM. but I don't have the patience to or any thoughts about other post to make to meet the requirements to even post there.
Tried without flashing the Google Apps and with the google apps they list there.
Flashing Google Apps just crashes things like the browser. it wont even open.
Not flashing Google Apps I can use the browser just fine. but I still see "Google Play Services" Running. So that tells me google play is installed.
So don't have to flash it. but cant open it even if i did or not. no Icon anywhere no matter what I try. I been wanting to use CM10. but this issue keeps me going back to CM7.
Thanks in advance to the person with the answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you are using the right GApps package? That's Rasheds ROM you're referring to using. Build 7 is Android 4.1.2. Check this link here. And some of the problems you may be experiencing could be due to a faulty installation because of limited system space. You may want to review the LG Optimus One FAQ too.

shinobisoft said:
Are you sure you are using the right GApps package? That's Rasheds ROM you're referring to using. Build 7 is Android 4.1.2. Check this link here. And some of the problems you may be experiencing could be due to a faulty installation because of limited system space. You may want to review the LG Optimus One FAQ too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is more then enough internal space. (150MB Free after Gapps Flashed).
I tried again with the Gapps for 4.1.2. At the time my post I re flashed the ROM but left it out. I didn't flash it.
When I tried again. I got the Updating Android. but still no Play Store Icon. However it did not break my home or other buttons.
and browser still working. but again. no Play Store icon.
I checked the FAQ. Currently i see nothing there to give hints. I got more then enough free space. I've flashed ROMs on this phone dozens of times so I know the whole wiping of cache and data and all that between each ROM.

TroyFoxxin said:
There is more then enough internal space. (150MB Free after Gapps Flashed).
I tried again with the Gapps for 4.1.2. At the time my post I re flashed the ROM but left it out. I didn't flash it.
When I tried again. I got the Updating Android. but still no Play Store Icon. However it did not break my home or other buttons.
and browser still working. but again. no Play Store icon.
I checked the FAQ. Currently i see nothing there to give hints. I got more then enough free space. I've flashed ROMs on this phone dozens of times so I know the whole wiping of cache and data and all that between each ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to trim the Rom, there's not enough SYSTEM space for the Rom and Gapps..this has been discussed time and time again on rashed thread(cm10)..There's a tool ( Oone Rom editor that will help you do this) This is why you have the bugs that your facing.

3ncrypt3d_Droid said:
You have to trim the Rom, there's not enough SYSTEM space for the Rom and Gapps..this has been discussed time and time again on rashed thread(cm10)..There's a tool ( Oone Rom editor that will help you do this) This is why you have the bugs that your facing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used that program already. looking at all that it would only show.
the math dont even come to half of what the phone memory is.

TroyFoxxin said:
I used that program already. looking at all that it would only show.
the math dont even come to half of what the phone memory is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The system partition has nothing to do with the devices memory. These devices have a 190 MB system partition, this is where Android gets installed. What you are referring to is the user data partition which is 200 MB, while the device has 415 MB+- RAM ( memory ). Unless you are using Android 4.2.2, the only way to see how much space is on the system partition is with a third party app, with ADB, or with a Terminal Emulator app on the device. The math isn't adding up because you don't understand it, that's why I pointed you to the FAQ thread.
I wrote OOne ROM Editor. I haven't put hundreds, yes hundreds, of hours in to it's development just for general pleasure. It was written for a specific purpose, to trim ICS and newer ROMs for devices with small or limited system partitions.

shinobisoft said:
The system partition has nothing to do with the devices memory. These devices have a 190 MB system partition, this is where Android gets installed. What you are referring to is the user data partition which is 200 MB, while the device has 415 MB+- RAM ( memory ). Unless you are using Android 4.2.2, the only way to see how much space is on the system partition is with a third party app, with ADB, or with a Terminal Emulator app on the device. The math isn't adding up because you don't understand it, that's why I pointed you to the FAQ thread.
I wrote OOne ROM Editor. I haven't put hundreds, yes hundreds, of hours in to it's development just for general pleasure. It was written for a specific purpose, to trim ICS and newer ROMs for devices with small or limited system partitions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont know what to try to trim with that program. i dont know what half them apps do.
Like Exchange2.apk. I don't know what that is. Which are some of the key things i can trim?
Also, Telling me how many hours you put into a program and that i dont understand something not going to be on my good side. So i missed something, big deal. I just got off a anxiety attack. and i was needing was a simple answer. doing a search for "LG P509 No Playstore Icon" was getting me no where and i didnt want to have to search page by page of the 487 pages of the ROMs post to find clues.

TroyFoxxin said:
I dont know what to try to trim with that program. i dont know what half them apps do.
Like Exchange2.apk. I don't know what that is. Which are some of the key things i can trim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The help docs in OOne ROM Editor's thread list some of the known files that can be removed from and or moved around, ie; converted to user app, in the ROM.

shinobisoft said:
The help docs in OOne ROM Editor's thread list some of the known files that can be removed from and or moved around, ie; converted to user app, in the ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just never mind. i dont need the stress right now, ill just stay with CM7.
Every time i try to Build the ROM and put it on the phone CWM just says its bad.

TroyFoxxin said:
just never mind. i dont need the stress right now, ill just stay with CM7.
Every time i try to Build the ROM and put it on the phone CWM just says its bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you getting an "assert() failed" message? If you are using CWM 5.0.2.7 Touch, it will only allow you to install P500 ROMs. OOne ROM Editor has the ability to remove the "assert()" statement from the ROM's updater-script to prevent that particular error from happening. Before building the ROM, go to the Tools->Build submenu and select the Build Options command. Check the checkbox for "Remove updater-script 'assert()' statement". Then build the ROM.
And stress... You call editing a ROM stress? Try writing the code for OOne ROM Editor Or better yet, play with live electricity :silly: - oh wait I do that already since I am an electrician... DOn't get frustrated by it. Sit back relax and soak in some of the knowledge around here.

shinobisoft said:
Are you getting an "assert() failed" message? If you are using CWM 5.0.2.7 Touch, it will only allow you to install P500 ROMs. OOne ROM Editor has the ability to remove the "assert()" statement from the ROM's updater-script to prevent that particular error from happening. Before building the ROM, go to the Tools->Build submenu and select the Build Options command. Check the checkbox for "Remove updater-script 'assert()' statement". Then build the ROM.
And stress... You call editing a ROM stress? Try writing the code for OOne ROM Editor Or better yet, play with live electricity :silly: - oh wait I do that already since I am an electrician... DOn't get frustrated by it. Sit back relax and soak in some of the knowledge around here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again bad, day. had a Anxiety attack. haven't slept. I havent played with Android as often as other things. I am also a Electronic person. Soldering Caps and so on on motherboards all the time. So please dont talk like that to people you dont know. they may have plenty of knowledge. but maybe having whats called a short fuse kinda day.
Also I did do "Remove updater-script 'assert()' statement". And i get no error from OOne ROM Editor it was in CWM it would just say it was bad, or say nothing at it would just restart CWM. Ill try again when Im better. Right now my phone has CWM 5.0.2.0, So ill change that as well when i try again.
but right im turning in for the night.

TroyFoxxin said:
Again bad, day. had a Anxiety attack. haven't slept. I havent played with Android as often as other things. I am also a Electronic person. Soldering Caps and so on on motherboards all the time. So please dont talk like that to people you dont know. they may have plenty of knowledge. but maybe having whats called a short fuse kinda day.
Also I did do "Remove updater-script 'assert()' statement". And i get no error from OOne ROM Editor it was in CWM it would just say it was bad, or say nothing at it would just restart CWM. Ill try again when Im better. Right now my phone has CWM 5.0.2.0, So ill change that as well when i try again.
but right im turning in for the night.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry you're having a bad day. Rest assured, if I was talking down to you, there wouldn't be any smilies. I was just expressing that you weren't the only one out there with stress in their life, and some of us have loads of it. On that note, I'm not one of the many teenagers around here. So I'm not talking down to you, but out of experience. My teenage years were gone 23 years ago. Apparently it was take outta context, Sorry.
I think the issue I mentioned for CWM 5.0.2.7 is a shared issue with CWM 5.0.2.0, but I can't say for sure as I don't recall ever using CWM 5.0.2.0. I wasn't suggesting changing to the CWM I mentioned, was asking if that was the one you were/are using, which you've now stated you aren't. There error I was referring to would have been from CWM after flashing or trying to flash a ROM.

shinobisoft said:
Sorry you're having a bad day. Rest assured, if I was talking down to you, there wouldn't be any smilies. I was just expressing that you weren't the only one out there with stress in their life, and some of us have loads of it. On that note, I'm not one of the many teenagers around here. So I'm not talking down to you, but out of experience. My teenage years were gone 23 years ago. Apparently it was take outta context, Sorry.
I think the issue I mentioned for CWM 5.0.2.7 is a shared issue with CWM 5.0.2.0, but I can't say for sure as I don't recall ever using CWM 5.0.2.0. I wasn't suggesting changing to the CWM I mentioned, was asking if that was the one you were/are using, which you've now stated you aren't. There error I was referring to would have been from CWM after flashing or trying to flash a ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can that program add apps? If so or not. maybe I can edit the zip directly. but is it possible to port the old music player in Gingerbread to JB. I don't like Apollo. or would it just be better to remove Apollo and find something I like in Play store when i make this work?
And should i try to use CWM 5.0.2.7 instead, and try again?
EDIT: Says I have the latest according to this.
EDIT 2: just ROM Manger being a butt. going to the site directly. I see CWM 5.0.2.7 as the latest.

TroyFoxxin said:
Can that program add apps? If so or not. maybe I can edit the zip directly. but is it possible to port the old music player in Gingerbread to JB. I don't like Apollo. or would it just be better to remove Apollo and find something I like in Play store when i make this work?
And should i try to use CWM 5.0.2.7 instead, and try again?
EDIT: Says I have the latest according to this.
EDIT 2: just ROM Manger being a butt. going to the site directly. I see CWM 5.0.2.7 as the latest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes apps can be added, but only as User Apps. Select "User Apps" in the treeview on the left. Then right click on the listview on the right and select the "Add apps" command item. A file dialog will appear. Multiple file selection is allowed.
You can remove Apollo. I prefer Google Play Music myself.
For your recovery. CWM 5.0.2.7 will only allow installing P500 ROMs. I do prefer the touch version of CWM, and since P509 is identical to P500, it's really not an issue other than baseband which is solved with a flashable patch. I really cannot recommend a recovery as we all have different likes/dislikes/usage patterns. I would recommend not using ROM Manager to install a recovery. It's been known to be faulty with our devices. Theres always ADB and fastboot or another one of my tools, Android Flash Recovery. There are several other apps around XDA that can do this also.

shinobisoft said:
Yes apps can be added, but only as User Apps. Select "User Apps" in the treeview on the left. Then right click on the listview on the right and select the "Add apps" command item. A file dialog will appear. Multiple file selection is allowed.
You can remove Apollo. I prefer Google Play Music myself.
For your recovery. CWM 5.0.2.7 will only allow installing P500 ROMs. I do prefer the touch version of CWM, and since P509 is identical to P500, it's really not an issue other than baseband which is solved with a flashable patch. I really cannot recommend a recovery as we all have different likes/dislikes/usage patterns. I would recommend not using ROM Manager to install a recovery. It's been known to be faulty with our devices. Theres always ADB and fastboot or another one of my tools, Android Flash Recovery. There are several other apps around XDA that can do this also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill just leave it be then. Its always worked for me. if there was a problem it was with the ROM.
I haven't tried Google Play music before. but is it possible to port the music player from Gingerbread to JB?
but I'm getting the jiffs of that program. I just need to play with it. some things I converted to User apps never loaded at all.
So I need to play with what I can put in User data that will still work. but none the less i been getting the builds to install.
And even show Play Store again.
Just need to mess with what works and dont in User data.
-Edit-
I tried to Make LatinIME Smaller and convert it to Userdata in the build options but every build has no keyboard support.

TroyFoxxin said:
Ill just leave it be then. Its always worked for me. if there was a problem it was with the ROM.
I haven't tried Google Play music before. but is it possible to port the music player from Gingerbread to JB?
but I'm getting the jiffs of that program. I just need to play with it. some things I converted to User apps never loaded at all.
So I need to play with what I can put in User data that will still work. but none the less i been getting the builds to install.
And even show Play Store again.
Just need to mess with what works and dont in User data.
-Edit-
I tried to Make LatinIME Smaller and convert it to Userdata in the build options but every build has no keyboard support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there anyway you can post the updater-scipt from one of the builds you've made with OOne ROM Editor where you've modified the LatinIME.apk and specified to install as a User App? The updater-script is located in the /META-INF/com/google/android folder in the output/build ROM.
One thing to note tho, build options are reset after every build.

shinobisoft said:
Is there anyway you can post the updater-scipt from one of the builds you've made with OOne ROM Editor where you've modified the LatinIME.apk and specified to install as a User App? The updater-script is located in the /META-INF/com/google/android folder in the output/build ROM.
One thing to note tho, build options are reset after every build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed that it resets everytime. so i been ontop of that. I check both boxes in the build options before I build them.
I did read also not to delete LatinME.apk. and use the editor. But i know the LatinME is a nice chunk of Memory.
So to make it smaller and usable in User apps is plus to make the important things I need working.
-Edit-
I haven't been saving the bad builds. that attachment was for a new build I haven't tried yet.
and I just did. now keyboard working. But I think that build I didn't tell it to put Latin in User apps that time.
But I did use the editor. So I don't know.

TroyFoxxin said:
I noticed that it resets everytime. so i been ontop of that. I check both boxes in the build options before I build them.
I did read also not to delete LatinME.apk. and use the editor. But i know the LatinME is a nice chunk of Memory.
So to make it smaller and usable in User apps is plus to make the important things I need working.
-Edit-
I haven't been saving the bad builds. that attachment was for a new build I haven't tried yet.
and I just did. now keyboard working. But I think that build I didn't tell it to put Latin in User apps that time.
But I did use the editor. So I don't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't tell what you installed as user apps from the updater-script, but there were apps installed to the user ( data ) partition. And the assert() statement is missing from the script, so I know that option was checked in the Build Options.
The reason I say not to manually move it is because the LatinIME Keyboard Editor should be used to edit it's dictionaries. Once you press the "Apply" button in the LatinIME Keyboard Editor, it removes the LatinIME.apk from System Apps and actually puts it in the apps Recycle Bin. I use the list of files in the Recycle Bin as a filter of files not to include when building the ROM. LatinIME Keyboard Editor also looks in the Recycle Bin for the LatinIME.apk if it can't find it in System Apps but it assumes that it's deleted so it won't do anything.
I am actually working on OOne ROM Editor right now. So you can be on the lookout for an update

shinobisoft said:
I can't tell what you installed as user apps from the updater-script, but there were apps installed to the user ( data ) partition. And the assert() statement is missing from the script, so I know that option was checked in the Build Options.
The reason I say not to manually move it is because the LatinIME Keyboard Editor should be used to edit it's dictionaries. Once you press the "Apply" button in the LatinIME Keyboard Editor, it removes the LatinIME.apk from System Apps and actually puts it in the apps Recycle Bin. I use the list of files in the Recycle Bin as a filter of files not to include when building the ROM. LatinIME Keyboard Editor also looks in the Recycle Bin for the LatinIME.apk if it can't find it in System Apps but it assumes that it's deleted so it won't do anything.
I am actually working on OOne ROM Editor right now. So you can be on the lookout for an update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I got everything to work. Keyboard, Play Store, etc. But not sure ill stick with trying to put JB on the phone.
Its really slow. Unless more free space on the system partition would allow it to run faster.
Would your OOne ROOM Editor work on Any rom Like a CM7 Rom? or just JB ones? if not would you consider support for other roms?
I haven't tried, but figure I would ask.

TroyFoxxin said:
Well I got everything to work. Keyboard, Play Store, etc. But not sure ill stick with trying to put JB on the phone.
Its really slow. Unless more free space on the system partition would allow it to run faster.
Would your OOne ROOM Editor work on Any rom Like a CM7 Rom? or just JB ones? if not would you consider support for other roms?
I haven't tried, but figure I would ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OOne ROM Editor is just for ICS and JB ROMs. It's really not needed for Android versions prior to 4.0.

[Q] How and where to start modifying/customizing roms

Hello, first of all this is my first post, so im gonna introduce myself first,
I am a freelance web designer/developer and understands logical programming. Anyways i am basically new to android, and i want to learn how to edit/modify/customize stock roms. so first i want to learn extract these stock roms. I am currently on the starting phase and i only have some ideas about the terms / programs that is used in this forums. Basically, i am running a windows machine, OS is windows 7.
I find it hard to fix some bugs i encounter in my android which lead me to the goal of learning.
So for the device that i will use as a scapegoat for my learning venture, i am using a Skyworth x7010 tablet which have no more support, i think and not a very well known model, infact i cant seem to find any forums dedicated to the tablet itself.
I am technically knowledgable in computer hardware and windows OS, also i am able to write different type of websites in php, (forums, E-Commerce, social networking/networking website, company web based panels, etc.). As of now I am currently working alone in every web aspect of bagongpleion.com and bagongpleion.net.
So far this is what i have done, and done to the tablet. I have no backup as of now.
1. I have already bricked one, just made it perma bricked then returned for warranty, the staffs decided to mark it as defective motherboard (No response from anything including recovery mode and bootloader mode) ~ Bricked it while trying to flash cwm for rk30 device.
2. device is running a JB 4.1.1 for the android version, and kernel 3.0.36+ ([email protected] #48)
3. I have already started learning adb, well for the most part, i had used it in the past for unlocking devices that got locked out screen patterns, and rooting.
4. The Device has a rk3188 1.6ghz max quad (Box says 1.8 though), mali400mp(Quad), 2GB ddr3 ram, 8gb internal storage, partitioned in 2, nand and internal.
5. I have the usb drivers for adb and rktool, android sdk, currently downloading and installing cygwin but the download is so long, i am forced to close/pause it.
6. I have already rooted the device, and modified the applications, and removed some apps that is not required. I deleted the files in the /system/app thru adb. I also had edited the Build.prop already, Changed the heapsize to the best performance (I am comparing the performance with CPU Identifier and Passmark. ) Stability is tested with simultaenous apps (High end games, browser, root apps, benchmark). I also edited the pixel density and reduced it by 1 to make the resolution exactly 1280 x 800.
7, One bug i found is that it cant play NBA 2k13, I had almost tried every solution i can find in the internet, Used different version, i even copied the data and apk from a device that can play it. The game force closes automatically after the Black screen (Original apk) or muzhiwan or apkmania.com loading screen at the start. This is also one of the reasons why i wanted to edit/modify the device.
What i wanted to do.
-Backup Original Firmware/rom/img (i dont know which and what is the correct term)...
-upgrade jellybean to 4.2 if possible, or 4.3
-Tweak more the device to bring out the full potential of it,
-remove and clean the apps and everything, leaving only the necessary files and apps.
-learn more how much i can modify it.
NOTE: I am not asking for the people in this forum to spoonfeed me, i just wanted to know how and where to start, what to do, some keywords for searching, and the limitations that i have in my venture.
-i am a gambler and will take the risk to learn android much more )
Thank you

First of all, congrats that you are more of a researcher. That's a good thing because in the internet, answers to every questions are available. You just need to do the right search in the right way. :good:
Games not working on a device maybe because of various reasons such as the developer has made it limited to work on certain devices or processor architecture etc. If Play Store link shows not supported, then it needs more research and modifications to make it work, which is like 50-50.
And, as a learner you are good to start with XDA-University. It has countless tutorials in that section.
Good Luck and welcome to XDA!

thank you for the link and reply, i am actually suited best in researching, i learned every bit and pieces i know in building websites, programming web apps and system with php, even overclocking and advanced troubleshooting in researching the internet, anyways i have another question to ask,
what is nandroid?
is it an android device with nand storage? (I.E. Nand - internet - external - usb storage)
thank you again

th3f33 said:
what is nandroid?
is it an android device with nand storage? (I.E. Nand - internet - external - usb storage)
thank you again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nandroid is referred to as Nandroid Backup (Backup being taken of ROMs) in ClockWorkMod recovery (Custom Recovery) for the most part.

coolsandie said:
Nandroid is referred to as Nandroid Backup (Backup being taken of ROMs) in ClockWorkMod recovery (Custom Recovery) for the most part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i see, thank you again, as of now, i am still downloading cygwin packages, do you have an idea how big is the total file size of it?
and another thing, I have used romdump, and got the following..
boot.img (13mb+)
checksum.md5(265b)
config.gz
recovery.img(32mb)
systeminfo.gz(1.76kb)
system.tar(385MB)
how can these files help me and can i use them for backup?

th3f33 said:
i see, thank you again, as of now, i am still downloading cygwin packages, do you have an idea how big is the total file size of it?
and another thing, I have used romdump, and got the following..
boot.img (13mb+)
checksum.md5(265b)
config.gz
recovery.img(32mb)
systeminfo.gz(1.76kb)
system.tar(385MB)
how can these files help me and can i use them for backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, no idea about Cygwin.
boot.img is your Kernel, and its needed for modifying the kernel. config.gz is the configuration of your device, and its also used for kernel building. recovery.img is your recovery. system.tar is your system partition which contains all files related to ROM. Yes, you can use these as a backup, as actually you'll get these when you take a nandroid backup in CWM recovery.

coolsandie said:
Sorry, no idea about Cygwin.
boot.img is your Kernel, and its needed for modifying the kernel. config.gz is the configuration of your device, and its also used for kernel building. recovery.img is your recovery. system.tar is your system partition which contains all files related to ROM. Yes, you can use these as a backup, as actually you'll get these when you take a nandroid backup in CWM recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
basically, the system.img is the one that is mounted on /system right? and it contains all files related to rom, does it mean that the ROM is like the OS? if i am not mistaken, i had already edited the apps and build.prop in the /system before i had made the system.img. But i have pulled the whole /system folder before i deleted the apps thru adb.
now the recovery.img is the one that have the android with red triangle exclamation point on vol+ power (android system recovery 3e, this is stock right) ? this is what i need to use if i fail on flashing a custom recovery? is that right?
how important is the config.gz?
boot.img is the kernel, should i stay away from the kernel for the time being? or is it better to check the boot.img first?
am i lacking any file for backup or is this enough for backup?
i have installed rom manager but it says it unsupported device. does it mean that i cannot install CWM?
i think i can flash custom rom with rkbatchtool, i had tried it before (custom rom for a different type) and it ended up bricking the device

as of now, i have tried flashing the generic cwm for rockchip which ended in a black screen recovery,
i also tried flashing my recovery.img but it doesnt work, it get flash but nothing works
it is still working fine as of now except that it doesnt have a recovery!
i think i had corrupted the recovery partition, cause i used a 1.35 rk flash tool and the memory address was set for rk3066 which is 0x0010000 (i think) and mine was 0x0020000.....

[Q] MTK: How to convert Flashtool-rars to Recovery-zips

Hey Guys!
I tried to put the whole Question in the Title, but now the long form:
As you may imagine, i got a MTK-Based Phone. An Octacore to be precise (Elephone P8). Now there isnt much development going on, so i thought of jumping on the Developement-Train, and begin with something easier.
I thought of bringing a few fixed apk's and workarounds for known Problems into the standard rom.
My Question is:
So i have now a rar, which i have to extract, Open in Flashtool, load the Scatterfile and im ready to flash my Phone. Fine with that, but in the rar are only img-files i cant edit.
(i found a ext4-edit-tool for img-files here on xda, but its not functioning at all.)
But there is a P8update.zip on needrom, someone was keen enough to convert the rar-image into a zip-image, which is flashable through recovery, and the best is: i can just open the zip, and i can edit everything i want!
But how did he do it?
The Rom is JB, and i have KitKat installed and i want to edit a KitKat-Rom.
So how can i convert the rar-kind of rom to the easy editable zip-kind of rom?
Or am i understanding this completely wrong?
Thanks in Advance for any kind Tip youre sure going to give
Greetings from Berlin,
a clueless guy.