Database Info

[Q] Trying to create a CW zip with all the apps i want to install automatically

Can some one provide some instructions on how to go about making a CW zip file to flash and install all the apps that is on my phone?
I've seen a few of these floating around in the forum, and wanted to make my own to save time after every ROM flash
Do I just grab all the APK files throw them into a folder and Zip & Sign it?
or do I have to do a Nandroid backup first, then only use the app files from the backup?

I would like to know this too....

Would be nice as well instead of restoring
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Take an existing update.zip type file. Add a folder to it with the full proper path for your apps you want to pre-install (typically this will be /data/app) and put all the apps in that folder. Should look something like this in a windows/mac explorer window:
Code:
META-INF
/com/google/android/updater-script
data
/app/myfirstapp.apk
/app/mysecondapp.apk
Then use a text editor to edit the META-INF/com/google/android/updater-script file to include the commands to copy over your stuff. It would something along the lines of:
Code:
ui_print("Installing New App Files to /data");
package_extract_dir("data", "/data");
Edit out anything in the update template you're working out of that you don't want to happen (ie., format or symlinks, etc).
Repackage the zip file and make sure nothing else got in there by mistake by re-opening it (like those pesky Mac .ds-store files).
You can re-sign it with the android tools, but I don't believe you need to with Clockwork.
I would have a fresh nandroid before testing anything, of course.
You feel this approach is better than just using Titanium to restore apps? You won't get back any app data that isn't stored on the sdcard.

Thanks!
yes, now that makes sense, i recall reading that some where else to add extra APK to the ROMs
so it's the same idea, just without the ROM portion
now i get it

distortedloop said:
Take an existing update.zip type file. Add a folder to it with the full proper path for your apps you want to pre-install (typically this will be /data/app) and put all the apps in that folder. Should look something like this in a windows/mac explorer window:
Code:
META-INF
/com/google/android/updater-script
data
/app/myfirstapp.apk
/app/mysecondapp.apk
Then use a text editor to edit the META-INF/com/google/android/updater-script file to include the commands to copy over your stuff. It would something along the lines of:
Code:
ui_print("Installing New App Files to /data");
package_extract_dir("data", "/data");
Edit out anything in the update template you're working out of that you don't want to happen (ie., format or symlinks, etc).
Repackage the zip file and make sure nothing else got in there by mistake by re-opening it (like those pesky Mac .ds-store files).
You can re-sign it with the android tools, but I don't believe you need to with Clockwork.
I would have a fresh nandroid before testing anything, of course.
You feel this approach is better than just using Titanium to restore apps? You won't get back any app data that isn't stored on the sdcard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya essentially this method is doingan advanced nandroid restore for data only except without the settings.
Sent from my MattedBlues CM7 Nexus S from the XDA Premium app.

kenvan19 said:
Ya essentially this method is doingan advanced nandroid restore for data only except without the settings.
Sent from my MattedBlues CM7 Nexus S from the XDA Premium app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose if you want the app data restored as well, you would just need to identify it's location in the /data directory and add it to the /data folder in the update you're making. Seems like most of the app data goes into /data/data.
Just thinking out loud here...
So for a sample app on my phone I have called jefit pro I'd put the following in the update file.
Code:
/data/je.fit.pro-1.apk <---apk itself
/data/data/je.fit.pro <--the folder
/data/data/je.fit.pro/databases/data
/data/data/je.fit.pro/lib
/data/data/je.fit.pro/preferences/preferences.xml
I'd just pull the whole folder for the /data/data/je.fit.pro from the phone via adb.
I'm not sure how useful putting the data back is, since that's not a static set of files on many apps, but for some apps where the data is just some settings or preference files it may be a nice touch.
I don't really see any advantage to this over just use Titanium to restore apps and data, but it should work.
(<<---- this would be the whole folder and its subfolders that I pulled via adb off the phone)

distortedloop said:
I don't really see any advantage to this over just use Titanium to restore apps and data, but it should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AllGamer, I'm glad you brought this up, while I don't personally have any apps I want to put on the phone in this method, except perhaps titanium itself, I just realized we could of course do the same thing for all those little custom tweaks we put on our phones, like for me I push my personalized ringtones/notification sounds to /system. That's easy enough with adb or rootexplorer, but why not just flash them from a zip while in CW after a wipe or install of a new rom?

distortedloop said:
AllGamer, I'm glad you brought this up, while I don't personally have any apps I want to put on the phone in this method, except perhaps titanium itself, I just realized we could of course do the same thing for all those little custom tweaks we put on our phones, like for me I push my personalized ringtones/notification sounds to /system. That's easy enough with adb or rootexplorer, but why not just flash them from a zip while in CW after a wipe or install of a new rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the idea came up from several places, first Titanium Backup itself offers to create a signed .zip installer for CW
and i've seen other devices forums with people packing up like 100+ apps/tweaks/mods into it to flash after CW is done flashing the new ROM
yes, of course we can use TI, i have TI pro and it's very easy, but Ti is slow.... at restoring 300+ Apps
but everytime i see CW restoring a Zip file or even a full Nandroid backup, it does it so fast and quickly, that i though... hell might as well keep an updated signed .zip wtih all my must have apps, and flash it along right after any new ROM flash (when testing out different Custom ROMs) then i don't need to spend like an hour everytime restoring + configuring the phones
i noticed that Ti works a hell of a lot faster if the apps are already installed, and you only need to restore the data.
and that is the main reason i want to compile a list of all the apps
once they are all installed, then i can use any of the good market utilities that can do mass Apps2SD and i'll be up and running in as quickly as 15min vs. a whole hour waste on a restore/config everytime you change the ROM
using Ti i found most of the System settings can be restored safely without corrupting the new ROM
email
accounts & syncs
bluetooth pairings
wifi
... ah shoot forgot the rest
only do not restore settings for:
launcher,
wireless network (phone company)
android market
and anything that has to do with default settings
probably this weekend i'll dissect the CW zip created by Ti itself, and add more to it

Sounds like a good plan...but you've got 300+ apps if I recall correctly. I imagine that will take a long time to restore either method!
The Titanium update zip is a good place to start. Use the setting to make it a "user" app and it will put it in /data, where you want the rest of your apps as well. You could just dump what you want right into the zip file there in the folder that has titanium's apk itself and not even worry about messing with the updater-script file.

[GUIDE] Changing your status bar and other system apps without flashing or using CWM.

Hi everyone.
Today I'm posting a method to change your status bar, dialer, contacts or any other system app with a custom app that's usually more beautiful and works better. This method, as for me, is much safer than flashing. Also I'd recommend this if you want to avoid the chances of a person at the service center (if you brick your device while flashing a new Rom) detecting that your phone's rooted by finding the recovery installed.
BEFORE I POST THE TRICKS I'LL HAVE TO WARN YOU, AS A FORMALITY THAT ANY DAMAGE CAUSED TO YOUR DEVICE IN ANY WAY DIRECT OR INDIRECT DUE TO THIS POST SHALL BE SOLELY YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.READ ANY FURTHER ONLY IF YOU AGREE TO THIS.
Why would anyone want to use this method ?
Because the flashing method didn't work or maybe coz it bricked your phone. You might also want to try the lucky patcher method out if you don't want to install CWM or just for an adventure Here's how you do it :
1. First, download the given zip file or the file/folder which has your required SystemUI.apk.
2. Extract the systemui.apk in the zip to ur sd card.
3. Backup ur rom (just in case) and also backup the status bar app using titanium backup (preferred) or copy SystemUI.apk n SystemUI.odex to any location on ur sdcard.
4. Force close status bar/ the system app using defaulttask manager.
[Optional]
5. Use any app like root apps uninstall or titanium backup (preferred) to uninstall the system app status bar or using any root enabled file browser delete /system/app/SystemUI.apk and SystemUI.odex.
6. [mod edit: Lucky patcher references removed]
7. Go to tools, select patch to android, and check the first three options. The phone will reboot.
8.Open the app, Touch the rebuild and install option.
9. Select sdcard n browse to the SystemUI.apk u extracted. 10. From the list of options select install as system application. Click yes when asked to reboot.
11. After reboot you'll see ur new status bar/ newly installed app.
NOTE: DO NOT USE THIS Method to install the framework-res.apk or to install any framework mod as it won't work.Also I personally would recommend that you keep away from flashing/replacing the framework-res.apk as it bricked my phone when I tried to.
DON'T FORGET TO HIT THANKS.

akash_bd said:
nice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Press thanks if I helped.

RESTORE .APKs FROM CWM

Hello Friends This is my first TUTORIAL.
DO, ANYONE RATHER THAN ME (AS A NOOB) NEEDS SOME SYSTEM OR USER INSTALLED .APKS from CWM (clockwork mod) Backups? It would be easy to get them just by Re-installing the Backups. But in some Cases we don’t want to restore the whole system backup instead of SOME APPS or DATA Only.
So Here’s the Tutorial to Extract the .APKs or DATAs From the Backups which is in the .tar format. (CWM RECOVERY only.) found By ME. (I don’t know if anyone Other than me have already found this Method. Coz I Didn’t find any.)
Steps:-
1. The BACKUP of your ROM (from which you want to Restore .APKs / DATA)
2. A Computer / Android Device.
3. 7 – Zip installed (for a Computer PC) / 7 zipper (free in the Play Store) Installed (for a Android Device)
4. Now go the Backup folder and Open It.
5. If you want to restore System (Pre-installed) .APKs of CWM RECOVERY find the File Named “system.ext4.tar.a”
6. If you want to restore your USER INSTALLED .APKs of CWM RECOVERY find the File Named “data.ext4.tar.a”
7. Open it with the Respective Installed “7-Zip | 7 Zipper” via the Device you have.
8. And Navigate to the Folder “system --> app” for Pre-Installed | and for USER installed APK.s “data --> app”
9. Now you’ve got to the Respective Place and you have the Whole .APKs of your Android. Restore / Copy them Which ever you want.
10. By this Method you can obtain much more than just APKs. Coz it has simply all the Vital Data or Information of your ROM.
Note: For Installing SYSTEM APPS you have to put it to your Root/System/App folder. And give it the Appropriate PREMISSIONs.
I hope You find it Helpful Noobs. just like me.
Thanks. & Regards,
v_singh (VIPIN SINGH)

v_singh said:
Hello Friends This is my first TUTORIAL.
DO, ANYONE RATHER THAN ME (AS A NOOB) NEEDS SOME SYSTEM OR USER INSTALLED .APKS from CWM (clockwork mod) Backups? It would be easy to get them just by Re-installing the Backups. But in some Cases we don’t want to restore the whole system backup instead of SOME APPS or DATA Only.
So Here’s the Tutorial to Extract the .APKs or DATAs From the Backups which is in the .tar format. (CWM RECOVERY only.) found By ME. (I don’t know if anyone Other than me have already found this Method. Coz I Didn’t find any.)
Steps:-
1. The BACKUP of your ROM (from which you want to Restore .APKs / DATA)
2. A Computer / Android Device.
3. 7 – Zip installed (for a Computer PC) / 7 zipper (free in the Play Store) Installed (for a Android Device)
4. Now go the Backup folder and Open It.
5. If you want to restore System (Pre-installed) .APKs of CWM RECOVERY find the File Named “system.ext4.tar.a”
6. If you want to restore your USER INSTALLED .APKs of CWM RECOVERY find the File Named “data.ext4.tar.a”
7. Open it with the Respective Installed “7-Zip | 7 Zipper” via the Device you have.
8. And Navigate to the Folder “system --> app” for Pre-Installed | and for USER installed APK.s “data --> app”
9. Now you’ve got to the Respective Place and you have the Whole .APKs of your Android. Restore / Copy them Which ever you want.
10. By this Method you can obtain much more than just APKs. Coz it has simply all the Vital Data or Information of your ROM.
Note: For Installing SYSTEM APPS you have to put it to your Root/System/App folder. And give it the Appropriate PREMISSIONs.
I hope You find it Helpful Noobs. just like me.
Thanks. & Regards,
v_singh (VIPIN SINGH)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or easier just restore from nandroid manager

ngoralph said:
or easier just restore from nandroid manager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm... thanks for your advice sir.
but does it offers to restore odex files.?
and other kind of files like built.prop etc.?

[TUTORIAL] Backup of viber messages All in One

Hello,
I've recently been working to backup all of Viber messages/conversations along with media files.
Came across multiple threads and solutions. Wanted to gather them up here for everyone struggling with it, so we don't waste time again.
Here are solutions:
1. Posted by @rsadalarasu https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54406849&postcount=51 :
rsadalarasu said:
Hi, I have been trying to restore the viber messages whenever i change phones but i never had possible solution to fix the problem.
Today i was trying something and interestingly it worked!! Try to follow the below mentioned steps it might work for you too..
1) Take a backup of the viber using Helium ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...a.backup&hl=en ). This app works both for rooted and non rooted phones. For non rooted phones you have to connect to computer to activate the backup mechanism.
2) Install Helium in your new phone and select restore and sync option and then select the old device ( which will show up if you are in same wifi) and then select viber app and restore it.
3) Now open the viber app - Viber as usual ask for activation, just activate the it. This time you will not get the restored messages.
4) Again try to repeat the step 1 and step 2
5) reboot the phone and open the viber app. dont be surprised it will again ask for activation. Activate it again, but this time you will see all the old messages in viber.
6) to get the pictures and videos, copy the Viber Images/ Viber Videos from SDCARD -- > viber --> media from old phone to new phone.
Hope it works for all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2. Posted by @MeraVeer https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=63105431&postcount=81 :
MeraVeer said:
Fool Proof Guide to fix Viber crash and restore messages/data
Force Stop Viber
In TitaniumBackup folder find com.viber.voip-(some numbers).tar archive
Open \data\data\com.viber.voip\.\databases using file explorer in android or transfer the .tar file to computer and open with WinRar program.
Find both "viber_messages" AND "viber_messages_journal" files
Copy them to \data\data\com.viber.voip\databases on the phone
change permission for viber_messages to RW RW --
change permission for viber_messages_journal to RWX RW --
And change the "group" and "owner" to same as the com.viber.voip folder - these are the permissions needed for the Viber app to access those files or it will constantly crash.
Restart phone and that's it, you will have all your messages
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3. Posted on StackExchange by @gabor_ http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/68796/how-to-transfer-viber-message-history-to-a-new-phone/123260#123260 :
You can do it without root access
Requirements:
Install ADB and OpenJDK 8 (I had nothing to do with security extension) by following adb backup guide on XDA
Download adbextractor
Then do
Code:
sudo apt-get install openjdk-8-jre-headless
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot
Now, do the following
Connect the old mobile, create backup with adb backup (disable WiFi and data and forget the old phone)
Code:
sudo adb backup com.viber.voip -f /home/user/Downloads/viberoldphone1.ab
sudo java -jar abe.jar unpack /home/user/Downloads/viberoldphone1.ab /home/user/Downloads/viberoldphone1.tar
Install Viber on new phone and activate Viber, connect the new phone and create backup with adb backup
Code:
sudo adb backup com.viber.voip -f /home/user/Downloads/vibernewphone2.ab
sudo java -jar abe.jar unpack /home/user/Downloads/vibernewphone2.ab /home/user/a/vibernewphone2.tar
Open TAR archives in an archive manager (found Archive manager for GNOME 3.14.2 on my Lubuntu LiveCD). Copy files below from viberoldphone1.tar DB directory to vibernewphone2.tar
viber_data
viber_data-journal
viber_messages
viber_messages-journal
Repack to .ab and restore data to phone
Code:
sudo java -jar abe.jar pack /home/user/a/vibernewphone2.tar /home/user/Downloads/vibernewok.ab
sudo adb restore /home/user/Downloads/vibernewok.ab
Works like a charm. I have just tested on Android 4.1 and 5.0. I run into problems on Win7 with adb so finally used Lubuntu.
You can try to edit Viber DB files with SQLite editor. Probably DB files could be restored directly but I had no time to test
References:
http://dbremes.wordpress.com/2013/02/11/how-to-get-a-backup-of-your-android-applications-database-in-windows/
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/2078710/android-adb-access-to-application-databases-without-root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4. Posted by @kmmc https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=53093637&postcount=2 :
kmmc said:
Smile Fixed! Android Viber Backup and Restore Successful
Okay, thank Jesus I managed to get this fixed and this is what it took.
This solution required a Rooted device.
Restore Viber backup (for me I did this using MyBackup Pro)
Install SQLite Debugger from the Play Store
Using SQLite, try locating the Viber database files by selecting App then choosing Viber from the list (if you want to locate the database manually, for me it was under /data/data/com.viber.voip/databases)
Choose the "viber_data" database
Open the database, scroll to the bottom, choose "Create backup"
Save the backup somewhere on your SD card (not inside the viber folder or else it will get deleted)
Repeat the same steps for the "viber_messages" database
Uninstall Viber (or if you are using MyBackup Pro, go under Toolbox and "Wipe the Cache & Data" for Viber)
Reinstall Viber so that a fresh, clean working set of databases are generated by the app (or re-open Viber)
Do the usual setup of entering your phone number, letting it sync contacts etc
Once Viber has settled down, close it
Re-open SQLite Debugger
Navigate back to the "viber_data" database
This time, choose Restore Backup
Select the backup file from your SD card
Kill Viber if requested and wait for the restoration
Rinse and repeat for the "viber_messages" database
Once it is all done, reboot your device and hopefully, the next time you open Viber, the old messages & calls are all there! Unfortunately for me, presumably due to the change in ROMs, the photos sent in Viber messages are in my Gallery but NOT in Viber itself.. I suspect this can be fixed if the path is saved somewhere in the messages database - but right now, I'm just glad to have the text back.
If you get repeated errors from Viber during this process, try freezing the app using MyBackup Pro Toolbox (I believe Titanium Backup also has this option)
====
If this helped you, please click the THANKS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5. Posted by @lordalireza https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=56294723&postcount=62 :
lordalireza said:
Thumbs up This one is gold
OK Guys this is the only 100 percent way and after restore the activation screen wont ruin every thing
first: u need you backed up com.viber.voip .tar.gz file
second : u creat an empty zip file by right click . create zip
third: you drag the data folder that was in .tar.gz file and drop it in the zip file
fourth: you rename the zip file the same az .tar.gz file
fifthpen the zip file go into "com.viber.voip" folder inside the zip file and remove everything exept "database" folder
sixth:go inside "database" folder and remove everything exept "viber_messeges" and "viber_messeges-journal"
ok now and this is the most important part
seventh: go to www zamzar com convert zip-to-tar.gz and convert your zip file to *.tar.gz file
eighth:copy the converted .tar.gz file to the "go backup" or "titanium backup" folder (be careful the name of your file must match the original name)
ok now your good to go just go inside "go backup" or "titanium backup" on your phone and restore viber
THIS GUIDE WONT DISAPOINT YOU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5*. Additionally Posted by @pellajl https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=59361419&postcount=69 :
pellajl said:
I have used this method many times with great success. If both the old and new devices are rooted, all you have do is:
First - Activate Viber in the new device
Second - copy /data/data/com.viber.voip/databases/viber_messages to the same location on the new device.
Third - copy the entire contents of /sdcard/Viber to the same location on the new device.
Fourth - Reboot the phone
Job done......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
6. Posted by @Sera_6969 https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55691471&postcount=54 :
Sera_6969 said:
Thanks to everyone posting here. I tried all the suggestions and nothing worked, Viber would boot and ask for authorisation then crash every time after i had copied files into the databases folder.
What eventually worked for me was...
- Back up with Titanium and restore as normal in your new device
- Let Viber go through the activation code procedure
- Unpack the com.viber.voip.xxx-date-xxx.tar.gz in the Titanium Backup folder using ES FIle Explorer
- Unpack the subsequent com.viber.voip.xxx-date-xxx.tar file with ZArchiver
- Use File Explorer to copy the "viber_messages" file from the newly created data/data/com.viber.voip/databases folder into the main /data/data/com.viber.voip/databases folder on the device
- Change "viber_messages" permissions to rw- rw- ---
- Change owner from root to the same as it is for other files in the folder (on my device this was changed to u0_a142)
- Change group from root as well (on my device this was also changed to u0_a142)
- Restart Viber
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bonus. short one Posted by @dracula8275 https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=67377118&postcount=91 :
dracula8275 said:
Hi all, problem resolved with the copy of the old files from data. After signing in with the new number must close viber, copy the old message history on viber file and all it's ok
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PS: some of them might be similar, check whats best for you and share

That's a fine collection. Thanks!
I was hoping to find something that would backup and the messages and convert them to some other format to read them without Viber...

In 2018 we should not have to root our devices and jump through hoops on PCs to have something basic as an automatic backup-restore of app data. Viber is bad, and its developers should feel bad.

ai.unit said:
That's a fine collection. Thanks!
I was hoping to find something that would backup and the messages and convert them to some other format to read them without Viber...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's easy: burger menu -> Settings -> Calls and Messages -> Email message history
But, since Viber now for some time has a backup option (to Google Drive), did anybody succeed in restoring messages and afterwards having images/pictures shown inside the conversations?

Oxygen OS 11-, Systemizing with twrp.

A reference to ware the file system in oxygen lays for apps.
User app= /data/app (the folders for each user app are not labeled after what they are.)
System apps (in OxygenOS))=/system/product/priv-app or /system/product/app
It depends which type of system app you intend to make to app. Either directory works.
So I like viper4android and will use it as an example.
1 download this version ViPER4Android-FX_2_7_1_0.apk
2: install it as a user app. It should work now but need the rootless driver install in twrp for it 1st.
3: boot 2 twrp, mount all partitions (works better). Flash the zip, reboot to system.
4: verify the app functions add the Ulta low buffer module or what ever else need to be hooked to the app were Systemizing.
5: everything set use a app like Sdmaid to get the actual directory name that oxygenOS installed it to. Just the 1st two letters works for this to ID it in twrp (ware we won't be able to check.
6: boot to twrp. Mount all partitions. open a file manager it has. Go-to the app's directory under /data/app/... That apps directory. Open that directory and move the next directory to...
/System/product/priv-app or /app.
7: you don't have to but you can now use the file manager in twrp to verify that the app folder moved there and rename it to a better ID if you want. Also you better compare the app's permissions to another system app in that directory and match it up.
Reboot and if the directions were followed, you have systemized an app.
This works better than a systemized app, or a magisk/twrp module. Why cause twrp work is the hands-on management.
The droidware I recommend is.
Sdmaid (lookup apps given directory name.)
Orangefox (dual boot) cause I use it.
A file manager to check you work helps. Need root authority. I recommend the one I'll linkup.
In other roms and OSs the system directory for system app placement is just /system/app or prive-app.
Don't forget to mount the partitions before any working in twrp. I realized that about flashing and twrps modules running while I'm editing my system.
Sorry not adding links or apps good luck with it.
One other thing the boot animation.zip file for changing in located /system/product/media on Oxygen 11.
Ohh yeah theirs a app on play store called partitions manage. You can save any partition live while running you OS to a .omg file. If I do that after Systemizing some apps. It makese a system.img with them included. No more work to redo.
Well gonna go get beer or white pirate stuff. Lol
Mod edit: removed references to warez app.