Database Info

how can i write a file to the / directory

i want to save a file to the / directory of my phone.
when using adb in recovery mode with $su and mount -a, it seems as if i'm able to us cp to move a file to it, ls shows the file afterwards.
but after booting, the file is gone.
i tried it with a update.zip, same result.
anybody has an idea why this is so and if there is a solution to my problem?
thanks

use root explorer from the market....you can simply copy the file you need to the "/" directory with this app!

I think / is in RAM. There are system and data partitions on internal flash, but there isn't / one, right?

@androgiallo i don't know about root explorer, bur SU File Manager & Terminal couldn't do the trick ...
@Brut.all to be honest, i don't know what you're talking about ... does your reply mean it's futile or rather that there might be a solution?
btw, thanks for maps[brut] and even more for apktool.

der_bert said:
@Brut.all to be honest, i don't know what you're talking about ... does your reply mean it's futile or rather that there might be a solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean "/" isn't persistent - I think it is created in the RAM when you turn on your device, then you could change its contents, but after rebooting it's gone.
For sure there is a way to install something there. If I'm right about that RAM, then there should be somewhere some image of initial contents of "/" partition (they are copied to RAM at boot) - probably in boot.img . So it's possible, but not that easy as just copying a file to "/".
These are just my guesses, maybe I'm wrong.

Ahh and why do you want to place some file to "/"? Why not to e.g. /data/?

i use a keyfile for my password manager and i have to enter the path to it manually every time i open the database, so i want to keep the path as short as possible ...

[Q] How to copy a /data file from unrooted Nexus S [I9020XXKD1]?

Hi there,
Is there a way to temporary root my Nexus S [I9020XXKD1] or alternatively a non-root way to access /data so that I can copy a file in and out? Essentially I want to be able to backup and restore some game saves
Most posts I've read basically have folks saying "Just root it", which is good advice to most but isn't right for me - I really don't want to have to wipe my phone and I'd also like to be able to dip my toe into rooting before taking a full leap. That, and aside from needing this one file in /data my phone works exactly as I'd like it to
I only need "su" access for a brief moment to copy off a file to and from /data. I set up the android sdk but ADB didn't work because of the protection of "production builds".
VISIONary seemed like the right kind of thing, but I don't believe it works for the Nexus S or recent firmware, so while temp rooting would be nice so would any solution that allows me to backup and restore some files in /data.
At the moment I am wondering if writing an apk of my own that copies/replaces this one file is the way to go - but that seems perversely long way around!
So any help/suggestions most appreciated

There is no temporary root for the Nexus S. You're either rooted, or you're not. However, if, perchance, you are on Android 2.3.2 or earlier, you might be able to root without wiping.
Without root, you cannot see the files in /data, but you can read/write the files directly if they have the proper permissions and you know the exact path/filenames. After poking around a bit, it seems that read & write permissions vary among apps. Most apps have full permissions reserved for the parent app. Some allow other apps/user to read some files, and read+write others. (The permissions being app-specific, if it can't be done by command line, I doubt it could be done by creating an app, either.)
So, what is the game? Perhaps I can do some exploring.

If you have the old bootloader (2.3.2 i think) you can boot a recovery without flashing. From you computer use "adb boot recovery.img" and boot clockwork recovery. From there you can mount and access the filysystems.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Maximilian Mary said:
There is no temporary root for the Nexus S. You're either rooted, or you're not. However, if, perchance, you are on Android 2.3.2 or earlier, you might be able to root without wiping.
Without root, you cannot see the files in /data, but you can read/write the files directly if they have the proper permissions and you know the exact path/filenames. After poking around a bit, it seems that read & write permissions vary among apps. Most apps have full permissions reserved for the parent app. Some allow other apps/user to read some files, and read+write others. (The permissions being app-specific, if it can't be done by command line, I doubt it could be done by creating an app, either.)
So, what is the game? Perhaps I can do some exploring.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I figured as much. The game is Dungeon Hunter 2 and essentially I am trying to implement a simple fix to make my save game work again (the fix is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1042675 a few posts down) but it requires root. So I do know the exact paths and filename.
Thank you for your helpful answer

Ok, I'm not having any luck here, and it's pissing me off. FYI, I don't have that game, so I'm testing it with Angry Birds. I can read and copy the file just fine, but I can't modify it without using root. The data file itself has read/write access, but the containing folder (files/) is read-only, so I can't overwrite the file after I've modified it. Since the file itself has r/w access, I wonder if it would work to modify the file directly, instead of using an outside program to modify it then overwriting it. (I'm a bit ignorant of the finer points of linux permissions.) This would require an app that would allow you to open and modify a file by typing the full path & filename, instead of just browsing the directory tree. You could also try < adb pull /data/data/com.gameloft.android.TBFV.GloftD2HP.ML/files/dh2_000.savegame dh2_000.savegame > (using the correct path, if that's not it). Then see if < adb push dh2_000.savegame /data/data/com.gameloft.android.TBFV.GloftD2HP.ML/files/dh2_000.savegame > works. The fact that you can copy the file out is promising, anyway. So even if you had to root, you could backup the file before rooting wipes everything, then fix it & back it up after you had root.
Btw, what version of Android are you on?
Edit: I think I'm getting somewhere. While you can't modify the file itself, you can modify the file contents. So something like this might work: < adb shell >
< more /sdcard/dh2_000.savegame > /data/data/com.gameloft.android.TBFV.GloftD2HP.ML/files/dh2_000.savegame >
So the next step is to get some help from someone who has the game and is rooted as to the exact path to the savegame file. Once we have that, I think we're golden. (Or, let me know if adb pull works with the path I guessed at.)

wow! Thank you for your help
In answer to your questions: my Nexus s is running 2.3.4 and you are correct about the file path (many other kind xda users died to bring us those paths ) is /data/data/com.gameloft.android.TB with the filename being dh2_000.savegame
I don't want to drive you to distraction! If I could back it up I probably would go ahead then and root the phone given how complexplaying with a non-rooted phone is!
I will try the adb pull method and let you know how I get on.
Thank you again for your help and for showing me why I probably do want to root!

First Port to the Cube T7 Phablet.

After trying and trying and failing, I have finally figured out a way to port a rom to the Cube T7.
This has proven the only method (in my experience) to work. All the standard methods have failed
each time.
WARNING!!!!! THIS COULD BRICK OR DAMAGE YOUR PHONE
YOU ARE TRYING THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. I WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE
FOR WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR DEVICE!!!!
Things you need.
latest Spftool
and the Rom package
NOTE:You need to know that you can't just flash the package I put together. You will
need to use the TWRP recovery that comes in the package to transfer file from your external sd to
the system folder and so forth. Also the proper permission to set.
Step 1: Flashing the images.
I've already pulled the correct img from each folder and put it together for you.
The only thing that you will need to do is extract the folder and use the spf tool to
install the firmware.
Note** In order to keep the 3.97 app storage, I've had to make sure to use the
Spf tool to do a full format except for the bootloader.
Step 2: Repairing the Rom
In the rar package, I included all the files need to fix the rom so
it will work smoothly on your phone. The files can be located in
the "system" folder which will need to be copied to your external sdcard
At this point you will already have flash the images and turn on the phone.
You will notice that the after you turn it on, you will get a warning that says "Cpu overheating"
or at least to that affect. This is not true by the way, this is from the fact the tp settings are off
from the original rom. Either way the warning will force boot your phone which again is fine.
Once this happens you will need to go to recovery.
Once in recovery make sure that you go ahead and mount your
system partition.
With this done you will be able to go to /system/etc/.tp
This folder contains the files that control the thermal manager for
the rom. You want to delete this folder. YES DETELE IT!!!
Once deleted, go to the system folder that you should have copied to your
external Sdcard. You need to copy /system/etc/tp to the exact location that you
just deleted the original.
Once you've done this you will need to set the permissions for the folder and the
files contained. The folder needs to be set to 0755 and the files inside need to be set to 0644.
Once done its best to go ahead and use the recovery to flash UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip to root your device before
restarting. Once restarted you will need to use root explorer or es explorer root function to
copy all the files to there correct locations and set their permissions. Each file is in its corresponding
folder as it should be in the system partition. All you will need to do is copy and past from the folder on the external and
paste to the same folder in the system partition. For those that may not know, all files will be set to 0644/rw--r--r-- and folders that you copy over will be 0755/rwxr-xr-x (if your using root explorer, just un check the group and others on the "Write" permissions.
Whats not working?
I can't figure out how to get the camera to working.
I've used standard tuts to try and copy the right files or libs
but not luck as of yet. If anyone figures out a way please share!!!
Also, if you have the fold case, the screen does not come on when you
open the fold. Also when double tapping the screen, this does not take it out of sleep
mode. From what I've seen those are the only things that dont work. If you see something
else, please report it to this thread.
Also in the package you will find the Carliv 3.3 recovery version for our phone.
Thanks to kushyree from needrom.com for building it for us.
He also has been assisting me in trying to port other roms to our phone. We owe him a lot of thanks.
Let me know if you guys need any help with this. I will do the best I can to try and help out. Enjoy.

Android: How do I Get Read-Only Access to System & Data Partition Without Rooting?

Android: How do I Get Read-Only Access to System & Data Partition Without Rooting?
Hi everyone. I have an Android 7 device. It's not rooted. I need a file manager/utility that allows me to view the files & folders of the root directory; specifically the System and Data partitions. I don't need 'Write' permissions, just Read-Only. I want to copy some files. In other words, I don't want to root the device. I just need read-only access. I would prefer a file manager type app but I'm open to other methods.
I have tried Solid Explorer. It shows the System Partition but not the Data partition. Thanks.

TheoFitchner said:
Hi everyone. I have an Android 7 device. It's not rooted. I need a file manager/utility that allows me to view the files & folders of the root directory; specifically the System and Data partitions. I don't need 'Write' permissions, just Read-Only. I want to copy some files. In other words, I don't want to root the device. I just need read-only access. I would prefer a file manager type app but I'm open to other methods.
I have tried Solid Explorer. It shows the System Partition but not the Data partition. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try root browser:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrummy.root.browserfree

@RaiZProduction
Thanks for your comment. However, I have tried Root Browser as well as FX File Explorer but still no success. I want to copy some files from an app's folder in /data/data/app folder
Both apps simply list the folders in /data/data but when I open the folder of any app, its contents are not displayed in Root Browser and in FX Browser, I get the message Access Denied. See the attached images.
I don't know how to use ABD. I'm searching for a command manual.

TheoFitchner said:
I don't know how to use ABD. I'm searching for a command manual.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=a.....69i57j0l5.2270j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

I Can't Get Root Back

I have a Motorola Edge (regular not +) running LineageOS 17.1 (20210528). I had it rooted and decided I wanted to use the hosts file for ad blocking. I couldn't figure out how to get the OS to allow me to modify the host file. While I was doing so, I some how corrupted to OS and couldn't boot into it. That was easily fixed by flashing the the OS, but now I can't get root back. When I reboot after I flash the patched boot.img (to both partitions), I get "Can't load Android system. Your data maybe corrupt..." (This happens when I try to boot into both partitions). Before I see the error message, it goes into a bootloop.
I'd also like to know how to modify the hosts file.
Thanks

Heat84 said:
I'd also like to know how to modify the hosts file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once phone is rooted
1. You mount Android's directory /system/etc as RW
2. Pull out the hosts file what is located therein to PC
3. Edit the hosts file according to your needs
4. Make sure hosts file gets saved in UNIX-file format
5. Push back the hosts file to Android's /system/etc directory
6. Make hosts file RW

Thanks. Any clue about the rooting problem?

I forgot to mention that I patched boot.img with Magisk.

TWRP has a file system repair function. Does that have anything to do with this?