Hello my name is P3Droid,
We (TBH) have a lot of experience in Motorola phones and hacking. This experience dates back to the Razr days.
Here is a word of caution. Do no delete apps from the System partition, I would suggest you only rename them to .bak. When Motorola pushes updates each of the files undergoes a hash check, if the file has been manipulated or is missing the entire update will fail.
Until a system only sbf or similar is released, unless you make a back up with bootstrap and recovery, you will eliminate your ability to take updates moving forward.
You can remove many of the stock apps without rooting just by using the built in app manager.
Those apps are in /data it is the apps that are in /system that count.
jimmydafish said:
Hello my name is P3Droid,
We (TBH) has a lot of experience in Motorola phones and hacking. The experience dates back to the Razr days.
Here is a word of caution. Do no delete apps from the System partition, I would suggest you only rename them to .bak. When Motorola pushes updates each of the files undergoes a hash check, if the file has been manipulated or is missing the entire update will fail.
Until a system only sbf or similar is released, unless you make a back up with bootstrap and recovery, you will eliminate your ability to take updates moving forward.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i take it that all the apps you can delete through app manager are on /data therefore are safe to delete right?
This should definitely be sticky'd.
franciscojavierleon said:
i take it that all the apps you can delete through app manager are on /data therefore are safe to delete right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes anything that you can delete through the application manager is okay to remove, those have no impact on the update process.
And to complete my thought above. When an update is released, and they are coming, then you need to just change the file names back to normal to take the update.
Sound to me like we ned an ap that lets toys select programs to rename and then can change then back when needed. Would make it alot easier. Ill look onto this...also if some one else can confirm this info I might stick it.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
I can confirm that what p3droid is saying is true for all recent Motorola devices, but the point is really that you won't know until an OTA update is released how they have written the updater script in the zip file.
We have been through this with releases for every phone since the Droid X and many people got caught out by it and were stuck until we released SBF files that could safely restore the stock configuration and allow updating to official release versions.
This brings up another important point about modding your phone at this stage in the cycle. Without a full SBF to recover with in the event of a problem that renders the phone unbootable or unable to access recovery, or if you haven't made a complete nandroid, you will be again be stuck and have to return your phone to AT&T/Motorola for warranty replacement. This is never good for anyone.
When we mod our phones against the wishes of the carriers and manufacturers, we should really take responsibility for those actions and not produce a mountain of bricked phones whose cost is passed along to everyone in the form of higher ETFs for smartphones and other ways.
So, until a full SBF is released of the current build, people should be very careful what they change or remove from their phone's system and/or NVM and radio.
I also tried to warn users about this in another thread that was locked before p3droid started this thread. We have watched hundreds or even thousands of users destroy their phones in myriad ways and helped many of them recover them by providing SBF files as a safety net. It's not fun and if it can be avoided it is to everyone's benefit to do so and only requires care and forethought.
Is there anyway we could make a backup of this partition for later use? would each user need to make one or would one for all users suffice?
Assuming a bootstrapped custom recovery is possible, and we know Koush is already working on it, then a nandroid backup of at least the system, userdata and cache partitions would be the first and best step to take. Also assuming that the bootloader is locked/signed and true recovery is not possible, then the boot image and kernel will not be able to be backed up or written to by the bootstrapped recovery. It is always best to make your own backup for your device and store it on the sdcard where you have easy access, but users have also been able to use someone else's nandroid backup to restore their device in many cases as well. The recovery will give you the option to restore each partition separately in the advanced options so that you won't be restoring someone else's data to your phone.
We at TBH have also been able to create our own update.zip files and SBF files to help users recover from various mishaps.
This was because we had access to both official and unofficial files and tools to accomplish those things.
We have no idea if that will be the case here and we will not likely have the device ourselves to work with given we are VZW users primarily.
Again, there are many variables here that are yet to be determined and modes of access to the various partitions and radio baseband will be different with this phone as opposed to previous Qualcomm chipset devices.
All of this means that at this stage extreme caution is advised and being overzealous with root access is very dangerous right now.
I suggest everyone that is rooted use TITANIUM BACKUP to deal with their bloatware issues. The pro version, which you will need, is only a few bucks and is worth it. TB allows you to 'freeze' bloatware apps, which to my knowledge just blocks it fro the system, but does not delete it. The apps you choose to freeze are also removed from the app tray - so no more clutter. This way when an update rolls around, you can run down the list and simply touch 'thaw' to bring those apps back to recognition. This seems like a much more efficient and easy way to go back and forth, rather than renaming the .apk's.
I apologize if someone already mentioned TB in this thread - I just skimmed quickly.
I deleted all the bloat apps using the app manager without root. They were gone!
I did a factory reset on the phone and *surprise* the apps were back!
The things that were not part of the system come back during reset. On the other hand, im ****ed because I went crazy and deleted some actual apps that the system will check. Yay me.
pwndrone said:
The things that were not part of the system come back during reset. On the other hand, im ****ed because I went crazy and deleted some actual apps that the system will check. Yay me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ouch. Might not work, but have you tried a hard reset?
We should make a list of what's safe to remove like we did for the Captivate. Might be helpful.
I did a full factory reset and those apps that weren't part of the system came back but stuff like the help center are still missing.
Hopefully there will be a way to load the stock firmware sometime in the future.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Would an app like "Autostarts" work in this case?
Guys, I can't emphasize this enough: use Titanium Backup to freeze the apps rather than deleting them, it will make your life much easier.
does this apply to using different font files as well? I'd like to use a ttf font that's a little larger than DroidSans. if i rename and use a different font will that impact OTA updates or anything else for that matter? thanks!
before reading about "freezing" apps, i reset my atrix back to factory settings. i need help rooting my atrix again. it keeps me in "Waiting for Device" where before i had no problem rooting. and another thing, when i had reset back to factory settings...i still have superuser installed. do i uninstall superuser in order to gain root access again?
I have not rooted yet. My question is can we use freeze to turn off BlurAccounts or is it fully baked into the Rom?
Related
...[from elsewhere] ...I didn't see any mention of this in the how-to threads so I didn't back up my EFS files from the stock rom. Anyone here have had any issues with this after going back to stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is an example of things that are scattered in many threads...specifically, what are the things you should DO or SAVE before flashing a new ROM?
Above seems to be one (except is "EFS" a folder or what?). Would folks please offer your suggestions of the "protective" steps to be done/preserved in case of future difficulties.
Actually, in addition to the one quoted, doing a Titanium Backup is in almost all of the how-to discussions, so I guess that is already covered.
efs is really only relevant if you plan on using kies. Your phones product code and imei number are stoped in those files. flashing roms can alter these files. I have never done this. If you want to down load root explorer, or free option android mate. I would pay for root explorer. Find the efs file copy and paste it to your internal sd. Then save it to your pc
Android id. Dl android id changer from market. if you have not already dl busy box from market. Install busy box using app. Open android id changer, click save id, custom flashes change this and it us god to have it saved, you can restore using same app after flash
Do you know what odin is?
Do you know your build number?
mcord11758 said:
efs is really only relevant if you plan on using kies. Your phones product code and imei number are stoped in those files. flashing roms can alter these files. I have never done this. If you want to down load root explorer, or free option android mate. I would pay for root explorer. Find the efs file copy and paste it to your internal sd. Then save it to your pc
Android id. Dl android id changer from market. if you have not already dl busy box from market. Install busy box using app. Open android id changer, click save id, custom flashes change this and it us god to have it saved, you can restore using same app after flash
Do you know what odin is?
Do you know your build number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Recapping this...
EFS is a file. Can save it using Root Explorer or Android Mate.
I have copied down all the data under the battery. Is there more than that in this file?
I am confused about second paragraph. You mention download
Android ID Changer
Busy Box
Which one is it that captures the Android ID? And obviously it saves it, but where?
Yes, odin is mentioned in the how-to's, but it IS part of the flashing process. I am looking for things that should be done BEFORE starting that.
Yes, I know the build (1006). It is part of the data under the battery. And flashing wouldn't destroy or modify that.
Yes the efs had your csc or product code. If you flash a rom that is a port from another device this may be changed. Not an issue if you do not use kies.
Busybox is an app that installs commands onto your phone that certain programs need to operate correctly. Titanium backup and android id changer need this to function correctly. Android id changer saves your id in a file on your internal sd. The file is called update.id when you flash a rom you open the app again click load id, then change id. Phone reboots, id us back to your original id
Odin is a utility that flashes you back to stock 2.1. It is used by many as a safe way to go from rom to rom with a clean install. It is also used to recover from software bricks.
If you have more questions that pop up pm me, this way we are not clogging up the q&a
I think the exchange helps many people who I assume, like me, are trying to sort all this out.
MAIN purpose of the thread is to identify things to do/save before beginning the 'change to another ROM' process--which to me would include the Odin flash back to stock if you aren't there already.
But these side question resolutions are pertinent.
Your Busybox comment threw me a curve. It sounds like you are saying it installs stuff TiBU and Android ID Changer need in order to work. You mean TiBU as downloaded from the market does not work as a standalone app?
tibu needs busy box. If you download tibu and open the app there is a button on the bottom that says problems. If you click it it will also look to install busy box commands.
You are right about the usefulness of threads like this, no disrespect but it looks like you joined xda 4 days ago. These types of discussions are constant and rehashed on nearly a daily basis. For some odd mental quirk I read then all and help when I can. There are a thousand questions you can have, the offer to pm was to keep it easy
I have been reading for two weeks--I mean reading A LOT, not just 4 days ago; that was when I registered on the site. This is a =wonderful= resource, but it is a plain fact that what you need to know is scattered all over the place, both video and written how-to's. I have not found a single one that includes everything you need to know. I mean, for example, they will tell you to do something, which seems trivial to them, but which really involves other knowledge. And that sounds like a non-isue, but in fact it is a complete showstopper for "us" types. Yes, you can go off hunting to clarify the incompleteness, but that is exactly what I am talking about--hunting all over the place.
By the time someone gets to the point they can create something with completeness, the problem is...they are already to the point they can create such a thing. That contradiction arises from it being almost impossible to remember what you didn't know "back then."
I had been studying HARD trying to get "it," everything you need to do to flash a different ROM. Then, a day or so ago, in all that hunting around I speak of, someone mentioned "be sure you ... before you flash." It dawned on me that, when you think you are ready to flash, you aren't. There are things that should be done BEFORE. I started the "hunt" again as alluded to here. Then I said, dang, all us newbies would be well served if all the preliminary do's and save's were in one thread (preferably, ultimately in one LIST). Thus the reason for this thread.
If I am wrong, and other newbies really don't need to know these things, then yes, it can be done in PM. Others will never see it, and still be stuck in the hunting-all-over mode. Thus, I think it is desirable and helpful to others to put it in public, in one thread.
Once again no disrespect. Your point is taken.
Tibu to back up all your user apps, no system information. unless you want to learn how to use odin in the case of issues
Android id changer to back up your android id
Rom manager to back up your current setup, and flasg clockwork recovery. Never restore a backup of one rom on top of another rom
Contacts to external sd, sim, or sync with google
Efs using root explorer to copy folder and save in pc
Odin to flash stock and or recover from software brick. Builds 1010 and above do not use one click odin
No offense taken, and that's a great input. Thanks.
If others see anything else, please contribute.
Ok, I am also new at this, I have flashed 3 Roms. This is what I have done when changing ROMs.
Download Titanium Backup and rom manager. Back up your apps with Titanium Backup.
Download the ROM you want to flash.
Download Odin.
Turn on usb debugging.
Plug phone into the computer, pull down the notification window and click on usb to mount the sd card.
Open this up to look at files.
You should have an update.zip file you can copy to your desktop. You also should have a folder named Titanium Backup that you can save as well.
Once you have this, you can begin.
Take your phone to stock using odin. There are several tutorials available. I used this one,http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=10056254&postcount=36 because I have a 1010 phone.
Once this is done, I push the voume up and down along with the power button. You will get a menu giving you a choice to reinstall packages. You need to click this, go to yes, and it will pull up to the same menu again. Hit reinstall packages again which will get you to clockwork recovery.
Now, I chose to wipe/factory reset to make sure my phone was "clean".
Then, I chose to apply the update.zip.
Then, I chose to install a zip file from the sd card, scrolled down to the rom file, and chose it.
Then it will install the Rom. You will choose go back, then reboot the system. Then your Rom should be installed.
I think I remembered everything. I used a few tutorials:
http://theunlockr.com/2010/08/02/how-to-load-a-custom-rom-on-the-samsung-captivate-vibrant/
and this one:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=10183875&postcount=4
Hope this helps!
OOPS. Thanks, but this thread is for things to do or save BEFORE starting the ROM change.
So... let's say that you didn't save your android id before you flashed... will that cause problems?
beryxil said:
So... let's say that you didn't save your android id before you flashed... will that cause problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You tell me. Did you? Are you experiencing problems?
it depends on the rom you are using. You may experience issues downloading from market and certain games may give you issues.
If you did not save it and you are not having problems then no big deal. You can go back to stock and save it, then flash again.
Let me apologize first of all as I come from 5 years of using Windows Mobile knwoing what I am doing (cooking ROMs included) and now just got my Galaxy /Android a couple weeks ago and am blank at all of it.
After messing up with some system files and (useless) stock applications (like I removed stk.apk and other stuff) I decided to do a full hardware reset as the phone started getting random crashes.
But after the full reset things only got dramatically worse. I quickly realized all the missing system apps are still missing (I thought they'd be "restored") and basically nothing works, just crashes one after the next, cant use anything.
So, a hardware system reset on the galaxy, doesnt really reset anything except user installed apps and settings... amazing
Can someone please tell me (the idiot here, I know) how to do a real full restore where all system files, all missing files and positively everything gets back in the Tab as it was originally?
What a flippin' nightmare... Thanks in advance very much!
deletion of Stk.apk causes FC's in phone and acore.
if you don't have a backup of this apk, download a rom (like Modaco or Overcome),
open with winzip and extract the Stk.zpk from system/app and push it to /system/app on your Tab using adb (remember set the permissions to 644 after push).
A hardreset NO restores deletions on /system
Note: Other files that are not deleteable in /system/app are: Browser.apk, Email.apk, TouchWiz30Launcher.apk and TwWallpaperChooser.apk
Note (2): For your convenience, i attach the Stk.apk file from Overcome-1.1.3. Try it
Note (3): In order to restore ALL system data and apps, you need to restore a full rom.
bartito said:
deletion of Stk.apk causes FC's in phone and acore.
if you don't have a backup of this apk, download a rom (like Modaco or Overcome),
open with winzip and extract the Stk.zpk from system/app and push it to /system/app on your Tab using adb (remember set the permissions to 644 after push).
A hardreset NO restores deletions on /system
Note: Other files that are not deleteable in /system/app are: Browser.apk, Email.apk, TouchWiz30Launcher.apk and TwWallpaperChooser.apk
Note (2): For your convenience, i attach the Stk.apk file from Overcome-1.1.3. Try it
Note (3): In order to restore ALL system data and apps, you need to restore a full rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, first of all a big thanks for both file and info. Aside from the Stk.apk, the biggest thing that made me run into problems was trying to update my Contacts.apk:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=907399
things didnt work out for me and even after restoring the original files (Contacts.apk and Contacts.odex) nothing really worked again, reason for wich I tried a system reset.
Now, do I need to re-root the Tab or its still rooted, and can I perform the operations easily with Root Explorer like I did before? You mentioned to use adb and set permissions to 644 after push but, sorry again for the ignorance, I have no clue what adb is nor what/how to set permissions. Pathetic to be ignorant huh?
My last 2 questions are, where could I find the original Contacts.apk and Contacts.odex and if needed a full ROM to do a total restore?... hopefully I wont need to get to that point?...
Thanks a million again.
hi,
try to download overcome-1.1.3, and extract all the deleted apk's from system/app directory. push into the /system/app in your tab.
the apk's of overcome are deodexed (you don't need the .odex files). after that, wipe your data/cache and reboot.
if this don't works, try with roto rom
bartito said:
hi,
try to download overcome-1.1.3, and extract all the deleted apk's from system/app directory. push into the /system/app in your tab.
the apk's of overcome are deodexed (you don't need the .odex files). after that, wipe your data/cache and reboot.
if this don't works, try with roto rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm thanks again but I think Im beyond all this. I dont have a file manager on my system, just realized I deleted the useless stock one and had repalced it with Root Explorer and ES File Explorer. I have them on my External SD Card to install them again but withou a file manager or an app installer cant get to them. And I tried download an app installer from the Market and get Framework errors non-stop and downloads do not initialize... I think Im beyond a quick fix... how do I get my hands on a stock full ROM to restore everything... and how? What a nightmare... gotta tell you, I love Windows Mobile... I love it... never ran into anything like this in the past 5 years of using it... never...
Thanks again!
use "adb" in order to access to your tab from your desktop pc.
bartito said:
use "adb" in order to access to your tab from your desktop pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cant. Dont even know if I need Kies installed or not (I did have it installed) but adb just asks me to connect the phone and thats it... its connected aready... this is desperating...
OK I did manage to connect with adb but, how to I install applications? I can navigate to my SD card where I have ES File Explorer and Root Explorer but dont seem to be able to install them... Also if i try to copy Stk.apk I get immediately an failute message... this is crazy...
OK so I managed to install ES File Explorer and Root Explorer with adb... crazy process. It seems my phone is still rooted after the reset. From the phone I copied Stk.apk back to /system/apps where it was before deleted.
But needless to say nothing got fixed... not sure if Stk.apk is now "actually" installed or just there in the folder. But still nothing works and crashes every 10 seconds... logs provider, dialer, phone, framework, contacts... its all a firework of crashes...
Given that you've hard reset your device already, you are pretty much wasting your time trying to "fix" what you broke by messing with /system, and you should really just flash another ROM.
My suggestion would be to follow the advice on this thread.
Regards,
Dave
Yeap, that what i did and it was succesfull. My only issue is that Id like to convert my Tab's file system to ext4 to improve speed and performance and then update to the 1.4Ghz OC Kernel. I have no idea how to do those 2 things... actually Im not sure I understand the difference between a ROM and a Kernel... I assume a Kernel is part of the engine of the ROM itself but I have no idea how to perform the update. I read countless threads and its all scattered info without finding one straight to the point guide on how to do it...
Thanks again
VeEuzUKY said:
Yeap, that what i did and it was succesfull. My only issue is that Id like to convert my Tab's file system to ext4 to improve speed and performance and then update to the 1.4Ghz OC Kernel. I have no idea how to do those 2 things... actually Im not sure I understand the difference between a ROM and a Kernel... I assume a Kernel is part of the engine of the ROM itself but I have no idea how to perform the update. I read countless threads and its all scattered info without finding one straight to the point guide on how to do it...
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Part of your problem is that you are trying to run before you can walk! Your experience with WinMo is of pretty much no use to you in the Linux/Android world, and until you get a better handle of how everything hands together you are always going to feel a little lost.
Personally, since your device is now up and running again, I'd suggest that you hold off doing anything else for while, until you get a chance to catch up with some of the basics. Once you are a little more familiar, you can then start with something simple like flashing the MoDaCo kernel (instructions here) to support EXT4, and to give you access to ClockworkMod recovery.
IMO, whilst EXT4 and O/C kernels will give you a performance boost, they are not as noticeable as jumping from a shipping ROM to one of the JMx development builds that Samsung has put out. If you are running JMI, you should already be feeling that the device has got much snappier.
Regards,
Dave
foxmeister said:
Part of your problem is that you are trying to run before you can walk! Your experience with WinMo is of pretty much no use to you in the Linux/Android world, and until you get a better handle of how everything hands together you are always going to feel a little lost.
Personally, since your device is now up and running again, I'd suggest that you hold off doing anything else for while, until you get a chance to catch up with some of the basics. Once you are a little more familiar, you can then start with something simple like flashing the MoDaCo kernel (instructions here) to support EXT4, and to give you access to ClockworkMod recovery.
IMO, whilst EXT4 and O/C kernels will give you a performance boost, they are not as noticeable as jumping from a shipping ROM to one of the JMx development builds that Samsung has put out. If you are running JMI, you should already be feeling that the device has got much snappier.
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes Dave you are right, right and right again!!! Thank you for the wisdom and advice!!!
The main thing I have understood with today's messy experience was that the actual ROM files are never deleted or damaged as long as you dont access them via a rooted tool and start deleting them. Now I understand that Titanium Backup, Sprint Backup (my favorite), My Backup Pro and others, only back-up and restore what the user installs on top of the ROM itself. So a full "reset" wipes all that data but leaves the ROM files as they always were. If they got damaged in the process, they'll still be damaged till a a full ROM restores all system data, now I get it.
What I still dont get is the issue of bakcing up and restoring. In Windows Mobile, a toll like SPB Backup has a simple option called FULL BACKUP and that backs-up everything on top of the ROM and then restores everything after a full reset on top of the ROM again like it was before. The problem I have with apps like Titanium Backup, Sprint Backup, My Backup Pro, etc... is that there is not a "BACKUP ALL" option... one has to backup "data", "settings", "apps" and I always feel stuff will be left behind and then not restored.
Till I find an app or way to do a simple one-click "backup everything" and then "restore evertything" I always feel vulnerable to changes I make to the Tab that may get it unstable or corrupt and then not being able to be restored properly without a full ROM Flash and then re-installing all from scratch.
With WinMo, I could do all sorts of crazy experiments and tweaking and after that, a registry restore or back-up restore would bring me back my phone to exactly like it was with all my stuff and configuration in a matter of seconds or minutes. Thats what I need to find out with this Tab/Android and then Im ready to be able to explore messing up with this knowing I can always easily go back within minutes to the state I had before with all my apps and settings.
This is what I need to learn next how to do! Trampoline without a safety net is not a good idea. Ive alwways loved WinMo for the ease of backing up and restoring whatever I was doing on my handsets withjout ever worrying to put myself at risk to loose it all. I need to learn this on Android and its definitely more intricate!
just put sdcard into your samsung tab and flash modaco kernel amd it will automatically covert to ext4, after that you can flash the 1.4ghz kernel you wanted.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
instechgainza said:
just put sdcard into your samsung tab and flash modaco kernel amd it will automatically covert to ext4, after that you can flash the 1.4ghz kernel you wanted.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I cant follow you. I put an SD card in and flash modaco kernel? What files do I put on the sd card for this effect?...
VeEuzUKY said:
Sorry, I cant follow you. I put an SD card in and flash modaco kernel? What files do I put on the sd card for this effect?...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no...you need a kernel to flash via odin, you need sdcard mounted so that it will backup all files automatically while converting to ext4..head over to modaco kernel section amd follow the instruction.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
instechgainza said:
no...you need a kernel to flash via odin, you need sdcard mounted so that it will backup all files automatically while converting to ext4..head over to modaco kernel section amd follow the instruction.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where is the modaco kernel section you refer to? I can search for hours and find zilch... these blogs are endless...
VeEuzUKY said:
What I still dont get is the issue of bakcing up and restoring. In Windows Mobile, a toll like SPB Backup has a simple option called FULL BACKUP and that backs-up everything on top of the ROM and then restores everything after a full reset on top of the ROM again like it was before. The problem I have with apps like Titanium Backup, Sprint Backup, My Backup Pro, etc... is that there is not a "BACKUP ALL" option... one has to backup "data", "settings", "apps" and I always feel stuff will be left behind and then not restored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you want is a Nandroid backup, which you can only make from a recovery image like Clockworkmod recovery.
Essentially, this does exactly what you want, but you need to flash a new kernel (e.g. the MoDaCo kernel) which supports Clockwordmod.
Regards,
Dave
bartito said:
deletion of Stk.apk causes FC's in phone and acore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i beg to differ about stk.apk fc's your phone. that's the first thing i delete when removing system apps with no fc's
refer to this link about having a bare bones system. stk.apk is for management of multiple sim cards
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Barebones
b0ricuaguerrero said:
i beg to differ about stk.apk fc's your phone. that's the first thing i delete when removing system apps with no fc's
refer to this link about having a bare bones system. stk.apk is for management of multiple sim cards
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Barebones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I delete stk.apk (for me useless useless useless) the first thing that happens immediately is that when I hang-up on a call made or received, the Tab vibrates then freezes for about 5 seconds then tells me the phone application has crashed. I tried this with 2 ROMs now as a test and its guaranteed. More even, if you use a program like SYSTEM APP REMOVER you can emulate the removal of an app by disabling it... it only takes me to disable STK and a reboot for the phone not to work. cant get rid of it, that simple
I ... may have bricked my Droid 4. I won't go into details unless somebody asks, but I don't think it's necessary. I AM able to get to the recovery mode though, I just have nothing to recover from.... I misplaced my back-up.
So, I need SOMETHING to flash my phone to. 4.0/2.0/I don't care, I just need any rom/SBF to make this bad boy boot again. Anybody have anything?
I saw and downloaded the first thing that shows up when you google "droid-4-system-dump-wallpapers-ringtones.html" (link doesn't work because I'm new) But, I was unable to make anything of it.... What do I do?
Just to help others avoid the same fate can you please let us all know what you did?
zeroibis said:
Just to help others avoid the same fate can you please let us all know what you did?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, in hindsight it was kind of dumb. I rooted it, and began to remove all of the VZW sponsored apps. Once I did that, it cleared out a lot of memory (storage AND ram) but seemed to come with the downside of preventing my "settings" activity opening up. As in, whenever I hit "menu" then "Settings" from the main launcher, it would force close behind the scenes (logcat showed the stack trace for the settings activity).
I spent the next day trying to fix that issue, copying "settings.apk" from that link I mentioned earlier to my root director, but that didn't fix it. So, I went and tried copying entire folders over. This is the embarrassing part... I hit a 'delete' button on the "system/apps" folder, got about 30 force close windows, and am now stuck in a bootloop.
Doing the "power + both volume buttons" still gives me the recovery menu, but I don't have anything to recover to, as I was stupid and didn't think to make a backup.
Dwebtron said:
Well, in hindsight it was kind of dumb. I rooted it, and began to remove all of the VZW sponsored apps. Once I did that, it cleared out a lot of memory (storage AND ram) but seemed to come with the downside of preventing my "settings" activity opening up. As in, whenever I hit "menu" then "Settings" from the main launcher, it would force close behind the scenes (logcat showed the stack trace for the settings activity).
I spent the next day trying to fix that issue, copying "settings.apk" from that link I mentioned earlier to my root director, but that didn't fix it. So, I went and tried copying entire folders over. This is the embarrassing part... I hit a 'delete' button on the "system/apps" folder, got about 30 force close windows, and am now stuck in a bootloop.
Doing the "power + both volume buttons" still gives me the recovery menu, but I don't have anything to recover to, as I was stupid and didn't think to make a backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No files are floating around at this time. You really screwed yourself over on this one. Go back to Verizon and beg. You chose to void your warranty.
Dwebtron said:
Well, in hindsight it was kind of dumb. I rooted it, and began to remove all of the VZW sponsored apps. Once I did that, it cleared out a lot of memory (storage AND ram) but seemed to come with the downside of preventing my "settings" activity opening up. As in, whenever I hit "menu" then "Settings" from the main launcher, it would force close behind the scenes (logcat showed the stack trace for the settings activity).
I spent the next day trying to fix that issue, copying "settings.apk" from that link I mentioned earlier to my root director, but that didn't fix it. So, I went and tried copying entire folders over. This is the embarrassing part... I hit a 'delete' button on the "system/apps" folder, got about 30 force close windows, and am now stuck in a bootloop.
Doing the "power + both volume buttons" still gives me the recovery menu, but I don't have anything to recover to, as I was stupid and didn't think to make a backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious about this too - I deleted a bunch of vzw garbage. I did make a copy of of everything with titanium backup first but when I tried re-installing one of them it just hung while another re-installed fine.
I had a similar issue with one app - I had to go into /system/app and change it form RO to RW. Once Read/Write was enabled, Titanium was able to restore the app.
I have been playing it safe and only freezing the apps, not deleting them. I have had no FC or any odd behavior. I figured with an allocated 3 gb to applications, at this time gaining an extra 100MB of storage space is superfluous...especially with no SBF available.
As mentioned above, try going to the VZW store and getting an exchange. I'm certain an .sbf will be released at some point but it could be weeks/months before that happens.
And for future reference/anyone else reading this thread...never delete system apps! Just freeze them. Yes they will still be taking up space, but they won't be using any memory and they won't show up in your launcher so it's basically the same thing...except with freezing it is 100% reversible and will still allow you to receive updates.
Can someone upload these files from D4:
/system/build.prop
/system/default.prop
Freeze Apps
SGMD1 said:
As mentioned above, try going to the VZW store and getting an exchange. I'm certain an .sbf will be released at some point but it could be weeks/months before that happens.
And for future reference/anyone else reading this thread...never delete system apps! Just freeze them. Yes they will still be taking up space, but they won't be using any memory and they won't show up in your launcher so it's basically the same thing...except with freezing it is 100% reversible and will still allow you to receive updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the best way to freeze apps? I know you can do this with Titanium Backup. Do you need the pro version in order to do this? Are there other apps out there that also allow you to freeze apps?
kwyrt said:
What is the best way to freeze apps? I know you can do this with Titanium Backup. Do you need the pro version in order to do this? Are there other apps out there that also allow you to freeze apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do need the Pro version of Titanium Backup to freeze apps I believe. There are free apps that will do it (i.e. Bloatware Killer) but I am not really familiar with them.
Skrilax_CZ said:
Can someone upload these files from D4:
/system/build.prop
/system/default.prop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://db.tt/LymDelkf
That zip contains the 2 files you asked for. Anything else you need just ask and I can pull it for you. I havent done a dd of all the partitons yet but will be doing that as soon as I can.
cellzealot said:
That zip contains the 2 files you asked for. Anything else you need just ask and I can pull it for you. I havent done a dd of all the partitons yet but will be doing that as soon as I can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link that I was referring to in the first post SHOULD have every file from the D4.
I meant if he needed any of the other partitions besides the system.
I wanted to give him exactly what he asked for because he is avery sharp guy who may help us out with this device.
Unfortunately I did the same (though not as bad...I just can't open any of my contacts). I changed the permissions for /system/apps but I still am hanging at restoring in Titanium Backup. Are there any other directories that should have changed permissions to get some of these apps restored?
Also, lesson learned....freeze no uninstall
mattlgroff said:
No files are floating around at this time. You really screwed yourself over on this one. Go back to Verizon and beg. You chose to void your warranty.
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Click to collapse
Yeah so what? Why do people feel the need to post condescending comments for no reason? Its because of mistakes and screwups that the community progresses. There will be files floating around by the weekend, I'm sure.
I'm in the same boat... I bricked by droid 4... now waiting for a sbf file... someone said go to vzw and beg... has anyone ever tried that, after bricking your phone? what did you say? and did it work?
I'm just trying to figure out how to get vzw to replace this phone.
---------- Post added at 09:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:56 PM ----------
reigndropz said:
Yeah so what? Why do people feel the need to post condescending comments for no reason? Its because of mistakes and screwups that the community progresses. There will be files floating around by the weekend, I'm sure.
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Click to collapse
The files will be released by the weekend? YAY... how do you know?
Also what does it take/what has to be done for someone to release these sbf files?
jgardner said:
Unfortunately I did the same (though not as bad...I just can't open any of my contacts). I changed the permissions for /system/apps but I still am hanging at restoring in Titanium Backup. Are there any other directories that should have changed permissions to get some of these apps restored?
Also, lesson learned....freeze no uninstall
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the only path I had to change. Do you recall if you happened to have moved an app to a different path (perhaps to the sd-card) then removed it?
Are there multiple apps you are trying to restore? If so, have you tried restoring them one at a time?
im going to wait for the sbf files before any major modifications to my phone, then we can all start the fun
i just froze apps to prevent them from running, im not worried about space since i put in a 32GB SD card
I think it's very wise to wait for the firmware to be released, but it's worth noting that the term SBF is a mistaken reference to the old format for firmware files and that all dual core Motorolas have fastboot support now and RSD Lite has been modified to support this and uses xml.zip files that are sets of signed images rather than the Single Binary File(SBF).
This is a very important distinction to be made as the new format and boot menu provide many more options for controlling the flash process for the end user and it is ultimately much safer and more flexible.
I have one of the Virgin Mobile models that has the smaller memory. I have been looking through these forums looking for a way to clear up the memory. It looks like there is simply not enough progress on this phone currently. What I would really like is a basic ROM replacement that does not have any of the HTC crap in it to make it leaner and use less space. Am I right that I need to wait for future developments? I just want to make sure I am not missing something. Is there any way to free up more space right now with existing hacks? I see lots of different posts in here, and when I think I am on to something, I read that it does not work on the Virgin Mobile phones, so I am getting confused. I was hoping somebody who knows my phone really well could hold my hand and tell me exactly what I can do to get some more free space. I am familiar with a lot of the tools, and have rooted and installed recovery on my Kindle Fire, and on my Ouya. I have rooted an old LG phone, but that was cake compared to what I am reading for this phone! Thank you!
Probably the best you can do for now would be to flash a write protection removed kernel, remove as much uneccessary HTC and carrier bloat as possible, and then use an app from the Play Store called System App Manager to turn most of the apps you install into system apps, thereby using unused space on /system instead of your internal storage. My advice is to make a TWRP backup before converting any apps, because some apps will not act right after being moved to /system, so just do a process of elimination/trial & error until you figure out which apps can be moved without causing problems. When you figure out which apps act up, restore your backup and re-do the process without converting the unruly apps.
You also might want to flash Raptor Rom, as it's probably the smallest rom available, leaving tbe most empty space for those apps you move. Someday we'll get a rom/kernel that will allow the moving of apps & thier data to an sd partition, till then this is probly your best bet.
sent from a device
huggs said:
Probably the best you can do for now would be to flash a write protection removed kernel....You also might want to flash Raptor Rom, as it's probably the smallest rom available
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Click to collapse
Great! Can anybody point me in the right direction for some good/updated directions on performing each of these? Thank you!
jrburke99 said:
Great! Can anybody point me in the right direction for some good/updated directions on performing each of these? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly, if you haven't done so already: Follow this
Then go grab the download from whatever kernel you want to use thread or grab RaptorROM here. RaptorROM already includes a version of @Pattyboi's kernel, but you can always flash the newer kernel (which he put up last night?) on top.
Drop whatever files you plan on flashing onto the phone, or the sdcard. Reboot into TWRP (volume down and power button when phone's off then select Recovery), tap install, find the .zip or .img to flash, tap, then Swipe to Install/Flash
Hi,
i've imported my photos from my internal memory via sony bridge for mac accidentally in Iphoto. I didn't see the app was faded and crossed. Turns out only the app Photos is still working. So after importing 2700 pics (big trip and behind with backup), the question popped if I wanted to delete the fils on my phone and I said yes. I tried to re install Iphoto, but nothing there, but older pics. I tried the temporary files from the Mac, but nothing.
So now I got my hopes up for a data recovery software thing. But although Windows (Im working on another laptop) did install the drivers correctly and I see my phone in the folder structure, no data recovery software recognises my phone although I switched to MSC and USB-debugging. I think because I haven't rooted it i suppose. Well, that's what all the forum members say
So I think rooting is my only option left? I am wondering if it works for my goal to get my data back. I read that unlocking the boot loader means everything will be erased, so then there would be no point for me to do this. Is it possible to root it without losing my (deleted) data on the internal memory? I know it is being overwritten now as we speak, but I'm sure I can save a few photos!
thanks a million!
First off, I don't fully understand the first bit involving iPhoto. But if I understand correctly, you need to recover files deleted from internal memory.
I think recognizing a phone's internal memory is indeed a steep expectation for general Windows file recovery software. However, there may be some specialized programs out there designed just for that purpose. I know for a fact they exist for iOS for example. Not that I'm a fan. Anyway, googling "recover Android files Windows" showed some interesting results, but as I have no experience I can make no recommendations. I did see Easeus among the results, and I personally would start there based on experience with other software by them: http://www.easeus.com/android-data-recovery-software/free-android-data-recovery.html
This would be your safest bet. As you probably know, your photos are still there as long as they are not overwritten. Being able to recover from an external device (PC) is therefore preferable to making changes to your internal memory. It's also far less complex than rooting
Another thought before getting into rooting: I don't suppose you had an app like Google+ making automated backups of your pictures? If so, you might find them on your Google Drive. This also might be a good idea to avoid trouble like this in the future
Third and last resort: you could try a data recovery app on your phone, like GT Data Recovery. That does requires root. The good news: you don't need to unlock your bootloader to be able to root. Locked bootloader means you're limited to stock roms, but they too can be rooted.
Here's a useful thread describing in detail what you'd need to do:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/how-to-root-backup-drm-keys-t3013343
In your case, I'd run data recovery ASAP, meaning
Downgrade your firmware, leaving data in Flashtool unchecked (!!) (See thread's FAQ for detailed explanation)
Root
Install GT Data Recovery or similar from Google Play and run it
After you've recovered all photos you can and backed up all your other data, follow the procedure in the recommended way, which includes wiping data. Do note however, that the firmware mentioned there is outdated (March 2015). You can find up to date firmware here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/list-stock-firmwares-d5803-d5833-t2906706
Good luck!
(Thanks to @bilboa1 and @istux for their useful posts!)
Thanks!
I did try several data recovery software programs, including EaseUS, but none recognised my internal memory unfortunately. I switched all auto back up programs like Google Plus off, because it was just too much. I take so many pics of my kids and the selection process usually doesn't take place directly, so it backs up everything and I've got to many pics in my Google Plus account. But this was a wise lesson i should backup somehow.
So only option 3 is left. As i read it, when I root it, the data on my internal memory won't be deleted? Stock ROM is fine for me, I'm very happy with my standard software, if rooting is what it takes, that's what i should do.
If you're rooted, you can use the app DiskDigger. Worked for me
Sent from my D5833 using XDA Free mobile app
kjoz said:
Thanks!
I did try several data recovery software programs, including EaseUS, but none recognised my internal memory unfortunately. I switched all auto back up programs like Google Plus off, because it was just too much. I take so many pics of my kids and the selection process usually doesn't take place directly, so it backs up everything and I've got to many pics in my Google Plus account. But this was a wise lesson i should backup somehow.
So only option 3 is left. As i read it, when I root it, the data on my internal memory won't be deleted? Stock ROM is fine for me, I'm very happy with my standard software, if rooting is what it takes, that's what i should do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Generally speaking, wiping data is recommended when flashing a new ROM. Because Giefroot requires older firmware, you need to flash that firmware. Which means a data wipe comes recommended. Technically however, wiping data is optional. It is possible to downgrade without wiping data (by unchecking the respective option in Flashtool). So that is what I'd do in order to recover your pictures.
Once that has been accomplished, along with a backup of all other data you wish to keep, I would start the whole process again as described in the thread I linked to. Because this time, the objective would be not data recovery, but ending up with a stable phone. And that means wiping data. (Highly recommended.)
I don't want to complicate things further, but if you don't care about being rooted after data recovery, you could just upgrade to regular stock firmware instead of pre-rooted firmware. This would allow you to skip a few steps of the process, and also avoid being unable to apply Sony's OTA updates. (Significant updates can cause a loss of root.)
Personally, I would not want to give up root once I have put effort into getting it.
kjoz said:
Hi,
i've imported my photos from my internal memory via sony bridge for mac accidentally in Iphoto. I didn't see the app was faded and crossed. Turns out only the app Photos is still working. So after importing 2700 pics (big trip and behind with backup), the question popped if I wanted to delete the fils on my phone and I said yes. I tried to re install Iphoto, but nothing there, but older pics. I tried the temporary files from the Mac, but nothing.
So now I got my hopes up for a data recovery software thing. But although Windows (Im working on another laptop) did install the drivers correctly and I see my phone in the folder structure, no data recovery software recognises my phone although I switched to MSC and USB-debugging. I think because I haven't rooted it i suppose. Well, that's what all the forum members say
So I think rooting is my only option left? I am wondering if it works for my goal to get my data back. I read that unlocking the boot loader means everything will be erased, so then there would be no point for me to do this. Is it possible to root it without losing my (deleted) data on the internal memory? I know it is being overwritten now as we speak, but I'm sure I can save a few photos!
thanks a million!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have successfully imported from the phone into iPhoto, then you simply need to import your iPhoto Library into Photos in Mac.
Check if you can find the iPhoto library by going to Finder -> Home -> Pictures
There should be 2 libraries there - one for iPhoto, and one for the newer Photos app that came along in April. Double-click the iPhoto library and wait for Photos to launch, then follow the instructions to import the library into Photos.
Make sure you have enough disk space (on the Mac) to do this. You'll need at least as much free space as the size of the iPhotos library to import it into Photos and possibly more.