Related
Well, I deleted one app too many from my Defy. Titanium Backup is wonderful, but it backs up ONLY DATA for system apps, so I'm hosed UNLESS...
Could someone mail me the original Contacts app? It's data backup is named 'Contacts-2.1-update1' with the internal name 'com.motorola.blur.contacts'. I think that's all I'd need. There's also 'ContactsUnconnected-2.1-update1' and 'Work-Contacts-2.1-update1' so it wouldn't hurt to get them too.
BTW, the symptoms? When I try to dial by tapping on a contact name the call fails, a red stop sign flashes over the signal strength bars, and an alarm message is posted saying something to the effect that the network service is not available. To make a call I need to do a long press and choose Call from the menu. Ouch!
So, please, anyone who knows how to do it (I use Ghost Commander, a free app, which has a Send built in) send this app to 'Mars-On-Earth at dslextreme dot com'.
Thanks a bunch!
Sign up as a developer at Motorola, it's free. Then you can download "Motodev Studio" which among other things, will let you accesss /system/app
Otherwise, reflash the rom using RSD Lite, there's a guide for it here:
http://android.modaco.com/content/m...ering-bricked-firmware-on-your-motorola-defy/
Sorensiim said:
Sign up as a developer at Motorola, it's free. Then you can download "Motodev Studio" which among other things, will let you accesss /system/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying the "Motodev Studio" includes the original app files?
MarSOnEarth said:
Are you saying the "Motodev Studio" includes the original app files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MOTODEV Studio does not contain app files. It is Motorola's developer tools for Android phones. Sorensiim is referring to the DDMS perspective that ships with it. DDMS allows you to extract files off the phone and there is an Eclipse view in MOTODEV Studio.
If you already have the Android SDK installed, you can run the DDMS desktop application from sdk/tools (on windows, it's a .bat file).
Sorensiim said:
Sign up as a developer at Motorola, it's free. Then you can download "Motodev Studio" which among other things, will let you accesss /system/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you even have to sign up for anything?
I haven't and yet I was able to find this download page by Googling 'MotoDev Studio'.
Anyway, I just wanted to double-check/see if I understood things correctly, does MotoDev Studio let you delete/uninstall apks from the handset?
Could it be used as a simpler method of doing this.
Motodev studio gives you a nice graphical interface to pushing and pulling files, for instance, one could push the contacts apk to the phone.
If you sign up, it will even download the latest Android SDK for you
@Sorensiim, @ericcl:
Thanks, but my problem is I deleted the app. Erased, puff, gone. I do have the tools to put it back, I don't have anything to put in there. And there is in /system/app and what is the native Contacts application binary. SO, would some kind soul grab the binary off of their healthy system and send it off to me. Please.
Get the apk from here lad
http://modmymobile.com/forums/639-m...motorola-defy-system-boot-recovery-dumps.html
Download the system.zip and extract the apk from there
Oh and a tip - dont delete apks rename them to say .bak especially if you are messing about trying to see whats safe to delete, that way you can just change the name back
Higgsy is saving the day! Yey!
Higgsy said:
Get the apk from here lad
http://modmymobile.com/forums/639-m...motorola-defy-system-boot-recovery-dumps.html
Download the system.zip and extract the apk from there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a bunch!
Higgsy said:
Oh and a tip - dont delete apks rename them to say .bak especially if you are messing about trying to see whats safe to delete, that way you can just change the name back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good call! [ & embarrassed]
Rats! This is so close, maybe close enough, but the ROM dumps are for the UK model. The USA Defy has newer software (it appears. The US version is 2.1-update1) and the apps seem structured differently. In the USA ROM there is just one Contacts app, on the UK one it seems to be split in two, *Data and *Provider app. Hmm.
Hi, sorry for the language..
Id deleted some apps yesterday and i have no menu anymore... so i think i just failing during my choose. When i restart the phone i only can have access to my account on motoblur... and it doesn't work as well cause he cannot connect or something more, i don't know what happened.
I'm so disappointed. Must I install system.zip by the pc ? I'll try that when it finishs to dl but...
EDIT : Flashing the rom, i success... omg so much fear thank you for your guide
MarSOnEarth said:
Rats! This is so close, maybe close enough, but the ROM dumps are for the UK model. The USA Defy has newer software (it appears. The US version is 2.1-update1) and the apps seem structured differently. In the USA ROM there is just one Contacts app, on the UK one it seems to be split in two, *Data and *Provider app. Hmm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the uk version is 2.1 update 1 too. The moto apps are the same as far as I know/have read? then again I have never seen the US system/app.
There are many Dev's who have reflashed the UK .sbf (because the us one is not available) - fixed the 3g and wifi calling and say its the same
in my dump I have
contactsdata.apk
contactsprovider2_0.apk
contactsunconnected.apk
Think we need another US user to check their system/app and let us know what they have.
Higgsy said:
the uk version is 2.1 update 1 too. The moto apps are the same as far as I know/have read? then again I have never seen the US system/app.
There are many Dev's who have reflashed the UK .sbf (because the us one is not available) - fixed the 3g and wifi calling and say its the same
in my dump I have
contactsdata.apk
contactsprovider2_0.apk
contactsunconnected.apk
Think we need another US user to check their system/app and let us know what they have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I just pulled back the system/app dump JBoogie3 posted from the Tmobile US rom from Here
It has exactly the same 3 contact apks as the uk rom. So not too sure where you are getting there was only 1 lol.
Higgsy, you just beat me to posting that link to the US ROM dump.
Now, the discrepancy in naming stems from how different utilities display the app names. In TitaniumBackup the file I junked is called 'Contacts-2.1-update1' with domain 'com.motorola.blur.contacts', and I'm still not quite sure what is its file system name. TitaniumBackup does not display it.
I ran a diff on the file list in JBoogie3's ROM dump and my Defy's file system (in the attachment) and the most likely match for the above file would seem to be the BlurContacts.*
Which begs the question, what file manager do you guys use? What for SMB access? FTP? Is it one and the same utility, or separate.
So far SwiFTP (a server on the phone) has been solid for me, and with WinSCP (on a PC) it's been a good combination at home. What's good/can be trusted on (standalone) Android?
root explorer (application) will let you show whats actually in system/app - titanuim aint gonna show you this. Titanium IMO is only good for backing up user apps
Also you can use motodev studio and browse system/app via that
Or good old adb
Theres probably a 101 other ways too - these are my suggestions.
EDIT: an FTP client is not the way forward for sure
oh and blurcontacts.apk also resides in both the UK and US system/app, so thas the one you've deleted and need to replace.
I would either install root explorer or motodev studio (easiest way for you) and check your system/app against the dump and replace any files as required
Higgsy said:
root explorer (application) will let you show whats actually in system/app - titanuim aint gonna show you this. Titanium IMO is only good for backing up user apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I found out the hard way. It only backs up data for the sys apps.
Higgsy said:
Also you can use motodev studio and browse system/app via that
Or good old adb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got both downloaded (but not yet installed).
Higgsy said:
Theres probably a 101 other ways too - these are my suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And I thank you for it.
Higgsy said:
EDIT: an FTP client is not the way forward for sure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, the file permissions, but a good FTP utility is always good for /sdcard and backups, right? ;-)
Higgsy said:
oh and blurcontacts.apk also resides in both the UK and US system/app, so thas the one you've deleted and need to replace.
I would either install root explorer or motodev studio (easiest way for you) and check your system/app against the dump and replace any files as required
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, thanks for the suggestions. Slowly I'll settle in with my workflow.
MarSOnEarth said:
Right, the file permissions, but a good FTP utility is always good for /sdcard and backups, right? ;-)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah it fine for transferring between sdcard etc i have one set up myself - I use Andftp
Higgsy said:
Ok I just pulled back the system/app dump JBoogie3 posted from the Tmobile US rom from Here
It has exactly the same 3 contact apks as the uk rom. So not too sure where you are getting there was only 1 lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to thank Higgsy for much advise, and JBoogie3 for posting the US ROM dumps from which I got the needed apps. Through many twists and turns my goof up has been remedied. And I really mean twists and turns, the latest being that even after the deleted apps had been copied back to their place they were still not being recognized, until after I realized that all but the restored apps in /system/app were owned by 'root', while the restored apps were owned by 'sdcard_rw', or something similar. chmod and chown'ing finally got it all working.
Thanks again.
hey so I have two problems that im 100% sure are connected. One - anything I try to download (on stock browser, ICS Browser +, and Chrome) all fail even after numerous retries and clearing Download Manager / Downloads / Browsers data and rebooting.
Two - my sdcard/Download folder appears to be empty when using Astro and through a usb connection. Going to data/media/Download, I see all the contents of the folder, but sdcard/Download shows it as empty (false).
I'm on AOKP B28 and Franco M2
Any ideas? id love to be able to download things on my stupid phone again -______________________-
Edit: SOLUTION at post #14
I just got my galaxy nexus but from previous phones this is caused by not redoing permissions. Hope this helps. Rom Manager should help.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
Fixed permissions. Download folder still showing up as empty. Downloads still unsuccessful.
Did you flash the sense 4.0 port by any chance?
That happened to me after I flashed that, couldn't see my pictures in gallery either.
To fix it I transferred all my sdcard contents to my computer, locked my bootloader and then unlocked it again and all was good!
Transferred everything back again then after.
nope havent flashed anything crazy but my custom rom and kernel
Well give that trick a go, it might sort everything out.
that method is basically a data wipe and would require me to reinstall the rom, kernel, restore all 300 apps and data ... every lengthy process .. without even a guarantee that it will fix the problem. but ill keep it in mind as a very last resort
anyone have any other suggestions?
It won't wipe rom and kernel, they will be fine but yes, unlocking it will wipe your apps.
It really is a last resort but in the thread for the sense port that is what the dev recommends.
Try everything you can before doing that obviously but I looked and that's all I could find that would work.
I'll keep an eye on this thread so if you find any way post it because I'm interested in finding out.
so any1 have a fix? i tried searching google and xda, found no solution or anything even close ...
Download an app called "Download All". Open it just once and close it, then try downloading the file again. I've had this problem before, and this seemed to have solved the problem for me. Let me know how it works out for you.
[EDIT]The direct link HERE[/EDIT]
Jesus christ people.
Settings > Apps > Download Manager > Clear Data.
Stadsport said:
Jesus christ people.
Settings > Apps > Download Manager > Clear Data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the OP.
DERRRRPPPP!!!!
---------- Post added at 05:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:36 AM ----------
Dmw017 said:
hey so I have two problems that im 100% sure are connected. One - anything I try to download (on stock browser, ICS Browser +, and Chrome) all fail even after numerous retries and clearing Download Manager / Downloads / Browsers data and rebooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reading. An amazing tool.
Try Dolphin browser HD
Okay so.. I wish I would've taken a screenshot of the file before I deleted it but whatever I guess I'll just describe the entire scenario for anyone else who's having this problem and getting no answers (to the guy who said Dolphin Browser.... Really?.......).
So first of all, data/media/Download functioned 100% fine, sdcard/Download, however, was basically a hollow tomb. You couldn't place any new files into it or even access any of the old files because the folder would appear as empty. So after getting not much help from xda and getting fed up with being unable to download anything at all (you'd be surprised how many things you need to download on a daily basis), I decided to look around using Astro and Root Explorer... Now this is where it gets weird/interesting...
So, using Astro, I found nothing out of the ordinary. But going into Root Explorer, I found a file(not folder) called "download" which was 4.36mb, had permissions rw-rw-r I believe, and showed no content when using a text editor or opening as a zip file. At first I tried setting this files permissions to that of any other folder I had in /sdcard, thinking all my download problems were because the permissions were set wrong, but even after changing the permissions, I couldn't download anything off the Internet. So I go back to the file, again with Root Explorer (this file wouldn't even show up in Astro.. anywhere), and decide to rename it, thinking it's just causing problems (deliberately or accidently) to downloadxxxx.zip (it had no extension before, just strictly "download") but even after this my problems still persist. Lastly, I just decide to delete this weird file altogether and... Voila, I was able to copy a file into my Download folder again, I can download files off the Internet, and i can view/access the contents of the folder. So everything is back to normal, hurray. I'm just curious what the hell that 4.36mb file could have been and why was it messing with downloads even after being renamed (I figured, okay, if it had the same name as the folder, that might cause problems, but after a rename... It made no sense). My only thought now is that the file was a trojan, but I'm not a coder or massive software techy so I can't say for sure. Anyways, problem solved. Just goes to show, sometimes you gotta take matters into your own hands. Hope this will help someone in the near future. Cheers.
Dmw017 said:
Okay so.. I wish I would've taken a screenshot of the file before I deleted it but whatever I guess I'll just describe the entire scenario for anyone else who's having this problem and getting no answers (to the guy who said Dolphin Browser.... Really?.......).
So first of all, data/media/Download functioned 100% fine, sdcard/Download, however, was basically a hollow tomb. You couldn't place any new files into it or even access any of the old files because the folder would appear as empty. So after getting not much help from xda and getting fed up with being unable to download anything at all (you'd be surprised how many things you need to download on a daily basis), I decided to look around using Astro and Root Explorer... Now this is where it gets weird/interesting...
So, using Astro, I found nothing out of the ordinary. But going into Root Explorer, I found a file(not folder) called "download" which was 4.36mb, had permissions rw-rw-r I believe, and showed no content when using a text editor or opening as a zip file. At first I tried setting this files permissions to that of any other folder I had in /sdcard, thinking all my download problems were because the permissions were set wrong, but even after changing the permissions, I couldn't download anything off the Internet. So I go back to the file, again with Root Explorer (this file wouldn't even show up in Astro.. anywhere), and decide to rename it, thinking it's just causing problems (deliberately or accidently) to downloadxxxx.zip (it had no extension before, just strictly "download") but even after this my problems still persist. Lastly, I just decide to delete this weird file altogether and... Woala, I was able to copy a file into my Download folder again, I can download files off the Internet, and i can view/access the contents of the folder. So everything is back to normal, hurray. I'm just curious what the hell that 4.36mb file could have been and why was it messing with downloads even after being renamed (I figured, okay, if it had the same name as the folder, that might cause problems, but after a rename... It made no sense). My only thought now is that the file was a trojan, but I'm not a coder or massive software techy so I can't say for sure. Anyways, problem solved. Just goes to show, sometimes you gotta take matters into your own hands. Hope this will help someone in the near future. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good job! This one is being saved as a mental note!
Also I don't want to be pedantic, OK I lie I do, but by woala I presume you meant voila as in the french word.
I dabbled in a bit of French in school.
only thing that worked for me was to lock and unlock the phone.(for some weird reason rom manager does not correct permission and gives an error). You will erase everything but at least you start fresh, eh?
Dmw017 said:
Okay so.. I wish I would've taken a screenshot of the file before I deleted it but whatever I guess I'll just describe the entire scenario for anyone else who's having this problem and getting no answers (to the guy who said Dolphin Browser.... Really?.......).
So first of all, data/media/Download functioned 100% fine, sdcard/Download, however, was basically a hollow tomb. You couldn't place any new files into it or even access any of the old files because the folder would appear as empty. So after getting not much help from xda and getting fed up with being unable to download anything at all (you'd be surprised how many things you need to download on a daily basis), I decided to look around using Astro and Root Explorer... Now this is where it gets weird/interesting...
So, using Astro, I found nothing out of the ordinary. But going into Root Explorer, I found a file(not folder) called "download" which was 4.36mb, had permissions rw-rw-r I believe, and showed no content when using a text editor or opening as a zip file. At first I tried setting this files permissions to that of any other folder I had in /sdcard, thinking all my download problems were because the permissions were set wrong, but even after changing the permissions, I couldn't download anything off the Internet. So I go back to the file, again with Root Explorer (this file wouldn't even show up in Astro.. anywhere), and decide to rename it, thinking it's just causing problems (deliberately or accidently) to downloadxxxx.zip (it had no extension before, just strictly "download") but even after this my problems still persist. Lastly, I just decide to delete this weird file altogether and... Voila, I was able to copy a file into my Download folder again, I can download files off the Internet, and i can view/access the contents of the folder. So everything is back to normal, hurray. I'm just curious what the hell that 4.36mb file could have been and why was it messing with downloads even after being renamed (I figured, okay, if it had the same name as the folder, that might cause problems, but after a rename... It made no sense). My only thought now is that the file was a trojan, but I'm not a coder or massive software techy so I can't say for sure. Anyways, problem solved. Just goes to show, sometimes you gotta take matters into your own hands. Hope this will help someone in the near future. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having the exact problem that you are and would love to try your fix... The only problem with that is I need to know where you found this file? I did a search using Root Explorer but didn't see any files called download, just a bunch of folders and databases with the "string" download somewhere in their name. Any help would be great but I am getting very close to just locking my phone again and starting over in hopes that this will do the trick.
Thanks
Hello all
Forgive me for any ignorance for any part of this, kinda still learning the Android stuff.
Basically I got a Tab Pro 8.4 for Xmas, an like a lot of it, but really don't care for the huge Weather widget, or how it's designed. But I do want to stay with a Accuweather version.
My first learning of Android came from a Stratosphere II phone I have, an I kinda like that weather widget. Plus I think it would be a little smaller.
To mention, I rooted that device as it was pretty easy, (an way out of warranty), but I have yet to root the 8.4 as seems to be more complicated and I kinda almost don't want to unless I really have too as I really don't want to trip the Knox.
Anyway, so my goal here was to try the Strat's weather widget in the 8.4, so I went into the system folder of the Strat, got all the files that had to do with anything of the weather widget, copied them to my PC, put them in the doc's folder of the 8.4, and then tried to copy them to same system folder, which I was able to view with Root Explorer, but when I went to paste them in, it told me I couldn't as the device was not rooted.
So is there any way I can get these files into there?
Thanks for any help.
To write or modify with '/' or '/system' files you will need root, really anything outside of the /mnt/sdcard directory(s) are mostly read only or 'locked' with permissions to a certain user (each "app" is a separate user).
Anyways I don't see why you would need to put the file there anyways as you should be able to just install it as a normal "User" application regardless where it was installed on the other device, all you need is the .apk file from the other device then install it on the 8.4, you will first need to enable "unknown Sources" in Settings.
(First on device that has the app you want - look in "/system/app/" ," /system/priv-app/" - there should be some files with a ".apk" extension find the one for the weather app /widget you want to use, and copy it to your pc, then copy the file to the tab 8.4, click on it in a file manager such as root explorer or the one that came with the tablet, it should prompt you to enable Unknown Sources under settings , enable the option, then proceed to install it - you shouldn't need any other files besides the apk )
If it doesn't work then the apk could be coded to a certain device (as some Samsung apps are) or just too old to run on kitkat.
See my screenshots for some basic example (the apk file will probably be called something else on the other device)
Thanks so much otyg, you are always such a great help.
So just to reply a few things . . . yes, the files were in the system/apps folder from the original device. Second, when I first got the 8.4, I went through all the settings menus, an found that thing on "Unknown Sources" an clicked it, kinda remember that from something I learned with the smartphone, so knew right off to check that. Guess the only reason am mentioning, is to mention that I have been using a few Explorer apps, but none have promoted me for what you mentioned, an am guessing as it was already checked(?).
So at the moment I have the files sitting in a documents folder of the 8.4, but now to ask on those . . . when I went into the app folder of the org device, there were several files that had the accuweather in them.
First on this point, there were three that had the apk ext, an those were, AccuweatherDaemon.apk, AccuweatherWidget_Main.apk and, AccuweatherWidget.apk.
Then to mention too, each one had a corresponding worded file with a .odex ext.
So not knowing much, I copied all six.
So don't know if you could answer this, but do you have any idea of which I should install, or should I install all of them? An again just to remind, what I am looking for here is the Widget from my org device, but I do want it to work. Then one more question on this point, is there anyway to uninstall these if any cause some kind of issue?
Lastly an just to mention, as I posted, I don't know much about the Android system, so just didn't know that a .apk file is basically a install file. KInda thought they were application execution files, which I think they are(?) . . . but they can be app install files a well? Sorry to ask such a knob question as well as so many others, but is how I will learn.
Again, thanks so much for the help.
WBFAir said:
Thanks so much otyg, you are always such a great help.
So just to reply a few things . . . yes, the files were in the system/apps folder from the original device. Second, when I first got the 8.4, I went through all the settings menus, an found that thing on "Unknown Sources" an clicked it, kinda remember that from something I learned with the smartphone, so knew right off to check that. Guess the only reason am mentioning, is to mention that I have been using a few Explorer apps, but none have promoted me for what you mentioned, an am guessing as it was already checked(?).
So at the moment I have the files sitting in a documents folder of the 8.4, but now to ask on those . . . when I went into the app folder of the org device, there were several files that had the accuweather in them.
First on this point, there were three that had the apk ext, an those were, AccuweatherDaemon.apk, AccuweatherWidget_Main.apk and, AccuweatherWidget.apk.
Then to mention too, each one had a corresponding worded file with a .odex ext.
So not knowing much, I copied all six.
So don't know if you could answer this, but do you have any idea of which I should install, or should I install all of them? An again just to remind, what I am looking for here is the Widget from my org device, but I do want it to work. Then one more question on this point, is there anyway to uninstall these if any cause some kind of issue?
Lastly an just to mention, as I posted, I don't know much about the Android system, so just didn't know that a .apk file is basically a install file. KInda thought they were application execution files, which I think they are(?) . . . but they can be app install files a well? Sorry to ask such a knob question as well as so many others, but is how I will learn.
Again, thanks so much for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apk files used for installing apps like an exe file on windows or a dmg on mac, when you install something from the play store it is delivered as an APK file but it just happens "behind the scenes" so to speak, you are just bypassing the play store and directly installing the app but it's the same process...
When you install a app this is what happens in most cases.
1. The APK(s) gets stored in /data/app/<applicationname.apk> (this will get removed on uninstall.)
2. it creates a unique directory under /data/data/<applicationname> (this will get removed on uninstall)
3. it can create a directory under /mnt/sdcard/Android/data/<applicationname> (these files usually get left behind on uninstall but since it's on the user storage the user can remove them, it usually contains settings or cache files)
You don't need the .odex files, these are encrypted and probably wont work on other devices, it's basically the apk optimized for the device so it starts faster.
Just install the 3 apk's, the widget probably needs the main program for support and the daemon service probably runs in the background for updates ..etc, since you are installing them as a normal user it won't do much harm and you can always remove them if they do cause an issue, Applications are self contained and when you remove them the corresponding data folders are removed too (on the device) so it is unlikely to do any lasting damage.
To remove them go to Settings -> General -> Application Manager -> Downloaded and remove the apps from there . (if you don't see them swipe right until you see All )
Thanks so much for the reply an the education otyg
Did just as you suggested, deleted the odex files an tapped on the apk's to install, an don't know for why, but while it seemed to go as normal, in the end, I got a message saying they did not install, for all three.
Replaced the odex's back an that didn't seem to make a dif.
Perhaps it didn't work as could not install as device is not rooted?
Just to mention, I did have something with my Strat II device back a few months ago, where I placed another version of a accuweather widget in the systems/app folder, an it did show up.
At any rate, was a good try an thanks again for all the info.
Perhaps if I can get this device rooted, I can try again by just putting the apps in the folder.
I put a file called short.html on my new HTC Desire 816 phone. If I click on the file in either of my two file managers (ES File Explorer and OI File Manager), I'm presented with a list of 6 possible apps to open the file (both file managers offer the same list), but the list does not include the possibilities I'd prefer. Is there a way to either expand the list or replace some of the listed ones with those I'd prefer?
Thanks in advance for your help.
What app are you trying to open it with?
There is no way to expand the list as the file explorers only suggest apps that they know can open said file, and are 99% of the time correct in there choosings, especially with a common file type like html.
FoxyDrew said:
What app are you trying to open it with?
There is no way to expand the list as the file explorers only suggest apps that they know can open said file, and are 99% of the time correct in there choosings, especially with a common file type like html.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ideally, I would like to open it with the Last Pass browser (which I have on my phone and my tablet). I've found that it formats web pages better on small tablets and on phones than most other browsers, including Dolphin, which is the browser the file managers list. However, after reading your message, I took yet another look at Dolphin and found some features that might work well for me. So thanks both for your quick reply and for saving me from beating my head against a stone wall.
you can checkout "CompleteActionPlus" module in Xposed too if you're rooted. it lets you customize items in Open/Share menus
XDA member @jeff_kz released NookManager back in 2012 and many grateful people have used it to root their devices and make backups. It's still a great piece of software but a little dust has settled on it and the NST/G has moved on to FW 1.2.2 which NookManager can't handle in its default condition.
I have updated NookManager so that it will work with FW 1.2.2 and have also made a few other updates and changes, hopefully resulting in a slightly better experience. This update also works for FW 1.2.1 if you have some reason to retain it.
Changes in NookManager
Changes in apps
"Classic" version
-updated the old ReLaunch 1.3.8 to ReLaunchX 2.1.5 from F-Droid
-removed the defunct Amazon App Store
-added Opera Mini 7.6.40125
"Traditional" version
-removed ReLaunch 1.3.8
-removed defunct Amazon App Store
-added Opera Mini 7.6.40125
-added ADW Launcher 1.3.3.9
-added ES File Explorer 1.6.2.3
"Stealth" version
-updated the old ReLaunch 1.3.8 to ReLaunchX 2.1.5 from F-Droid (this is a temporary app which you will uninstall eventually)
-removed the defunct Amazon App Store
-added Opera Mini 7.6.40125
-added ES File Explorer 1.6.2.3
-added MIUI App Drawer 1.5.1
Changes in rooting process
-updates the file /system/etc/security/cacerts.bks with a more current version
-removes the three junk apps: Browser, Gallery, Music (they don't work)
Changes in function
"Disable B&N apps" has been reworked. In the original version this option essentially gutted /system/app but it did not address the residual B&N jar files which continue to stir up activity in the system and lower battery charge life. Meanwhile some standard Android stuff in /system/app was thrown out as well. Some of those files are needed for other things people might want to do. So I have scaled back the purge to only the B&N apps and jars. This option is for people who want to build their own interface and completely abandon the stock home, reader, library, dictionary, etc. Surprisingly the Quicknav button system survives this exorcism, although their target functions have been removed. They can be assigned other functions with NTMM.
The change is non-destructive as the apps and jars are simply moved into "disabled" folders. So if you get buyers remorse the option to "Enable B&N apps" moves everything back where it belongs and deletes the "disabled" folders.
Other changes
-replaced the patched 1.2.1 jars with patched 1.2.2 jars (required for Nook Touch Mod Manager app)
Note: for those with non-US firmware, the "simplest" route to a fully functioning NST/G is to flash US firmware (https://web.archive.org/web/20210821235751/https://sites.google.com/site/xcdguides/nook/nookregion) [alternate download: https://www.mediafire.com/file/tipfqtwevr5i90q/nook_region_changer.zip/file], at the setup screen attach your device to your PC via USB. Download the FW 1.2.2 update from B&N (https://su.barnesandnoble.com/nook/nook2/1.2.2/351e26527e80156183e74be2da2ce89f/nook_1_2_update.zip) and transfer it to your NST/G. Either eject the NST or just let it alone until it goes to sleep. During that time the update will take place. Although you may not want to purchase books from B&N, the shortest path to a stable, non-complaining device is to register fully updated firmware. For other options with non-US devices, including an unofficial 1.2.2 UK update, see here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/nst-g-dealing-with-non-us-aka-uk-devices-in-2021.4233411/
Getting it done!
Follow the directions in the original NookManager thread, substituting one of the three images I have provided below.
NookManager Classic (download) MD5: d3a90a8a473d635f93f3b7d2feb9b177
This is the closest to the original version, with an updated ReLaunchX (a combination launcher and file manager expressly made for e-ink readers) and the added Opera Mini. Note that ReLaunchX does not offer root access so any manipulation of files at the system level must be done via ADB or with yet another file manager app.
NookManager Traditional (download) MD5: 71722794f4186be7769b74f1d70ae194
This offers a more typical Android experience with a regular launcher and a separate file manager (with root access). Both ADW Launcher and ES File Explorer are less than ideal visually for the NST out-of-the-box. For that reason the zip includes basic configuration files for both apps as well as instructions for applying them.
NookManager Stealth (download) MD5: 23371cad76ec8b05a1e0c0b7c8754720
This combination is for the person who really is content with the B&N overlay but wants to run "just a few" apps occasionally. ReLaunchX is installed initially only to allow manipulation of apps while configuration is done. Then it is to be uninstalled. The MIUI App Drawer is only an app drawer, not a launcher. Nook Touch Mod Manager is used to assign the App Drawer to a hardware button press or long-press. ES File Explorer is also installed to allow easy file manipulation (and root access). To the casual observer, this configuration looks and behaves like a stock NST--until the secret button is pressed. The zip contains a configuration file for ES File Explorer as well as instructions for setting up the App Drawer.
I have tested these image files repeatedly on a device running registered FW 1.2.2.
If you would like to further customize NookManager to meet your personal requirements there are instructions for changing the app complement in post #2 below.
As always, Make A Backup before you try anything with your NookManager card.
"I don't need no stinkin' backup". Au contraire. No one has a device with hard-baked FW 1.2.2. If you have to go back....you'll end up back at 1.2.1 or 1.1.5 or.... If you have a non-US device it will be even worse. So a backup of non-rooted and registered FW 1.2.2 will save you time and trouble in the end. NookManager makes it so easy. Did you know that if you connect your NST/G to your PC via USB while NookManager is running, the invisible NookBackup partition becomes visible and you can copy any backups to your PC? I keep a few with notes so I can return to a working configuration if I mess things up (or just change my mind). Backup, Backup, Backup.
Tips:
1. Superuser is a small nuisance because it wants to tell you each time an app accesses root. You can stop this alert by going into its Settings and unchecking Notifications. You'll still get a first-time permission prompt, but not the "there s/he goes again" one. If SU is being a super pain and refuses to even open when you tap on the app icon, navigate to /data/data/com.noshufou.android.su/shared_prefs and delete the xml file inside. Then try accessing the app again. That generally frightens it into submission.
2. If you use the B&N system but don't use "Nook Community" you can stop this nagware from spitting out little notifications all the time. Using a file manager with root access, go to /system/app and locate NookCommunity.apk. Rename it NookCommunity.apk.bak. Voila! This doesn't seem to upset the rest of the B&N system at all.
Customizing NookManager
In the original NookManager, a few basic apps were installed. The idea was to keep things simple and let people decide afterwards if they wanted other things. I've tried to keep to that concept with the three packages in the first post but maybe you'd like a base root/install to always include app "x". How to achieve this?
Here's an example of how to make a customization:
Note: to make these changes you should use a good text editor like Notepad++. Windows users can probably get away with Notepad, but NOT Wordpad.
1. On your NookManager SD card copy the app you'd like to include to files/data/app.
2. Find the folder "scripts". Every app that is installed has a little file there, for example "install_opera_mini". Make a copy of the file and rename it so that it reads something like:
install_yourapp (substitute the name of the app you are going to install--no spaces)
Then edit the file, changing the name of the apk file in the first line to exactly match the filename of the apk file you have placed in files/data/app
Below that, edit the little completion phrase that displays on the screen that the app has been installed. You don't have to match text. It's just a message, so something like
echo "My App installed" (substitute the name of the app you are installing)
would be fine. Save the file.
3. Locate the file scripts/do_root and edit it to reflect whatever change you have made. You'll see the "install_x" files listed in there. Make a copy of any of these and rename it ("install_yourapp"--use the same name as in step 2). Order does not matter in the list so if you add something new, just keep the app install files together. Save the file.
Every app change can be handled in the same way.
An afterthought
Opera Mobile used to be my go-to Browser and it does still have some useful features which Opera Mini lacks. But for casual browsing with fewer errors, I now recommend Opera Mini. However, if you'd like to install Opera Mobile as well, the original app needs resigning to work with FW 1.2.2 for some reason. After installation you should make the changes needed for TLS 1.2 compliance. That doesn't mean it will access every site successfully. Some are simply too complex for it or the overall SSL compliance of the device and the app are just not up-to-date enough. I've attached a copy of the resigned app below. Easiest to just side-load it.
Hi,
There's a typo above. Please let me know if I am wrong about what the correct path should be:
nmyshkin said:
Cacerts.bks update...
...2. Copy whichever updated cacerts.bks file you choose from the two mentioned above into files/etc/security
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
should be
...2. Copy whichever updated cacerts.bks file you choose from the two mentioned above into files/system/etc/security
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gggirlgeek said:
Hi,
There's a typo above. Please let me know if I am wrong about what the correct path should be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops! Thanks for catching my mistake. I have made the correction in the instructions.
Mea culpa
When I put together the update package for NookManager I just assumed that the patched jars for FW 1.2.1 (android.policy.jar and services.jar) that were used to enable NookTouchModManager would be the same for FW 1.2.2. And, in fact, I've not had any issues yet.
But in tracking down an, as it now turns out, unrelated issue, I had cause to look more closely at the jars from the two firmwares. They are very close, but not identical. This made me a little nervous because I don't want to mess up peoples' devices
So, with guidance from @Renate NST I have patched the jars from FW 1.2.2. These can now be found at the attachment section of the first post in this thread.
The good news is that you can just "hot swap" these files:
Code:
adb push android.policy.jar /system/framework/
adb push services.jar /system/framework/
After I had done that I deleted the dalvik-cache files for the same two jars (found in /data/dalvik-cache near the end of the listings), and then completely shut down. Boot on powering up is alarmingly slow, but it does happen and then everything is back to normal.
As always, you might want to make a back-up first if doing this makes you a little nervous. Or, you could just ignore the whole thing. It may not matter.
Changes added to first post.
deleted
Installing APKs
I am new to Nook rooting and customization and wanted to understand the process before I begin.
1. What are the different ways to install APKs into a rooted Nook? Since I saw a few APKs attached in the first post, do you copy to your device and run via nook manager?
2. After installing android market - I guess this is straight forward but I am assuming the market access could be challenging as the android market does not exist anymore and only play store exists. I am not sure about this.
3. If you install directly APK - any new updates to the app will be pushed via the app itself or a manual installation of the latest APK is the only way?
thanks
S
sany said:
I am new to Nook rooting and customization and wanted to understand the process before I begin.
1. What are the different ways to install APKs into a rooted Nook? Since I saw a few APKs attached in the first post, do you copy to your device and run via nook manager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Either copy the apk file via USB from your PC to the NST and install using a file manager or install from your PC via ADB. NookManager can install some few apps if you take the time to update the files as described in the first post, but not as a continuing process, more like a baseline of stuff to get you started.
2. After installing android market - I guess this is straight forward but I am assuming the market access could be challenging as the android market does not exist anymore and only play store exists. I am not sure about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Android Market and no PlayStore access as of 2017. Read in the first post. There was an alternative app (Yalp Store) for accessing the PlayStore,but the developer abandoned it and it no longer works.
3. If you install directly APK - any new updates to the app will be pushed via the app itself or a manual installation of the latest APK is the only way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Side-loading means you are on your own for updates. But seriously, updates to apps for Android 2.1?! Generally we want to avoid updates because they tend to break the functionality!
nmyshkin said:
Either copy the apk file via USB from your PC to the NST and install using a file manager or install from your PC via ADB. NookManager can install some few apps if you take the time to update the files as described in the first post, but not as a continuing process, more like a baseline of stuff to get you started.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again for your information. I really appreciate.
Just a last question - I note that you are mentioning that I can install apps via file manager. Therefore, after nook manager is installed - I am assuming that there is a default file manager for me to use to install the other apps like Yalp store, ES file manager etc.,
Also I am assuming, I can save these apks anywhere in the device before installing it - not required to be saved in the root folder or anything like that?
S
sany said:
Thanks again for your information. I really appreciate.
Just a last question - I note that you are mentioning that I can install apps via file manager. Therefore, after nook manager is installed - I am assuming that there is a default file manager for me to use to install the other apps like Yalp store, ES file manager etc.,
Also I am assuming, I can save these apks anywhere in the device before installing it - not required to be saved in the root folder or anything like that?
S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you only update NookManager for the 1.2.2 firmware, then Relaunch will be installed by default as a sort of launcher/file manager. Supposedly it is possible to install apps from Relaunch although people have expressed some difficulty with this. I personally do not find Relaunch very helpful. That is one reason I provided an update that installs ES File Explorer and ADW Launcher instead. But it's your choice.
Apps that you wish to side-load can be copied onto the NST anywhere. Most people use an SD card (not the NookManager card, a clean one) for additional storage. On my SD card I have a folder called "Download". That's where I generally move apps to be side-loaded. The Yalp Store app also makes use of this folder to stage apps before installing them.
That's great! I will do a few further research to clarify a few more things and if I can't find the answer I will come back. I don't want to keep bugging you.
I will look for the thread again on how to update to 1.2.2 (you have already provided me the link to download the firmware)
I also need to go and read the thread on how to do a factory reset using hardware buttons.
You can already see I am nervous
thanks for your support.
cheers
S
Sorry I did not imagine I will come back to you nagging so very soon!
I prepared the SD card now from original post. I see that you have modified script to install all those apps you wanted like ES_file explorer, ADW launcher etc., Does this mean that I have to copy all those apk files into the NookManager>files>data>app folder. I am guessing if I don't do that during rooting, it might search for those apps and throw error?
Secondly, what am I supposed to do with that last attachment in your first post 'patched_1.2.2_jars_for_NM.zip '?
thanks
S
sany said:
Sorry I did not imagine I will come back to you nagging so very soon!
I prepared the SD card now from original post. I see that you have modified script to install all those apps you wanted like ES_file explorer, ADW launcher etc., Does this mean that I have to copy all those apk files into the NookManager>files>data>app folder. I am guessing if I don't do that during rooting, it might search for those apps and throw error?
Secondly, what am I supposed to do with that last attachment in your first post 'patched_1.2.2_jars_for_NM.zip '?
thanks
S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At a minimum, assuming you have updated your firmware to 1.2.2, you need to make the updates to the NookManager card for that firmware. Otherwise the rooting procedure will not work. That includes substituting the patched 1.2.2 jars for the ones on the NookManager card which are for 1.2.1.
Anything else is optional. If you want, for example, ES File Explorer, installed with the rooting process then you need to add the modified files and place the apk file itself in NookManager>files>data>app. But only if you have made the modifications on the card for installing any other apps (or not installing ones, like the dead Amazon App Store).
OR, if all the fiddling with NookManager makes you nervous, just update the two files for the 1.2.2 FW and substitute the two jars. After rooting you can then add or subtract whatever apps you want.
nmyshkin said:
XDA member @jeff_kz released NookManager back in 2012 and many grateful people have used it to root their devices and make backups. It's still a great piece of software but a little dust has settled on it and the NST/G has moved on to FW 1.2.2 which NookManager can't handle in its default condition.
I've addressed a number of issues with NookManager in separate posts but I think it's time to pull it all together in one place and offer some suggestions not only for updating the software but also doing a little customization. The information on customization is partly available in the files of NookManager itself and also on the GitHub links given in the original posting, but it can be a little intimidating (it was to me at first) so I'll offer a few simple examples and files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got very little/no idea what I'm doing so I apologize in advance if my questions are facepalm worthy.
Everything seems fine with Nook Manager. It rooted, I've got backups from before I did the update and after in a couple of places. I deleted the correct apps and added the ones you suggested until I figure out my own preferences.
1. Where did Opera go? The apk is there &scripts are correct & iirc it had mentioned a successful install when I rooted it.
2. Similar situation as above with Yalp store.
3. What are some of the other apps on for? (ADB Konnect, Device Registrator, Nook Touch Mod, Superuser & TestCenterService)
I appreciate all of your help so far and hopefully I can get this ideally configured for me quickly so I stop being a bother.
PixieD said:
I've got very little/no idea what I'm doing so I apologize in advance if my questions are facepalm worthy.
Everything seems fine with Nook Manager. It rooted, I've got backups from before I did the update and after in a couple of places. I deleted the correct apps and added the ones you suggested until I figure out my own preferences.
1. Where did Opera go? The apk is there &scripts are correct & iirc it had mentioned a successful install when I rooted it.
2. Similar situation as above with Yalp store.
3. What are some of the other apps on for? (ADB Konnect, Device Registrator, Nook Touch Mod, Superuser & TestCenterService)
I appreciate all of your help so far and hopefully I can get this ideally configured for me quickly so I stop being a bother.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you looking at which tells you Opera or Yalp Store are MIA? Did you install either ADW Launcher or ES File Explorer? Did you remember to put those apk files on the NookManager card?
ADB Konnect is for ADB over WiFi. Probably not your biggest concern right now. Nook Touch Mod allows you to reassign all hard and soft buttons to whatever you like (within reason). SuperUser is installed with root to give you control over what apps are allowed to access/change system files. Most of the rest will be B&N stuff.
nmyshkin said:
What are you looking at which tells you Opera or Yalp Store are MIA? Did you install either ADW Launcher or ES File Explorer? Did you remember to put those apk files on the NookManager card?
ADB Konnect is for ADB over WiFi. Probably not your biggest concern right now. Nook Touch Mod allows you to reassign all hard and soft buttons to whatever you like (within reason). SuperUser is installed with root to give you control over what apps are allowed to access/change system files. Most of the rest will be B&N stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed both ADW Launcher & ES File Explorer. Just checked the SD, both Opera & Yalp Manager apk files are there. I'm looking in the app drawer on ADW.
Thank you for the explanations!
PixieD said:
I installed both ADW Launcher & ES File Explorer. Just checked the SD, both Opera & Yalp Manager apk files are there. I'm looking in the app drawer on ADW.
Thank you for the explanations!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh. In the app drawer of ADW there are three vertical dots at the upper right. The menu these open includes the App Manager. Check there and see if Opera or Yalp Store are listed. It's probably just as simple to copy the apk files from your PC to the SD card you are using for storage and use ES File Explorer to install (or reinstall) the files. I guess it's possible they could be corrupt.
Thanks to @nmyshkin for continuously supporting in helping me root and install apps.
Now time for conclusion: In my usage, I never gained any advantage for having this good tiny e-reader rooted against what is being projected. Mostly because of the power it has from years past. This device cannot handle anything other than just light pdf (not even all pdfs - thanks to low resolution) and epubs.
At least for me, it is not usable for browsing or any other normal tasks that you would do with an android phone or tablet. It is way too slow and tests my patience. Just wastes so much time. Another challenge was getting the right app. For example, Youversion bible works fine but the catch is it will only work with the old version which does not have many features like loading custom bibles. In effect I noticed, installing other pdf readers are also not making life easy - they just work on some, some while loading crashed....
All this caused me to go and do a factory reset to be back like the original e-reader as I was only able to only read epubs decently and there was no real world practical benefit for rooting.
Other major challenge with this e-reader was installing non-english fonts.
I am making this loud and clear for all those new ones that might plan on buying this e-reader expecting it to do more.
Trying to understand and make it happen (Top Hat Soaring)
Hey OP
I am grateful that you made this thread for us how still want to use the NOOK for good work.
I read the whole 52 pages and 515 posts of the first thread made by jeff_kz to try to understand why the NookManager would not work on my NOOK Simple Touch. And then I found this thread.
The non-updated version did not work and I have not yet rooted my NOOK ST with the updated version made by the OP. I plan to do it later today after I have made a backup with NookManager.
Update
The rooting did go well. And I am now able to run both Top Hat Soaring and XCSoar. Thank you very much.
Whew! And I still don't really know what Top Hat is or does. You've done a good job ferreting things out so far but I foresee an issue. Repartioning the sd card is what you needed to do but the info I read about Top Hat was written in 2016. Google cut off Android 2.1 access to the market back in 2017. So...unless there is a depository of updates, apps, whatever to download outside the PlayStore, your work will all be for nothing.
Is there?