Database Develop

[HOW-TO] Run Debian Armel on your N1

Hi all!
I want to share the way i have to run Debian on Nexus One
I'm editing my own install of deb-armel and ill upload to everyone but first i need to finish it
By now, we will use a qemu image ready and edit it to your needs
You'll need a SD parted with Amon_RA recovery, few files i'll upload later and some skills with Debian, of course hehe
Partition could be user-alike but i recommend:
Im using a microsdhc 8gb class-2 from my magic
- EXT3: 2gb (nice for install a lot of stuff)
- SWAP: 150MB
- The rest as fat32
You need also a rom with app2sd or mount ETX3 partition under /system/sd, im using Modaco's 1.3
First of all, im working on archlinux but this can be done on windows too using the qemu version for windows
Install qemu on your machine.
NOTE: Also you can start a new installation from 0 using images (iso) and info found on google
Now we will use the following QEMU images:
http://people.debian.org/~aurel32/qemu/armel/
We will download the followings Of course you can choose the small or normal version with X preinstalled (the X version preinstalled is not tested by me and i dont know if works)
debian_lenny_armel_small.qcow2 150M
initrd.img-2.6.26-1-versatile 2.1M
vmlinuz-2.6.26-1-versatile 1.2M
Put they in your home folder or where u want.
Now, lets run it.
Use the following command (run it from the folder you have the downloaded files) :
qemu-system-arm -M versatilepb -kernel vmlinuz-2.6.26-1-versatile -initrd initrd.img-2.6.26-1-versatile -hda debian_lenny_armel_small.qcow2 -append "root=/dev/sda1"
Wait a moment... Debian-armel running under qemu
Here are the configuration by default:
- Keyboard: British English
- Language: English
- Mirror: ftp.uk.debian.org
- Hostname: debian-armel
- Root password: root
- User account: user
- User password: user
Edit the system to fit your needs, im not going to explain how to do this, im asumming you know how to. If u don't, use the debian reference guide:
http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-reference/
Of course, you'll need to edit basic things as locales, network, ssh preferences, etc...
Edit your system, update, configure packages, etc...
Once edited and configured, quit you virtual machine.
Now, we are going to convert the qemu image to a raw image, mount the fs and copy to your SD
Assuming you still in the same folder as the qcow2 image of debian (for windows, google a little, im sure there are something to do the same):
qemu-img convert -O raw debian_lenny_armel_small.qcow2 debian.raw
With this will obtain the qcow2 converted to a raw file (without touching the original qcow2 file)
Now mount it where u want or follow this steps:
sudo mkdir /media/debian
Before mount, lets see where start the partition on the raw file:
sfdisk -l -uS debian.raw
U will see a list of partions under the raw file, use the first, like this one:
debian.raw1 * 63 20225834 20225772 83 Linux
Now, we know the / starts at 63, mount this partition
sudo mount -o loop,offset=$((63*512)) debian.raw /media/debian
Ok, we have our partition mounted now, lets make a copy in our EXT3 partition on SD.
Use the USB Storage function from android, sd card reader... and mount the EXT3 partition
Once mounted, copy everything from /media/debian to /media/yourSDext3mounted
cd /media/debian
sudo cp -a * /media/yourSDext3mounted/
If everithing works as expected, umount the systems /media/debian/ and /media/yourSDext3mounted or use the Android notif to disconnect the USB storage function
Check if everything is now in the SD EXT3. Open a terminal and adb shell
adb shell
cd /system/sd
ls
U'll see the Debian / extructure and the app & app-private
Of course dont worry about this, u can still using apps2sd and debian at the same time
Now, it's time to boot debian
We need some modded files from the G1 version to boot it:
Download from Megaupload: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Q67SNOBC
Download from MediaFire: http://www.mediafire.com/?mxgcyk3whdt
Also, files attached to post (rename the extension to tar.gz)
Put the files into your FAT32 SD partition, no in a folder just in "/"
Now, it's time to give it a try
U have two ways:
Open a terminal window in your PC
adb shell
cd /sdcard/
sh installer.sh
sh bootdeb
Or:
Open up a terminal in your N1, like Terminal Emulator on Market
cd /sdcard/
sh installer.sh
sh bootdeb
PROFIT!!!
Enjoy your debian-armel on your N1
For the next chapter, how to run X with VNC Viewer
Bye and thanks for reading!

Looks like Klingon to me.

I have Debian running too now

Nice! Cant wait to try it out!

nice, i've been looking for a n1 debian how-to

Installing debian is pretty much the same as running it on your g1. I had it working the day after I got mine using the g1 instructions.

So, what's the reason or running debian on your phone?
Jst wondering
u

The reason by now is just fun hehe
But, if we can run it natively via fastboot, would be awesome hehe
Sorry for the delay guys, ill do it now, the last night was too late for me 4am here hehe
EDIT: Just give some time more, i going to try it with the Cm 5.0 beta 1

jairuncaloth said:
Installing debian is pretty much the same as running it on your g1. I had it working the day after I got mine using the g1 instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldnt get chmod or installer.sh from the g1 instructions to work. I tried it both with bacon and modaco 1.3. I skipped the jesusfreak part though so maybe thats why. Anyway seeing confirming instructions would be nice.

Because the g1 files need to be modded first
I have it running it under modaco 1.3 and now im going to try it with the new b1 from cyanogen

Guide ready
Enjoy it!

Hi,
i have one question about debian. Is the network traffic routed trough android, or does debian has direct access to the wlan adapter for monitor mode and aircrack ?
meld0

it's using the same ip and mac, so is shared for both
If there are the apropiate drivers maybe, don't really know

Calling Linux Experts!!! hehe
Is there any way to create a boot.img bootable via fastboot to run the ext3 partition of sdcard with debian?

Driskol said:
Calling Linux Experts!!! hehe
Is there any way to create a boot.img bootable via fastboot to run the ext3 partition of sdcard with debian?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry for being noob in this matter but, why do i need debian on my phone? what does it give me?
amir

The answer is a choice, Android or a Full Desktop OS with Firefox, Thunderbird, OpenOffice, etc...

When its booting I'm getting an error:
/system/bin/bootdeb: line 61: chroot: command not found
Doing "find / -name chroot" only returns binaries within the debian image.
Any ideas?

Driskol said:
The answer is a choice, Android or a Full Desktop OS with Firefox, Thunderbird, OpenOffice, etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How well does Firefox run?
Can anyone take some pics or video?

Any instructions for creating and mounting linux as an img file instead of using separate partitions?

tetlee said:
When its booting I'm getting an error:
/system/bin/bootdeb: line 61: chroot: command not found
Doing "find / -name chroot" only returns binaries within the debian image.
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe your rom doesn't have Busybox
EDIT: Im going to make a img version tutorial
Of course, this version was without the highmem kernel, now with more ram, more flawlessly

BusyBoX

I have busybox 1.6 on my captivate i see on www.busybox.net 1.17.3 is out. I have downloaded it from the site and its a tar file with a folder with a whole bunch of folders and files. How do you install this?

Are you familiar with the phrase, "if it isn't broken, don't fix it?"
I advise you to heed its warning.
But if you must proceed, a quick google search for "how to install busybox manually" brings up this very good result: http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-2-hacks/82573-busybox-manual-install-how-guide.html
Edit: By the way, love the avatar. Great album.

Yes i understand if its not broke don't try to fix it but i'm a OCD updater! Would there be any advantages of updating it? P.S. I saw Megadeth and Slayer a month ago they rocked!

Only advantages I can see are having a couple more bug fixes and maybe 4-5 new commands built in.

Download Busybox-1.17.2 HERE
Extract busybox to your SD Card
Make sure you are in PC Mode and Debugging is enabled in Applications options
adb shell
su
stop
mount -o rw,remount -t ext3 /dev/block/mmcblk1p21 /system
cp /sdcard/busybox /system/xbin/
cd system/xbin
busybox --install /system/xbin/
mount -o ro,remount -t ext3 /dev/block/mmcblk1p21 /system
sync
reboot
You can also use Root Explorer or whatever file browser you may use to copy busybox to your system/xbin folder. Some people use system/bin but I prefer xbin...just a habbit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya, I read that and got really scared.
What is PC mode and where do you type these commands? (Vista user)

Ok, figured out how to type in the commands and stuff, but I get stuck on the "cp /sdcard/busybox /system/xbin/" part, I get "cp: not found" I tried lookin up other methods and I keep getting stuck at the same part - trying to move the folder to the xbin folder. adb push gives me the same error - adb: not found.
any help would be appreciated.

Cruton502 said:
Ok, figured out how to type in the commands and stuff, but I get stuck on the "cp /sdcard/busybox /system/xbin/" part, I get "cp: not found" I tried lookin up other methods and I keep getting stuck at the same part - trying to move the folder to the xbin folder. adb push gives me the same error - adb: not found.
any help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you rooted? If your answer is yes, just download Busybox from the market and let the app do the installing for you.

miztaken1312 said:
Are you rooted? If your answer is yes, just download Busybox from the market and let the app do the installing for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brilliant! Sooo much easier, but I'm not NAND unlocked, I'm z4rooted so it wouldn't install. Tomorrow I'll see if I can root through NAND.
I'll break you yet AT&T!

Cruton502 said:
Brilliant! Sooo much easier, but I'm not NAND unlocked, I'm z4rooted so it wouldn't install. Tomorrow I'll see if I can root through NAND.
I'll break you yet AT&T!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're seriously confused. The Captivate isn't a NAND locked phone. Generally when you root, busybox is installed. (I think. At least it always was for me.) You could also try installing Titanium Backup and have that install busybox for you.

[REQUEST] Can someone post a guide to how to get Froyo on eMMC?

I don't want to dual-boot, even, just have a nice "normal" Nookie Froyo install on eMMC. I've seen several allude to the fact that it worked for them but no reviews of how they did it. I've backed up my 2.1 install with Clockwork so I'm not really worried about that.
TIA.

It's quite simple actually. All you need is basic knowledge of adb.
All disclaimers apply, I'm not responsible for any damage. Just know that mine is running on internal partitions. And the SD does mount too!
Before doing anything, I would recommend applying a dd from your partitions to your pc.
With, for example on mmcblk0p1 (boot) adb: dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 of=boot.img
You should do that for each partition to be safe (0p1 to 0p8).
All the following commands can be execute one after one, the separations are only there to makes things a bit more clear.
Then,
Boot to a working Nookie (NF) with your uSD fresh from burning, without any google apps, and without any uSD damaged errors.
Empty your internal system and copy uSD system over, by doing:
- adb shell mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/mmcblk1 / (---there is a space after the 1---)
- adb shell
- mkdir tmpfolder
- mount /dev/block/mmcblk0p5 tmpfolder
- cd tmpfolder
- rm -r * (---note that there is space after the r---)
- cd ..
- cp -r system/* tmpfolder (---this will take a few minutes---)
- umount tmpfolder
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then, you need to boot push the attached files (bottom of post) except for the 2 vold files to your boot partition: mmcblk0p1. Unzip, copy content, not zip.
You could very well replace uImage with the new Quickie overclocked uImage for froyo (see dev thread).
To push attached files to boot, do:
- mount /dev/block/mmcblk0p1 tmpfolder
- exit
- adb push [folder-containing-4-attached-files-except-vold.fstab] tmpfolder
- adb shell
- umount tmpfolder
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also recommend erasing all your data. But that's up to you, if you want to keep your data on it. In any case, you can revert back with the data.img you created above . So next part you could skip, haven't tried skipping personally:
Non mandatory, but you could do:
- mount /dev/block/mmcblk0p6 tmpfolder
- cd tmpfolder
- rm -r *
- cd ..
- umount tmpfolder
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you need to push vold.fstab and vold.conf (unzip volds, copy content) to system/etc
Copy vold's to system/etc:
- mount /dev/block/mmcblk0p5 tmpfolder
- exit
- adb push [folder-with-vold's] tmpfolder/etc/
- adb shell
- umount tmpfolder
- rm -r tmpfolder
- exit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then shut down, remove uSD, and boot.
Again, you can choose to push the Quickie uImage, I you prefer, but the accelerometer doesn't work with it at the moment. The 950 kernel does sometimes crash on boot, but once booted is quite stable.
I think that's all folks. I could have been a bit vague at some times, but this should work. And if you made your imgs as recommended, you're bullet proof.
To revert back to initial state with img files, you need to copy files to sdcard and then dd:
- adb shell mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/mmcblk1p1 sdcard
- adb push XXX.img sdcard (--could take a few minutes--)
- dd if=XXXX.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0pX
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do that for each partition.
For those who don't feel up to the task, I could make a CWR flashable zip file of all this. The only thing is, CWR dosen't boot on Nookie just yet. So you couldn't restore with a zip after the change.

[Before doing anything, I would recommend applying a dd from your partitions to your pc.
With, for example on mmcblk0p1 (boot) adb: dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 of=boot.img
You should do that for each partition to be safe (0p1 to 0p8).
[/QUOTE]
I am a little confused here. What are the names of the 7 other partitions? Thanks, Great guide btw!

See here.

Do you see improved speed and touch response running nookie from emmc?

im getting a "No such file or directory" error after "adb push [folder-with-vold's] tmpfolder/etc"
I created the directory but now it looks like i am stuck at the landscape android splash screen on boot...
any ideas? I am attempting to redo the whole process again just incase i missed something.

Sorry, there's a slash after etc.
Make sure you've copied the systen files, with "ls" inside tmpfolder where you copied system. Should be a etc folder there.
Sam

to the op: I'm not knocking you here, but do you have a basic idea of generic linux file hierarchy or operations in general? Getting a basic grasp on working with files in a linux terminal will make all of these operations make a lot more sense, since most "adb shell" commands are basic linux commands.

FastCR said:
to the op: I'm not knocking you here, but do you have a basic idea of generic linux file hierarchy or operations in general? Getting a basic grasp on working with files in a linux terminal will make all of these operations make a lot more sense, since most "adb shell" commands are basic linux commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but I don't see how that comment adds anything here.
Looks like the issue is above commands copy the actual system folder (not the contents of the folder) To the root of the partition. ls shows the folder "system" not the contents including etc. They are inside the folder but if the partition is mounted as system then the folder is redundant. Will check copying the contents and see if that helps.
Once I get it working in will post back to let others know
**** in the first block of code replace
Code:
- cp -r system tmpfolder (---this will take a few minutes---)
with
Code:
- cp -r system[B]/*[/B] tmpfolder (---this will take a few minutes---)
many thanks!

FastCR said:
to the op: I'm not knocking you here, but do you have a basic idea of generic linux file hierarchy or operations in general? Getting a basic grasp on working with files in a linux terminal will make all of these operations make a lot more sense, since most "adb shell" commands are basic linux commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you go out of your way to say that? It's not constructive. As a junior member with three posts and 0 thanks after a year and a half, sharpen your teeth here at XDA before you act like a big shot.

Right thanks. Changed it.
Has it worked for you?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

samuelhalff said:
You could very well replace uImage with the new Quickie overclocked uImage for froyo (see dev thread).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you certain on this part? Last I read in that thread, Froyo needs a different minimum kernel.
UPDATE: Nevermind, I missed this updated effort.
Homer

Well, last time I checked, my NC was running at 950 on froyo with setcpu.
Check the forum. There's a nookie version of quickie. Except accelerometer doesn't work..

First, huge thanks to the second poster - great guide! Can we sticky this?
Second, yes I know what dd does, etc, I've been working with Linux for about ten years . I just don't know the ins and outs of embedded devices yet.

samuelhalff said:
Right thanks. Changed it.
Has it worked for you?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i was up till 4am last night but got it working. first i tried to use my existing nf sd card... bad idea. would boot from emmc to the touch android screen to begin, but could not get past. i assume it was the issue on nookdevs because wifi was not enabled. so i removed the setupwizard.apk but somehow bricked and was unable to boot from emmc. so i took the following steps to get things working properly:
1. reimage boot and system from the stock 1.0.1 images and reset the nook to stock, didnt even touch. at the intro screen i just powered it off.
2. next i took a fresh nf sdcard and run steps from your post(with the correction to copy system contents)
3. from there i had a working nf from sdcard! i did my tweaks (google apps, market fix and button remapping from nookdevs froyo tips)
i might to put together a post with a more verbose set of instructions for a one stop froyo shop but if i do i will be sure to give you credit for your contribution.
thanks again!

Hi,
Second, yes I know what dd does, etc, I've been working with Linux for about ten years . I just don't know the ins and outs of embedded devices yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that's a nice contrast. I've been working on Linux/Android for about 2 months now
I should have mentioned that the NF uSD Card must be a newly burnt image, without all the nookie tips added to it. Of course, your Google framework will crash if you port it without your data.
By the way, there's a nice trick to get past the numb android interface, simply touch every corner of the screen, starting with top left and going clockwise. You'll then be sent the your home screen, and from there you'll log on to google account again.
I think the best way of doing it would to create a flashable .zip, which I'll make tonight if I find the time and if people are really interested. But don't forget CWR dosen't work on nookie for the time being. The only way back would be through adb.
So, does anyone wish to have a flashable zip of this? Or will it be a waist of time?
Sam

samuelhalff said:
Hi,
Well, that's a nice contrast. I've been working on Linux/Android for about 2 months now
I should have mentioned that the NF uSD Card must be a newly burnt image, without all the nookie tips added to it. Of course, your Google framework will crash if you port it without your data.
By the way, there's a nice trick to get past the numb android interface, simply touch every corner of the screen, starting with top left and going clockwise. You'll then be sent the your home screen, and from there you'll log on to google account again.
I think the best way of doing it would to create a flashable .zip, which I'll make tonight if I find the time and if people are really interested. But don't forget CWR dosen't work on nookie for the time being. The only way back would be through adb.
So, does anyone wish to have a flashable zip of this? Or will it be a waist of time?
Sam
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love a flashable .zip. I think many others would as well.

starkruzr said:
I would love a flashable .zip. I think many others would as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't wait for a flashable zip. Maybe even some cm7 release candidates would make me real happy.
Sent from Nooted NookColor using XDA App

Ubuntu.sh

located at /osh/ubuntu.sh
Code:
#!/bin/sh
export PATH=/usr/local/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/bin:/sbin:/bin
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=/usr/lib:/usr/local/lib
chmod 666 /system/usr/keychars/*
rm -f /tmp/tab*
mkdir -p /home/adas/Desktop
chmod 755 /home/adas/Desktop
chown -R adas.adas /home/adas/Desktop
[ -x /usr/bin/firefox-install-profile ] && /usr/bin/firefox-install-profile
/etc/init.d/rc S
chmod 666 /dev/socket/dbus
chmod 666 /dev/null
/etc/init.d/rc 2
cp /sdcard/*.lic /data/
chmod 666 /data/*.lic
I'm still an amateur, but I'm trying to find stuff

Yeah I found that last night too.. The OSH folder seems to be the Ubuntu filesystem pretty much. I am messing around in it as we speak. Loading up Linux right now and gonna test a few things. If i find something, ill post it back on here

So forgive me for asking, but to make sure: does this mean the Atrix Webtop OS is a customized version of Ubuntu? If so, that's pretty awesome; let's hope dpkg is on it!

From what I am seeing so far, it is pretty much a customized version of Ubuntu and if all goes well. We will be able to install what we want on it. Just gonna take some time to completely figure the entire thing out..
Just a bit of good news.. Its not looking very difficult to make it allow you to run the webtop OS by plugging in the USB cable to a computer.. Won't know if it works until I get home tonight and give it a try.. Steps closer.....

if you load up firefox from a webtop dock or laptop dock and go to "About" it says Firefox for Ubuntu. So that's at least telling us something.

So now really what we need is replace firefox with chrome

AstainHellbring said:
So now really what we need is replace firefox with chrome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's impossible. While the phone may be running Ubuntu, it's still running it from an ARM processor which means that one would need Chrome compiled for ARM.

Is there a way to get a dump of the entire /osh/ folder? I'd like to see what I can do with it.

note that apt/sources.list in the osh partition includes a mirror of the stock ubuntu jaunty for arm port, as well as a custom webtop mirror. Both point to an internal 10.x url (doh), but this looks like a stock ubuntu with some webtop additions. Should be nice!
Anyone able to launch the webtop environment with a HDMI cable/bluetooth keyboard/mouse?

/osh/var/lib/dpkg
There's a folder with various files in it.. So I assume if we get the arm port of dpkg we could simply add it to /osh/bin..
What's the best way to get a dump?

so I am curious if the /osh only exists in webtop mode, could anyone own a Atrix check and get a dump of that dir or all things in / dir?

Ubuntu DUMP
Thanks to USKR posting this dump in another thread. We can all DIG IN!
http://www.usk.bz/android/ubuntu.img.bz2

sexydroid said:
so I am curious if the /osh only exists in webtop mode, could anyone own a Atrix check and get a dump of that dir or all things in / dir?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
/OSH exists at all times. It exists on my phone and I don't own a dock

[Q] busybox and nandroid issues

I have been experimenting with my new droid/milestone the past couple of days, odd problems which I am past now but still curious about.
Firstly after flashing the 2.1 sbf with rsd it will autoboot and screen slider will be there, then when I reboot, screen slider will be missing. This only happend when I flashed an sbf from the sbf site(2.1 uk version, not service), doing a factory reset didn't have any problem -could reboot as many times and slider would be there.... then suddenly after factory boot it would dissapear after first boot. Anyway solved this problem by installing screen mode widget after first boot after flash, solved problem, but still weird. Fixed this now but still curious about it.
Next, nandroid backup is missing from recovery menu, I have rooted and can execute root commands after typing "su" via Android Terminal emulator, so pretty sure is rooted. So why no nandroid? I thought I could do nandroid backup after rooting.
Next busybox won't install, tried the app, did the "searching system" for over an hour(not exagerrating), eventually gave up and uninstalled.
Trying to do a "manual busybox install" now, using this guide:
Busybox How-to? - Android Forums
Can't execute commands via usb/adb in recovery mode as the other guy suggested so been trying these commands both with terminal emulator on phone, and usb-debugging mode with windows shell. Using these I can go "su" and type "ls" to see files on my droid phone....but when I try to "mount /system" or /sdcard from windows I just get a print about mount options, when I try to "cat /sdcard/busybox > /system/xbin/busybox" I get a "file is read only" error.
I would like advice on how to install busybox, I would like to do it manually(because the app seems to not work for me, remember I waited over an hour while it "searched") and I want to learn to manually do stuff anyway. I tried to chmod /system/xbin too, but that didn't seem to change it from read only.
Also any thoughts on why nandroid backup is missing from my recovery menu even though my droid is rooted. I thought it was meant to appear.
I am still learning and researching, and appreciate any links or tips.

droidtech1 said:
Next, nandroid backup is missing from recovery menu, I have rooted and can execute root commands after typing "su" via Android Terminal emulator, so pretty sure is rooted. So why no nandroid? I thought I could do nandroid backup after rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is odd. Which OpenRecovery did you install? Androidiani? GOT? Or the "original" OpenRecovery? Are you aware, that you come into OpenRecovery by starting Recovery Mode and apply update.zip?
droidtech1 said:
Next busybox won't install, tried the app, did the "searching system" for over an hour(not exagerrating), eventually gave up and uninstalled.
Trying to do a "manual busybox install" now, using this guide:
Busybox How-to? - Android Forums
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using the app from the market worked like a charm for me. No idea, what might have gone wrong for you...
droidtech1 said:
Can't execute commands via usb/adb in recovery mode as the other guy suggested so been trying these commands both with terminal emulator on phone, and usb-debugging mode with windows shell. Using these I can go "su" and type "ls" to see files on my droid phone....but when I try to "mount /system" or /sdcard from windows I just get a print about mount options, when I try to "cat /sdcard/busybox > /system/xbin/busybox" I get a "file is read only" error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For remounting, try "mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mtdblock6 /system" and for undoing this, use "ro" instead of "rw".
droidtech1 said:
I would like advice on how to install busybox, I would like to do it manually(because the app seems to not work for me, remember I waited over an hour while it "searched") and I want to learn to manually do stuff anyway. I tried to chmod /system/xbin too, but that didn't seem to change it from read only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should download busybox and put the "busybox"-file in the directory /sdcard. After that do:
Code:
# su
# mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mtdblock6 /system
# cp /sdcard/busybox /system/xbin
# cd /system/xbin
# chmod 755 busybox
# ./busybox --install
# mount -o ro,remount /dev/block/mtdblock6 /system
One thought at the end: How did you root?

I rooted by flashing "vunerable recovery" using RSD lite, copied milestone-root.zip to sd card, renamed it update.zip, rebooted into recovery mode, flashed update.zip from there.
I didn't realise I had to install something like open recovery, think because I remember not having to do that on my pulse? Anyway will try and install one of those now.
Thanks those commands at the end helped, actually managed to copy busybox to /system/xbin, however the 2nd last one "./busybox --install" gave me a load of errors -all being no such file or directory, for example "/usr/bin/wc: no such file"
about 30 of those path errors. Maybe the command path "./busybox" needs to be something else?

ah, okay. sorry, I thought you already installed an openrecovery. for many cool features you will need it (e.g. nandroid, for overclocking it's not a must but a nice-to-have). please don't use GOT, it's rather old already. androidiani is okay, I think.
I think your previous attempts to install busybox via the app etc. mixed up some internal links in the device. please reboot and try again (the above steps except the "cp ..."). seems like the app tried to install busybox to /usr/bin but failed... I hope this failed attempt will be fixed by a simple reboot. otherwise it would be great to have the output of:
Code:
# su
# ls /usr/bin

No I re-flashed my main sbf and also did a factory reset to do a clean start, only thing since that full wipe I have done is rooting in the method I described, installed the screenmode widget, textedit, and android terminal emulator.
I have no such file /usr, are you sure I should have this in droid/milestone?
Here is my full output of my root system using ls:
tmp
pds
cdrom
sqlite_stmt_journals
config
cache
sdcard
d
etc
system
sys
sbin
proc
init_prep_keypad.sh
init.rc
init.mapphone_umts.rc
init.mapphone_cdma.rc
init.goldfish.rc
init
default.prop
data
root
dev
perhaps "/usr" is a sub inside one of the above folders? I tried using "find" to find it but that command dosn't seem to work since it won't even find the ones I can see with ls

I found it, /usr is inside /system... so if busybox was moved to /system/xbin, I'm guessing the ./ means install it to the parent directory which was /system which /usr is also in.
The errors I got said no such file "/usr" so It seems like it is trying to install to the wrong directory.... perhaps the command should be "busybox --install" or "/busybox --install" I don't want to experiment and mess things up before your opinion on this.
*edit almost forgot, output of /system/usr is
keychars
bin
srec
keylayout
share
output of /system/usr/bin is
panic_daemon
gki_pd_notifier
nvm_daemon
clean_dex.sh
brcm_guci_drv
bplogd_daemon

This is really strange. Maybe your busybox-file is corrupt.
Where did you download the busybox-file?
Which sbf did you flash?
So for explanation-purposes: When you put an executable or script file in any directory, you can execute it by first making it executable ("chmod 755 /system/xbin/busybox"), changing to that directory ("cd /system/xbin") and then executing it by adding "./" in front of it. The dot slash always stands for the _current_ directory. The _parent_directory has two dots "../".
If you want, you may try:
# /system/xbin/busybox --install
instead of
# ./busybox --install
Or maybe try this one:
# /system/xbin/busybox --install -s /system/xbin
Last time, I installed busybox into the directory /data/busybox, which worked brilliantly, but this path turned out to be unpractical. So I wanted to reinstall it in a different directory. I removed everything from /data/busybox including the directory itself and tried to start the whole procedure with /system/xbin. But that time it protested, that there were no files in "/data/busybox/...". Conclusion: The last busybox-install affected the second one. When I remember correctly I rebooted after that and used the app from the market *g*

My main sbf I flashed was android 2.1(uk version).
I downloaded busybox 1.17.2(won't let me post url here), was from droidforums dot net.
I don't remember if I tried all of his commands, but the last one on that forum seems to have worked.. I think......... it was:
"busybox --install /system/xbin/"
After remounting with your commands and typing the above command, I didn't get any errors, I synced and rebooted and now when I "ls /system/xbin" it shows a bunch of files/names which look like busybox commands. When I type "busybox" it outputs a bunch of commands too... so I am guessing this means it has succesfully installed? I can't say I tried these before attempting install so I have no comparison but I assume I would have a different output if busybox wasn't installed.
So assuming it worked, why would
"busybox --install /system/xbin/" work, and
"/system/xbin/busybox --install" not?
I also managed to install open recovery and do a nandroid backup succesfully
I have another short question, not specific to android but happens in all terminals I use, windows and linux alike. Sometimes I cannot execute commands anymore and it just becomes text in the terminal(just re-echo'ing my text output, without executing any functions)... can't remember specifically when it happened on my windows or linux pc shells, but on my android it happens whenever I have to give "SU" permission to the terminal, I have to quickly close the terminal and reload it again to get su access. I'm sure there is a name for this "state" where you are locked out of using commands in the shell and just typing text but I can't find a way to get out of it(without closing and re-opening terminal), there must be some key combination to be able to execute commands again in the current terminal session. If you have any idea what I am talking about?
Thanks for all your help so far.

droidtech1 said:
My main sbf I flashed was android 2.1(uk version).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't want to try one of the 2.2?
droidtech1 said:
I downloaded busybox 1.17.2(won't let me post url here), was from droidforums dot net.
I don't remember if I tried all of his commands, but the last one on that forum seems to have worked.. I think......... it was:
"busybox --install /system/xbin/"
After remounting with your commands and typing the above command, I didn't get any errors, I synced and rebooted and now when I "ls /system/xbin" it shows a bunch of files/names which look like busybox commands. When I type "busybox" it outputs a bunch of commands too... so I am guessing this means it has succesfully installed? I can't say I tried these before attempting install so I have no comparison but I assume I would have a different output if busybox wasn't installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this sounds very much like installation was successful.
droidtech1 said:
So assuming it worked, why would
"busybox --install /system/xbin/" work, and
"/system/xbin/busybox --install" not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
typing "busybox" without the path in front of it worked, because busybox is in the directory /system/xbin, which is already in your $PATH-variable (try "echo $PATH"). So the command interpreter (shell) will automatically look up "busybox" in /system/xbin.
I had a look at the busybox syntax and it's actually
Code:
busybox --install [-s] [INSTALLDIR]
So you have to put the directory you want to install in at the end. That's what your last command makes use of
droidtech1 said:
I have another short question, not specific to android but happens in all terminals I use, windows and linux alike. Sometimes I cannot execute commands anymore and it just becomes text in the terminal(just re-echo'ing my text output, without executing any functions)... can't remember specifically when it happened on my windows or linux pc shells, but on my android it happens whenever I have to give "SU" permission to the terminal, I have to quickly close the terminal and reload it again to get su access. I'm sure there is a name for this "state" where you are locked out of using commands in the shell and just typing text but I can't find a way to get out of it(without closing and re-opening terminal), there must be some key combination to be able to execute commands again in the current terminal session. If you have any idea what I am talking about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like this is just the state, when shell is busy, i.e. when the last process you started is still running and no prompt ($ or #) is displayed. You may kill the last process in linux using CTRL+C, which will hopefully bring back the shell prompt. No idea which shortcut replaces this on the milestone/droid. I never use any android terminals, but only the ADB-Shell: http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/tools/adb.html

I'm learning to build apps for android so I thought having 2.1 on my droid would be better for testing (instead of 2.2). I also have a Nexus-S with 2.3 and a tmobile-pulse with 1.5. So I want to keep the most native version on each phone since most consumers won't install custom roms, although some will get updates anyway.
I use my droid a lot when I am out and use the terminal a lot so having busybox too has given me more to play around with. I actually find my droid much better working on than the nexus s, love the keyboard and dpad.