Database Develop

Root access with Astro?

Is there anyway to start Astro as root so you can use it to edit system directories?

I had wished for the same thing.. but i didnt tell nobody.. soo maybe this will be more effective. prevents having to type in the terminal all the time.. not that its bad.. ive learned so much allready since ive had this phone...

I totally agree! That would be perfect! Maybe there a way of editing the code or smth...

If you can't work *MORE EFFICIENTLY* directly from the terminal, then you definitely should NOT have root access via GUI.

lbcoder said:
If you can't work *MORE EFFICIENTLY* directly from the terminal, then you definitely should NOT have root access via GUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much this. It seems like most of the people having problems on this website just want root because it's "kewl" but really have no idea what it is or even have a clue on how Linux works.

I actually Emailed the Dev of Astro about this same question and here was his reply.
Here is the email copied and pasted from gmail.
My question
Are you able to make a version that requests root access to delete chmod rename move etc for the 100,000+ users from xda and other boards with root access?
His Reply
On Jan 21, 2009 10:57 AM, "Kevin Payne" <metago.inc[at]gmail> wrote:
This is a bit outside ASTRO's scope at the moment. Technically, ASTRO should work fine on files owned by root if it were run as a root process, but running applications as root is not advised in general. Someone really needs to create a sudo type command to let an individual application run as root.

lbcoder said:
If you can't work *MORE EFFICIENTLY* directly from the terminal, then you definitely should NOT have root access via GUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
d00m said:
Pretty much this. It seems like most of the people having problems on this website just want root because it's "kewl" but really have no idea what it is or even have a clue on how Linux works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering the fact that I'm a Systems Administrator as my profession and work with hundreds of Linux/Unix/Windows servers a day, the whole reason why I bought the G1 was for development and tinkering, the fact that my home PC is running Vista x64 (i haven't gotten around to creating a VM or messing with the drivers), and that I do wipes frequently to test different configurations, I'm pretty sure I'll be ok with root access. I'm just tired of manually doing something on that tiny keyboard that can easily be done with a nice pretty GUI. I stare at consoles all day and thousands of lines of black and white text, when I come home I don't exactly want to be anywhere near a terminal.
Also, why bother doing anything on a phone, other than using it as a phone (or for email, texting, etc.), if you don't do it because it's "kewl". I mess with my phone because it's cool to have a mini-*nix based computer with several fun radios on it. If I do something stupid like type "rm -Rf /*" after logging in as root (never going to happen) then that's my own fault.
I don't care if you're a Unix purist and you write up your office reports, spreadsheets, and diagrams in vi. Good for you, you're wasting time that can be better spent on other things because of your stubborn prejudice against GUI's. I asked a question, because I have a reason for that question. If you don't have any answers to that question, then please don't bother replying.
diabolical28 said:
I actually Emailed the Dev of Astro about this same question and here was his reply.
Here is the email copied and pasted from gmail.
My question
Are you able to make a version that requests root access to delete chmod rename move etc for the 100,000+ users from xda and other boards with root access?
His Reply
On Jan 21, 2009 10:57 AM, "Kevin Payne" <metago.inc[at]gmail> wrote:
This is a bit outside ASTRO's scope at the moment. Technically, ASTRO should work fine on files owned by root if it were run as a root process, but running applications as root is not advised in general. Someone really needs to create a sudo type command to let an individual application run as root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked into the commands to launch an application from the CLI and found that Astro can be started using the following command:
am start -n com.metago.astro/.FileManagerActivity
However, this doesn't do us any good, since the dalvik VM will take that command and create a process as a sandbox user regardless of what user executes that command. There looks like there's a way to tell the VM to fork the process as a specific uid and gid, but that requires editing the AndroidManifest.xml.
I'm not too good with Java, and I don't know how strict Android's API is, so I don't know if running an apk application as root is even possible.
However, I do know that running commands from inside an application, like su, is possible.
~TM
"Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something." ~Plato

Solved--Astro with root...(workaround)
kinda late, but in case anyone wants to know this is what I did.
This way technically doesnt allow astro to run with root, but its just as good.
I originally did this a few months back for my G1, and just mod it a little to work on my nexus
- created a script to mount system as rw
- created a script that gives r/w permission to all app directories (/data, /data/app, /data/app-private, /system, /system/app, /system/sd, ...) and all apps inside those directories
-then merged the 2 scripts and named it astro_root_perm
-installed GScript from the market
-created another script that
-first changes all permissions on apps back to what they started as(644, 640...)​-then changes permissions of directories back to what they were​-and finally remounts system back to ro, and named this script to astro_basic_perm​
-used Gscript to create shortcuts of the 2 scripts to my home screen.
-then with bettercut, I changed the scripts' icons to the astro icon. I just colored the astro stock icons "A" green for one script and red for the other
So anytime I want to use astro as root, I just click the shortcut I made with gscript off my home screen, open astro,
Then when Im done with astro, I just run the other script
I know its not the same as running astro AS root, but it works for me.
Im not really a linux guy......I'd really appreciate if someone could help me with this next step
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Does anyone know what I need to include in a script to have it call/open a program automatic?
My ultimate goal is to create one script that will
Mount system rw
Change needed permissions to rw
Automatically open up Astro
Then change all permissions back when astro is terminated
Possibly create a keyboard shortcut for the G1
What do ya think?? is it possible??

Estrongs has limited root file browsing on some ROMs and SU File Manager or Root File Manager will let you browse as root for a small price.

+1 recommendation on Estrongs File Explorer's root option if you want it for free, includes Windows shares browsing over lan.
Otherwise try SUFBS, also has built-in terminal.
Sent from my HTC Hero using Tapatalk

louieG1 said:
My ultimate goal is to create one script that will
Mount system rw
Change needed permissions to rw
Automatically open up Astro
Then change all permissions back when astro is terminated
Possibly create a keyboard shortcut for the G1
What do ya think?? is it possible??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure exactly how gscript handles things, but with a normal bash (shell) script, the lines are run sequentially. That is, the next line isn't run until the previous line is done. It would seem that you could put all that in one script, and the still-running script wouldn't change the permissions back until astro has ended. But then again, java adds complexity to it and I'm not sure if it works the same.

louieG1 said:
kinda late, but in case anyone wants to know this is what I did.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Does anyone know what I need to include in a script to have it call/open a program automatic?
My ultimate goal is to create one script that will
Mount system rw
Change needed permissions to rw
Automatically open up Astro
Then change all permissions back when astro is terminated
Possibly create a keyboard shortcut for the G1
What do ya think?? is it possible??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love this idea! Unfortunatly I'm no coder but would love to see something like this created.

I created a "GodMode" script that does exactly this, email me if you want it, I can edit it to work for the G1.

Totally forgot I started this thread, then happened to find it on Google when looking for the same thing, again.
Went back to Windows Mobile for a little bit, missed Android, and now have a Samsung Vibrant.
Still want a way to use ASTRO with root priviledges, especially since I don't have a tactile keyboard anymore.

phaelox said:
+1 recommendation on Estrongs File Explorer's root option if you want it for free, includes Windows shares browsing over lan.
Otherwise try SUFBS, also has built-in terminal.
Sent from my HTC Hero using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
Estrongs File Explorer enabled me to flash Tamil font in my Rooted T-Mobile G2X mobile phone.

I know i am not answering the question directly. But, i use Linda Manager it gets the job done.
---------- Post added at 08:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:14 PM ----------
raddy said:
Thank you.
Estrongs File Explorer enabled me to flash Tamil font in my Rooted T-Mobile G2X mobile phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi raddy,
I'm also from TN as well, i would love to get the Tamil fonts. Can you please guide me?
Not having tamil fonts on the browser is simply annoying

Hi
If your mobile is rooted, then follow this link.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=798380
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

raddy said:
Hi
If your mobile is rooted, then follow this link.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=798380
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, i got the tamil fonts on my G1, thanks for the help.

Unmounting in Terminal Emulator

ive done a search already and found nothing...is there a way or a file i unmount in terminal emulator to reduce the # of home screens because i only need the 3 that the stock firmware includes but i get 5..can any1 help?
ps..ive done a search already and found nothing..

search the forums for advanced launcher. it lets you configure the # of screens (and much more!)
Also, totally should go in the Q&A section, dude. For future reference.

boimarc89 said:
ive done a search already and found nothing...is there a way or a file i unmount in terminal emulator to reduce the # of home screens because i only need the 3 that the stock firmware includes but i get 5..can any1 help?
ps..ive done a search already and found nothing..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not as easy as that.
You'd need to build the Launcher.apk from source (i think) and manually edit the number of home screens.
Or you can do what biosehnsucht said, which is what i'd recommend

Enabling sideloading on Captivate with mac

Hi guys, I know some of you are just going to tell me to do a search on this, but I've already tried. So, my problem is, I'm very new to android and am trying to learn all this stuff and quickly and possible but it still feel like a giant noob because even when I've followed directions on what to do in Terminal it never works and I need some help. I've already rooted it and have removed At&T's bloatware and am running 2.1. Does anyone have, or have a link to relatively n00b related instructions for how to do this on a Mac thru terminal or something? Thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

You can install a rom if you want, thats what I did.

Jsmallsawe said:
Hi guys, I know some of you are just going to tell me to do a search on this, but I've already tried. So, my problem is, I'm very new to android and am trying to learn all this stuff and quickly and possible but it still feel like a giant noob because even when I've followed directions on what to do in Terminal it never works and I need some help. I've already rooted it and have removed At&T's bloatware and am running 2.1. Does anyone have, or have a link to relatively n00b related instructions for how to do this on a Mac thru terminal or something? Thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a link to how I did it. (and there are probably other ways like just simply flashing custom ROM).
1) Root'ed using one of the update.zip methods floating around. I think I used this one.
2) Downloaded Root Explorer and SQLite Editor. Both of these are paid apps but look like they are worth owning. For instance, you can also use Root Explorer to rename and disable the AT&T bloatware, as an alternative to this method.
3) Using Root Explorer, mount the filesystem R/W and copy /dbdata/databases/com.android.providers.settings/settings.db to /sdcard/settings.db
4) Open /sdcard/settings.db in SQLite Editor
5) Open the 'secure' table
6) Long-hold on record 6, "install_non_market_apps" and select "Edit Record"
7) Change the value from 0 to 1 and save
8) Back in Root Explorer, copy /sdcard/settings.db back to /dbdata/databases/com.android.providers.settings/settings.db
9) I don't remember if I had to reboot or not, but you may as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couple of notes, instead of downloading SQLite Editor, you can download an add-on for firefox called SQLite Manager. Load up your settings.db and select secure, then I believe the numbering is different from SQLite Editor. Just find "install_non_market_apps", edit the value from 0 to 1, then copy and paste the new settings.db to the original location. You might also want to re-name the original settings.db to something so that the phone doesn't recognize it but it's there. Also you need to reboot.

AdbTool: The Automated Life

Ok so this started out as a small project to make my day to day phone functions easier and quicker but I thought I might share it incase anyone thought my AdbTool was helpful or just nice to have.
Functions so far:
1. Check for device
2. Push or Pull a File
3. Install .apk
4. Reboot
5. Root your Droid X
6. Change bootanimation
7. Push framework (specifically for framework)
8. issue whatever adb command you need to with out the extra typing
9. Set project
10. Error log
11. Clean up folder
There are more functions to come in the future so let me know if you like this script and what you wanna see added. There is no install just unzip and open the .bat file.

This sounds great! Though I'm on Linux machine, so I don't think ill be able to use it :/
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

No sorry, I should have specified. It is a Windows script... Just wait though, because Sunday I will be getting a desktop that is already running linux. If you really want I will take the time to make a script to run for linux?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

rooting the dx doesnt work for me :/

Huh... what is happening when you enter that option? Sorry for the long time for me to post I missed the email alert.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

I'm assuming this doesnt allow root for 2.3.3 ota correct?
since all I see is rageagainstthecage in the files

This looks like a really useful program! I might do some work this weekend on it and see if I can get it working for the DROID 2 and port it over to UNIX machines.
If I set it up for unix I will add an SBF option too.
Woa just realized this is a really old thread

ljbaumer said:
This looks like a really useful program! I might do some work this weekend on it and see if I can get it working for the DROID 2 and port it over to UNIX machines.
If I set it up for unix I will add an SBF option too.
Woa just realized this is a really old thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, this thread is quite old (almost a year) and I am sure the program/script needs to be updated to work.
It is a good idea though (if it can be updated)
D.

I'd like to make a request for a Mount and UnMount command.
fyi....you spelled Folders wrong in the main menu "Floders"

.
I can make the program for yall. Yall just need something for shell or a gui for windows?

whatever's easier for you, either would be appreciated it

i have adb properly installed by doing adb devices in cmd it shows my dx
but when i use your tool it says it cannot find the path specific

[Q]Difference between ROM & Kernel?

Would appreciate it if someone can explain to me the difference between a kernel and a Rom.
And also, what does it mean by "pushing to /system/app"?
Thanks in advance.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=kernel+rom

Can someone guide me on how to push an app to system/app please?
I know it has something to do with ADB but I do not know the exact steps. Thanks.

At first you need root access. Then you need an app like 'Root Explorer' and with this app you can push files into /system - folder.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

Imagine a rom as a car. The kernel would be the engine.
Sent from my DynaTAC 8000X

sendokan said:
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=kernel+rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about a better answer?
A kernel is a piece of software (kind of like a program/executable) that interfaces directly with your hardware and provides a standardized interface for higher level software to use that hardware.
ROM means Read Only Memory. In this case, ROM is not the proper term but it is in common usage despite the fact that you can write it/overwrite it. Regardless of the details, for your purposes, a ROM is the higher level software that provides interfaces between the kernel and you. E.G. the libraries, windows manager, etc.
I am unsure in this context, but I think the ROM contains the CSC stuff too. The CSC contains stuff specific to a particular locale or vendor such as programs like Layar or codes for APNs.
I followed the above Let Me Google That For You link and this thread was the first one that popped up. I quickly browsed a few other threads but getting any real meaning was going to be quite tedious.
Good luck and have fun.

strikethree said:
How about a better answer?
A kernel is a piece of software (kind of like a program/executable) that interfaces directly with your hardware and provides a standardized interface for higher level software to use that hardware.
ROM means Read Only Memory. In this case, ROM is not the proper term but it is in common usage despite the fact that you can write it/overwrite it. Regardless of the details, for your purposes, a ROM is the higher level software that provides interfaces between the kernel and you. E.G. the libraries, windows manager, etc.
I am unsure in this context, but I think the ROM contains the CSC stuff too. The CSC contains stuff specific to a particular locale or vendor such as programs like Layar or codes for APNs.
I followed the above Let Me Google That For You link and this thread was the first one that popped up. I quickly browsed a few other threads but getting any real meaning was going to be quite tedious.
Good luck and have fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first one is a thread from a year ago with exactly the same title

The kernel manages system resources and functions like a bridge between applications and hardware. One could compare it in many ways, but this is generally what it does.

Thanks all for the explanation. Will search around to understand the differences.

Lunchbox115 said:
At first you need root access. Then you need an app like 'Root Explorer' and with this app you can push files into /system - folder.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I know how exactly do I push the apk to /system/app? I have Root Explorer installed already.
Do I move the apk to /system/app then install it from there? Or am I supposed to install the normal way, then shift the apk from /data/app (where apps are usually installed to right?) to /system/app?

Which *.apk do you want to install?
Normally you just have to click on the *.apk (with any file manager) and you can install it.

At first, you need root.
After that, you have a few ways to do this:
Way 1: Use any File Explorer, which can get SU permission and access the system folder.
Then copy & paste
Way 2: You could connect your device to your computer with a USB cable (Debug-Mode on!).
Then you couls google a ADB tool.
Or you open the command line and type this into your cmd:
cd [drive]:\[folder where adb is located]\
adb root
After that you could find out where you are with the "ls" command.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

Lunchbox115 said:
Which *.apk do you want to install?
Normally you just have to click on the *.apk (with any file manager) and you can install it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am actually trying to do this --> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1123830
Installing
You can install the EDT Tweaks app or you can push it to /system/app
You must push SystemUI.apk to /system/app
I don't want to make a flashable quite yet because I want more experienced users to test this out, etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So am I supposed to push first then install or the other way round?
I tried installing the normal way, then shifted the apk from /data/app to /system/app but received an error when I tried to open the app.

Anybody please?