Database Develop

[Question] How to pull .apk's to use with different ROMs

I've been switching back and forth in recovery between Modaco's desire rom and CM. Recently I downloaded a couple beta's on the desire rom, which are all now closed, that I'm trying to get back on my CM rom. Is there a way to pull the .apk out of the Desire rom so I can use it with my CM? (Or with froyo or the new desire builds when they come out).
Thanks

Use Titanium Backup. Available for free in the market

Or you could use adb and pull the apks for /system/app or /data/app depending on where it was installed... even if you have app2sd, pull from /data/app will work since it is symlinked...
Code:
adb pull /system/app .
adb pull /data/app .

Most desire apks are not compatible with CM or any other non-sense ui roms.
Search a little and you'll know what i mean

PhantomRampage said:
Most desire apks are not compatible with CM or any other non-sense ui roms.
Search a little and you'll know what i mean
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you read the first post, OP wasn't talking about desire app apk, but rather some 3rd party beta apps apks...

Slighty OT.
When I download & install an app from the market, where does its apk get stored on my Nexus running OS2.1? I went looking but could only find the inbuilt apps in the /system/app folder. I have a couple of apps that I would like to copy to my SD card with ASTRO prior for backup purposes. Thanks.

logger said:
Slighty OT.
When I download & install an app from the market, where does its apk get stored on my Nexus running OS2.1? I went looking but could only find the inbuilt apps in the /system/app folder. I have a couple of apps that I would like to copy to my SD card with ASTRO prior for backup purposes. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on the install type specified... the app would either install as a normatl app or a protected app...
Normal apps are stored in /data/app, protected in /data/app-private

craigacgomez said:
Depending on the install type specified... the app would either install as a normatl app or a protected app...
Normal apps are stored in /data/app, protected in /data/app-private
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing is, my /data folder appears as empty and I have 80 apps installed!! I am using ASTRO file manager.

Winzip/winrar

logger said:
The thing is, my /data folder appears as empty and I have 80 apps installed!! I am using ASTRO file manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe astro can't view the list of files there... I can't list the files there in the terminal application without getting su privileges... use adb pull to get the files...

[CM7] Settings Touchwiz Theme

OK. So I was getting bored with the gray icons in the settings menu so I decided to change them up. First thing that came to mind was the TouchWiz icons, so I pulled the icons from there to use in CM.
So this is for CM7 only and to install just push the apk to /system/app/
To install through adb type:
adb remount
adb push "Drag file here" /system/app/Settings.apk
OR with root explorer:
1. Copy the apk to your sdcard
2. With root explorer move the apk to /system/app/
Hope you enjoy (its my first real upload, and its not much)
Ohhh and I'm not responsible for anyone bricking theirs phones or who need a wipe because of this, although I don't really see how that is possible... lol

Something is wrong with the display button in settings. It force closes once you hit brightness.

Hmmm... let me look into it...

works great in my lg gt540 ! But don't forget to reboot your phone.

Maybe I'm missing something but I did what u said but it bricked my phone. I used root explorer to put the apk in system/app and it copied over the stock system.apk, rebooted and the phone was bricked.
I was able to reflash in recovery and the phone is fine now but I tried a bunch of other ways and I can't install the touchwiz settings... What am I doing wrong?
Sent from my HTC Vision with CM7-RC4

I got it to work finally.
I copied the apk over the stock apk with Root Explorer, mounted R/W, changed the persmisions for the new settings apk (i allowed all), mounted R/O, rebooted and it worked.
Thanks the colored settings are really awesome!!!

FC's on wireless & networks setting
i flashed the latest cm7 version for my milestone
and added this aswell after but when i click on wireless & networks it FC's =[

[Q] Integrating updates of system apps (and/or downloaded apps) into ROM

Okay. I don't have a lot of knowledge on developing/tinkering on Android, but I think I've figured out how to integrate apps into the ROM (updates of system apps and/or downloaded apps). I used:
A stock cricKet 2.2.1 ROM, rooted (of course) w/Universal Androot
Root Explorer, and
ROM Manager (more on this later)
First thing is first, I did a TI backup; don't want to lose anything
I then opened Root Explorer
Mounted R/W, and
did a search for .apk.
Notice that the only directories the actual .apk files for INSTALLED apps should appear in (outside the SD card) are:
/cache
/data/app
/data/app-private (possibly)
/data/FLEX/app
/system/app
Ignore the following:
/cache
/data/FLEX/app
Now, you may already know this, but the system apps you're looking for are located in the /system/app directory, and downloaded apps (for the updated system apps) are located the /data/app directories that aren't being currently ignored (if you're following my instructions). Based on icon, filename, and common sense, I found which .apk files were the updates of already existing system apps (IE Market, Google Maps, Voice Search, etc.) in the /data/app directory, and the corresponding system app they updated in the /system/app directory. I then:
Copied the filename of the system app I was going to replace (rename copy all)
Moved over to the /data/app directory
Located the corresponding updated app
Renamed it what its corresponding system app was renamed (rename, delete existing name, paste)
Hit the 'move' option
Navigated to the /system/app directory
Deleted original system app (you may want to backup this file beforehand)
Pasted the updated system app
Within 30 seconds or so, you should get a (blah.blah.blah has unexpectedly shut down force close/report) popup. Just hit force close and you should be fine (Google Maps seemed to be a recurring FC). If you try to open the app before rebooting, it will force close on you. When you're finished, open ROM Manager. I know you're thinking 'This app is no good on the ZIO'; so stop. Hit 'Fix Permissions'. The reason for this is that it fixes a few rare force close issues. I don't know the mechanics of it, but it works, so I don't question it. Listen to the notification you'll see and reboot your phone after it finishes fixing the permissions. Now go into settings and manage applications, and you'll see that you can no longer uninstall whatever apps you moved to the /system/app directory.
FYI Renaming .apk files doesn't seem to make a bit of difference either way.
(Forgive my horrible perspective descriptions: I/you)
I haven't tested it yet, but I believe unrooting the device should make any apps moved to the /system/app directory that require root access would become non-functional (right?). The reason this thread is a question is that I'm wondering if i did this correctly, and if so, I want to find out if unrooting and factory resetting my phone would somehow delete the apps in the /system/app directory that weren't included in the stock ROM. (I'm not really willing to do that yet; I still have to download the SDK to my new computer so I can do a NANDROID backup.) Any help answering these from a more experienced developer would be great.

If you want to incorporate apps into a rom, the apps have to be free or you must get consent from the developer to include in your rom
Sent from my Zio using XDA Premium App

Only if it is a Public rom. Even free app developers should be credited in a public rom

Mattix724 said:
If you want to incorporate apps into a rom, the apps have to be free or you must get consent from the developer to include in your rom
Sent from my Zio using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm operating under the assumption that you're using Google developed updates of system apps. I suppose I should have said something to that extent up top.
[UPDATE]
Okay, so I did a NAND and then factory reset my phone. Killed everything not in the /system/app directory. I'm sure you knew that would happen, but I guess I'm posting for the noobs. Easier to find, I guess.

Hi,
I've tried to integrate some apps using Titanium Backup but it stuch at 0% for more than 5mins so I cancelled the process. Is it normal that it was that slow? Does Titanium generate odex files too?
I've tried integrating updates for GoogleMaps, StreetView and Youtube using a recovery mode and ADB on my linux machine.
After the backup system data I've deleted original apk and odex files from /system/app/ and moved newer versions from /data/app/ to /system/app/.
I renamed the files from com.google.android.blah.blah.apk to old names (ie. Maps.apk, etc). I haven't generated the odex files.
Rebooted the phone (HTC Desire, 2.2, Orange UK) and these apps were not available. I couldn't run either GoogleMaps or Youtube. They weren't on the "All apps" list, but still were in the system app manager/uninstaller, but couldn't uninstall them as they were in system obviously.
Tried to clear Dalvik cache but no difference.
Then I've copied them with my user backed apk files (it went to /data/app and installed the newest versions) and all is fine - could launch them as usual.
Now using "adb push" method I copied my old system versions of these apps in the /system/app/ and all if fine. I could updated them to newer versions, but this obviously went to /data/app/, so didn't free the phone memory.
Any idea why integrated apps were not visible in the system?
Perhaps I shall just delete the old system apps and copy the ones from /data/app/ without renaming...
Much appreciate it.
Greg
edit:
All went fine now. Just deleted old files in the /system/app and moved newer version without renaming to from /data/app

use titanium backup and choose integrate updates into rom for the app

I don't want to pay for TB premium. I'm poor.
Sent from my Zio using XDA App

TB integrating not working on some phone (including mine) anyway.

ADB mount issues on captivate

I did Google and searched in this forum
Once i have rooted my device i wanted delete some stuff rename some stuff and intall some new apk's. I chose ADB and my device does get listed when i search using ADB devices and i granted SU(Super user) permissions. and I can isntall 3rd party apps without any issues.
i was try to push the nosecurity.email.apk to my phone when ever I tried to mount or delete overwrite or push a file i get permission denied or read only file or some kinda message which means that i can do what I'm trying to do.
3. now i want to replace my existing email.apk with the provided here
I was able to rename existing apk using Super Manger but i have to install the modified email.apk using ADB and now i'm stuck. I cant figure out how to install this apk using ADB or any other way.
i get SU permissions using Super manager and i have some root required tools like Busty Box Titanium backup........
????????
what can be done to resolve issues with ADB

jhogal1 said:
I did Google and searched in this forum
Once i have rooted my device i wanted delete some stuff rename some stuff and intall some new apk's. I chose ADB and my device does get listed when i search using ADB devices and i granted SU(Super user) permissions. and I can isntall 3rd party apps without any issues.
i was try to push the nosecurity.email.apk to my phone when ever I tried to mount or delete overwrite or push a file i get permission denied or read only file or some kinda message which means that i can do what I'm trying to do.
3. now i want to replace my existing email.apk with the provided here
I was able to rename existing apk using Super Manger but i have to install the modified email.apk using ADB and now i'm stuck. I cant figure out how to install this apk using ADB or any other way.
i get SU permissions using Super manager and i have some root required tools like Busty Box Titanium backup........
????????
what can be done to resolve issues with ADB
what is alternative way to install APPS(system apps not 3rd part apps) besides ADB and Side load wonder machine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way that I switch out keyboards (smart keyboard or swype which are system apps) is to use root explorer (paid app) and drop the .apk into the system/app folder after mounting it as read/write.
It may take a reboot for them to take effect.
There are other file system apps that will get you into the root directory that are free.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

Frank the Funkasaurus Rex said:
The way that I switch out keyboards (smart keyboard or swype which are system apps) is to use root explorer (paid app) and drop the .apk into the system/app folder after mounting it as read/write.
It may take a reboot for them to take effect.
There are other file system apps that will get you into the root directory that are free.
thanks for your reply
the issue is i can get to monut my device in RW mode atll ADB dosent allow me to that, the real issue for me is with ADB. once i have ADB working withh kinda acess i can write/rename/copy files
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

jhogal1 said:
I did Google and searched in this forum
Once i have rooted my device i wanted delete some stuff rename some stuff and intall some new apk's. I chose ADB and my device does get listed when i search using ADB devices and i granted SU(Super user) permissions. and I can isntall 3rd party apps without any issues.
i was try to push the nosecurity.email.apk to my phone when ever I tried to mount or delete overwrite or push a file i get permission denied or read only file or some kinda message which means that i can do what I'm trying to do.
3. now i want to replace my existing email.apk with the provided here
I was able to rename existing apk using Super Manger but i have to install the modified email.apk using ADB and now i'm stuck. I cant figure out how to install this apk using ADB or any other way.
i get SU permissions using Super manager and i have some root required tools like Busty Box Titanium backup........
????????
what can be done to resolve issues with ADB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this: Reboot to recovery, make sure your /system is mounted, and then plug in your usb.
After you've done that, in adb, type "adb root", and then try doing what you need to do.

Could try using Droid explorer to push the apk to phone, get root explorer to open files and change permissions. If adb isn't working for you, have you checked your environmental variables path? Something like c:/android-sdk/platform-tools etc. Also remember USB debugging enable. Remember when asking your phone for root priviledges to type in SU
Sent from SGS Captivate CM7 or MIUI with Escapist orTKGlitch using XDA premium app.

The application Gallery (process com.cooliris.media) has stopped unexpectedly

This is so annoying,
I have tried everything I could find online,
I removed the SD card to eliminate that as an option related to a corrupt image/ card.
I cleared Gallery the data under manage applications.
With ES file explorer
I deleted the com.cooliris.media folder multiple times
I renamed all dirs to hide them from the Gallery indexing.
Example renamed “DCIM” to ”.DCIM”
I opened and examined the file chunk_0 in
/com.cooliris.media/cache/local-album-cache
I was hoping i could see how far or were it crashed by the last dir it indexed.
After hiding all the dirs. I got it to this.
Data in “chunk_0(this file will grow as dirs are scanned and files are found)” opened in a hex editor.
..US..en............./...........4.......4...........b..intro..video/mp4.......................4.........O.{.....O.u...w..............:.............../
Not sure if this is a hit on what is crashing the gallery?

I'm guessing a factory reset didn't work either?

Have not done that, dont want to reconfigure the phone from scratch.
I always like to know the root of the real issue. seems kind of common.

I never use Gallery. Ever. So I wouldn't have an exact idea why it was going crazy.
Are you rooted and do you have Titanium Backup Free/Pro?
If so, back up the gallery app. Then delete it from the /system.
Restart your phone and restore the Gallery app and make it a system app again.

its rooted and i have Titanium Backup Pro.
i did not know you can delete the gallary.
I did download another gallery like app for now.
but i may give that a try.

Yeah. Wipe the data first then uninstall it.

i made the back up of the gallery, uninstalled it, when i try to recover/install it from the back up the phone stays in an install loop.
I have to reboot the phone.
now i deleted it how do i reinstall it?
I have gallery apk from the backup and the original is still under /system/app/com.cooliris.media.apk
when run the apk i get an error, application not installed.
I tried to use adb with no luck.
F:\~droid\root backup restore files\SuperOneClickv2.1.1-ShortFuse\ADB>adb instal
l gal.apk
993 KB/s (458660 bytes in 0.451s)
pkg: /data/local/tmp/gal.apk
Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_DEXOPT]
any pointers?

Follow the exact steps.
Open Titanium Backup
Wipe Gallery data (From Titanium Backup)
Uninstall Gallery (From Titanium Backup)
Restart phone
Restore App of Gallery (From Titanium Backup)
Restart phone
Try using gallery

I don’t think titanium is an option now.
as it never finishes installing. i let it go all night.
The Gallery has been deleted and i only have the option to restore. My only options are to restore App only or App+Data. both don’t finish.
so i have been reading you can force/push installs. i must be doing something wrong as it seems a restriction is preventing the other install methods,
at this point the only reason i care is i cant view images in 3d.

acem77 said:
I don’t think titanium is an option now.
as it never finishes installing. i let it go all night.
The Gallery has been deleted and i only have the option to restore. My only options are to restore App only or App+Data. both don’t finish.
so i have been reading you can force/push installs. i must be doing something wrong as it seems a restriction is preventing the other install methods,
at this point the only reason i care is i cant view images in 3d.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using adb
adb shell
su
mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/stl9 /system
exit
exit
adb push Gallery.apk /system/app
Reboot the phone.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S II

thanks but the phone does not seem to install it after the reboot.
F:\~droid\root backup restore files\SuperOneClickv2.1.1-ShortFuse\ADB>adb shell
$
$ su
su
# mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/stl9 /system
mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/stl9 /system
# exit
exit
$ exit
exit
F:\~droid\root backup restore files\SuperOneClickv2.1.1-ShortFuse\ADB>adb push g
al.apk /system/app
1321 KB/s (458660 bytes in 0.339s)
maybe it not 100% uninstalled? could have been an issue with how Titanium removed it.
if the os thinks its still there it wont install over it.

crap i created file called "\" now they systems treats it like a dir. i cant delete it
this is how i created it...fat fingered
F:\~droid\root backup restore files\SuperOneClickv2.1.1-ShortFuse\ADB>adb push c
om.cooliris.media.apk /system/app/\
ES file Explorer shows it as a 447.91kb file the same size as the com.cooliris.media.apk file...
if select delete in ES i starts to tally the root dir as if it will delete everything under "system"
I guess it can stay ....
I am still trying to get com.cooliris.media.apk to reinstall. will i see any installing action once i reboot the phone after pushing it?
I dont see any sign of it installing other than it appearing in the apps dir.
how does push really work should the Os install any apk in the app dir if missing?

No you won't. Do you have root explorer?

no,
does ES file Exploer work the same way?

I've never used it. Does ES File Explorer have root permissions?

this is just getting a annoying if the app is under /system/app
more or less thats it right? what would stop it from being seen by the phone...
been messing with the thing for hours.
then its crap i cant restore the gallery backup i made with out titanium get stuck...

The Dark Lestat said:
I've never used it. Does ES File Explorer have root permissions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i can hit any dir like system, and it can change all attributes.
I have been using it now to move files from my pc over the wifi and network shares.
I can have app.apk on my pc see it on the network with ES, and copy it to /system/app

i put a another version of gallery from another phone i found online in /system/app
after a reboot it showed up. not sure it thats a real sign as i can manual run and install it if i wish.
also this does no good in the long run as you cant view photos in 3d, as they are displayed side by side in this version of gallery.
maybe i need a fresh copy if the lg thrill gallery?

ok i found a ver of gallery from a custom cooked rom posting.
it shows up now,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1309114&highlight=gallery
but it still crashes like the original one did at the start of all this lol....
atleast i can view my pictures in 3d again.
i dont know what is causing the crash, but what causes it is at the end of scanning all the images. the more picutes i have the longer it takes to crash.
if i have zero images it crash instantly.
I guess my backup of the original gallery is corrupt?

That's what it seems. Do a titanium backup of all your used apps and reflash or factory reset?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S II