Alternative To Ad Free - Xoom Themes and Apps

Is there another ad blocking app that you can use with being rooted? This one is just not working no matter what I do, and emails to the dev have gone unanswered.

NO, unless you block the servers tru a Firewall, you also have to be rooted for AdFree to work. if you are rooted, just download the hosts file and copy it to "/etc/hosts" via adb, root explorer or whatever you like to use.

Do you leave it zipped, or unzip it first before moving it?
edit: Thanks, but that did not work.

Are all ads showing up or just some? If it is just some then the adserver might be missing from the hosts file.

All of them are being shown. That's certainly why I was hoping to find an alternative app. I have been working with this since I rooted and nothing works.

Related

[Q] Moving apks from my phone to the gtablet

I've given up trying to get full access to the Market. But I was able to find some of the apks on my Droid and was able to bring some of them over using a usb thumb drive. However, not all the apps I had downloaded to my Droid was visible. My question is do some apps delete their apks when done installing? I did have some that gave me a parse error when trying to install them on my tablet. Is there a hidden directory where I can find all the apks of the apps I've downloaded? e.g xplane, rush hour to name a few? Thanks. Or... is there a way to download the apk from Market to my PC directly? I'd be so happy if I could just get full access to google market!
Reggie777 said:
I've given up trying to get full access to the Market. But I was able to find some of the apks on my Droid and was able to bring some of them over using a usb thumb drive. However, not all the apps I had downloaded to my Droid was visible. My question is do some apps delete their apks when done installing? I did have some that gave me a parse error when trying to install them on my tablet. Is there a hidden directory where I can find all the apks of the apps I've downloaded? e.g xplane, rush hour to name a few? Thanks. Or... is there a way to download the apk from Market to my PC directly? I'd be so happy if I could just get full access to google market!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The apks are usually in your data/apps or data/apps-private. You should be able to get to these directories using RootExplorer on your phone if its rooted. Then get yourself a free Dropbox account which allows you to transfer files to any device you installed Dropbox on.
Look in these two locations. In the second one (/mnt/asec) you'll see the folder name of the app and inside that folder is the pkg.apk so you'll probably want to rename after you move it.
/data/app
and
/mnt/asec/(name of app)
Have you tried these methods yet?
Reggie777 said:
I've given up trying to get full access to the Market. But I was able to find some of the apks on my Droid and was able to bring some of them over using a usb thumb drive. However, not all the apps I had downloaded to my Droid was visible. My question is do some apps delete their apks when done installing? I did have some that gave me a parse error when trying to install them on my tablet. Is there a hidden directory where I can find all the apks of the apps I've downloaded? e.g xplane, rush hour to name a few? Thanks. Or... is there a way to download the apk from Market to my PC directly? I'd be so happy if I could just get full access to google market!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bluetooth File Transfer might help.
I put this link up a few days ago because I had the same problem.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=930036
Also, This video really worked for me with getting full market (roughly 98.9% really)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7l-nySibzeA&feature=related
Reggie 777, thanks for asking this question. I've been trying to figure out the same thing and asked about it in another thread but didn't get a clear answer.
So, to the experts: do you have to be rooted to do this? I've looked in both of the locations that tcrews mentioned and don't see much, if anything. I'm using Astro FileManager, if that helps.
Thanks
wordweaver27 said:
Reggie 777, thanks for asking this question. I've been trying to figure out the same thing and asked about it in another thread but didn't get a clear answer.
So, to the experts: do you have to be rooted to do this? I've looked in both of the locations that tcrews mentioned and don't see much, if anything. I'm using Astro FileManager, if that helps.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Astro doesn't show the files in /data and you'll need to be rooted and use something like Root Explorer. I just tried Astro and once I go in to /data I see nothing (and my phone is rooted). Using Root Explorer I see all the folders under /data and go into the folder app. I see my apps installed internally there and in /mnt/asec I see my apps installed to SDcard there.
wordweaver27 said:
Reggie 777, thanks for asking this question. I've been trying to figure out the same thing and asked about it in another thread but didn't get a clear answer.
So, to the experts: do you have to be rooted to do this? I've looked in both of the locations that tcrews mentioned and don't see much, if anything. I'm using Astro FileManager, if that helps.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No root neccessary to use Bluetooth File Transfer method.
I can only guess you need root for the method on the video because you do need to have an OS with GAPPS and Android market installed.
Root is needed to use Root explorer methed.
The Z4root1.2.2 app is a good tool to root without unlocking the bootloader and you can still keep your stock OS. However I'm assuming GAPPS may not work correctly with the stock TAPNTAP OS so getting full Google Android market with that OS is prolly not going to happen.
Thanks to everyone for the help. I am processing and digesting the info and playing around with the suggestions.
Thanks to sjmoreno for telling me where the apps are. And also tcrews. I would never have thought of looking in /mnt/sec. I was actually able to find the apks I was looking for... xplane. et al. Now I'm fiddling with the bluetooth transfer. Got the phone and tablet paired... connection is not working yet. But I'm still trying.
Thanks too to tekrhino for the bluetooth suggestion. Got the transfer program for my Droid. I'm learning how to use it. Seems easy to set up, but won't actually send anything... Still exploring it.
The video on the Market fix doesn't work for me because no matter what I do, Market does not show up in the running apps section of settings. It doesn't even show up in system apps. It only shows up in the downloaded section.
As they said in Galaxy Quest... "Never Give Up. Never Surrender." Thanks everyone.
I use TitaniumBackup syncing with dropbox, but really the market fix isnt hard... Running tntlite larest.
+1 for dropbox. You can also use astro to backup the apk's. They are stored in a folder named backup on the root of your SD card.
I use the program AndroZIP from the Market on my phone.
Do an application backup (part of the app) to my SDCard (it creates a app_backup folder on your SDcard)
Then, you can do bluetooth transfer, or plug phone and gTablet into PC with USB cables, wait for the drives to show up, and move the APK files over. Works well. No root required.
Since my phone is not rooted, I am not sure if this is grabing every application, but it seems to be. I was able to transfer whatever I wanted over from my phone to the tablet this way.
+1 titanium backup and dropbox.
Dropbox is handy but not necessary. Titanium is a must have purchase if you enjoy flashing new roms and don't feel like manually restoring all your apps and settings every time.
If you can download titanium to your Gtab your done. Dl titanium on your phone and backup your apps. Grab the file off your phones SD And move it to your Gtab. Open titanium on your Gtab and select the apps you want to install. You can even save app data this way and continue saved games from your phone ;-)
Reggie777 said:
Thanks to everyone for the help. I am processing and digesting the info and playing around with the suggestions.
Thanks to sjmoreno for telling me where the apps are. And also tcrews. I would never have thought of looking in /mnt/sec. I was actually able to find the apks I was looking for... xplane. et al. Now I'm fiddling with the bluetooth transfer. Got the phone and tablet paired... connection is not working yet. But I'm still trying.
Thanks too to tekrhino for the bluetooth suggestion. Got the transfer program for my Droid. I'm learning how to use it. Seems easy to set up, but won't actually send anything... Still exploring it.
The video on the Market fix doesn't work for me because no matter what I do, Market does not show up in the running apps section of settings. It doesn't even show up in system apps. It only shows up in the downloaded section.
As they said in Galaxy Quest... "Never Give Up. Never Surrender." Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure both devices have BTFT installed, that way you won't have any any problems with FTP OBEX protocals.
The app works great and reduces the extra steps you need to take with TB and DB with having to move apk's between the source device to your pc then from your pc to the target device. BTFT is a good source device to target device app.

[SOLVED]Medscape App. Help needed!!

Im a medical student and I really would love to be able to use the newly available Android Medscape app (free from the market) on my phone.
Unfortunately, it says in description of the app that it may have problems with "rooted" phones. Im assuming it means our HD2's running android on NAND as well, because after installing the App on my phone, I am unable to update/download the Clinical reference data required for the app to work offline.
It gives the error "Internet connectivity was interrupted..Please try again"
Any help from the developers or anyone else would be very greatly appreciated
dude0014 said:
Im a medical student and I really would love to be able to use the newly available Android Medscape app (free from the market) on my phone.
Unfortunately, it says in description of the app that it may have problems with "rooted" phones. Im assuming it means our HD2's running android on NAND as well, because after installing the App on my phone, I am unable to update/download the Clinical reference data required for the app to work offline.
It gives the error "Internet connectivity was interrupted..Please try again"
Any help from the developers or anyone else would be very greatly appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at the description and the error you gave, have you tried disabling any ad-blocking software? It may be something cooked into the ROM - if so, try asking the dev how to disable it. DLing now - i'll post back what I find.
.............................
EDIT:
Ok, having found this question asked on the thread for the ROM I use, you can remove medscape from the adblock 'hosts' list. (find it in \system\etc).
Original Post URL: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=11521445&highlight=block#post11521445
I had to copy the file to PC before editing and copied back again using droidexplorer.
kinsago said:
Looking at the description and the error you gave, have you tried disabling any ad-blocking software? It may be something cooked into the ROM - if so, try asking the dev how to disable it. DLing now - i'll post back what I find.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I forgot to mention the ROM im using. Its Core Droid DHD 1.5, and it seems you may be right. It says in the description of the ROM that the "Adds are Blocked (Host files modified)". Is there any way to reverse this host file change?
Fixed it with the help of the developer of the Core Droid ROM. Just opened the app "Add free" and hit "revert". Restored the original host file. Medscape works now.
im having the same issue and clicking the "revert" bottom on AdFree did not fix it
I have uninstalled AdFree and have the same problem all the time. Anybody fixed this?
i had the same problem!
After i revert the hosts file in ad-free, medscape did not update the reference!
So what i did:
I did not unistall ad-free, but:
- i revert the host file 3 times in a row;
- i stopped the access of AD Free from SuperUser (root access);
- and i restart medscape (i killed the process with automatic task killer) and start it again;
- and voila, my htc g1 is updating the reference while i text.
(i don't know what are the steps that make medscape update, but i guess, is the revert host file and restart the app, to it starts didn't knowing that can't access that host to update)
I hope this help you!
Good luck
It works for me, reverted host files, stopped Adfree acces to Superuser and voila!! Medscape is updating again. Thanx
how to correct medscape installation please?thx\
SOLVED!
Just got an OTA update for my flyer and software got updated to version 2.27.1540.32
The android version is 2.2.4 while sense is 1.0
Just for the record, AdFree only works on ROOTED devices. i mentioned in another thread on xda that adfree does not work for me. with this OTA update, my Medscape is finally installing as i type this - - -
Just kill the AdFree app and immediately run Medscape app,it'll definitely take the update.I did the same and it worked
i try looking for file in \system\etc
in use editor to open file host.. thera are a lot of files,
and it make me confuse, where the file "medscape from the adblock 'hosts' list" is ???
wisnu19 said:
i try looking for file in \system\etc
in use editor to open file host.. thera are a lot of files,
and it make me confuse, where the file "medscape from the adblock 'hosts' list" is ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i had found problem solve
copy host file from \system\etc (in yr device) to PC
[*]and open using worldpad in pc
[*]use search from worldpad..type medscape
[*]and delete all file which has name medscape
[*]save !!
[*]move and replace host file which edit from pc to \system\etc in yr device (use es file explorer)
[*]install again medscape
[*]and the update reference should work again..done !!
not solved for me!
Hi everyone!
Well, I've experienced the same "connectivity error" as everyone with a root cellphone, after reinstalling medscape app at my cell. I never had AdFree, and even though I'm able to found the hosts file and take a look of it with my pc it says absolutely nothing about medscape (only 127.0.0.1 localhost and emptyness after), so I guess I must be getting the wrong file or not accesing to it correctly?
I've tried everything you said, but is still not working.
I'm pretty new with android, and I would really aprecciate you help, given the fact that this is one of my favorities app!
lalauri089 said:
Hi everyone!
Well, I've experienced the same "connectivity error" as everyone with a root cellphone, after reinstalling medscape app at my cell. I never had AdFree, and even though I'm able to found the hosts file and take a look of it with my pc it says absolutely nothing about medscape (only 127.0.0.1 localhost and emptyness after), so I guess I must be getting the wrong file or not accesing to it correctly?
I've tried everything you said, but is still not working.
I'm pretty new with android, and I would really aprecciate you help, given the fact that this is one of my favorities app!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just rename file host in /system/etc via root explorer..then it works like a charm
note: ypu can rename it by any programs that's can mount and write root folder and explore (es file explore,x-plore,etc)
Rename?
ivaneris said:
i just rename file host in /system/etc via root explorer..then it works like a charm
note: ypu can rename it by any programs that's can mount and write root folder and explore (es file explore,x-plore,etc)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have got a file in /system/etc called "hosts" , so what should i rename it after? im using root explorer.
Thanks
Thanks Ivaneris
Iam on CM 7.2 LG p500.I had same probs and ur method really worked like a charm.I thought I almost lost it but thanks to you.BTW I renamed hosts file as explorer

[Q] Ad Blocking errors in internet browser while tethering through Mobile AP?

So I often watch TV show episodes on the websites for CBS, ABC, and NBC and just today for the first time I tried doing so while tethering to my phone using the Mobile AP. When I clicked on an episode, however, I received an error telling me, "This video is either unavailable or is being blocked by an ad blocker installed in your browser." The thing is, I definitely don't have an ad blocker installed in my browser; and, when I disconnected from my phone and instead connected directly to my ethernet, the video worked fine right away. I tried it for shows on NBC.com as well as ABC.com and received similar errors all pointing towards Ad Blocking software. Has anyone else ever experienced this or does anyone know the relation between tethering to Mobile AP and an Ad Blocker detection? Any help would be greatly appreciated as I have two laptops and only one ethernet hookup, so I would like to be able to have good internet connected to both at once.
No one huh???
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Install AdFree Android from the market, then choose revert.
do you have ad-blocking built into your rom? delete (or rename) the "hosts" file in system/etc
TRusselo said:
do you have ad-blocking built into your rom? delete (or rename) the "hosts" file in system/etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohhh wow I didn't even realize that ad-blocking came built into ROMs. I just quickly checked in /system/etc and did see the hosts file, opened it up and checked out the text. I tried renaming it but it was read-only, and root explorer wouldn't let me remount as r/w. I guess I'll look into it more tomorrow. But I would imagine I wouldn't want to just straight delete it right, as whatever ads it was blocking would no longer be blocked? I could just rename it any time I encountered errors while tethering to my laptop?
Does reverting through Adfree simply delete that hosts file?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
if root explorer wouldnt let you mount you might have lost root somehow. re root.
TRusselo said:
if root explorer wouldnt let you mount you might have lost root somehow. re root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think I did. I just updated the su binary and when I reopened root explorer, superuser asked me if I wanted to allow root access to root explorer. I've read that before somewhere of people having trouble remounting within the /system folder. It let's me remount on folders outside /system, just not inside it. I still haven't figured it out. I suppose I could use terminal emulator right?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
TRusselo said:
do you have ad-blocking built into your rom? delete (or rename) the "hosts" file in system/etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you were exactly right TR. i renamed the hosts file and re-tethered and i no longer received any errors about ad-blocking software. not to say the video is actually working too well tho - just keeps freezing. i guess streaming tv episodes while tethered to your phone isn't the best idea. anyway, thanks man!

[TUTORIAL] Block ads in Youtube apk (without xposed)

*edit
seems like it no longer works with updated youtube apk.
but give it a go anyway
hi guys
this is a simple trick which uses editing of hosts file to block youtube ads. works on KK, CM, AOSP JB etc.
i know alot of people use xposed and adblock and what not to block ads in youtube or use alternative youtube apps
however if you hate using 3rd party programs then this thread is for you.
Requirements*
-rooted phone
- file manager with root access (ie Root explorer, ES, CM file Manager etc)
- either edit hosts file manually or download my hosts file and push it to system/etc
-reboot
copy and paste the following into the hosts file and reboot (please note hosts file has no extension so DO NOT rename it to .txt, or .doc or anything like that, jsut leave it without any extension)
Code:
127.0.0.1 https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/*
127.0.0.1 https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/*
127.0.0.1 https://ad.doubleclick.net/*
127.0.0.1 https://s0.2mdn.net/ads/*
127.0.0.1 http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/*
127.0.0.1 http://stats.tubemogul.com/stats/*
127.0.0.1 http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/*
127.0.0.1 http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/*
127.0.0.1 ##div.video-ads html5-stop-propagation
127.0.0.1 ##div.pyv-afc-ads-inner
127.0.0.1 youtube.com###osd-id
or alternatively
downlaod and push https://mega.co.nz/#!Hsg2iTSI!pCNvYDEtoUQzoDWCGqwKjiSopsUBQLxgWVFet1npir8
this to system/etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or simply install adaway ...
mrassol said:
or simply install adaway ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or simply read?
i know alot of people use xposed and adblock and what not to block ads in youtube or use alternative youtube apps
however if you hate using 3rd party programs then this thread is for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you have no problem with 3rd party apps so clearly this thread is not intended for you... Some people do or just want to learn how to do things manually, this is xda DEVELOPERS after all...
Not sure why I'm even bothering to reply to a troll
This is nice
It isnt easily detected from sites when you edit the hosts, nice work!
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
adamsmth663 said:
hi guys
this is a simple trick which uses editing of hosts file to block youtube ads. works on KK, CM, AOSP JB etc.
i know alot of people use xposed and adblock and what not to block ads in youtube or use alternative youtube apps
however if you hate using 3rd party programs then this thread is for you.
Requirements*
-rooted phone
- file manager with root access (ie Root explorer, ES, CM file Manager etc)
- either edit hosts file manually or download my hosts file and push it to system/etc
-reboot
copy and paste the following into the hosts file and reboot (please note hosts file has no extension so DO NOT rename it to .txt, or .doc or anything like that, jsut leave it without any extension)
Code:
127.0.0.1 #https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/*
127.0.0.1 #https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/*
127.0.0.1 #https://ad.doubleclick.net/*
127.0.0.1 #https://s0.2mdn.net/ads/*
127.0.0.1 #http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/*
127.0.0.1 #http://stats.tubemogul.com/stats/*
127.0.0.1 #http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/*
127.0.0.1 #http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/*
127.0.0.1 ##div.video-ads html5-stop-propagation
127.0.0.1 ##div.pyv-afc-ads-inner
127.0.0.1 youtube.com###osd-id
or alternatively
downlaod and push https://mega.co.nz/#!244n0CTJ!SC3nPlmtmt1i2d4R2z9txPSM6aIYwASihoAqxKorFB8
this to system/etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went on etc/hosts file on ES File Manager and tried to edit it. Copied this and pasted on it but it won't save. I have root and ES File Manager has root permissions... This is weird.
V4LKyR said:
I went on etc/hosts file on ES File Manager and tried to edit it. Copied this and pasted on it but it won't save. I have root and ES File Manager has root permissions... This is weird.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if it wont save then it means you might not have full root, try running the latest easy root again..
adamsmth663 said:
if it wont save then it means you might not have full root, try running the latest easy root again..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But Root Checker says I have full root... :laugh: Really weird.
I downloaded host file push to system/etc
And reboot but it looks not working when I try to watch YouTube there still have ad
Do I need to change permission?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
paullu said:
I downloaded host file push to system/etc
And reboot but it looks not working when I try to watch YouTube there still have ad
Do I need to change permission?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try removing the # infront of each address listed
if that dosent work
download this host file it has 1000's of adddresses listed
https://mega.co.nz/#!Hsg2iTSI!pCNvYDEtoUQzoDWCGqwKjiSopsUBQLxgWVFet1npir8
try pushing this to system/etc (its 1.3 mb, the old file is 20kb, so you should be able to tell now if it has been pushed to the correct folder)
mrassol said:
or simply install adaway ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adaway doesn't seem to block ads from the updated version of YouTube apk.
I've event tried adding the http listed here in my blacklist in adaway, reboot and still didn't work.
had to open the host list and add this list in manually for it to finally block ads in the YouTube apk.
"#" cannot be read by system. You should remove them from links. Also last entry blocking directly Youtube.com
dilldoe said:
adaway doesn't seem to block ads from the updated version of YouTube apk.
I've event tried adding the http listed here in my blacklist in adaway, reboot and still didn't work.
had to open the host list and add this list in manually for it to finally block ads in the YouTube apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this mean it worked? I've tried using YouTube Adaway (Xposed Module) + Adaway and still had ads in the original YouTube application.
I manually added the hosts to d away black list (since the actual file is too large to edit with all the text editors I've tried) and have gotten a majority of the ads blocked. The problem with adding hosts to the blacklist is that they need to be in the form of just the server name. Including anything else results in adaway complaining about it not being a proper host name.
I don't know how adaway handles these blacklisted host names, meaning I have no clue if it adds a /* to the end, but doesn't blocking just a server result in everything being blocked to begin with ... Since adaway doesn't allow us to add directories after the server we can't really be too specific about what we block..
Therefore I wasn't able to block anything coming from YouTube.com itself or else I'd block the site completely.
It would he a good idea to move your download link to Box for example (Dropbox probably also works but just tested it with Box) so that people with Adaway can copy the Box URL and add it directly to AdAway's Host Sources list so it automatically updates when they press update, so they don't need to always check here to see if any changes were made.
Here's my test link that works, (as far as adding to Hosts Sources in AdAway...whether or not YouTube ads are blocked I've yet to test fully again). It's fine if anyone wants to use this one, but there's no guarantee I'll update the list if the OP updates their list.
Link Deleted
Rebooted and after a bunch of tries, I ended up catching an ad. I'm going to see if I can catch some of the new URLs. Btw, this was with adaway's default hosts sources plus the YouTube hosts you posted as well as the moab list that's posted here on xda (that's a lot of hosts getting blocked...that moab lost is huge and as the name says, Mother Of All Ad Blocking. It does seem to be blocking some of the ads as they seem less frequent but could be placebo.
Edit: Seems like the adaway final merged lost of my goat sources is getting malformed cause after a
PHP:
grep "120.0.0.1 youtube.com###osd-id" /etc/hosts
Nothing is returned. Lemme reboot and see of the updated link I provided fixes the issue after applying the list again...
-----------
Well I unchecked all sources except the YouTube hosts from the Box link and even though it says it successfully applied the changes..it didn't..so off to try other cloud storages...might have to just create a webpage and put it there as I know that works but I don't see why this isn't working.
# when applied only "YouTube.com" gets redirected ..also is duplicate entries and I guess not formatted correctly to automatically import into adaway....
Update: Used logcat and checked the ad URLs and they are correct as listed here. So, I parsed through a little more and found where YouTube was pinging for ads, and then found the code in smali. Pretty sure I've found the ad URL constants and doing a build now where I just set each one to 121.0.0.1 and have it redirect back just as if in the hosts file and leave the rest of the code intact to reduce chances of error.
---------------------
Seems like only ads from googleads.g.doubleclick.net are passing through. Oh, yeah I found another URL to add to the YouTube list to redirect or add to adaway blacklist.
Code:
csi.gstatic.com
Looking at the code, it appears that the app pings a request for an ad and then receives it and passes it on to the actual video playback classes, so the URLs may not even be hard coded. If I could find what framework I'm missing I could look and see, still working on that.
I tried a few variations last night on changing the source, which I can decompile. Tried removing all the ad request calls by just returning void and leaving the methods empty and not removing the actual classes. I could use search and try removing all references to the classes so the entire ad interface is removed but doing so cleanly will take a lot of time.
In the mean time I'll keep adding new URLs as I find them. I just need to figure out the flow more...there's a lot of code. If anyone can decompile the resources .. It would be helpful (or know what framework I'm missing...I need to try again and look at the error log and find out what jar/apk the class is in.
---------------------------------------
Finally got resources to decompile. Stupid apktool mobile is picky about imported framework naming. And I has to import them manually but got it straight .. Anyways can't find any host or proxies in there or URLs .. Time to check the /data folder for YouTube though. Guess I couldn't technically modify the XML there so that the ads aren't visible but that's not what im after right now.
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The Google Services Framework database contains tables which also contain booleans for controlling ads (both in /data/data and /data/0/user. The googleads.g.doubleclick.net host is also apparently controlled here and looks like the reasoning why this was passing by was due to it being enabled and therefore white listed. Use SQLLite Editor and you'll see what I mean. This has been mostly what I've been looking for. Several other ad switches can be turned on and off here.. Some ads are still fetched by youtube.com/whatever, but I haven't manually added that to my hosts yet as was looking for a way to maybe disable those as well elsewhere. There's a lot in gsf I probably looked right past and missed.
Since when hosts file can block elements? Hosts file can't read anything besides domain name. Guys don't waste your time adding this nonsense to your hosts file. It might even slow down your browsing because it won't read the hosts file and it will wait till it times out. If you wish then download a proper hosts file but don't add these lines manually.
---------- Post added at 06:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:54 AM ----------
MidnightHarvester said:
Some ads are still fetched by youtube.com/whatever, but I haven't manually added that to my hosts yet as was looking for a way to maybe disable those as well elsewhere. There's a lot in gsf I probably looked right past and missed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The easiest way to see all URLs by using your router if you have tomato or ddwrt installed. All you need is enable dnsmasq log and then you can see all urls requests. I didn't spend much time only about 15 minutes but I couldn't block ads using hosts file and I blocked most of the requests using hosts file. Maybe I missed something but anyway give it a go and don't use wildcards, slashes, divs, or http in hosts file. A proper hosts file must look like
127.0.0.1 domain.com
or
127.0.0.1 www.domain.com
Almazick said:
Since when hosts file can block elements? Hosts file can't read anything besides domain name. Guys don't waste your time adding this nonsense to your hosts file. It might even slow down your browsing because it won't read the hosts file and it will wait till it times out. If you wish then download a proper hosts file but don't add these lines manually.
---------- Post added at 06:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:54 AM ----------
The easiest way to see all URLs by using your router if you have tomato or ddwrt installed. All you need is enable dnsmasq log and then you can see all urls requests. I didn't spend much time only about 15 minutes but I couldn't block ads using hosts file and I blocked most of the requests using hosts file. Maybe I missed something but anyway give it a go and don't use wildcards, slashes, divs, or http in hosts file. A proper hosts file must look like
127.0.0.1 domain.com
or
127.0.0.1 www.domain.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I had to clean this up before even trying.. I have all ads blocked now anyways thankfully. Some ada are manages in Google Play Services and stored in one of the databases in the data file for that, and is most likely white listing these certain domains we can't block. My host file is formatted correctly ..been using them forever before uneven started using them to block ads.
Normal hosts I use blocks most the ads, blocked the g.googleads whatever it is domain via editing the play services database so other APS don't see them, then added my code in the smali eliminating YouTube from even pinging for ad servers...so all good
Thanks for the tips though in sure they'll be useful ')
This procedure works great!
I cannot post links for the moment. Try to search on Google this two keywords: "lolloland youtube"
The first link "TechNote: How to remove video ads from Youtube without ..." is a good procedure to configure your hosts files not to see pre-roll Youtube Ads.
Numerio said:
I cannot post links for the moment. Try to search on Google this two keywords: "lolloland youtube"
The first link "TechNote: How to remove video ads from Youtube without ..." is a good procedure to configure your hosts files not to see pre-roll Youtube Ads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really does not work I don't get why android's hosts file gets ignored if it is about the Youtube app.

[Q] How to filter/block ads

Is there a way to filter or block ads in the apps ? In android is possible to mod a hosts file through apps such as AdAway or AdFree; has WP8 something similar ?
the gladiator said:
Is there a way to filter or block ads in the apps ? In android is possible to mod a hosts file through apps such as AdAway or AdFree; has WP8 something similar ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No !!!
You can edit the HOSTS file with an interop-unlocked phone. There's no current way to do it on a phone without interop-unlock, though.
Eye to change the host file First, as gooddaytodie says you need to interop and then enable full access to get full access to system folders. .. I have tried to edit the file to remove the ads from app but then I found myself with 3g and wifi not working.. So I thought I'd put the original file but are no longer able to replace it because Microsoft protected.. I had to Flash the full partition. Informed well before modifying it
It`s not the way with Windows Phone 8, but anyway. I`m using my router Netgear router to block the ads. Of cource it will work only when you`re connected to your Wi-Fi spot (or LAN with PC, Laptop or any other Ethernet-compatible thing).
I appreciate the information you gave me (and to the forum). A big thanks to GoodDayToDie who gave some hope and a "grosso grazie" to BlackSilverGT for the heads-up.
GoodDayToDie, could you please elaborate a bit your answer in order to avoid what happened to BlackSilverGT ? The alternative would the work-around suggested by winphoneuser
I have no explanation for what happened to @BlackSilverGT, so I can't promise how to avoid it. I used an app which moves files via CRpcComponent (rather than using the full access via MTP hack) but I have modified the HOSTS file that way, and it works. Maybe the problem was the *particular* modifications you made? I wasn't trying to block ads or anything like that, just intercepting traffic from an app. The tool I wrote for the purpose was a one-off and I seem to have deleted it, but I have a more general-purpose file editing utility under development.

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