There's been a lot of speculation on what can and can't be removed as well as how to remove them without causing force-closes, boot loops, and other headaches. So I wrote this script that will let you disable all of the bloat with none of the hassle.
After a few prompts to find out if there's anything you want to keep that can't be replaced in the market, it will do its magic -- renaming files to a .bak extension so they are no longer recognized by Android. This will cause some system services to fail and force-close loop until you reboot (and the script reboots for you). Also included is a script that will undo all of this.
If you select every option, including the default launcher and text messaging apps (which are confirmed safe to remove without losing SMS or MMS ability or push notifications), then here's the list of apps removed:
AdService.apk, android-syncservice-app.apk, ArcVideoEditorLite.apk, BackupAssistanceClient.apk, Blockbuster.apk, BlurHome2.apk, BlurSNMessagingEngine.apk, BlurTasks.apk, BlurUpdater_VZW.apk, BooksPhone.apk, CitrixReceiver.apk, CityID.apk, Conversations.apk, DLNA.apk, DlnaSystemService.apk, FriendFeed.apk, gotomeeting-stub-1.0.74.apk, GuidedTours.apk, HelpCenter.apk, IMPresence.apk, IndexingService.apk, Kindle.apk, MessagesWidget.apk, Messaging.apk, MOTOPRINT.apk, MSExchangeService.apk, MyVerizon.apk, NewBayVault_4.2.99.36.Market.apk, NFLMobile.apk, OnlineAlbum.apk, PhotoEditor.apk, PortalStandAlone.apk, Preloaded.apk, RichLocationVzW.apk, SkypeBourbon.apk, Slackerradio.apk, SocialMessaging.apk, SocialShare.apk, StatusWidget.apk, SuggestionsProvider.apk, SuggestionsRuleCheckerCore.apk, SuggestionsServiceScheduler.apk, Swype.apk, ToggleWidgets.apk, UniversalInbox.apk, Upgrader.apk, VCAST_TONES_4_5_7.apk, VCASTMusic.apk, VCASTVideo.apk, VSuiteApp.apk, vzw_vnav_DROID3_rel_PROD_signed.apk, VZWIM.apk, VZWInstaller.apk, WeatherWidget.apk, ZumoCast_1.0.17.apk
Make sure you run these scripts using Script Manager or a comparable app and be sure to enable it to run as root or it won't have permission to make changes to /system/app.
This is version 1 of the scripts -- if any of the apps removed wind up causing problems or more are found, I'll add it to the list. I've tested the scripts back and forth myself and have tested it as much as I can without finding any issues. Also, some apps are removed without asking, such as ZumoCast or VCAST or NFL Mobile. You can find these apps in the market, so there's no point keeping them locked down in system.
Enjoy! Comments are welcome.
UPDATE 9/1/2011: fixed a typo in one of the variables (thanks everyone who reported this), added more options to keep (Swype and Car Dock Voice Commands), split into two versions -- one for the stock 5.5.959 build and 5.6.890 update (late August OTA), added a warning about removing the home screen without a launcher and that it removes the Calendar widget.
Great, but maybe it would be nice to make a y/n option for each .apk where it asks you if you want to delete that apk
script
instructions for use?
thanks
DoubleYouPee said:
Great, but maybe it would be nice to make a y/n option for each .apk where it asks you if you want to delete that apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't delete them -- we don't have an SPF yet. Someone posted the complete /system/app contents and you could restore, technically, manually, but it's a bad idea. Renaming to a .bak is completely effective.
lodisax said:
instructions for use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the post.
You'll want to use Script Manager -- unzip the two scripts to your SD card (internal or external), launch Script Manager (free version is fine), find the script and click it, then tick on 'root' and then run the script. Follow the prompts from there.
script
thanks for the answer
psouza4 said:
You shouldn't delete them -- we don't have an SPF yet. Someone posted the complete /system/app contents and you could restore, technically, manually, but it's a bad idea. Renaming to a .bak is completely effective.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeh sorry that's what I meant.. Option to y/n rename the apk.
I'd like to use the script once I get my droid 3 but would like to 'keep' some of the apks.
DoubleYouPee said:
Yeh sorry that's what I meant.. Option to y/n rename the apk.
I'd like to use the script once I get my droid 3 but would like to 'keep' some of the apks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's Y/N for anything you'd want to keep. About 6-7 questions in total. Anything that you can't find in the market that isn't definitely bloat has a prompt.
script
script manager that you use?
I use script manager and asked me if I want to remove each apk or not.
There is a script manager that does everything automatically?
thanks for the answer
lodisax said:
script manager that you use?
I use script manager and asked me if I want to remove each apk or not.
There is a script manager that does everything automatically?
thanks for the answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please read the thread thoroughly -- I'm going to ignore obvious questions like these.
psouza4 said:
There's Y/N for anything you'd want to keep. About 6-7 questions in total. Anything that you can't find in the market that isn't definitely bloat has a prompt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what if I wanna keep DLNA, photoeditor and socialmessaging?
DoubleYouPee said:
So what if I wanna keep DLNA, photoeditor and socialmessaging?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then answer 'Y' to the prompts asking if you want to keep 'DLNA' or 'social messaging'. There are plenty of photo editors in the market, so there's no prompt on that (although if you were so inclined, you could just rename the .BAK's back to their original files). I feel you haven't actually looked at the script or read my post.
psouza4 said:
I've tested the scripts back and forth myself and have tested it as much as I can without finding any issues. Also, some apps are removed without asking, such as ZumoCast or VCAST or NFL Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the ultimate test is to do factory reset and see how device will go through initialization stage. It can be surprises which are not noticeable during normal use. Without this it is kind of premature to say what is safe to delete and what is not.
serg675 said:
I think the ultimate test is to do factory reset and see how device will go through initialization stage. It can be surprises which are not noticeable during normal use. Without this it is kind of premature to say what is safe to delete and what is not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ehh I agree with you to a point, because i made the very noobish mistake of uninstalling bloat that i knew would not effect daily use; however, I did a factory reset to test a theory for krazy and learned that something I uninstalled makes the setup process FC and wont let you get to the blur launcher, luckily other launchers work and I was able to batch install via adb.
Thing is though is if the phone reboots when this stuff is renamed then it will survive a factory reset, though it may do the same thing mine has done. If it does its no big deal to load up adb and rename the files back so that you can complete the setup.
You forgot the World Clock widget in your removal script; the only clock that thinks it needs a permanently-resident service, regardless of whether it's running or not.
Xenoproctologist said:
You forgot the World Clock widget in your removal script; the only clock that thinks it needs a permanently-resident service, regardless of whether it's running or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That messes with the dock though, so I don't consider it bloat.
I know its a lot to ask... but can someone either create a comprehensive list of what each one actually does... or point us in a direction to where there already is one?
Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk
Seirÿu said:
I know its a lot to ask... but can someone either create a comprehensive list of what each one actually does... or point us in a direction to where there already is one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open the script in a text editor and read my comments -- it gives each one a title.
@psouza4 - nice work, it's about time someone took a more organised approach to figuring out what apks are safe to remove.
I tried to get a similar effort going here :-
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17004394&postcount=11
but the way people behave on this forum, it's like trying to herd cats.
thingonaspring said:
@psouza4 - nice work, it's about time someone took a more organised approach to figuring out what apks are safe to remove.
I tried to get a similar effort going here :-
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17004394&postcount=11
but the way people behave on this forum, it's like trying to herd cats.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Couple of notes, too:
It was asked in IRC why I'm removing 'android-syncservice-app.apk'. This service is the extra backup stuff that Verizon added on (as evidenced inside the package in /assets/system.properties you'll find several references to verizon servers for sync, like sm_connection_url=http://syncba.myvzw.com/syncml). This service doesn't do anything beneficial for you unless you really have a hard-on for Verizon's sync stuff. I've had it disabled since we achieved root and it has no affect on account sync services (contacts, gmail, calendar, reader, etc.) nor SMS/MMS push notifications, etc.
Also, a fellow PM'd me saying he got errors that variable names were invalid -- turns out he had edited the script in Windows, saved it, and that broke the UNIX-style line endings. If you're going to modify the script, use Notepad++, UltraEdit, or something that will maintain the correct line endings. Or just use an editor on the phone, such as in Root Explorer.
Thanks a bunch man, works great. About to run a benchmark to see the results!
Related
Sorry bout the last one. This one is good now
Hello all,
I've thrown together an app-pack that includes apps that i see are necessary and important to have on my phone. I was getting very frustrated with constantly having to reinstall my apps after flashing a new rom on. So i decided to create a batch file that will allow you to install back all your apps very easily.
I know there are things such as ADB file explorer, but i think that this is a much simpler way of doing it. Its also very easy for me to add apps that you guys feel needs to be included.
Let me know what you guys think.
App list
1. Root booter
2. Set cpu
3. Move cache for root users
4. Swapper
5. WiFi teather
6. Google places
7. Tmo visual voicemail
8. Shop savvy
9. Shazamm
10. Movies
11. Free dictionary
12. Ad free
13. App Manager
14. Taskiller
15. aTrackdog
16. Biz Card Reader
17. Keep Screen Lite
18. Pure Calander Lite
Change log:
v1.1
-added ability to remove apps that you don't want installed on the phone
v1.2
-corrected app pack to follow xda rules
v1.3
-added 3 new apps
v1.4
-added bizcardreader, keep screen lite and pure calander lite
-replaced apps with new updated versions from market
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WKFMZH1Y
Can you post or PM me with the list of apps?
I just want to take this time to point out that apks are not tamper-proof. While I doubt mgorman went and modified any of the apps included in this pack, I wouldn't get in the habit of installing apps from unsafe sources. The only sources that should be considered safe are official Android Markets or the official website of an app.
jashsu said:
I just want to take this time to point out that apks are not tamper-proof. While I doubt mgorman went and modified any of the apps included in this pack, I wouldn't get in the habit of installing apps from unsafe sources. The only sources that should be considered safe are official Android Markets or the official website of an app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can they be tampered with? Like.turning them into a virus?
And what about the apks that devs include in their roms? Are you referring to them as well?
mgorman said:
How can they be tampered with? Like.turning them into a virus?
And what about the apks that devs include in their roms? Are you referring to them as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyone has to decide what their comfort level is in terms of accepting who they will trust an apk from, particularly root-enabled apps. These apps have the potential to do anything they please to the filesystem.
Google Experience Android phones are great because one can install apks from any source. That is one of the core requirements for open innovation, but its also a double edged sword. It's the user's burden to decide what is a safe source for apks. You wouldn't eat candy from a stranger, afterall, would you?
I see what you mean and I can assure anyone that is going to try this that I didn't mess with the apks and they're downloaded straight from the market
mgorman said:
I see what you mean and I can assure anyone that is going to try this that I didn't mess with the apks and they're downloaded straight from the market
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want to reiterate that in no way did I mean to imply that the linked zip file contains malware (but neither can I guarantee that it doesn't). Instead I was stating that it is bad security to install executable/interpreted code from unverified sources. Especially when one can just as easily grab the aforementioned apps themselves.
I would just like to point out that root booter is not recomended for any cyanogen rom. He has built a safer reboot and shutdown into his rom.
FYI the easiest way to reboot into recovery is to 'hold power' 'select reboot' 'hold in the home button until it reboots' There is no need to turn the phone all the way off and hold both buttons.
followinginsanity said:
I would just like to point out that root booter is not recomended for any cyanogen rom. He has built a safer reboot and shutdown into his rom.
FYI the easiest way to reboot into recovery is to 'hold power' 'select reboot' 'hold in the home button until it reboots' There is no need to turn the phone all the way off and hold both buttons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats why I made an option to remove apps from being installed.
Watch out for an update to the app-pack coming later tonight....
Want to add an application to the pack? Send me a PM and I'll put it in there
Just a thought
Is there a way this can be done so we can we can add the app(s) of our choice to customize the way we want it?
Apaca1ypse said:
Is there a way this can be done so we can we can add the app(s) of our choice to customize the way we want it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can. Any apps that you want installed you can place in the wanted-apps folder and when you run the batch any apk in the wanted-apps folder will be installed to your phone.
I will be adding some more options to the menu such as rebooting into recovery, rebooting into fastboot, etc. as well as more apps.
I've searched around a bit (maybe not as long as I should've), but I don't see how to remove the stock bloatware apps that come with this phone.
Can someone point me to a guide, or give me a quick run down?
Flapjack said:
I've searched around a bit (maybe not as long as I should've), but I don't see how to remove the stock bloatware apps that come with this phone.
Can someone point me to a guide, or give me a quick run down?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a pain lol. Theres so many i just gave up lol (fyi they don't take up much space)
This is the code :
Code:
adb shell
su
rm /system/app/<apk name>
pm uninstall <package name>
Just download Titanium Backup form Android Market and you can delete apks easily. HTH.
Daneshm90 said:
Its a pain lol. Theres so many i just gave up lol (fyi they don't take up much space)
This is the code :
Code:
adb shell
su
rm /system/app/<apk name>
pm uninstall <package name>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it does seem like a PITA.
antz88c said:
Just download Titanium Backup form Android Market and you can delete apks easily. HTH.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I'll try that. Do you have to actually do a backup/restore process before you can remove them? Or can you just remove them from the app itself?
antz88c said:
Just download Titanium Backup form Android Market and you can delete apks easily. HTH.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could do that but then ur left with a /data/data folder for ur app and its name under packages.xml.
The other thing that kills me is that a lot of these apps keep popping up for now reason. I run "Advanced Task Killer" on a frequent basis, but I'll find apps like "Slacker" sitting there, taking up memory.
I know a lot of these apps are set to run on startup.... but why are they just starting up at random times?
I feel like I have so little control over this phone... it actually scares me. I knew everything my WinMo phone was doing at all times.
Daneshm90 said:
You could do that but then ur left with a /data/data folder for ur app and its name under packages.xml.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can these items just be deleted?
I went to Samsung Firmwares and got the UGJG8 firmware and flashed that using Odin and 512.pit. You will get a 100% bone stock i9000m with no bloatware.
Just remember to write down your current APN settings as you will have to readd them.
antz88c said:
Just download Titanium Backup form Android Market and you can delete apks easily. HTH.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call me an idiot, but I can't figure out who to remove apps with this app.
Flapjack said:
Can these items just be deleted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They could but that would be longer, since ud have to go through packages.xml to look for ur app. In simple terms :
Its like uninstall a windows software. Your deleting its c:\program files directory whereas im going to "uninstall software" and following procedure.
BobbyTee said:
I went to Samsung Firmwares and got the UGJG8 firmware and flashed that using Odin and 512.pit. You will get a 100% bone stock i9000m with no bloatware.
Just remember to write down your current APN settings as you will have to readd them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How in the heck do you find that? I've been all over the Samsung site and I can only find are Windows drivers.
**EDIT**
Nevermind, I found it on another site. I think this is what you meant, right?:
http://samsung-firmwares.com/i9000.htm
Also, what is the difference between the I9000DTJG4 and the I9000UGJG8 firmware?
Daneshm90 said:
They could but that would be longer, since ud have to go through packages.xml to look for ur app. In simple terms :
Its like uninstall a windows software. Your deleting its c:\program files directory whereas im going to "uninstall software" and following procedure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it.
Now, is that a script I need to write for each app? I haven't even gone so far as to explore the file system, let alone write scripts. Is there a good (recommended) app for putting scripts together? ...or are you just using a notepad type editor in Windows, then copying them over via SD card?
Flapjack said:
Got it.
Now, is that a script I need to write for each app? I haven't even gone so far as to explore the file system, let alone write scripts. Is there a good (recommended) app for putting scripts together? ...or are you just using a notepad type editor in Windows, then copying them over via SD card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure u can write a quick .bat script that does this or manually enter them in command-prompt up 2 u. Btw, what exactly is ur issue with the bloat-software ? is it the space its taking up ? or being shown in app drawer ? Cuz if ur using launcher-pro u can hide those apps from the drawer. Honestly they don't take up tht much space.
Daneshm90 said:
Sure u can write a quick .bat script that does this or manually enter them in command-prompt up 2 u. Btw, what exactly is ur issue with the bloat-software ? is it the space its taking up ? or being shown in app drawer ? Cuz if ur using launcher-pro u can hide those apps from the drawer. Honestly they don't take up tht much space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the biggest thing is that they're actually running without me opening them (eg: Slacker). That is really starting to piss me off. Secondly, they are very clutter-some. I don't have Launcher Pro, though I've heard good things about it. Is this something I get from the Marketplace? It runs instead of the Samsung interface, right?
**EDIT**
Just found "LauncherPro" on the Market. Looks good, but many are complaining the latest version is laggy/buggy and has obnoxious ad placement.
Does anyone have the next most recent version?
Flapjack said:
Well, the biggest thing is that they're actually running without me opening them (eg: Slacker). That is really starting to piss me off. Secondly, they are very clutter-some. I don't have Launcher Pro, though I've heard good things about it. Is this something I get from the Marketplace? It runs instead of the Samsung interface, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope its independent of proprietary frameworks, i.e it runs on stock.
Daneshm90 said:
Nope its independent of proprietary frameworks, i.e it runs on stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So would this be ok to install right now, or wait until I possibly flash the bone-stock firmware (which ironically would eliminate the included apps)?
Flapjack said:
So would this be ok to install right now, or wait until I possibly flash the bone-stock firmware (which ironically would eliminate the included apps)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope it'll run on ANY proprietary/nonproprietary android firmware which is 2.0+
I just use root explorer and delete apk+odex from system/app
fua said:
I just use root explorer and delete apk+odex from system/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you go into a little more detail? What is odex?
Its fairly easy, actually.. No apps or code needed. Go to:
Settings -> Applications -> Manage Applications
Press the menu button, and press Filter. Then change the selection to "All"
Hey everyone, I'm not sure why all of the 3rd party apps on MIUI Revamped are installed as system apps and we can't remove, so I made a little script to remove all those. Here's how:
Download my script attached and remove the .txt ending so it ends in .sh
- Download Gscript Lite from the market.
- Start Gscript, leave it to take Superuser access, and close it
- a new folder called "gscript" was created on your internal sdcard;
- Copy my script in gscript folder on internal sdcard:
/sdcard/gscript
- Start Gscript and then press:
Code:
Menu --> Add script --> Load file
select the script, and check 'Need SU' if not already clicked, then save;
- A new script is added!
- Press on the script you want and it will run thru and remove those apps!
**If you want to customize which apps get removed**
Open the script with a text editor and remove lines from there or add more.
To find the name of the app, you can open the MIUI Revamped ROM download and go into the System/app folder and look at the app names.
HAVE FUN!!!
I appreciate your effort but sounds like using adb or rootexplorer would be easier. If this causes problems with my rom it will be removed. Download revamped for what it is.if you don't like what's in revamped then run stock. You really should have asked before having peopl altering my rom. If you uaw this and encounter problems DO NOT REPORT IN ReVaMpED thread.
nickmcminn60 said:
I appreciate your effort but sounds like using adb or rootexplorer would be easier. If this causes problems with my rom it will be removed. Download revamped for what it is.if you don't like what's in revamped then run stock. You really should have asked before having peopl altering my rom. If you uaw this and encounter problems DO NOT REPORT IN ReVaMpED thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are entirely too offended by this. We all use your rom because we love how it runs, but all the live wallpapers and extra apps, A LOT of people don't use. And until now I have been removing them via adb or other root uninstallers. It takes too long since you update your rom every friday. Quick question, why put all these 3rd party apps in the system/app folder? You completely missed the point of my post. It could very well have something to do with how you build your rom, I don't know I'm not a developer. Again, I'm not sure why you are so offended. If I was tweaking the hell out of your rom or something I could understand but its just removing some apps. Why the hostility?
lupascu.marius said:
You are entirely too offended by this. We all use your rom because we love how it runs, but all the live wallpapers and extra apps, A LOT of people don't use. And until now I have been removing them via adb or other root uninstallers. It takes too long since you update your rom every friday. Quick question, why put all these 3rd party apps in the system/app folder? You completely missed the point of my post. It could very well have something to do with how you build your rom, I don't know I'm not a developer. Again, I'm not sure why you are so offended. If I was tweaking the hell out of your rom or something I could understand but its just removing some apps. Why the hostility?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because sir for you never asked us to make these mods. Second there's no hostility just speak the truth. There are proper ways to go about things and this sir isn't. I am standing 100% behind my partner, except he doesn't want this take down and i do. All this does is cause problems and confusions. IF YOU USE THIS TO ALTAR OUR ROM, PLEASE DON'T REPORT BUG'S.
once again no personal attack just there is a proper way of doing things thank you.
Thread in hiatus while we investigate...
Regards,
M_T_M
@OP...I will contact you via PM soon.
I used psouza4's Bloatware Removal for Droid 3 script to remove the bloat from my Bionic: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1238472.
While it got most of it, it left behind a few apps due to name changes in apps between the 2 devices. After SSH-ing into my device I compared the names of the lingering apps with the ones in the script and made the proper changes.
I saw in his post that some people were looking for a more refined way of removing Motorola's widgets, so I added that to the bottow of the script for users to uncomment if they want to remove specific widgets instead of all or nothing.
Lastely, I tossed in a few other options that would have to be uncommented to run, such as removal of QuickOffice, File Browser, and Browser. The latter 2 will need replacements installed prior to removing them or problems will occur (or so I've read).
That being said, I will not post the script until I get the OK from psouza4 to repost his work with my changes. Also, if this has been done already (I couldn't find it...and yes, I looked) then please let me know and I won't bother. Stay tuned if you're interested in using it. Hopefully I can repost it for new Bionic owners like myself.
Diff Output
Attached is the diff output I ran against my edit and the original script. The first entry of each comparison is my edit to the original command in the script.
Scripts
Attached are the de-bloat and restore scripts based on psouza4's Droid 3 work.
n00b Question:
Does this just freeze all bloat or does it remove it completely?
Easy answer I'm sure... I just want to be sure I understand what this does.
-Thanks
Darca said:
n00b Question:
Does this just freeze all bloat or does it remove it completely?
Easy answer I'm sure... I just want to be sure I understand what this does.
-Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it renames the files with a .bak extension so the OS can't see them, and therefore wont load them.
by not deleting them you can run the restore script to remove the. bak extension. i had to do this today to update my bionic (the update fails upon installation if it cant see the apps you renamed.
make sure to follow the instructions in psouzas post with regards to using a program such as script manager.
Thank you!
I ... may have bricked my Droid 4. I won't go into details unless somebody asks, but I don't think it's necessary. I AM able to get to the recovery mode though, I just have nothing to recover from.... I misplaced my back-up.
So, I need SOMETHING to flash my phone to. 4.0/2.0/I don't care, I just need any rom/SBF to make this bad boy boot again. Anybody have anything?
I saw and downloaded the first thing that shows up when you google "droid-4-system-dump-wallpapers-ringtones.html" (link doesn't work because I'm new) But, I was unable to make anything of it.... What do I do?
Just to help others avoid the same fate can you please let us all know what you did?
zeroibis said:
Just to help others avoid the same fate can you please let us all know what you did?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, in hindsight it was kind of dumb. I rooted it, and began to remove all of the VZW sponsored apps. Once I did that, it cleared out a lot of memory (storage AND ram) but seemed to come with the downside of preventing my "settings" activity opening up. As in, whenever I hit "menu" then "Settings" from the main launcher, it would force close behind the scenes (logcat showed the stack trace for the settings activity).
I spent the next day trying to fix that issue, copying "settings.apk" from that link I mentioned earlier to my root director, but that didn't fix it. So, I went and tried copying entire folders over. This is the embarrassing part... I hit a 'delete' button on the "system/apps" folder, got about 30 force close windows, and am now stuck in a bootloop.
Doing the "power + both volume buttons" still gives me the recovery menu, but I don't have anything to recover to, as I was stupid and didn't think to make a backup.
Dwebtron said:
Well, in hindsight it was kind of dumb. I rooted it, and began to remove all of the VZW sponsored apps. Once I did that, it cleared out a lot of memory (storage AND ram) but seemed to come with the downside of preventing my "settings" activity opening up. As in, whenever I hit "menu" then "Settings" from the main launcher, it would force close behind the scenes (logcat showed the stack trace for the settings activity).
I spent the next day trying to fix that issue, copying "settings.apk" from that link I mentioned earlier to my root director, but that didn't fix it. So, I went and tried copying entire folders over. This is the embarrassing part... I hit a 'delete' button on the "system/apps" folder, got about 30 force close windows, and am now stuck in a bootloop.
Doing the "power + both volume buttons" still gives me the recovery menu, but I don't have anything to recover to, as I was stupid and didn't think to make a backup.
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Click to collapse
No files are floating around at this time. You really screwed yourself over on this one. Go back to Verizon and beg. You chose to void your warranty.
Dwebtron said:
Well, in hindsight it was kind of dumb. I rooted it, and began to remove all of the VZW sponsored apps. Once I did that, it cleared out a lot of memory (storage AND ram) but seemed to come with the downside of preventing my "settings" activity opening up. As in, whenever I hit "menu" then "Settings" from the main launcher, it would force close behind the scenes (logcat showed the stack trace for the settings activity).
I spent the next day trying to fix that issue, copying "settings.apk" from that link I mentioned earlier to my root director, but that didn't fix it. So, I went and tried copying entire folders over. This is the embarrassing part... I hit a 'delete' button on the "system/apps" folder, got about 30 force close windows, and am now stuck in a bootloop.
Doing the "power + both volume buttons" still gives me the recovery menu, but I don't have anything to recover to, as I was stupid and didn't think to make a backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious about this too - I deleted a bunch of vzw garbage. I did make a copy of of everything with titanium backup first but when I tried re-installing one of them it just hung while another re-installed fine.
I had a similar issue with one app - I had to go into /system/app and change it form RO to RW. Once Read/Write was enabled, Titanium was able to restore the app.
I have been playing it safe and only freezing the apps, not deleting them. I have had no FC or any odd behavior. I figured with an allocated 3 gb to applications, at this time gaining an extra 100MB of storage space is superfluous...especially with no SBF available.
As mentioned above, try going to the VZW store and getting an exchange. I'm certain an .sbf will be released at some point but it could be weeks/months before that happens.
And for future reference/anyone else reading this thread...never delete system apps! Just freeze them. Yes they will still be taking up space, but they won't be using any memory and they won't show up in your launcher so it's basically the same thing...except with freezing it is 100% reversible and will still allow you to receive updates.
Can someone upload these files from D4:
/system/build.prop
/system/default.prop
Freeze Apps
SGMD1 said:
As mentioned above, try going to the VZW store and getting an exchange. I'm certain an .sbf will be released at some point but it could be weeks/months before that happens.
And for future reference/anyone else reading this thread...never delete system apps! Just freeze them. Yes they will still be taking up space, but they won't be using any memory and they won't show up in your launcher so it's basically the same thing...except with freezing it is 100% reversible and will still allow you to receive updates.
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Click to collapse
What is the best way to freeze apps? I know you can do this with Titanium Backup. Do you need the pro version in order to do this? Are there other apps out there that also allow you to freeze apps?
kwyrt said:
What is the best way to freeze apps? I know you can do this with Titanium Backup. Do you need the pro version in order to do this? Are there other apps out there that also allow you to freeze apps?
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Click to collapse
You do need the Pro version of Titanium Backup to freeze apps I believe. There are free apps that will do it (i.e. Bloatware Killer) but I am not really familiar with them.
Skrilax_CZ said:
Can someone upload these files from D4:
/system/build.prop
/system/default.prop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://db.tt/LymDelkf
That zip contains the 2 files you asked for. Anything else you need just ask and I can pull it for you. I havent done a dd of all the partitons yet but will be doing that as soon as I can.
cellzealot said:
That zip contains the 2 files you asked for. Anything else you need just ask and I can pull it for you. I havent done a dd of all the partitons yet but will be doing that as soon as I can.
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Click to collapse
The link that I was referring to in the first post SHOULD have every file from the D4.
I meant if he needed any of the other partitions besides the system.
I wanted to give him exactly what he asked for because he is avery sharp guy who may help us out with this device.
Unfortunately I did the same (though not as bad...I just can't open any of my contacts). I changed the permissions for /system/apps but I still am hanging at restoring in Titanium Backup. Are there any other directories that should have changed permissions to get some of these apps restored?
Also, lesson learned....freeze no uninstall
mattlgroff said:
No files are floating around at this time. You really screwed yourself over on this one. Go back to Verizon and beg. You chose to void your warranty.
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Click to collapse
Yeah so what? Why do people feel the need to post condescending comments for no reason? Its because of mistakes and screwups that the community progresses. There will be files floating around by the weekend, I'm sure.
I'm in the same boat... I bricked by droid 4... now waiting for a sbf file... someone said go to vzw and beg... has anyone ever tried that, after bricking your phone? what did you say? and did it work?
I'm just trying to figure out how to get vzw to replace this phone.
---------- Post added at 09:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:56 PM ----------
reigndropz said:
Yeah so what? Why do people feel the need to post condescending comments for no reason? Its because of mistakes and screwups that the community progresses. There will be files floating around by the weekend, I'm sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The files will be released by the weekend? YAY... how do you know?
Also what does it take/what has to be done for someone to release these sbf files?
jgardner said:
Unfortunately I did the same (though not as bad...I just can't open any of my contacts). I changed the permissions for /system/apps but I still am hanging at restoring in Titanium Backup. Are there any other directories that should have changed permissions to get some of these apps restored?
Also, lesson learned....freeze no uninstall
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the only path I had to change. Do you recall if you happened to have moved an app to a different path (perhaps to the sd-card) then removed it?
Are there multiple apps you are trying to restore? If so, have you tried restoring them one at a time?
im going to wait for the sbf files before any major modifications to my phone, then we can all start the fun
i just froze apps to prevent them from running, im not worried about space since i put in a 32GB SD card
I think it's very wise to wait for the firmware to be released, but it's worth noting that the term SBF is a mistaken reference to the old format for firmware files and that all dual core Motorolas have fastboot support now and RSD Lite has been modified to support this and uses xml.zip files that are sets of signed images rather than the Single Binary File(SBF).
This is a very important distinction to be made as the new format and boot menu provide many more options for controlling the flash process for the end user and it is ultimately much safer and more flexible.