Database Develop

Help, any alternative to apktool

Hi can anyone suggest an alternative tool for apktool. It just doesn't work for me. Whatever I do either gives compiling errors or just a bootloop. Thanks guys.

It's nice to know I'm not the only one. Anything past extract optimize and zip is useless for me. I have never had it actually compile an .apk without an error.

I'm having serious problems compiling the framework-res from a CM6.1 based ROM. It decompiles fine, but won't recompile I get hundreds of errors about missing referances.
I only wanna edit a few XML's :sad:
Sent from my HTC Hero using Tapatalk

l0st.prophet said:
I'm having serious problems compiling the framework-res from a CM6.1 based ROM. It decompiles fine, but won't recompile I get hundreds of errors about missing referances. I only wanna edit a few XML's :sad: Sent from my HTC Hero using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which xmls do you want to edit, and what are you wanting to change?

dean.d said:
Which xmls do you want to edit, and what are you wanting to change?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying, but I worked it out. I had some dodgy .9.png's that were breaking the compile, so I just had to remove them before compiling.
For anyone else having trouble, check the logs after you decompile to see if there are any messages about .9.pngs. If there are, remove them from the decompiled folder, compile when you are finished, then just add the .9.png's back in afterwards with WinRAR.
I was tryna change the color of the text and the border in the bottom popup menu for my Gingerbread theme

l0st.prophet said:
Thanks for replying, but I worked it out. I had some dodgy .9.png's that were breaking the compile, so I just had to remove them before compiling.
For anyone else having trouble, check the logs after you decompile to see if there are any messages about .9.pngs. If there are, remove them from the decompiled folder, compile when you are finished, then just add the .9.png's back in afterwards with WinRAR.
I was tryna change the color of the text and the border in the bottom popup menu for my Gingerbread theme
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason that happens is the original "dev" who themed the framework did not decompile/modify/recompile. He merely dragged and dropped the modified .9.png
Hence when u decompile, apktool cannot find the necessarry data within resources.arsc to decompile the .9.png and hence when u go to recompile, it complains. Ur safest bet is to always decompile an apk as close to stock as possible.

Where do you place your framework-res.apk I placed mine in the platform tools folder but apktool can not find it

UOT Kitchen-> SHTF w/Error Log

Trying to create Circle Batt (no other changes) through UOT Kitchen for the Assonance 5.0 ROM.
When it finishes with the loaded Framework-res.apk file, the finished screen shows SHTF, and has an error log as follows:
+ WORKING_DIR=UOT-DW-12-15-19-37-1
+ java -Xmx64m -jar ./tools/apktool.jar d data/working_dir/UOT-DW-12-15-19-37-1/framework/framework-res.apk data/working_dir/UOT-DW-12-15-19-37-1/temp/fw_dec
I: Loading resource table...
I: Decoding resources...
I: Copying assets and libs...
+ WORKING_DIR=UOT-DW-12-15-19-37-1
+ java -Xmx64m -jar ./tools/apktool.jar b data/working_dir/UOT-DW-12-15-19-37-1/temp/fw_dec/ data/working_dir/UOT-DW-12-15-19-37-1/framework-unsigned.apk
W: Could not find sources
I: Checking whether resources has changed...
I: Building resources...
aapt: warning: string 'keyguard_password_attempt_count_pin_code_1' has no default translation in /home/circle/ver2b/data/working_dir/UOT-DW-12-15-19-37-1/temp/fw_dec/res; found: he_IL
aapt: warning: string 'permdesc_restartPackages' has no default translation in /home/circle/ver2b/data/working_dir/UOT-DW-12-15-19-37-1/temp/fw_dec/res; found: he_IL
aapt: warning: string 'permlab_restartPackages' has no default translation in /home/circle/ver2b/data/working_dir/UOT-DW-12-15-19-37-1/temp/fw_dec/res; found: he_IL
/home/circle/ver2b/data/working_dir/UOT-DW-12-15-19-37-1/temp/fw_dec/res/values-hdpi-v4/drawables.xml:3: error: Resource entry stat_sys_battery_6 is already defined.
res/drawable-hdpi-v4/stat_sys_battery_6.png:0: Originally defined here.
Exception in thread "main" brut.androlib.AndrolibException: brut.common.BrutException: could not exec command: [aapt, p, -F, /tmp/APKTOOL9068952899748163720.tmp, -x, -0, arsc, -S, /home/circle/ver2b/data/working_dir/UOT-DW-12-15-19-37-1/temp/fw_dec/res, -M, /home/circle/ver2b/data/working_dir/UOT-DW-12-15-19-37-1/temp/fw_dec/AndroidManifest.xml]
at brut.androlib.res.AndrolibResources.aaptPackage(Unknown Source)
at brut.androlib.Androlib.buildResourcesFull(Unknown Source)
at brut.androlib.Androlib.buildResources(Unknown Source)
at brut.androlib.Androlib.build(Unknown Source)
at brut.androlib.Androlib.build(Unknown Source)
at brut.apktool.Main.cmdBuild(Unknown Source)
at brut.apktool.Main.main(Unknown Source)
Caused by: brut.common.BrutException: could not exec command: [aapt, p, -F, /tmp/APKTOOL9068952899748163720.tmp, -x, -0, arsc, -S, /home/circle/ver2b/data/working_dir/UOT-DW-12-15-19-37-1/temp/fw_dec/res, -M, /home/circle/ver2b/data/working_dir/UOT-DW-12-15-19-37-1/temp/fw_dec/AndroidManifest.xml]
at brut.util.OS.exec(Unknown Source)
... 7 more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone know if this file can be used? I am presuming not. But there really is no documentation on that site about this type of thing.

Is that ROM already themed? It has to be with a stock framework for that kitchen to work.

I'd say so. It says "Modified version of Gingerbread Theme".
I wonder what I need to do to get Circle Batt then. I'll ask in that thread, in the meantime if you have any thoughts, it is appreciated.

ewingr said:
I'd say so. It says "Modified version of Gingerbread Theme".
I wonder what I need to do to get Circle Batt then. I'll ask in that thread, in the meantime if you have any thoughts, it is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I say use a stock framework, get the pngs for the battery from the kitchen. Open up the kitchen apk with winrar/7zip (doesnt matter if you unzip to extract them) pull all the batt icons out and drop them into the ROM framework that you want to use (do not unzip the framework, explore apk contents using winrar/7zip).

Thanks for the suggestion.
I'd say if I had the stock framework, the UOT Kitchen would have worked. Problem is, I don't have the stock framework.
I have posted a query on the thread. One person there said the UOT worked for him. I don't know if he got that same error I did or not. I'm tempted to ask for his file...but then I want to be sure. I think I'll have to reload completely again if it borks my load (at least that's all I know to do when that happens).
Getting tired of flashing lately. Hoping to settle for a while

Reefermattness said:
I say use a stock framework, get the pngs for the battery from the kitchen. Open up the kitchen apk with winrar/7zip (doesnt matter if you unzip to extract them) pull all the batt icons out and drop them into the ROM framework that you want to use (do not unzip the framework, explore apk contents using winrar/7zip).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
When making my battery mod for the Gingerbread theme, this is what I did, and it worked perfectly.

Any suggestions on where I can get the stock file?
Oh, and did you apply that to the Assonance 5.0 ROM? I see from your SIG that you are on Perception Build 3, which was not Gingerbread.

ewingr said:
Any suggestions on where I can get the stock file?
Oh, and did you apply that to the Assonance 5.0 ROM? I see from your SIG that you are on Perception Build 3, which was not Gingerbread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ANY stock framework.... All you need is the pngs inside.
Sent from my SGH-T959D using Tapatalk

Reefermattness said:
ANY stock framework.... All you need is the pngs inside.
Sent from my SGH-T959D using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be more precise, you are saying to 'replace the pngs inside', right?
My comfort zone is to use UOT Kitchen. I tried the replace once, and somehow screwed things up.
So it sounds like I can take any 2.2 framework-res.apk, and run it through the kitchen and use it.
But, then I've tried using one that worked, for example, from a Cognition 3, and use on a 4 (Maybe not those specific builds), and it didn't work.
Having been burned on this from a couple different angles, I'm just a bit skittish.

Couldn't you just get the *.png's from FightSpit's original thread for his Circle Batt Mod?
Then just put them into your framework-res.apk and re-apply using your favorite tool (ADB Push or Root File Manager).

Maybe. I was told I need the 'original' framework file. but maybe that's only if i want to use UOT, which was in fact my question. That is my preference, but I'm coming to see that it is impossible if you have a modified theme.

ewingr said:
So it sounds like I can take any 2.2 framework-res.apk, and run it through the kitchen and use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never, ever, use a framework-res.apk that was not part of the original rom in question.
PNG files are easily replaced using any zip file editor.
Sent from my Captivate.

So just so I'm understanding correctly, if I want to customize the battery pngs manually (or any png for that matter?) I can:
Upload a stock 2.2 framework to UOT Kitchen, pull out the pngs, place them in say Perception 9's or Assonance 5's framework-res.apk? Can I also just create pngs using an image editor and drop those in?
How would I reapply using adb or Root File Manager? Do I need to use a tool of some sort to sign the apk after I change the pngs?
I'm trying to get into doing my own theming... so still learning! I'm using this guide to get started: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=817998.

the kitchen seems to be having issues for me as well. no matter what framework-res i use i get errors. even stock ones.

How to modify Jelly Bean Contacts.ap?

I am trying to modify XMLs of Jelly Bean Contacts.apk. Using apktool that has been used for ICS and other Jelly Bean apks, I can decompile and then recomplie it without any error. However, the recompiled Contacts.apk would not work in cell phone, showing a message "Unfortunately, Contacts has stopped!".
To simplify the problem, I simply do decompiling and then recompiling without any modifications. I found that the size of resources.arsc has been changed from 1480 KB to 1525 KB. The new Contacts.apk causes FC!
Note: Files in smali folder can still be modified. After editing, use apktool to recompile and create a new apk. Then use WinRAR or 7zp to drag the newly created classes.dex into the original Contacts.apk. Such a "modified" Contacts.apk works properly. Note here that we did not modify resources.arsc.
This problem is only related to resources.arsc!! XMLs cannot be recompiled!!
Does anybody have the same problem? Do you know how to solve this problem? Any solutions or suggestions are appreciated.

Did anybody try this?
Are you all ok with modifying Contacts.apk?

With the current apktool jar file you can not edit any XML in the contacts apk. It has to be done in source code
Sent from the BatCave

zelendel said:
With the current apktool jar file you can not edit any XML in the contacts apk. It has to be done in source code
Sent from the BatCave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply. The question is why we can edit XML in other apks except Contacts.apk.
Is there any magic?
framework-res.apk, Settings.apk, SystemUI.apk, Phone.apk are all ok without any problem.

iBotPeaches, the author of apktool, wrote: "Looks like we have new resource type. T9Map. Will have to code support for it. Its just loosing it on rebuild."
See discussions at: https://github.com/iBotPeaches/brut.apktool/issues/11

[Q] V - Bootloops with modded framework-res.apk usual fixes not helping

I know that there are already several thousand threads on forums spanning the internet involving recompiled framework-res.apk's causing bootloops, but the ones that are actually useful pretty much all say the same thing, that is to replace the meta-inf folder and AndroidManifest.xml from the newly built apk with the ones from the original file. Needless to say, that hasn't worked in my case, and neither has changing from apk-manager (wanam's latest version) to using command line apktool or from using flashable zips to adb pushing the file to /system/framework. Primary and secondary frameworks are both installed. The apk decompiles and recompiles without errors. SystemUI.apk, the only other apk I've worked on thus far, flashes without issues. I don't have a lot of experience with adb, and right now I can't remember the exact error it gave me, "protocol error" perhaps? Firmware is deodexed 9.0.1.D.0.10 / Nordic "SuperSport".
Quite probably I'm doing or not doing something really basic that will make me look and feel foolish once this is resolved, but I'm out of ideas and I just want to start modding some 9.png's. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Sv: [Q] V - Bootloops with modded framework-res.apk usual fixes not helping
Try the framework-res from here and let me know
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=36503238

NuriJ said:
Try the framework-res from here and let me know
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=36503238
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but that didn't work either. Here's exactly what I did, maybe there's something obvious I'm doing wrong:
1. Dragged the framework-res.apk from your zip to my apktool folder.
2. Decompiled with the command "apktool d framework-res.apk". Without the quotes, of course.
3. In this case I didn't modify anything, I simply recompiled with the command "apktool b framework-res". It gave me this:
C:\apktoolv3>apktool b framework-res
W: Could not find sources
I: Checking whether resources has changed...
I: Building resources...
aapt: warning: string 'BaMmi' has no default translation in C:\apktoolv3\framewo
rk-res\res; found: ar bg ca cs da de el en_GB es es_US et fa fi fr hi hr hu in i
t iw ko lt lv ms nb nl pl pt pt_PT ro ru sk sl sr sv th tl tr uk vi zh_CN zh_TW
I: Building apk file...
4. Deleted assets, res and resources.arsc from the original framework-res.apk inside your zip. Dragged those folders/files from within the rebuilt apk in my framework-res/dist folder to the original apk.
5. Dragged the framework-res.apk from your zip to a flashable zip. I've used this zip successfully to flash modded versions of SystemUI.apk, so I don't see a reason it wouldn't work for this.
6. Booted into TWRP recovery.
7. Wiped cache and dalvik cache.
8. Flashed the zip.
9. Bootlooped.
Am I missing something? I've gotten so used to using apk-manager that I wouldn't be surprised if it's just something I'm doing wrong in apktool.

shockwaverider said:
Thanks, but that didn't work either. Here's exactly what I did, maybe there's something obvious I'm doing wrong:
1. Dragged the framework-res.apk from your zip to my apktool folder.
2. Decompiled with the command "apktool d framework-res.apk". Without the quotes, of course.
3. In this case I didn't modify anything, I simply recompiled with the command "apktool b framework-res". It gave me this:
C:\apktoolv3>apktool b framework-res
W: Could not find sources
I: Checking whether resources has changed...
I: Building resources...
aapt: warning: string 'BaMmi' has no default translation in C:\apktoolv3\framewo
rk-res\res; found: ar bg ca cs da de el en_GB es es_US et fa fi fr hi hr hu in i
t iw ko lt lv ms nb nl pl pt pt_PT ro ru sk sl sr sv th tl tr uk vi zh_CN zh_TW
I: Building apk file...
4. Deleted assets, res and resources.arsc from the original framework-res.apk inside your zip. Dragged those folders/files from within the rebuilt apk in my framework-res/dist folder to the original apk.
5. Dragged the framework-res.apk from your zip to a flashable zip. I've used this zip successfully to flash modded versions of SystemUI.apk, so I don't see a reason it wouldn't work for this.
6. Booted into TWRP recovery.
7. Wiped cache and dalvik cache.
8. Flashed the zip.
9. Bootlooped.
Am I missing something? I've gotten so used to using apk-manager that I wouldn't be surprised if it's just something I'm doing wrong in apktool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need to install the semcgenericUPS file as well....I cant think of the exact commands now, but I will try and dig them out and post them tomorrow...

gregbradley said:
you need to install the semcgenericUPS file as well....I cant think of the exact commands now, but I will try and dig them out and post them tomorrow...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean install it as a secondary framework in apktool, I've done that.
Sent from my LT25i using xda premium

shockwaverider said:
If you mean install it as a secondary framework in apktool, I've done that.
Sent from my LT25i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, I think you may need to ask in the apktool thread in android hacking and develpment section

Before I go asking there I was thinking it might be worth starting over from scratch, using a completely stock firmware instead of spida_singh's modded version and flashing Nuri's deodexing package. Not that I really expect it to help, but it's worth a shot.
Sent from my LT25i using xda premium

You were right man.. I just changed the framework-res for the first time today and it didn't boot. Then i've tried without even touching anything.. Just with a clean recompile but still, it bootloops

NuriJ said:
You were right man.. I just changed the framework-res for the first time today and it didn't boot. Then i've tried without even touching anything.. Just with a clean recompile but still, it bootloops
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Frustrating, isn't it? I haven't had much time these past few days to really follow up any more on this, like gregbradley said, we might need to ask in the apktool thread, but I've wanted to make sure I've tried absolutely everything else before I ask there. I think I'm pretty much at that point now.

shockwaverider said:
Frustrating, isn't it? I haven't had much time these past few days to really follow up any more on this, like gregbradley said, we might need to ask in the apktool thread, but I've wanted to make sure I've tried absolutely everything else before I ask there. I think I'm pretty much at that point now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I think the apk tool is not compatable with ICS framework without some modifications. There are work arounds but asking the people who use it most will get you the best answers

gregbradley said:
Yes, I think the apk tool is not compatable with ICS framework without some modifications. There are work arounds but asking the people who use it most will get you the best answers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. The jump from GB to ICS was a huge PITA for me, and I'm somewhat dreading upgrading to JB, as far as theming goes.
I finally just found this version of APK Manager in my DropBox, it's the one I used for months without problems but couldn't find it before because I stuck it in the wrong folder when I changed computers recently. Nuri, if you want to try it go ahead, I'm at work now and won't be able to do anything with it for at least another 12 hours, and possibly not until this weekend. I know it's a long shot, but it can't hurt to try.
EDIT: I also found this in the Xperia T/V/whatever Apps & Themes forum in the "[MOD] Reduced size onscreen buttons" thread, basically that another user (with a different device?) solved his bootloops by replacing the resources.arsc in his rebuilt apk with the original. I haven't followed that up because to be honest, that's only mildly useful for me as I tend to do a lot of modifications in /values/styles.xml as well as in other values files, so of course I need to be able to use the rebuilt resources.arsc. But for anyone not doing any edits in values, this may be enough of a workaround to get a working framework-res.

shockwaverider said:
True. The jump from GB to ICS was a huge PITA for me, and I'm somewhat dreading upgrading to JB, as far as theming goes.
I finally just found this version of APK Manager in my DropBox, it's the one I used for months without problems but couldn't find it before because I stuck it in the wrong folder when I changed computers recently. Nuri, if you want to try it go ahead, I'm at work now and won't be able to do anything with it for at least another 12 hours, and possibly not until this weekend. I know it's a long shot, but it can't hurt to try.
EDIT: I also found this in the Xperia T/V/whatever Apps & Themes forum in the "[MOD] Reduced size onscreen buttons" thread, basically that another user (with a different device?) solved his bootloops by replacing the resources.arsc in his rebuilt apk with the original. I haven't followed that up because to be honest, that's only mildly useful for me as I tend to do a lot of modifications in /values/styles.xml as well as in other values files, so of course I need to be able to use the rebuilt resources.arsc. But for anyone not doing any edits in values, this may be enough of a workaround to get a working framework-res.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try :good:
..about that post.. He wrote that nothing changed, if he replaced the resources.arsc with stock one. Of course nothing would change then..
Hmm atleast i got the point, it's the resources.arsc file which apktool builds that's unable to boot with.
So yea maybe it's something with apktool

I'm afraid I didn't have any better luck with that version of apk-manager, either with or without replacing resources.arsc.

i find this Tutorial http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1823223

ideeseng said:
i find this Tutorial http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1823223
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good find, I'll try this out over the weekend, although I definitely hope to get an actual fix at some point.
Sent from my LT25i using xda premium

shockwaverider said:
I know that there are already several thousand threads on forums spanning the internet involving recompiled framework-res.apk's causing bootloops, but the ones that are actually useful pretty much all say the same thing, that is to replace the meta-inf folder and AndroidManifest.xml from the newly built apk with the ones from the original file. Needless to say, that hasn't worked in my case, and neither has changing from apk-manager (wanam's latest version) to using command line apktool or from using flashable zips to adb pushing the file to /system/framework. Primary and secondary frameworks are both installed. The apk decompiles and recompiles without errors. SystemUI.apk, the only other apk I've worked on thus far, flashes without issues. I don't have a lot of experience with adb, and right now I can't remember the exact error it gave me, "protocol error" perhaps? Firmware is deodexed 9.0.1.D.0.10 / Nordic "SuperSport".
Quite probably I'm doing or not doing something really basic that will make me look and feel foolish once this is resolved, but I'm out of ideas and I just want to start modding some 9.png's. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suspect I know where you're going wrong..
Try Tickle My Android. Install SemcGenericUxpRes.apk before decompiling framework-res.apk. Then make your changes, recompile and use Tickle My Android's Prepare System Files For Flashing option.
If you get no luck, let me know and I can try a few things..
Sent from my SK17i using xda premium

Ticklefish said:
I suspect I know where you're going wrong..
Try Tickle My Android. Install SemcGenericUxpRes.apk before decompiling framework-res.apk. Then make your changes, recompile and use Tickle My Android's Prepare System Files For Flashing option.
If you get no luck, let me know and I can try a few things..
Sent from my SK17i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, helpful stranger!
I had a quick go of it when I got home (from a 16-hour workday no less), and so far it's been more of the same. I'll post details in your thread when I'm feeling a bit more functional, but basically I did what you said. Your tool failed on creating a flashable zip, and I once again had bootloops when I used my own zip. Regardless, I'm really impressed with TMA, and I hope with your help I can get some real use out of it!

Sv: [Q] V - Bootloops with modded framework-res.apk usual fixes not helping
Anyone tried with the new jelly bean framework?

NuriJ said:
Anyone tried with the new jelly bean framework?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't tried yet, and tbh I haven't even had the time lately to upgrade to JB. Taking a quick look around the threads, it looks like we now have working cwm, is this right? After the bootloop problems I had with ICS, there's no way I'll try modding framework-res without recovery, lol.
btw NuriJ, is there a version of your modded shutdown menu for JB?

shockwaverider said:
Haven't tried yet, and tbh I haven't even had the time lately to upgrade to JB. Taking a quick look around the threads, it looks like we now have working cwm, is this right? After the bootloop problems I had with ICS, there's no way I'll try modding framework-res without recovery, lol.
btw NuriJ, is there a version of your modded shutdown menu for JB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes working on that.
.. I just had time and tried to today. It doesnt boot.. just like ics, it stops at bootanimation and bootloops
btw yes see dev section vdsirotkin managed to include cwm into the stock jb kernel

sense 5 apk

Has anyone else had issues compiling sense 5 apk's using VTS? I can't nothing to compile, please leave your experiences with this issue.
Thank You

I too am having issues.
I've got VTS working and have made all my XML changes to settings.apk, with the correct linkage to the resources.apk, but when I recompile, I get a whole bunch of errors from public.xml saying the string declared here is not defined.
From what I can find by searching, this has something to do with the IDs changing, but not being updated in the public.xml file.
I'm a noob at reverse engineering APKs though. I normally compile my ROMs from source.
Hoping for some guidance.