Database Develop

[GUIDE] All Tattoo questions and answers see here (from A to Z)!

Hi,
this thread is meant as a starting point for every kind of questions. I will write everything I know into this thread and update it (hopefully) frequently
Here are the topics handled for now (if you have any other questions you want to have answered you can PM me, so I can try to handle it if I know the solution and add this to my to do list in point 5!!! ):
1. How can I root my phone
1.1 General information/Basic adb-commands
1.2 Do I have to create a goldcard?
1.3 Tools you need
1.4 The automated way
1.5 The manual way (recommended by the author)
1.6 Problems and (hopefully good) solutions
1.7 References
2. Flashing images/ROMs
2.1 What is a recovery image
2.2 What is a boot image
2.3 How to flash/tools needed
2.3.1 Creating a Goldcard
2.4 Where can I get an overview of the existing ROMs?
2.5 Problems during flashing and solutions
2.6 References
3. Information about the Tattoo/Useful stuff
3.1 How to install busybox?
3.2 Can it perform multitouch?
3.3 How to increase battery life?
3.4 Using own ringtones for calls/sms
3.5 How to disable data transfer with a custom ROM?
3.6 How to make the Tattoo ring louder?
3.7 How to replace the home screen?
3.8 Disabling xxx-synchronisation with Google-servers
3.9 Backing up apk's and data to your PC
3.10 How to enable more languages on my mobile?
3.11 How to manually delete system apks? Alternatively with GUI?
4. Dev-Goodies
4.1 Modifying update.zips and resigning them
4.2 Modifying resources in apk-files and resigning them
4.3 Installing apks via adb for getting exact error codes if installation fails
4.4 Everything related to ROM cooking
5. Things I will do better in this thread due to user request
Please note: I won't be giving tutorials about Android-apps usage beside the one mentioned in my tutorial!
Let's start now:
1. How can I root my phone?
1.1 General information/Basic adb-commands
Rooting a phone enables you to do things, which normally aren't possible for the average user like:
- Removing apps which were preinstalled by the provider (like Orange, Vodafone, etc.). My Tattoo had Vodafone apps for buying music and other sh*t, which was installed on the system partition (to which a "normal" user has no rights to write to, including deleting).
The Tattoo was successfully rooted by a bunch of guys here, namely -bm-, mainfram3 and Coburn64 (maybe, I don't remember quite correctly ). Also the Tattoo was the first phone having a security mechanism hindering a user to mount the filesystems as read/write, which had to be overridden by remapping the read only memory region to a read/write one. This is done by the module Tattoo-hack.ko, also made by mainfram3. He also created the first boot.img, which enabled su directly from adb and loading Tattoo-hack directly from boot on.
A few words about adb:
ADB is a tool for communicating from the PC with the mobile phone. For this a service is running on the phone enabling the communication via Terminal Emulator. Here are the most useful adb-commands:
Code:
adb push localFileFromPC /path/on/mobilephone
-> pushes a file "localFileFromPC" to a specified location on the phone
adb pull /path/to/file pathFromPC
-> receives a file from the phone and stores it to "pathFromPC"
adb remount
-> This is only possible in custom ROMs, remounts the file system to r/w automatically
adb shell "command"
-> executes "command" and returns to the computer shell
adb shell
-> opens a shell session on the phone (from here on you have to be very careful! Also you can execute now normal linux commands like rm, mv, ls, chmod and so on, but not cp (this can done through busybox)). You will have to use this more often, so get used to it ;)
1.2 Do I have to create a goldcard?
I read this question quite often. For rooting, you don't need it, but for SIM-locked phones you can't flash custom unbranded ROMs (I think).
A guide to create a goldcard follow this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=5179788&postcount=1 (thanks to MiSSigNNo to this point)
1.3 Tools you need
A complete set of tools can be found here Feel free to mirror it:
http://rapidshare.com/files/403766494/Tattoo.rar.html
This package contains:
- adb binaries for Windows (sorry Linux users )
- su (Please note: use the su-binary attached in this post, not the one in the archive!!!!!)
- m7 exploit
- Amon_RA recovery.img
- mainfram3 boot.img
- flash_image binary
- tattoo-hack.ko
1.4 The automated way
This method was created by maverixx and can be found here. This basically consists of a package doing everything you need by itself. It roots the phone and flashes maverixx recovery.img, which (no offense) I don't like as much as I like Amon_RA's one!). Just click the batchfile and it does the rest (you have to connect your phone via USB to your PC though ).
If you want to use the automated way, but flashing Amon_RA's recovery, just replace the recovery.img from maverixx' package with the recovery.img provided in my archive file (see 1.3 for the link).
In my time here I noticed quite a few users experiencing problems either with a fully functional su or with the recovery image not flashing certain update.zip packages. It seems to be a matter of luck.
1.5 The manual way (recommended by the author)
I personally like what is done when and how, that's why I recommend the manual way. So let's get down to business Let's see if you know all the adb-commands I wrote here:
1. Let's say you have everything unpacked into C:\Tattoo
2. In your terminal (on your PC) type:
- adb shell "mkdir /data/local/bin" (if it returns an error it means that the directory already exists, just proceed)
- adb push m7 /data/local/bin/
- adb push su /data/local/bin/
- adb push flash_image /data/local/bin/
- adb push tattoo-hack.ko /data/local/bin/
- adb push recovery.img /sdcard
- adb push boot.img /sdcard
3. We have every needed file on the phone now. Type now (we are still in your terminal):
- adb shell
$ cd /data/local/bin
$ chmod 766 m7 (I don't retain this step as mandatory, so if this process fails, just proceed)
$ while ./m7 ; do : ; done
lots of text until you see something like "wrote shell code", press enter 2 or 3 times enter to see:
#
4. Then perform this:
- # export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=/system/lib
- # export PATH=/system/bin
- # insmod ./tattoo-hack.ko
- # mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mtdblock5 /data
- # mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
- # cat ./su > /system/bin/su
- # chmod 4755 /system/bin/su
- # chmod 755 ./flash_image
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Questions?
1.6 Problems and (hopefully good) solutions
Q: How do I execute my command line tool?
A: On your Windows host, go to Start->Run...->type "cmd"
Q: Where is my adb? When I type it in my shell it says that it was not found!
A: The adb binary is found in the archive I supplied above or in the Google SDK. As my archive-file is quite smaller than the Google SDK you should take mine. Let's suppose your adb binary is unpacked in C:\Tattoo, then type:
Code:
Your\Current\Location> cd C:\Tattoo
C:\Tattoo> adb <command>
Q: adb says "error: device not found" when I try to launch the shell on the phone!
A: Connect the phone with the usb cable and make sure the sd card is not mounted as drive on your PC!!!
Q: When I want to copy something the phone returns that "cp" is not found! Also when I try to move a file, it says "cross-link device".
A: Well, copying from one partition to another is only possible either via busybox or via
Code:
cat file > /location/filename
Example:
cp /data/su /system/bin
is realized by typing
cat /data/su > /system/bin/su
Also make sure that system is r/w!!!
Q: flash_image returns write errors when flashing recovery/boot image!
A:
For boot: Try to redo the flash procedure
For recovery: Note that you can't flash the same recovery.img as the one already installed, so install another recovery.img first (like maverixx) and then Amon_RA's again. If it still doesn't work reboot, remount the partitions r/w, insmod tattoo-hack.ko and retry flashing.
Q: How can I unroot my device?
A: Just delete su from /system/xbin and restore the old boot.img. Alternatively see here for retrieving a stock ROM to flash it on your phone.
PM me with more questions and I'll post them with the possible solution.
1.7 References
- Zecanilis EXCELLENT Root-Recovery-Flash images thread
- maverixx' One-click root method+recovery thread
- Coburn64's Newbie guide for manual rooting (recommended reading!)
2. Flashing images/ROMs
2.1 What is a recovery image
A recovery image is not only useful to flash custom ROMs on your device. It also enables you to backup your entire phone contents to restore it completely in case of a brick, if anything should happen...especially SIM-locked mobiles should be backed up as soon as possible. Also many recovery image modders add several non-standard features like mounting the SD card while in recovery mode or enabling adb support, etc.
2.2 What is a boot image
The boot image not only contains the kernel which brings up your Tattoos, it only can be modified to load up modules enabling ext2/3 support, loading camera, remapping read only code to an r/w area (tattoo-hack.ko), etc. Without a working boot.img, don't even bother trying to boot the phone (maybe if you do a logcat it returns something useful to solve this problem )
2.3 How to flash/tools needed
Execute steps 1 to 4 in topic 1.5 first!
5. Now comes the hard part:
- # ./flash_image boot /sdcard/boot.img
- # ./flash_image recovery /sdcard/recovery.img
it can be that flash_image reports errors in the last step (recovery.img step), but another user said it would be still working to boot to recovery...but to be sure (if you got the error!!!) flash maverixx recovery.img and then again the one I supplied in my archive (Amon_RA)
Reboot once and when you connect with adb to your phone you should see the difference
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2.3.1 Creating a Goldcard
This is a post I took from MiSSigNNo, kudos to him:
Creating the Gold Card:
[...]
4. We need the android-sdk tools, we can find them here: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html download them, and unzip in a folder maybe in C:\androidtools
5. Go the the Command line (Start->Execute->write cmd and OK), and there you should find where you unzip the android-sdk tools, example cd c:\androidtools\tools
6. Run this command "adb shell cat /sys/class/mmc_host/mmc1/mmc1:*/cid" if you had the microSD in the drive you will find a long number like:
532600bd227d9c0347329407514d5402
7. Go to this page to reverse it: http://hexrev.soaa.me/ and copy the code reversed:
In our example it will be: 00544d5107943247039c7d22bd002653
8. Go to this page to generate your GoldCard image: http://revskills.de/pages/goldcard.html
And put your reversed number and you email. You will receive an email with a file called "goldcard.img"
9. Now you need an Hex editor like HXD. Download it from: http://download.cnet.com/HxD-Hex-Edi...html?tag=mncol
10. Exactly the same as the instructions I pasted above:
11. Install and launch HxD Hex Editor program. (make sure you use "Run as Administrator" under Vista and win 7)
12. Go to Extra tab > Open Disk. Under Physical disk, select Removable Disk (Must be your SD card), uncheck “Open as Readonly), click OK. (BEWARE, MUST BE UNDER PHYSICAL DISK NOT LOGICAL DISK, THIS MISTAKE MADE ME BIG PROBLEMS)
13. Go to Extra again, Open Disk Image, open up goldcard.img which you’ve saved/unzipped earlier.
Now, you should have two tabs, one is your removable disk, the other is goldcard.img. Press OK when prompted for “Sector Size” 512 (Hard disks/Floppy disks), click OK.
14. Click on goldcard.img tab. Go to Edit tab > Select All, edit tab again > copy.
15. Click on the “removable disk” tab. Select offset (line) 00000000 till offset (line) 00000170 (including the 00000170 line), click on Edit tab and then Paste Write.
16. Click on File > Save. now you can exit the program. You now have a gold card.
[...]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2.4 Where can I get an overview of the existing ROMs?
Look it up here (Excellent work liderzre)
2.5 Problems during flashing and solutions
Q: HEEEEELLLPPP! flash_image says that it couldn't write to some memory addresses! What can I do?
A: Don't panic. First make sure to have loaded tattoo-hack.ko, remounted system and data to r/w and then try again with another recovery.img (either maverixx or Amon_RA). Flashing the same recovery.img again WON'T WORK!!!! That's why you have to take a little detour by first flashing another recovery image.
Q: How do I boot to recovery??
A: Type in your command line while the phone is plugged in:
Code:
adb shell "reboot recovery"
. If this doesn't work, turn off your phone, hold down the home-button and press the power-button. Then when the Tattoo logo can be seen, release the home button and the recovery screen should be seen
2.6 References
- Zecanilis EXCELLENT Root-Recovery-Flash images thread
- maverixx' One-click root method+recovery thread
3. Information about the Tattoo/Useful stuff
3.1 How to install busybox?
Load the busybox binary here (select the one with arm6 at the end). Put this binary onto your data or system partition (I suggest /system/xbin) and now there are two ways to install/enable it. See below
Method 1 (will extract EVERY FEATURE, but consumes A LOT of your disk space so be careful or switch to method 2)
Do this in your command line:
Code:
adb remount (make it r/w if not done already)
adb shell "mkdir /system/xbin" (create dir if it doesn't exist)
adb push busybox /system/xbin (please make sure to have busybox in the same directory as adb ;) )
adb shell
cd /system/xbin
./busybox --install
Method 2 (saves your precious disk space )
Do this in your command line
Code:
/system/xbin/busybox --install -s /system/xbin
3.2 Can it perform multitouch?
Nope, the Tattoo has a resistive touch screen, which is known to be NON-multitouch...newer generation or high-end phones usually have capacitative screens. My suggestion is not taking the Nexus One anymore, since their touch screen type supports only 2 fingers at once, while phones like the Samsung Galaxy S have a SUPER responsiveness and sensibility (and of course 10 fingers support).
3.3 How to increase battery life?
Okay, here are little tips how to increase battery life - mine holds 7 to 8 days and I surf, call ppl and sms almost every day:
1. Flash either fyodor 0.6.4.2 or Abyzou 2.1.9 - my favourite is fyodor ones (if I still would have a Tattoo, of course )
2. Download APNd roid from the market or here and disable your 3G Internet connection (for activating it, just start the program again!)
3. If you see that you have NO RECEPTION AT ALL in one place (at work for instance), turn off your phone as this will DRASTICALLY decrease battery life because the phone tries constantly to search for a network it can log on to.
4. Try to keep your phone in normal temperature areas (between 20 and 27 degrees celsius = 68 - 80.6 degrees fahrenheit)
5. Kill unneeded apps automatically (there are quite a few apps doing this)
3.4 Using own ringtones for calls/sms
Create a folder called "media" on the root of your SD card and a sub-folder called "audio" there you have to create one folder called "notifications" for SMS and "ringtones" for call sounds. Place every desired track into these folders and reboot your phone. You should see the entries now when choosing ringtones. Alternatively just load "Ringo Pro", a really powerful tool also able to display SMS pop-ups and much more.
3.5 How to disable data transfer with a custom ROM?
As already explained above, load APN droid from the market or here.
3.6 How to make the Tattoo ring louder?
There is a little app called "Louder Volume Hack" enabling your phone to ring much louder than normally. You can load it on any popular w*rez-site Unfortunately I cannot enter the link to the app here or PM it. Any questions requesting a link to this app will be deleted instantly, so don't bother trying and use Google. There are several buttons displayed, but for better visibility I suggest enabling the Widget and hacking the system there. Also please note that ROOT access is required!! Refer to section 1 to root your phone.
3.7 How to replace the home screen?
There are two ways to do it. Method 1 is the easier one, but runs the Google Launcher and the replacement laucher in parrallel, which implies more CPU usage and battery drain. Method 2 is the more brutal one, but enables you to run just one launcher.
Method 1:
Install the replacement home app and press the home button. A dialog should appear asking you which Home Launcher should be used.
Method 2:
Put your home replacement apk onto the root of your SD and make sure you have busybox installed and /system mounted as writeable. Rename the Home replacement apk to Launcher.apk and fire up adb shell:
Code:
mv /system/app/Launcher.apk /system/app/Launcher.apk.old && mv /system/app/Launcher.odex /system/app/Launcher.odex.old && cp /sdcard/Launcher.apk /system/app && chmod 755 /system/app/Launcher.apk
Should be a pretty generic approach
3.8 Disabling xxx-synchronisation with Google-servers
Go to settings, data synchonisation and disable the entries you don't want to have synch'ed with Google. Since it's long time ago since I did this (remember that I don't own a Tattoo anymore) the procedure can be slightly different from ROM to ROM.
3.9 Backing up apk's and data to your PC
By popular request, here a topic about how to backup apk's and their corresponding data manually (can be done separately, too if you want just one of the two). Doing it with the tar command HOPEFULLY preserves also all permissions!!! Check it:
Hit up adb shell and make sure have busybox:
Code:
for the apks
# tar -cvf /sdcard/dataAppsBackup.tar /data/app
for the data
# tar -cvf /sdcard/dataDataBAckup.tar /data/data
If you want to decompress these files again do:
Code:
# tar -xvf /sdcard/dataAppsBackup.tar -C /data
# tar -xvf /sdcard/dataDataBackup.tar -C /data
Note that these files won't be compressed! If you want to save some disk space on your SD then add the parameter 'z' (without the quotes) in the tar arguments (e.g. tar -cvfz for compressing and tar -xvfz for decompressing)
3.10 How to enable more languages on my mobile?
There is an app called MoreLocale in the market enabling you to select more languages. Download it, it's free
3.11 How to manually delete system apks? Alternatively with GUI?
For deleting manually you only need root-access. With GUI you need RootExplorer (buy it or do what you need to do to get this app-but with these features I would suggest to buy the app ).
Note: I do not take any responsibility if you delete the wrong apk and you lose any functionality of the phone. Do this only if you know what you're doing!
The manual way:
Connect the phone via USB, fire up adb shell and type:
Code:
insmod /LOCATION TO [URL="http://TATTOOHACK.KO/tattoo-hack.ko"]TATTOOHACK.KO/tattoo-hack.ko[/URL]
mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
cd /system/app
rm NAMEOFAPK.apk
The GUI way:
Install RootExplorer, open it, navigate to /system/app and press the little "Mount R/W" button at the top of the screen and begin deleting
4. Dev-Goodies
4.1 Modifying update.zips and resigning them
See this thread and get enlightened
4.2 Modifying resources in apk-files and resigning them
Same procedure as above:
1. Extract the file with WinRAR/WinZIP, delete the contents of META-INF and start modifying what you have to modify
2. Pack everything again into a ZIP file and sign it with the signapk.jar file (can be found somewhere in the forum or here). The syntax of how to use this can be found in the last link (yes, it's only 10 KB ).
4.3 Installing apks via adb for getting exact error codes if installation fails
Prerequisites: Either know the exact path to the apk or put it into the same directory as your adb executable and hit up your command line:
Code:
adb install /path/to/apk/file.apk
OR
adb install file.apk (implies that apk is located in same dir as adb)
4.4 Everything related to ROM cooking
Check this link (thanks to Decad3nce) and this one (thanks to mxlaser).
5. Things I will do better in this thread due to user request
- Nothing
The end for now.

Note: If you think that my thread is good, then please rate it with 5 stars
Changelog:
Version 1.0
- Initial draft
Version 1.1
- Added complete topic 1 now
- Fixed layout and some typos
Version 2.0
- Added complete topic 2 and half of 3
Version 2.1
- First prototype with all topics finished (will rework parts which are not quite understandable)
Version 2.2
- Added new question to 1.6
Version 2.3
- Added section 4.4 -> Everything related to ROM Cooking DUDEEEESSSSS
Version 2.4
- Added 3.11 How to manually delete system apks? Alternatively with GUI?
Version 2.5
- attached working su file - thanks to lovenemesis for this
Version 2.6
- added some mirrors for the Tattoo.rar archive - thanks to emb0re for providing some space
Version 3
- added topic about creating gold cards (2.3.1)

hi
very good initiative stuck

Great work
Very intuitive guide for beginner.
Though as an experienced and new android application developer, it really took me a whole afternoon to understand every step of the whole process. I am sure this guide would save many others wonderful Saturday afternoon.

Nice Work
Great Work From You Sir. This Will Be Useful for Beginners I Think This Will Save Lot Of Our Time's. And Mods Too

Thanks for the feedback...I hope that I can fill many topics tomorrow
P.S.: Indeed this is meant for the many unexperienced users who desperately want to flash custom ROMs but don't know how to do it...this also spares a lot senseless thread-posts I hope...^^

Dude
SSj Man Can You Add Tutorial Abt How to get the Apk file which i download from market in my mobile. if that is possible

3. We have every needed file on the phone now. Type now (we are still in your terminal):
- adb shell
$ cd /data/local/bin
$ while ./m7 ; do : ; done
lots of text until you see something like "wrote shell code", press enter 2 or 3 times enter to see:
#
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me I need to add execute permission for m7 before expolit, with
Code:
chmod 766 m7
.

jagan_3400 said:
SSj Man Can You Add Tutorial Abt How to get the Apk file which i download from market in my mobile. if that is possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean getting the apk from your mobile on your PC for example?
lovenemesis said:
For me I need to add execute permission for m7 before expolit, with
Code:
chmod 766 m7
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm, normally when you push the file via adb it will have user permissions, which includes execution...but I will add it to exclude any possible error...thanks for the info.

It might be worth to mention this in 3.1 Busybox installation:
Code:
adb push busybox /system/xbin/
I accidentallly use "adb push busybox /system/xbin" without the ending "/". Well, you know the rest part of the story...

Hmm, probably this one first, at least for the stock HTC ROM
Code:
adb shell "mkdir /system/xbin"
PS: Kind of weird for its name xbin, not the usual sbin on desktop linux. ;-)

TheSSJ said:
You mean getting the apk from your mobile on your PC for example?
Hm, normally when you push the file via adb it will have user permissions, which includes execution...but I will add it to exclude any possible error...thanks for the info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it's because I am using a Fedora box, which the default permission for files in $HOME does not include execution.

lovenemesis said:
Hmm, probably this one first, at least for the stock HTC ROM
Code:
adb shell "mkdir /system/xbin"
PS: Kind of weird for its name xbin, not the usual sbin on desktop linux. ;-)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right, I added it already in the guide, thanks for the feedback. Well, /system/xbin isn't a "normal" directory indeed, but it was created for extra executables which normally aren't shipped in stock ROMs (like busybox).

4. Then perform this:
- # export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=/system/lib
- # export PATH=/system/bin
- # insmod ./tattoo-hack.ko
- # mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mtdblock5 /data
- # mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
- # cat ./su > /system/bin/su
- # chmod 4755 /system/bin/su
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose after this step the stock ROM is rooted. Right?
But in Android Terminal Emulator gives me $ still. "su" reports an link_image error, which basically said about missing libbinder.so library.
Is it normal or I need to push an libbinder.so to /system/lib as well?
BTW: "adb shell " gives me # straightly.
Regards,

Hmm, I pushed another "su" binary to overwrite the one in Tattoo.rar. And now it works fine in Android Terminal Emulator.
Here is the su binary I use:
View attachment su.zip

Oops, Titanium Backup still refuses to work despite of working "su" binary.
What else should I do?

market not working
hi
i dont know why but the Market does not work for me can u give any solutions for the same im just not able to log in it keeps saying error i also tried with google mail and gmail id but no luck any suggestion pls

few questons kindly answer
hi
i have afew questions can u kindly answer
1. is wipe a must before flashing a new rom
i have flashed the Modoco rom and it was mentioned that this was not needed but i have read in many threads asking to do the same before flashing
2.to bring back contacts after flashing new rom can i use
a. backup pro or titanium backup
b. can i just use the out look sync and get back my contacts from my PC
3. if i restore the stock rom and latter on want to try one of the cooked roms do i need to do the rooting again ie does flashing stock rom remove the rooting
Note : i have been a WM user new to AM is why im asking such questions in the WM i have one app pim backup which would get back all my contacts in 1 min and when flashing any WM it will automatically wipe all the data from the phone this does not seem to be the case with AM is why i have asked above Questions
thanks in advance

lovenemesis said:
Oops, Titanium Backup still refuses to work despite of working "su" binary.
What else should I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium Backup needs Busybox and su to work. If Titanium Backup tells you that it found BusyBox, then try to copy "su" to the following to locations:
/system/bin and /system/xbin
I think with the first it should work then.
haree said:
hi
i dont know why but the Market does not work for me can u give any solutions for the same im just not able to log in it keeps saying error i also tried with google mail and gmail id but no luck any suggestion pls
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you use MoDaCo ROM or did u switch now to another? Normally the phone asks for log-in credentials when going online. When you enter them correctly, the login window should disappear and you should be able to access market...I know this sounds stupid, but check if you entered you PW correctly!
haree said:
hi
i have afew questions can u kindly answer
1. is wipe a must before flashing a new rom
i have flashed the Modoco rom and it was mentioned that this was not needed but i have read in many threads asking to do the same before flashing
2.to bring back contacts after flashing new rom can i use
a. backup pro or titanium backup
b. can i just use the out look sync and get back my contacts from my PC
3. if i restore the stock rom and latter on want to try one of the cooked roms do i need to do the rooting again ie does flashing stock rom remove the rooting
Note : i have been a WM user new to AM is why im asking such questions in the WM i have one app pim backup which would get back all my contacts in 1 min and when flashing any WM it will automatically wipe all the data from the phone this does not seem to be the case with AM is why i have asked above Questions
thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. As I told you via PM already: If the ROM is based on the same source ROM (HTC stock in your case) then a wipe is NOT required, but if you switch android version (AOSP, Vanilla, FroYo, Eclair) then you HAVE TO wipe.
2.
a) I had only problems with Titanium backup concerning restoring contacts. I would suggest using MyBackup Pro
b) Well, if you can sync to outlook, then I suppose yes, but I really doubt that these features are implemented in custom ROMs...
3. Well, if you mean restoring the NAND-backup and then flashing another cooked ROM (which are all rooted by default ), then no - you don't need to re-root. Only if you would flash the original/official HTC ROM which comes shipped as exe-file, but I don't see the sense in flashing this one...use your NAND-backups

TheSSJ said:
Titanium Backup needs Busybox and su to work. If Titanium Backup tells you that it found BusyBox, then try to copy "su" to the following to locations:
/system/bin and /system/xbin
I think with the first it should work then.
hi
thanks buddy for patiently answering all my Q
i got it now but i dont know why this Bl***dy market does not work what every i try ie when the net is on and ur browsing u see the E on ur phone screen and then the 2 white arrows flash this it self does not happen when i try to log in to market
just dont know what is wrong
right now im using Modoco and happy with it seems to be real fast and everything is working on this ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[REF] [Repost] Back up your EFS. Everyone needs to do this.

First things first, I did NOT write this; however I am reposting this here because I think it's extremely important everyone do this. Find OP here, guide was originally written by Candanga. Please hit thanks on his post and show him love for the write up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I’ve compiled a quick guide to instruct how to make a copy of the /efs folder. I’ve found in many threads suggestions about backing up this folder but the methods itself are very general. Most of the times they suggest to “root and copy the folder” with Root Explorer or similar, but usually it’s not that easy or it just doesn't work for everyone (my case).
This guide ASUMES you have read this Excellent Guide by Darkstrikerfirst:
H E R E <-- Make sure to read the ADB Guide.
I recommend doing this with a Mobile just taken out of the box or with any Official ROM of its Service Provider. If you have already Flashed your phone with another ROM but its working fine, then you can use that /efs also.
Why the /efs folder?
This is a very sensitive system folder that contains Phone-specific information such as the IMEI (encrypted in the nv_data.bin), wireless devices MAC addresses, product code (also in the nv_data.bin), and much more. Often users trying to change product codes or trying to unlock the mobile will end up corrupting data in this location.
Why back it up?
Well, let’s resume it saying that backing-up this little folder will keep you away from Samsung service centers.
***WARNING: I take no responsibility to any damage caused by the methods cited and/or written here. Their sole purpose is to back-up data and not to alter in any way the integrity of the original files of the mobile***
Please don’t ask how to recover your IMEI if you have previously messed your SGS without backing up this folder. I’m not familiar with such methods plus it is UNRELATED to this thread.
What you will need:
Rooted SGS to get permissions as a SU (Super User) and perform the backup
I would suggest learning a little about the terminal commands used (in case you are not familiar with them), as it’s better to know what you are doing rather than typing strings like a little chimp without knowing what they are; if you are a little lazy, then you have a good chance bricking your mobile.<- Busybox Commands(or Google them)
Terminal Emulator by Jack Palevich (available from the market) <-Terminal Emulator or use ADB which is included in the SDK Development Tools
--------------------------------------
Backup commands
--------------------------------------
Depending on the type of root, you might have to use “busybox” at the beginning of the sting or just the string:
The standard prompt of terminal (adb) is a $ sign. Once you enter “SU” it will become a # Sign.
***NOTE: Make sure to keep an eye on the screen of your SGS during this process, because it will request SU permissions; else, you will get an error (just if it’s the first time). In Terminal Emulator you will need to reset the app after granting permissions cause it usually freezes***
*Remember: to use ADB you need to enable USB DEBUGGING under Applications/Development in your SGS. Once you are finished with the files, you need to turn it off so you can get the files.
Code:
su
tar zcvf /sdcard/efs-backup.tar.gz /efs or
busybox tar zcvf /sdcard/efs-backup.tar.gz /efs
After this, you will end up with the file efs-backup.tar.gz in your INTERNAL SDCARD, which is a “tarball” or a ZIP of the /efs folder. That file is your backup. You can expand it with Winrar.
In another forum I also saw a recommendation to back up the st13 under /dev/block which can support greatly to recoveryour IMEI in case of a screw-up:
Code:
su
cat /dev/block/stl3 > /sdcard/efs_dev-block-stl3.img or
busybox cat /dev/block/stl3 > /sdcard/efs_dev-block-stl3.img
Same thing, the target is the INTERNAL SDCARD, so go ahead and copy the file.
----------------------------
nv_data.bin - Restore
----------------------------
In case you screwed your IMEI by playing with the nv_data.bin and you are experiencing issues like:
Fake IMEI (usually 004999010640000)
Unable to download apps from the market
Unable to unlock your SIM card using your PIN
Weird apps are downloading automatically from the market
Blinking SIM card icon on the top tray… ETC
You may want to upload your fresh copy of this file back to the phone. Use this commands:
(thanks to Methyldioxide method to recover the product code http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=780509 )
Copy the file from your backup (efs-backup.tar.gz) and paste it in the INTERNAL SDCARD:
Code:
cp /sdcard/nv_data.bin /efs/nv_data.bin
rm -rf /efs/nv_data.bin.md5
Reboot your SGS
The md5 hash/signature is removed (rm) as the system will generate a new one.
**Most likely your SIM code won’t work after this and you won’t be able to log into the phone**
Pop off your SIM card, boot your SGS and execute the following commands to change ownership of the file under ADB or Terminal as well:
Code:
su
busybox chown 1001:1001 /efs/nv_data.bin or
chown 1001:1001 /efs/nv_data.bin
Hope this can help anyone with doubts. Cheers!

I use SGS Toolbox to back up my efs; is that sufficient?
It's on the market for less than $2, and has a ton of other features so well worth the money regardless.
Sent from my rough sketch of a Vibrant on a brick.

Droidificator said:
I use SGS Toolbox to back up my efs; is that sufficient?
It's on the market for less than $2, and has a ton of other features so well worth the money regardless.
Sent from my rough sketch of a Vibrant on a brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah that should do it, but it never hurts to do it again

I read this from the original op, back then when I was trying to change the IMEI. But good you posted this, easier to find.

[How To] Remove WebTopMod without root! [How To]

Since I was looking to be able to update my phone, I had to remove the WebtopMod. Since the previous instructions required me to root my phone to remove it, which was counterproductive because it would mean loosing the ability to update anyway. I looked through the WebtopMod installation scripts and came up with this guide to remove it:
View attachment WebtopModRemoveGuideNoRoot.txt
Note: I've attached the guide in a separate file, because the forum is stupid and thinks that exe, bak, odex, apk, and dex are valid TLD's and says I can't post external links. If I ever get "approximately eight" posts I'll put it in this post.
If you don't have the original backup files, look in page 3 of the howto post for removing it with root. (Thanks, MotoAtrixFan for posting it and twoeleven99 for alerting me to this)
Happy Updating!

eliplan312 said:
Since I was looking to be able to update my phone, I had to remove the WebtopMod. Since the previous instructions required me to root my phone to remove it, which was counterproductive because it would mean loosing the ability to update anyway. I looked through the WebtopMod installation scripts and came up with this guide to remove it:
View attachment 556542
Note: I've attached the guide in a separate file, because the forum is stupid and thinks that exe, bak, odex, apk, and dex are valid TLD's and says I can't post external links. If I ever get "approximately eight" posts I'll put it in this post.
If you don't have the original backup files, look in page 3 of the howto post for removing it with root. (Thanks, MotoAtrixFan for posting it and twoeleven99 for alerting me to this)
Happy Updating!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can update even if you are rooted you cant update only when you modify the /system or some apps

went step by step through your guide and I still cannot update - the apply_patch_check still fails at DockProvider.apk - aside from reflashing the stock SBF, what do you recommend?

Try this
Try setting the phone to usb mass storage mode and replacing the files in the WebtopModBackup folder on the sd/media area with these: View attachment WebtopModBackup.zip
The files in the archive worked for me, not sure why it wouldn't work. If those don't work for you, please post the console log.

eliplan312 said:
Try setting the phone to usb mass storage mode and replacing the files in the WebtopModBackup folder on the sd/media area with these: View attachment 556596
The files in the archive worked for me, not sure why it wouldn't work. If those don't work for you, please post the console log.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but something appears to be totally screwed up on my DockProvider and DockService applications on Titanium Backup - they are listed at the bottom with grey slashes through them. The crazy part is.... it works with the webtop hack, but the update doesn't see the correct files, so something is obviously messed up.
Now, by putting the files from the WebtopModBackup on the phone, shouldn't that fix the issue? Then perform the steps in your text doc? I can't believe I'll have to SBF stock in order to fix the stupid DockProvider and DockService!!

What I meant was, replace the files in the WebtopModBackup folder with the stuff in the archive, then re-do the instruction in the text file.

I'm sorry but your instructions aren't working for me. I've followed your instructions very carefully but when I get to the command
cd /mnt/sdcard/WebtopModBackup
I get a directory not found error.
I can change to /mnt/sdcard but when I type 'ls' nothing appears. The directory is empty.
What am I doing wrong?
One thing I've noticed is that when I enter the 'adb.exe shell ./data/local/tmp/psneuter' command, the phone appears to dismount and remount and then when I go into the shell the '/mnt/sdcard' directory is empty.

Yeah I'm also having that problem....I'm trying to push the backup files into the correct folder. However, when I get a read-only error, so from what I read I'm supposed to reboot into recovery mode. When I try to do this the recovery console says e: can't open/cache/recovery/command and I can't connect to my phone. Any help?

To start I want to say Thank you to the OP for posting this. But there are a few errors, so I hope I can help.
To anyone having issues with this, there are a few things that you must have to make this work.
Note this only works for AT&T Atrix as I do not have a Bell Atrix
#1; THE 1st PART DOES NOT WORK if you performed the update. You should be rooted. You can check to see if you updated by pressing menu --> settings --> about phone and your Build version says something like OLYFR_U4_1.5.7 it will not work, you need to skip down to my next post of my coding since you should already be rooted. The 1st part of this uses the method that made rooting possible, since that was removed with the update, it no longer applies. So if you are updated, you should already be rooted and can skip a few steps
#2; You must have a folder called WebTopModBackup with the .bak files in it on the internal memory (not your memory card but the fake internal one). Open the app called Files, select Internal phone storage, select the WebTopModBackup folder and make sure you see the following files, if not you need to get them
Code:
DockProvider.apk.bak
DockProvider.odex.bak
DockService.apk.bak
DockService.odex.bak
PortalApp.apk.bak
PortalApp.odex.bak
#3; Do not mount your sdcard. When you plug in your USB cable to the compter, pull down the drop menu, select the USB connection and make sure None is selected; then press ok. If one of the other options are selected, select None press ok and wait for 30 seconds for the internal and external cards to mount. @Phazoni more than likely this is your issue
#4; USB debugging must be turned on. Press menu --> settings --> applications --> development --> and check USB debugging if not checked
#5; Make sure you have at least 50% battery, just in case
#6; During the steps you mount (make it editable) the /system folder where the files are, if you get a read-only error you did not do step
mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mmcblk0p12 /system
correctly or your phone is somehow not rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok now let's look at the code in the OP
Code:
adb.exe push psneuter /data/local/tmp
adb.exe shell chmod 755 /data/local/tmp/psneuter
adb.exe shell ./data/local/tmp/psneuter
adb.exe shell
adb.exe push is the command to copy a file to your phone; so we are making a copy of psneuter and putting it on the phone.
adb.exe shell chmod 755 this gives premission to the phone to use the psneuter file
adb.exe shell ./ this makes the psneuter file run and creates a fake root
adb.exe shell this should really be typed as adb shell but whatever. This takes you into the phone's system to edit the files. While in adb, the line should start with a # if it is a $ then psneuter did not work. Just to try, type su and see if the $ changes to a # if it does continue
Code:
cd /mnt/sdcard/WebtopModBackup
This command takes you to the location of your backup, remeber step 2 & 3, if this folder is empty and you cannot get to it, you have an issue there
Code:
mv DockProvider.apk.bak DockProvider.apk
mv DockProvider.odex.bak DockProvider.odex
mv DockService.apk.bak DockService.apk
mv DockService.odex.bak DockService.odex
mv PortalApp.apk.bak PortalApp.apk
mv PortalApp.odex.bak PortalApp.odex
Personally this is not the best way to do this (rename the files by making copies and then making more copies), but not my code. The mv command moves a file. In this case you are only using it to rename the files removing the .bak from the end. See my code at the bottom
Code:
mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mmcblk0p12 /system
This mounts the /system folder so you can edit the system files
Code:
cp DockProvider.apk /system/app/
cp DockProvider.odex /system/app/
cp DockService.apk /system/app/
cp DockService.odex /system/app/
cp PortalApp.apk /system/app/
cp PortalApp.odex /system/app/
This code copies the files into the original locations as the correct name. This assumes you are still in the folder where the backups are. If this fails, the /system folder is not mounted, the files are missing or you are in a different folder. This is also missing the chmod /system/app/* coding. I will cover that below
Code:
rm /data/dalvik-cache/[email protected]*.dex
rm /data/dalvik-cache/[email protected]*.dex
rm /data/dalvik-cache/[email protected]*.odex
rm /data/dalvik-cache/[email protected]*.odex
rm is the command to remove/delete a file, running these 4 commands will remove the system cache and will most likely cause your phone to reboot before the next step; that is ok.
Code:
reboot now
This reboots the phone and removes the temp root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See my next post for my coding

AGAIN
Note this only works for AT&T Atrix as I do not have a Bell Atrix
#1; THE 1st PART DOES NOT WORK if you performed the update. You should be rooted. You can check to see if you updated by pressing menu --> settings --> about phone and your Build version says something like OLYFR_U4_1.5.7 it will not work, you need to skip down to my next post of my coding since you should already be rooted. The 1st part of this uses the method that made rooting possible, since that was removed with the update, it no longer applies. So if you are updated, you should already be rooted and can skip a few steps
#2; You must have a folder called WebTopModBackup with the .bak files in it on the internal memory (not your memory card but the fake internal one). Open the app called Files, select Internal phone storage, select the WebTopModBackup folder and make sure you see the following files, if not you need to get them
Code:
DockProvider.apk.bak
DockProvider.odex.bak
DockService.apk.bak
DockService.odex.bak
PortalApp.apk.bak
PortalApp.odex.bak
#3; Do not mount your sdcard. When you plug in your USB cable to the compter, pull down the drop menu, select the USB connection and make sure None is selected; then press ok. If one of the other options are selected, select None press ok and wait for 30 seconds for the internal and external cards to mount. @Phazoni more than likely this is your issue
#4; USB debugging must be turned on. Press menu --> settings --> applications --> development --> and check USB debugging if not checked
#5; Make sure you have at least 50% battery, just in case
#6; During the steps you mount (make it editable) the /system folder where the files are, if you get a read-only error you did not do step
mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mmcblk0p12 /system
correctly or your phone is somehow not rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NOW for my recommended coding
After you follow my 6 steps above do the following
#1. on your compter press start --> run --> Type cmd this will open the command prompt for windows. Then navigate to the folder where the original WebTopMod files are located.
#2a. If are rooted jump down to step 4
#2. If you are not rooted and have not updated your phone type the following letter for letter
Code:
adb push psneuter /data/local/tmp
adb shell
You will now be in the ADB shell.
#3. You should see a $ so type the following
Code:
chmod 755 /data/local/tmp/psneuter
./data/local/tmp/psneuter
#4 This will kick you out of ADB, wait for it and when it does count to 30 for adb to reset. Now type the following:
Code:
adb shell
#5. You should see the # sign, if you see $ type su to change it since you should be rooted either by rooting the phone or using steps 1-3 above for pre-update.
Code:
mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mmcblk0p12 /system
cp /mnt/sdcard/WebtopModBackupDockProvider.apk.bak /system/app/DockProvider.apk
cp /mnt/sdcard/WebtopModBackupDockProvider.odex.bak /system/app/DockProvider.odex
cp /mnt/sdcard/WebtopModBackupDockService.apk.bak /system/app/DockService.apk
cp /mnt/sdcard/WebtopModBackupDockService.odex.bak /system/app/DockService.odex
cp /mnt/sdcard/WebtopModBackupPortalApp.apk.bak /system/app/PortalApp.apk
cp /mnt/sdcard/WebtopModBackupPortalApp.odex.bak /system/app/PortalApp.odex
chmod 644 /system/app/*
rm /data/dalvik-cache/[email protected]*.dex
rm /data/dalvik-cache/[email protected]*.dex
rm /data/dalvik-cache/[email protected]*.odex
rm /data/dalvik-cache/[email protected]*.odex
reboot now
This
1. mounts the /system folder so you can replace the files then
2. renames nd copies the back-up files to the original locations in one step
3. Then the chmod 644 command sets the correct premissions for the files so they work,
4. clears the cache and
5. reboots the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope this helps anyone stuck

[HOW TO] Debrand boot animations without flashing new ROM

** Requires ROOT+Busybox and either Terminal or a capable File Manager
So you don't feel like flashing a new ROM and losing all your data, but your carrier's boot up and shutdown branding is getting on your nerves? Here is what you do, the basic idea is the same as putting on a new boot animation
I'll assume you're using a Terminal and bootsamsung.qmg for the rest of this, the other files follow the same method
Copy stock boot and shutdown animations onto your SD card, I'll call the path to this location %sd%. A copy of the stock files in the attached archive.
Open terminal and become root
Code:
su
You may need to remount your /system partition as writable, if you're connecting via ADB, adb.exe may crash here - that's fine, just re-connect the USB cable and you shouldn't need to repeat this step again
Code:
mount -o remount,rw [COLOR="RoyalBlue"]/system[/COLOR]
Copy bootsamsung.qmg from %sd% to /system/media/,
Code:
busybox cp -f "[COLOR="RoyalBlue"]%sd%[/COLOR][B][COLOR="Green"]bootsamsung.qmg[/COLOR][/B]" "[COLOR="RoyalBlue"]/system/media/[/COLOR][B][COLOR="Green"]bootsamsung.qmg[/COLOR][/B]"
Set the permissions of the file to 644,
Code:
chmod [COLOR="red"]644[/COLOR] "[COLOR="RoyalBlue"]/system/media/[/COLOR][B][COLOR="Green"]bootsamsung.qmg[/COLOR][/B]"
Get rid of the SD card copy if you don't want it anymore,
Code:
rm -f "[COLOR="RoyalBlue"]%sd%[/COLOR][B][COLOR="Green"]bootsamsung.qmg[/COLOR][/B]"
Clean up any overriding animations, I had this happen for my shutdown animation where my carrier had a shutdown directory in /system/media/video/ which contained another copy of shutdown.qmg, so check for the existence of these and remove them, e.g.
Code:
if [ -f [COLOR="RoyalBlue"]/system/media/video/[/COLOR][B][COLOR="Purple"]bootsamsung[/COLOR]/[COLOR="Green"]bootsamsung.qmg[/COLOR][/B] ]; then
rm -f [COLOR="RoyalBlue"]/system/media/video/[/COLOR][B][COLOR="Purple"]bootsamsung[/COLOR]/[COLOR="Green"]bootsamsung.qmg[/COLOR][/B]
fi
Reboot and see what happens!
Extra notes: Always keep backups of original files. If you can't get past the boot animation, restore the backups.

paulie-uk said:
** Requires ROOT+Busybox and either Terminal or a capable File Manager
So you don't feel like flashing a new ROM and losing all your data, but your carrier's boot up and shutdown branding is getting on your nerves? Here is what you do, the basic idea is the same as putting on a new boot animation
I'll assume you're using a Terminal and bootsamsung.qmg for the rest of this, the other files follow the same method
Copy stock boot and shutdown animations onto your SD card, I'll call the path to this location %sd%. A copy of the stock files in the attached archive.
Open terminal and become root
Code:
su
You may need to remount your /system partition as writable, if you're connecting via ADB, adb.exe may crash here - that's fine, just re-connect the USB cable and you shouldn't need to repeat this step again
Code:
mount -o remount,rw [COLOR="RoyalBlue"]/system[/COLOR]
Copy bootsamsung.qmg from %sd% to /system/media/,
Code:
busybox cp -f "[COLOR="RoyalBlue"]%sd%[/COLOR][B][COLOR="Green"]bootsamsung.qmg[/COLOR][/B]" "[COLOR="RoyalBlue"]/system/media/[/COLOR][B][COLOR="Green"]bootsamsung.qmg[/COLOR][/B]"
Set the permissions of the file to 644,
Code:
chmod [COLOR="red"]644[/COLOR] "[COLOR="RoyalBlue"]/system/media/[/COLOR][B][COLOR="Green"]bootsamsung.qmg[/COLOR][/B]"
Get rid of the SD card copy if you don't want it anymore,
Code:
rm -f "[COLOR="RoyalBlue"]%sd%[/COLOR][B][COLOR="Green"]bootsamsung.qmg[/COLOR][/B]"
Clean up any overriding animations, I had this happen for my shutdown animation where my carrier had a shutdown directory in /system/media/video/ which contained another copy of shutdown.qmg, so check for the existence of these and remove them, e.g.
Code:
if [ -f [COLOR="RoyalBlue"]/system/media/video/[/COLOR][B][COLOR="Purple"]bootsamsung[/COLOR]/[COLOR="Green"]bootsamsung.qmg[/COLOR][/B] ]; then
rm -f [COLOR="RoyalBlue"]/system/media/video/[/COLOR][B][COLOR="Purple"]bootsamsung[/COLOR]/[COLOR="Green"]bootsamsung.qmg[/COLOR][/B]
fi
Reboot and see what happens!
Extra notes: Always keep backups of original files. If you can't get past the boot animation, restore the backups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, I'm interested in debranding my verizon s5. I'd love to get rid of the Verizon screen at bootup. I read through your directions and it seems that you are suggesting overwriting the animation with the stock that you provided. All good. It is the use of the terminal that I am completely unfamiliar with. I tried using adb.exe in a command window inside of windows 7 and it didn't even like the first command 'su' My phone is rooted with a custom rom and busybox in developer mode. Could you help me out with what terminal to use and how to connect etc. to enter the commands? I have a decent filemanager installed but It doesn't let me write to system. Thanks for this post.

Eaglebiker said:
Hello, I'm interested in debranding my verizon s5. I'd love to get rid of the Verizon screen at bootup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My first comment must be to say I have a G900F, the international version of the phone and it's using a stock ROM with a few tweaks, e.g. root. A custom ROM will have changed the system partition already so this method shouldn't be applicable there - if it shows a carrier logo on a custom ROM then it's in another partition, not system
Eaglebiker said:
I read through your directions and it seems that you are suggesting overwriting the animation with the stock that you provided. All good. It is the use of the terminal that I am completely unfamiliar with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I gave terminal instructions so people could do it only using their phone but as you've noticed, it's not the only option
Eaglebiker said:
I tried using adb.exe in a command window inside of windows 7 and it didn't even like the first command 'su'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are using adb, make sure that adb can gain root - the flag should be somewhere in your superuser's settings - then with your USB connected launch adb into shell mode from your computer. This makes adb act as a terminal
Code:
adb shell
If you see a $ then you are not root and will need to gain root, i.e. run su
If you see a # then you are root and don't need to do that
Eaglebiker said:
My phone is rooted with a custom rom and busybox in developer mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All good things!
Eaglebiker said:
Could you help me out with what terminal to use and how to connect etc. to enter the commands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The terminal I use is can be found here (though I used v1.0.65). Most custom ROMs already include it so you may find it in your apps already. It's all on your phone so you'd type on your phone's keyboard as normal. You shouldn't have to use this if you want to use ADB.
Every time I wrote a %path% you will need to enter the real path for what you have on your device, e.g. %sd% may be /extSdCard/
Eaglebiker said:
I have a decent filemanager installed but It doesn't let me write to system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What doesn't let you do this? If it's "read only" then you may need to remount the /system partition (my step 3). File managers like the one you get with CM do let you do root things but it needs to be in root mode or prompt mode (see it's settings). To find /system in a file manager, the easiest way is to keep going up until you're at /, then you should be able to go down through [/B]/system[/B]
Eaglebiker said:
Thanks for this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for letting me give some meaningful answers in post 3!

The Rom I'm using would be better described as a stock lollipop rom for the 900v with a few tweaks.
I now understand that you can have a terminal on the s5. I've installed the terminal and greatly prefer it. Using a terminal on the s5 hadn't even occurred to me and it sounds much easier then hooking to a computer needlessly. Awesome.
I manage to get su access #. in step 2.
in step 3 I type in the mount command and nothing seems to happen. no errors
in step 4 it tells me the folder or file doesn't exist. I'm certain it does. I can see it in my file manager. in the folder /extSdCard/bootsamsung.qmg and the destination folder is /system/media as well. I've tried it with and without quotes and no joy. Any clue what is going on?

Question How to get full backup of sdcard?

Previously I could just plug my phone into my computer and run "adb pull -a /sdcard ." (Android 8) But that command doesn't work anymore now that I have a Pixel 5a with Android 11, it's filled with errors, such as:
Code:
adb: error: failed to copy '/sdcard/Android/data/com.alltrails.alltrails/files/tiles/tile_cache.db-wal' to './sdcard/Android/data/com.alltrails.alltrails/files/tiles/tile_cache.db-wal': remote open failed: Permission denied
This is some random app file, and I'm sure there are others too with weird permissions which cause adb to quit as soon as it has the error.
I've read that I could use a command like this:
Code:
adb exec-out "tar -ch sdcard | gzip" > sdcard_backup.tar.gz
but this just produces a corrupted archive because "tar" can't read all of the files either and so the error messages get inserted into the archive.
Any other ideas to simply get a full backup of /sdcard? Thanks

scarlion said:
Previously I could just plug my phone into my computer and run "adb pull -a /sdcard ." (Android 8) But that command doesn't work anymore now that I have a Pixel 5a with Android 11, it's filled with errors, such as:
Code:
adb: error: failed to copy '/sdcard/Android/data/com.alltrails.alltrails/files/tiles/tile_cache.db-wal' to './sdcard/Android/data/com.alltrails.alltrails/files/tiles/tile_cache.db-wal': remote open failed: Permission denied
This is some random app file, and I'm sure there are others too with weird permissions which cause adb to quit as soon as it has the error.
I've read that I could use a command like this:
Code:
adb exec-out "tar -ch sdcard | gzip" > sdcard_backup.tar.gz
but this just produces a corrupted archive because "tar" can't read all of the files either and so the error messages get inserted into the archive.
Any other ideas to simply get a full backup of /sdcard? Thanks
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I'm guessing that you're not rooted. That means that you probably won't be able to access most (if not all) of Android/data due to scoped storage restrictions.
If you change the tar command to
tar -chzf sdcard_backup.tar.gz sdcard
you should at least split out the errors from the data. The z option tells tar to compress the output using gzip. No need to explicitly pipe it through an external gzip program. f tells it that the next string is the output file name.
For the full tar manual see
GNU tar 1.34
GNU tar 1.34
www.gnu.org
A good file explorer should be able to get access to the restricted directories so you could use that to copy the data from there. I'm not sure about restoring in this case though since permissions may not be properly preserved.
If you are rooted then you can use tar to grab everything. There are options to preserve permissions but I would use the /data/media/0 path for that (path may not be correct. I'm going by memory since I'm not currently rooted and can't see the necessary directory structures).
I'll follow up here eventually once I do root, hopefully in a few days.