Database Develop

[Q] Contacts process force close after removing some bloatware

Would really appreciate some help.
Removed some bloatware via Titanium Backup, and of course, I got trigger happy.
process com.motorola.contacts (Contacts force closes)
process com.motorola.conversations (text messaging force closes)
So I have Root Explorer and got a hold of a system dump for Bionic.
I started by moving YahooContacts.apk (one of the apps I guess I shouldn't have uninstalled) back to the /system/app folder...but it doesn't show up anywhere as an installed app (just that the .apk was moved). If I try to actually select the .apk and try to install it says "Application did not Install" but the .apk IS moved.
Processes still don't work after moving.
I would appreciate any help, at this point I can't text or place calls. Thanks in advance, this forum helped me with the entire root process.

You cannot freeze/remove ANY of the other authenticator apps, it will cause contacts to freeze. I ran into that on the Droid 3.

First off there is no need to delete/remove, Freezing them accomplishes the same thing but most importantly it allows you to reverse what you have broken by Defrosting it. Do yourself a favor stop deleting and start freezing. If 16GB is not enough internal storage for you then you might consider an external HD from Seagate!!!!!!! LOL

I realize I made a big mistake. That's totally on me But it's in the past
Do I have any options to get this working again? I am definitely going to freeze apps in the future.
If I did delete an authenticator process, is there any way I can get those back? Would they be available through a system dump?

I believe that you need to make sure the permissions are correct after reinstalling an apk to the system/app folder. I've never done this, so I'll let you do the research. I've heard you can use root explorer to do this or a script with terminal emulator. Sorry I can't help more

I have the exact same problem, and am attempting to troubleshoot this issue on a different forum, however I am not allowed to post links but I'll try and keep you updated.
Edit: It's not a problem with permissions, I've made sure that they're correct with root explorer. It seems to be a Bionic-specific issue. I might just return it at this rate.

Thankfully, there's an unroot to use. I think im in the same boat. re-added all the yahoo related .apk and .odex and set permissions/owner, still nothing. Unroot and hope the Verizon dude is in a good mood!

Except now ADB is throwing "ERROR: ADB could not be granted root access" when trying to unroot
excellent.

Someone in the thread I was talking about had some success, its on droidforums dot net, droid bionic forum, bionic support, HELP! accidentally deleted IMSCServer from Droid Bionic thread. Maybe you can try something I haven't.

just do a factory reset thats what i had to do as I had the same problem.

I tried that, it didn't work... Did you actually get your system apps back? Did you do it through settings or the recovery menu?

i froze my bloat thats prob the difference and it was yahoo that caused the problem for me...

GLIMMERMAN76 said:
i froze my bloat thats prob the difference and it was yahoo that caused the problem for me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really begs the question why anything with Yahoo is required by the system. Furthermore, why did they make it so frustratingly hard to reinstall system apps on the Bionic? Really disappointed in Motorola for this.

Here is the fix for Contacts, restore these files and set correct permission, reboot and presto Contacts fixed

That did it.. I have been looking for the YAHOO Contacts.apk file for 3 days with a bloody wortheless phone that I spent 300 shells on!
BTW I agree with Glimmerman, WHY DID YAHOO get involved in contacts? Talk about a sneaky way in integrate them.

0mie said:
Here is the fix for Contacts, restore these files and set correct permission, reboot and presto Contacts fixed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry if I'm newbtastic here but what do I do with these APKs and odex. I tried installing with ES explorer but it would not install. Am I supposed to move these files somewheres? /system/app then try install ? Thanks

answered my own question. I WAS newbtastic afterall. LOL. Thanks anyways. This did it. Dang Yahoo!

lol yep my girlfriend did this yesterday fortunately i have a bionic too so i just pulled the files from my phone and pushed to hers.
damn you yahoo.
also, apparently go contacts EX will 'fix' the problem (you must use their app however)

phil7280 said:
Sorry if I'm newbtastic here but what do I do with these APKs and odex. I tried installing with ES explorer but it would not install. Am I supposed to move these files somewheres? /system/app then try install ? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait - WHERE are we putting the Contact fix and do we extract it once we've moved it?

0mie said:
Here is the fix for Contacts, restore these files and set correct permission, reboot and presto Contacts fixed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm confused as to where to put this. I downloaded it and it downloaded into tapatalk downloads. Where do I move it and do I extract it?

Contacts.apk

Can we use contacts.apk from cyanogenmod in stock rom?....if we can,anyone please upload it for our phone.I don't like the stock contacts.My phone is at&t model and Android 4.1
Sent from my MB886

No help for me.....why? Did I asked something wrong?
Sent from my MB886

SanthosneoV said:
No help for me.....why? Did I asked something wrong?
Sent from my MB886
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think u posted in wrong place. Btw, why dont u take it from cm10 and try then let us know whether it works or not.
Sent from my MB886 using xda app-developers app

SanthosneoV said:
Can we use contacts.apk from cyanogenmod in stock rom?....if we can,anyone please upload it for our phone.I don't like the stock contacts.My phone is at&t model and Android 4.1
Sent from my MB886
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have fun.

penser said:
Have fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the stock AT&T firmware for the AHD (4.1), you only need to root the phone and remove the vendor apps and the AT&T Addressbook and Yellow Pages apks from the phone and Contacts will load up without any carrier reference. It's actually pretty cool to see how easy it is to remove carrier customizations from this build and look somewhat vanilla.

It should work...make sure you clear cache before you install. And you cant just install it, you have to copy with a root explorer and set permissions correct...

wamsille said:
On the stock AT&T firmware for the AHD (4.1), you only need to root the phone and remove the vendor apps and the AT&T Addressbook and Yellow Pages apks from the phone and Contacts will load up without any carrier reference. It's actually pretty cool to see how easy it is to remove carrier customizations from this build and look somewhat vanilla.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I try with root browser but appears uninstall unsuccessful. What I did wrong?
Need change permissions?
Need another program?
I don't find vendor apps.
My phone is only root.

If you are running the stock ROM with root access, you need to download and install Root Explorer. It isn't a free app but I'm all for supporting development. (Note: I am in no way affiliated with any paid apps on the Play Store)
Open Root Explorer and navigate to System\Vendor. There is a directory \apps that you can just delete, which will elminate most of the pre-installed applications. Root Explorer will ask for root permission, which will open up your SU app. Grant permissions, then Root Explorer will warn you that you are still in R/O mode and confirm that you want R/W access to delete or move the files. Grant access again and the operation will be complete. You aren't done though, as the rest of the apps are loaded in System\apps, so go up a folder back to \System then open up \apps. You want the AT&T phonebook sync, Ready2Go and Yellow Page apps for starters to be deleted. Caution, you will see a lot of force closures but this is to be expected. You'll have leftover entries listed on downloads in App Manager, which you can delete manually one at a time.
If you don't want QuickOffice, you can remove the apk for it and any other preinstalled application that came with the phone. Keep in mind that you will need to be conservative in what you remove because one wrong move/delete could cause you to lose functionality. You should notice a much cleaner app drawer for starters, plus the Contacts app looks like Jelly Bean / ICS without the Yellow Pages icon.
At this point you should have a fairly clean 4.1.1 stock install on the Atrix. What I would like to do at some point is make a 4.1.1 based ROM using the AT&T update, just removing Blur and making everything vanilla. After that make a vanilla 4.0 ROM that is compatible with the Lapdock. I may have moved onto the Nexus 4 but something has to be said for this phone's build quality.

Thank You.:good:

How do I stop OTA pop up on rooted device

I am on a stock rooted ROM is there any way to stop the new OTA pop up message?

gwlaw99 said:
I am on a stock rooted ROM is there any way to stop the new OTA pop up message?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use something like Titanium backup and freeze System Updates MUC. That will prevent them from coming through.

Oaklands said:
Use something like Titanium backup and freeze System Updates MUC. That will prevent them from coming through.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not been able to locate that file. I did a search for it and looked in /system/priv-app and it is not there.

gwlaw99 said:
I have not been able to locate that file. I did a search for it and looked in /system/priv-app and it is not there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use TIBU. It will show up in the list of system apps. I think the file is called com.innopath.active care.

Question for OTA

Am I able to upgrade to Lollipop, when it is released, if I freeze apps such as spotlight, hangout, Google+...
I am currently on Stock 4.4.4, rooted, stock kernel and recovery.
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app

kenosis said:
Am I able to upgrade to Lollipop, when it is released, if I freeze apps such as spotlight, hangout, Google+...
I am currently on Stock 4.4.4, rooted, stock kernel and recovery.
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
Freezing is just a method of renaming a system app. Unfreezing ALL of them too.
Being unlocked or safe strapped I always backed up my virgin system before making any modds so an update would go with just flashing stock recovery. Hiding root is needed sometimes too.

Thanks for your answer. I will just unfreeze freezed apps once 5.0 is available.
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app

kenosis said:
Am I able to upgrade to Lollipop, when it is released, if I freeze apps such as spotlight, hangout, Google+...
I am currently on Stock 4.4.4, rooted, stock kernel and recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on how you freeze them.
Every OTA so far has included a pre-flash validation check for the phone. It scans the phone for particular files and parts, for their existence and to make sure their checksum or SHA hash the expected versions BEFORE the OTA will install. Any method that renames, deletes, or otherwise modifies the APK and/or ODEX file for stock apps can cause an OTA install to fail.
If you use the phone's built in App Manager (Settings -> Apps -> open the entry for the app you want, then hit DISABLE, or Uninstall Updates then Disable), you are fine.
If you use something like Titanium Backup to Freeze them, you will likely be ok, but keep in mind that when some past OTA's came out (think 4.2.2 and 4.4), using Titanium to freeze apps did cause the OTA to fail for some people.
Using a root capable file explorer to manually rename, delete, or otherwise modify the APK and/or ODEX file can also cause an OTA install to fail.
This is why you see so many say that "you need to be stock to take an OTA"
aviwdoowks said:
Yes.
Freezing is just a method of renaming a system app. Unfreezing ALL of them too.
Being unlocked or safe strapped I always backed up my virgin system before making any modds so an update would go with just flashing stock recovery. Hiding root is needed sometimes too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you RENAME a system app that the OTA's Pre-flash validation steps look for, the OTA will fail. So any method of "freezing apps" that involves renaming the APK or ODEX files certainly can cause an OTA install to fail.
But of course, if the APK/ODEX you rename is NOT looked at during pre-flash validation, then the OTA will not fail.

Hi KidJoe, thanks for your explanation. I use Android Tuner and freeze apps such as spotlight, hangout, Google+, Live Wallpaper... I can unfreeze. Is it OK to do like that?
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app

KidJoe said:
It depends on how you freeze them.
Every OTA so far has included a pre-flash validation check for the phone. It scans the phone for particular files and parts, for their existence and to make sure their checksum or SHA hash the expected versions BEFORE the OTA will install. Any method that renames, deletes, or otherwise modifies the APK and/or ODEX file for stock apps can cause an OTA install to fail.
If you use the phone's built in App Manager (Settings -> Apps -> open the entry for the app you want, then hit DISABLE, or Uninstall Updates then Disable), you are fine.
If you use something like Titanium Backup to Freeze them, you will likely be ok, but keep in mind that when some past OTA's came out (think 4.2.2 and 4.4), using Titanium to freeze apps did cause the OTA to fail for some people.
Using a root capable file explorer to manually rename, delete, or otherwise modify the APK and/or ODEX file can also cause an OTA install to fail.
This is why you see so many say that "you need to be stock to take an OTA"
If you RENAME a system app that the OTA's Pre-flash validation steps look for, the OTA will fail. So any method of "freezing apps" that involves renaming the APK or ODEX files certainly can cause an OTA install to fail.
But of course, if the APK/ODEX you rename is NOT looked at during pre-flash validation, then the OTA will not fail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1

kenosis said:
Hi KidJoe, thanks for your explanation. I use Android Tuner and freeze apps such as spotlight, hangout, Google+, Live Wallpaper... I can unfreeze. Is it OK to do like that?
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used that app. Best thing to say is take an app that you know what the apk name is, use Android Tuner to freeze it, then use a root capable file explorer to look for the apk. If it's still named correctly and located in the original place on the phone, then you should be ok.

Cannot Remove Project Fi app either in system or in Play Store

Hello, I bought my Nexus 6 from Amazon (US version) unlocked. I joined Project Fi which requires installation of the Project Fi app. Now I am leaving Project Fi going back to Verizon but I cannot remove the Project Fi app. I'm only able to uninstall all updates, and disable the app. Clearing the cache, disabling the app with SIM removed, rebooting with no SIM, etc. Nothing removes it. I also tried to remove it via the Play Store by holding on it and removing it with the X at the upper right. Well there is no way to select it in the play store, it can only be "enabled".
Project Fi support is of course useless. I know this app did not come on my phone unless it was hidden in a system partition until activation?
Any ideas on how to remove this app totally? I want to get it removed so I can get back on Verizon without it causing issues trying to interact with the SIM. Thank you

wats6831 said:
Hello, I bought my Nexus 6 from Amazon (US version) unlocked. I joined Project Fi which requires installation of the Project Fi app. Now I am leaving Project Fi going back to Verizon but I cannot remove the Project Fi app. I'm only able to uninstall all updates, and disable the app. Clearing the cache, disabling the app with SIM removed, rebooting with no SIM, etc. Nothing removes it. I also tried to remove it via the Play Store by holding on it and removing it with the X at the upper right. Well there is no way to select it in the play store, it can only be "enabled".
Project Fi support is of course useless. I know this app did not come on my phone unless it was hidden in a system partition until activation?
Any ideas on how to remove this app totally? I want to get it removed so I can get back on Verizon without it causing issues trying to interact with the SIM. Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sure, its very easy, but you need root to remove it, since its a system app. just use a root file explorer to find it in /system/app/, then delete it and reboot. when you boot up, it'll be gone. or, you can perform a factory reset, then boot up first time with your Verizon sim in the phone. then the app will go back into hiding in your system partition.

simms22 said:
sure, its very easy, but you need root to remove it, since its a system app. just use a root file explorer to find it in /system/app/, then delete it and reboot. when you boot up, it'll be gone. or, you can perform a factory reset, then boot up first time with your Verizon sim in the phone. then the app will go back into hiding in your system partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you sir. Just so that I am clear: I need to obtain root via this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/how-to-nexus-6-one-beginners-guide-t2948481
which will wipe the device. I can then use any root file explorer app to delete the system/app/folder
It's been a while since I've worked on phone but I've been rooting/flashing since the OG DROID. I just want to be very clear before I wipe my device. Thank you again for any clarification.

wats6831 said:
Thank you sir. Just so that I am clear: I need to obtain root via this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/how-to-nexus-6-one-beginners-guide-t2948481
which will wipe the device. I can then use any root file explorer app to delete the system/app/folder
It's been a while since I've worked on phone but I've been rooting/flashing since the OG DROID. I just want to be very clear before I wipe my device. Thank you again for any clarification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well.. yes and no. root has slightly changed since 6.0.1. and i mean slightly.
1. unlock your bootloader(which will wipe your device, so move what you need to your computer). boot up once after this as well.
2. flash the twrp recovery to your phone via fastboot.
3. flash any nexus 6 custom kernel with twrp(new step)
4. flash the latest SuperSU zip(for root)
5. reboot.
the custom kernel will let you obtain root, its needed in there as of 6.0.1. oh, then don't delete the /system/app/ folder, delete the google fi app folder with its apk inside. otherwise you'll delete all your system apps.

simms22 said:
well.. yes and no. root has slightly changed since 6.0.1. and i mean slightly.
1. unlock your bootloader(which will wipe your device, so move what you need to your computer). boot up once after this as well.
2. flash the twrp recovery to your phone via fastboot.
3. flash any nexus 6 custom kernel with twrp(new step)
4. flash the latest SuperSU zip(for root)
5. reboot.
the custom kernel will let you obtain root, its needed in there as of 6.0.1. oh, then don't delete the /system/app/ folder, delete the google fi app folder with its apk inside. otherwise you'll delete all your system apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. So do I still obtain root with the fastboot procedure linked in the FAQ? If not, can you link to a current guide for unlocking the bootloader and flashing the TWRP. I'm also not sure where to get a custom kernal, or which one. After that I think I got it. Thanks.

wats6831 said:
Ok. So do I still obtain root with the fastboot procedure linked in the FAQ? If not, can you link to a current guide for unlocking the bootloader and flashing the TWRP. I'm also not sure where to get a custom kernal, or which one. After that I think I got it. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can always check if you have root by downloading and installing a terminal emulator app from the play store, then open it and type su. if you have root, it'll return a #

simms22 said:
you can always check if you have root by downloading and installing a terminal emulator app from the play store, then open it and type su. if you have root, it'll return a #
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have root, I've never touched this phone. I'm just trying to make sure I understand the correct way to obtain root in 6.0.1. Your post made it sound like maybe that guide I linked wasn't the current way?

wats6831 said:
I don't have root, I've never touched this phone. I'm just trying to make sure I understand the correct way to obtain root in 6.0.1. Your post made it sound like maybe that guide I linked wasn't the current way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, it is the correct way. I just added that a kernel has to be flashed as well. but chainfire might have fixed that, I heard that a few hours ago. if he did, then the method is correct. I rooted over a year ago, my n6. so its been a while :angel:

I understand. Thank you for making that clear. I can't even root due to USB driver issues...not sure why. I followed the steps exactly.

I've switched to SuperSU 2.66, so I've just checked it, and you don't need a custom kernel for it anymore, just flash ir frim TWRP.
Sent from my Nexus 6 running cyosp using Tapatalk

simms22 said:
sure, its very easy, but you need root to remove it, since its a system app. just use a root file explorer to find it in /system/app/, then delete it and reboot. when you boot up, it'll be gone. or, you can perform a factory reset, then boot up first time with your Verizon sim in the phone. then the app will go back into hiding in your system partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I unlocked, and rooted with Wugster and SUperSU. I booted first time with my Verizon SIM and project Fi app is still there. I can see it in my apps list, but i can't see it in the system/app/ any clue where it is? thanks.
It's in #/data/user/0/com.google.android.apps.tycho
somewhere but i can't find it

wats6831 said:
So I unlocked, and rooted with Wugster and SUperSU. I booted first time with my Verizon SIM and project Fi app is still there. I can see it in my apps list, but i can't see it in the system/app/ any clue where it is? thanks.
It's in #/data/user/0/com.google.android.apps.tycho
somewhere but i can't find it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it has a weird name, not fi. its like tycho or something similar. if you look into that folder, its there.

simms22 said:
it has a weird name, not fi. its like tycho or something similar. if you look into that folder, its there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok looking in that folder, i see nothing in any subfolder except for a file called "Switching.xml"
Should I delete the whole tycho folder?

The ProjectFi app is "Tycho"
You can also remove GCS (Google Connectivity Services). Only ProjectFi uses it for joining open wifi networks and the Google VPN, among other things. Totally useless unless you're a Fi'er.

Gandalf said:
The ProjectFi app is "Tycho"
You can also remove GCS (Google Connectivity Services). Only ProjectFi uses it for joining open wifi networks and the Google VPN, among other things. Totally useless unless you're a Fi'er.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So to be clear should I delete the whole Tycho folder? I don't want the app to show up at all in my app list.
Can GCS be removed or does it have to be deleted in /system/app? thanks.

wats6831 said:
So to be clear should I delete the whole Tycho folder? I don't want the app to show up at all in my app list.
Can GCS be removed or does it have to be deleted in /system/app? thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can delete it but I would recommend either Disabling it in Settings > Apps or using Titanium Backup to freeze it. Assuming you're running stock, mounting system rw will cause issues with verity