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I have a confusion regarding android. this is very general query.
In Computer, first we have to have exe file to install anything and then we click on it to install the app on windows computer generally. when the app is installed on computer, we have installed app files in program files and then a dump (that is exe file) which we keep to install this app on any other computer.
Now, please let me know if this is applicable in android phones also?
I know that in android, there is .apk file instead of .exe file in computer. I observed that after installation apk file disappears. Is this true?
Not sure if in understood well, did you mean if instal anything from SD card? If you are asking that the answer is yes, i install everything from SD card and the apk file stay there after installation.
What if u install any app from Market?
vijay.gupta said:
I have a confusion regarding android. this is very general query.
In Computer, first we have to have exe file to install anything and then we click on it to install the app on windows computer generally. when the app is installed on computer, we have installed app files in program files and then a dump (that is exe file) which we keep to install this app on any other computer.
Now, please let me know if this is applicable in android phones also?
I know that in android, there is .apk file instead of .exe file in computer. I observed that after installation apk file disappears. Is this true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even in Android you can see the .apk files under /system/app. Also applications installed by you can be backed up & later restored using software available on market.
"Normally" these apks dissapear when you download from.market, but all of.your apks are stored in your phone, the thing is that you have to hav permission to do that, when you download an apk (the single file) and store it in sd card to install it, the apk is copied to the phone.
Sent from my GT-I5801 using XDA App
But if u back up ur apps as .apk and install them later using softwares (with exception of Titanium backup) u will loose connection between the app and android market (that means no updates)
the best option is to backup ur apps with titanium backup along with user data and restore it using the same
how do i access /system/app? Do I need to root the phone in order to see this directory?
vijay.gupta said:
how do i access /system/app? Do I need to root the phone in order to see this directory?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download Terminal emulator from market & you are ready to go to /system/app !!!!
You can also download Root Explorer and so the same
Thank all. Can you please confirm what I am writing below:
Suppose I buy a android phone (with android 2.1 so you cannot install apps from SD card) in which I installed an application named XYZ from Market. Now, there is a apk file for XYZ which gets downloaded somewhere in the phone memory and then it gets installed automatically.
Now, I just want to know, where does this apk file go after XYZ is installed? Does it stay in phone memory with the installed files of XYZ.
If it goes to phone memory and not deleted from there, then phone memory
if u install .apk from market it will be stored and installed in /data/app in phone memory. i do not think it is stored twice in the phone.
Do u mean to say that only the installed file gets stored and. apk. File got deleted automatically after getting installed?
vijay.gupta said:
Do u mean to say that only the installed file gets stored and. apk. File got deleted automatically after getting installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remember that an .apk file its a variant of the .jar files when you install an .apk this file gets stored inside the phone along with its necesary dependencies when the app starts, the os reads this file line by line while the app is executed.
In short terms the .apk file its the application itself that need a proper interpreter to run, in that way when you install and app to the phone, it copies this file and links the dependencies, so the .apks downloaded from makret are stored directly inside the app folder, in that way you can extract them from this folder and use it in another android phone.
You are relying too much on the windows ways of things. You see an exe file installion in windows essentially unpacking everything (other things aside) where it is needed and you then often see a bunch of files and folders. This is not what happens in android, the apk file is conserved when installed and can be found in the root part of your phone. Its data/app/ if installed on your phone, mnt/asec. (or something like asec) if installed on your sd card. You can copy that file to your sd card or send it to another device and install it again. I did just that today (I sent an apk to a friend)
anyway i dont think its same if i delete .apk + odex files from /data/app as i uninstall it with titanium backup. i think TB will be delete also data stored by the app inside the database (its the place where the apps are saving data, settings, etc...)
In case you are installing from Android Market:
1. When you are at market, it doesn't ask you to download. You will only get option either to install or update the existing app.
2. If you are a normal user, after installing, you won't be able to see the apk file anywhere on your memory card. But if you are a root user or with the help of special file managers and specific apps like root explorer and terminal emulators, you can locate those spk files in the phone's hidden memory.
3. If you are a root user, or with the help above mentioned type of apps, you can locate the apk files in phone memory and copy it on your memory card and distribute it to your wish.
4. If you are worried for paid apps and losing your phone or apps because of resetting or any other reason then stop worrying. A record of your paid apps is stored in google servers. So, even if you reset your phone or lose your phone, once you log in to a your new android device with the same google account, it will automatically show your paid apps. You don't have to pay for it again. Just need to install it again. This is applicable only if you are paying for the app through android market and you are logging into your android device with the same google account you had before losing your apps.
In case of installing via your SD card:
1. apk files are just like java files (.jad or .jar). You can download it on your PC from various sources and transfer it to your SD card or any of your friends' via USB, bluetooth or any other way.
2. After transfering the apk file to your SD card, it doesn't get automatically installed. You have to click it or open it to install, just like how we double click the exe file in windows.
3. Whether installed or not installed, the apk file you transfer to your SD card will always remain there unless and untill you or someone else delete it or you format your memory card.
4. Once installed, a copy of the same apk file would also be there in your phone's hidden memory, which you can access using special apps.
If you worried about losing your apps, try searching for other apps which backups apk... you can do so at android market. Moreover, also search on the net about having root access on your android device.. it'll let you access files in your phone's memory.
I hope, this would solve down all your queries !!!
Thanks next2 devil. Very gud explanation. It cleared almost all confusions. I have some more confusions that i want to clear out.
1) just a general query that just like exe file got unpacked after double clicking on it and install its files in c: genrally, does the same happen with apk, jad and jar files?
2) just want to clear out that phone memory which is hidden for normal users contains the copy of only those apk files that are currently installed on the phone and not the ones that are uninstalled or not installed at all?
vijay.gupta said:
Thanks next2 devil. Very gud explanation. It cleared almost all confusions. I have some more confusions that i want to clear out.
1) just a general query that just like exe file got unpacked after double clicking on it and install its files in c: genrally, does the same happen with apk, jad and jar files?
2) just want to clear out that phone memory which is hidden for normal users contains the copy of only those apk files that are currently installed on the phone and not the ones that are uninstalled or not installed at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I am not sure about JAD and JAR files, but yes, APK files unpack itself to get installed. You can come to know the exact size/space that would be taken by the app directly from the android market. Details would be given there.
2. Yes, the phone memory would be having copy of files only which is installed. There would be no copy of any apk file which in not installed.
Thanks next2devil. Your response give rise to one more query.
if i compare unpacking logic from windows, there is no need for original exe file to remain in existence after it has been installed and user can delete exe file after installing it. Deleting exe file has no negative impact on the working of installed app. Please let me know if this is also the case with apk files? If yes, then what is the need of apk file to remain in phone memory after it has been installed?
vijay.gupta said:
Thanks next2devil. Your response give rise to one more query.
if i compare unpacking logic from windows, there is no need for original exe file to remain in existence after it has been installed and user can delete exe file after installing it. Deleting exe file has no negative impact on the working of installed app. Please let me know if this is also the case with apk files? If yes, then what is the need of apk file to remain in phone memory after it has been installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Short and simple. Deleting the apk file from /data/app removes the app.
Sent from my Lestatious v1.4.5.5 Galaxy 3 FROYO
Hi my New x8 came with Application Installer v2.1.2 (2010), what is currently the best Application Installer I should use ? what software should I use for SD Browser & for task manager ?
root exppoler for browse folder and installer,, dont know bout task manager.. not use that thing till now..
ES Explorer (for your stock rom) and System Tool for task manager
Is there an app that will only allow to browse the SD card ? the apps you all suggested are superb but very dangerous also.
not really dangerous if you know how to use it
I'm scared of the fact that someone could accidentally delete system files with their itchy hand's.
I use Advanced Task Killer it's very simple and easy to hand.
I use Root Explorer too, but I think that ASTRO File Manager is good for unroot X8 I am not sure I just know that it is one of the most loaded File Manager.
And a secruity app is also important. I use Lookout.
i think the most important app is Applanet, with this you can download almost all apps FREE!
So in this app you can search all filemanager and you can try it which is the perfect for you.
Best regards
Springles said:
Is there an app that will only allow to browse the SD card ? the apps you all suggested are superb but very dangerous also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I mistyped the "SystemPanel" app as System Tool... But "Advanced Task Killer" free, is very good for freeing RAM like jantheg suggested.
As for "ES Explorer" If u dont check the root option and the Mount System as RW option then u wont delete something important 'cause u won't able to...
I liked "Ghost Commander" as file browser before rooting the phone
Foursquare bro!!!! Adobereader for that pdf
b.pet93 said:
i think the most important app is Applanet, with this you can download almost all apps FREE!
So in this app you can search all filemanager and you can try it which is the perfect for you.
Best regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But Applanet is illegale, because you can download copyrighted Apps for free so if you don't have problems with this you can use it.
use OI File Manager .its very simple and is not Dangerous
for task manager use Android assistant(it have a file manager included)
There's some software I'd like to get, but it's unavailable in the market. When I go to groupon.be e.g., there is a download link for the android market, but it pops up the amazon app store where it isn't available. I can't seem to find it in the marketplace either.
Same for the tweakers.net app, whatsapp, wordpress, colruyt collect & go,...
How do I go about these things?
If you have an Android phone, you can just download the app, use an app called Appsaver to copy it to your phone's SD card, and then you can either email it to yourself or put it in your Dropbox.
If you don't have an Android phone, it could be a bit harder. You'll have to find the apk file somewhere online. Usually typing in the app name + apk into Google will find it on one of many websites that host Android apps, like apktop.
If you really can't find it at all after doing all of the above, then you could always just try politely requesting that someone here send it to you. I'm sure you'll find someone willing to help!
That's a good idea, since I do have an Android phone! Is there a way that I can make the normal market open when clicking market links instead of the Amazon app store?
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
I tend to download it on my phone, then use ES File Explorer to go to /data/app and send it to my Dropbox. Then I just pull it with my Fire.
I succeeded in copying the .apk's from my phone to my Kindle, but when I click them in File Expert, the install won't succeed.
If you don't want to use a file explorer app to search around hidden Android system folders to find thess apps, there is a much easier way for the lay people (non-experts).
(I already presume you have a file explorer app eg. root explorer installed on your KF, explained in other threads particularly the rooting guide - root explorer (paid) and ES file explorer (free) are both good)
Go to Market and install appinstaller (many names many version, I use "appinstaller" by gregory House) to you Android phone. Use its "backup" function and it will show all the third party (non-system) apps you have installed. Pick the ones you want to move over to the KF (remember to include the appinstaller itself!), or check them all (full backup of all 3rd party apps). It will save them in a folder called "appsaver" - OK you still need to use a file explorer to find this folder, but at least it is in one single folder which is not in the root /system folder.
Hook up your Android phone to your PC and use Windows Explorer to find this "appsaver" folder and copy it somewhere in your PC. Unhook your phone and hook up your KF. Copy and paste the "appsaver" folder from your PC into the KF (which appears as a drive in Windows - don't put this inside any other folders in the KF). Unhook the KF.
In KF, run your file explorer app - most of them start default in the /sdcard folder which is where the "appsaver" folder is. Open the "appsaver" folder and you see all the .apk (app installation programs) you saved from your Android phone. Find and run "appinstaller.apk" to install this app. Now you can run this app and use the "install" function (it will detect the "appsaver" folder and all the apps inside) to install any apps you moved over from your phone.
---------- Post added at 01:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:32 AM ----------
ctgchaos said:
I succeeded in copying the .apk's from my phone to my Kindle, but when I click them in File Expert, the install won't succeed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rookie mistake:
Click the little "Setting" (cogwheel) icon at the top right corner -> "More" -> "Device" -> "Allow installation of applications" - switch "ON"
I have not forgotten the "Allow installation of applications"-option, but thanks for the kind reminder. I will try the appinstaller method, thanks!
This seems to be an issue with the market link redirecting to the Amazon app store, right? Check out this thread.
tl;dr: Rename MarketIntentProxy.apk in /system/app to MarketIntentProxy.apk.bak
Of course, this assumes you have the Android Market installed on your Fire.
I have tried what you suggested, Slim_thumb, but it does seem to be due to something else, as I still can't install the apps Twunch, Twerkers.net, Groupon, Collect&Go. When trying it blandly tells me "not installed".
On AT&T with root. For some odd reason I can't remove the Att system apps. Tried root Explorer and some of the system removal apps on play. Any ideas? I hate knowing the bloat is there and wanting updates every few days.
rob ben said:
On AT&T with root. For some odd reason I can't remove the Att system apps. Tried root Explorer and some of the system removal apps on play. Any ideas? I hate knowing the bloat is there and wanting updates every few days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There're several ways that I know.
1/ Use ES File Explorer and make sure you enable the root explorer option and try to uninstall it using the app manager option.
2/ Go to the root folder of the phone using a root explorer, then go to system -> app and delete the bloatwares you want.
3/ Use Titaninum Backup
4/ Just freeze it with default android settings. It wont run again or take up resources, and will disappear from the app drawer.
Hello friends this is my first contribution to this forum, this file removes unnecessary built-in apks present in, /system/app & /system/priv-app.
I will miss the applications removed?
No, because a current copy of them is running on /data/app
Goal
Remove unused applications by the system
Free up space in the device memory
Compatibility
Nexus 5 android 6.0.1 must have root and twrp
How to use
Installed the android 6.0.1, get in playstore and update all applications, now just flash the zip via TWRP.
Removal list click to see
delete_recursive("/system/app/Chrome");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Books");
delete_recursive("/system/app/CloudPrint2");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Drive");
delete_recursive("/system/app/EditorsDocsStub");
delete_recursive("/system/app/EditorsSheetsStub");
delete_recursive("/system/app/EditorsSlidesStub");
delete_recursive("/system/app/FitnessPrebuilt");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/GCS");
delete_recursive("/system/app/PrebuiltNewsWeather");
delete_recursive("/system/app/NewsstandStub");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Maps");
delete_recursive("/system/app/PrebuiltBugleStub");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Photos");
delete_recursive("/system/app/PlusOne");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/GoogleContacts");
delete_recursive("/system/app/PrebuiltDeskClockGoogle");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/GoogleDialer");
delete_recursive("/system/app/PrebuiltGmail");
delete_recursive("/system/app/GoogleCamera");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/Velvet");
delete_recursive("/system/app/PrebuiltKeepStub");
delete_recursive("/system/app/talkback");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Music2");
delete_recursive("/system/app/PlayGames");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Hangouts");
delete_recursive("/system/app/GoogleTTS");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Videos");
delete_recursive("/system/app/WebViewGoogle");
This is a system partition
The deletion is useless because you can't use this space and you won't appreciate any differences
Read here, it is very very important
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64208563&postcount=3393
Personally I prefer to disable unnecessary apps
Pay attention
I do not like duplicate files, disabling an app the same will continue in the system, the idea is to not disable an app.
If I have the upgraded chrome in data\app I will not want an unusable copy of it on \system\app. My list does so with 30 Apps, if they are all updated on DATA I see no utility in maintaining obsolete unusable in the SYSTEM, and we still have the possibility to uninstall those we dislike.
ivn888 said:
This is a system partition
The deletion is useless because you can't use this space and you won't appreciate any differences
Read here, it is very very important
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64208563&postcount=3393
Personally I prefer to disable unnecessary apps
Pay attention
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you read that post he clearly says that to modify system you need to delete things from it to be safe. He is pointing out that it is an unknown. He said even to make small changes you would need more space. I see no reason to leave unneeded files in system. Maybe you want to run an app as system app and these unneeded files are getting in the way. Nothing wrong with getting rid of them.
We can use some root enabled file app managers (like es explorer, solid explorer) to uninstall the system apps.
I just want to know if is it safe or not?
And is it different than using flashable script?
parag60288 said:
We can use some root enabled file app managers (like es explorer, solid explorer) to uninstall the system apps.
I just want to know if is it safe or not?
And is it different than using flashable script?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
File explorers with root function can enable manual removal of system apps, but it is laborious and tedious remove as many apps, It is safe if you know what you are removing, because the system is running if you give problem can fall into a bootloop... my flash file is safe removal of 30 apps, all with updated copies of the same in DATA folder so I ask you to enter the play store and update it before you use it, nothing is lost only copies obsolete and useless are removed.
The advantage here is not to miss anything, remove enough waste Rom, and return the power to uninstall what you do not want. I do not use play books, play movies, keep, Drive, Hangouts... so without losing any, then after the flash zip i have the freedom to uninstall what I want.