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Fairly new to custom ROMs... Started with Damage 2.0.2 and been updating all the way through to 2.0.7.2, but never attempted the A2SD. Can someone point me to a good how to guide on setting this up for the first time. I have found a few forum how-to's on switching SD cards with A2SD, but most things i am finding with searches are assuming it is already setup.
Please attach links or paste in a simple how-to for me. Thanks.
Also, will I be able to keep this ROM intact, (i know i will have to backup the SD card to repartition it...), but will i have to wipe the ROM as well after the ext is built to reinstall the ROM?
Make a copy of your SD card to your computer.
Reboot into recovery.
Partition Your SD card, I used 0 swap and 380 something for the ext.
Toggle MS through recovery and copy your SD card files back to your card.
Reboot.
Get Quick System Info from the market.(It shows how much memory is left on your partition, basically an easy way to tell if it worked)
durandetto said:
Make a copy of your SD card to your computer.
Reboot into recovery.
Partition Your SD card, I used 0 swap and 380 something for the ext.
Toggle MS through recovery and copy your SD card files back to your card.
Reboot.
Get Quick System Info from the market.(It shows how much memory is left on your partition, basically an easy way to tell if it worked)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by toggle MS through recovery?
It's an option in recovery it allows you to view your SD card on you computer. MS stands for Mass Storage.
durandetto said:
It's an option in recovery it allows you to view your SD card on you computer. MS stands for Mass Storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how do I move the current apps over to the SD card once it is partitioned and up and running?
http://geekfor.me/faq/apps2sd/
This link mentions some other methods to check if it's running. However, it's for fresh rom. Maybe others can chime in to say if the information is the same for damage control roms. As far as I know, the main trick is just partitioning the sdcard using the recovery tool as durandetto mentioned. If the rom sees an ext partition, a2sd will automatically start working. I too am using dc2.0.7.2.
For me, quick system info shows a2sd working, but my internal storage is much less than I thought it would be. I understand that app data is still stored on the internal storage, but can anyone tell me if my numbers are normal or not?
A2SD Storage: 0.89GB, Free 790MB
Internal Storage: 160MB, Free 33.33MB
I probably have under 50 apps installed.
jonesdana said:
So how do I move the current apps over to the SD card once it is partitioned and up and running?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your apps will automatically be installed on your sd card, at least mine were.
e30user said:
http://geekfor.me/faq/apps2sd/
This link mentions some other methods to check if it's running. However, it's for fresh rom. Maybe others can chime in to say if the information is the same for damage control roms. As far as I know, the main trick is just partitioning the sdcard using the recovery tool as durandetto mentioned. If the rom sees an ext partition, a2sd will automatically start working. I too am using dc2.0.7.2.
For me, quick system info shows a2sd working, but my internal storage is much less than I thought it would be. I understand that app data is still stored on the internal storage, but can anyone tell me if my numbers are normal or not?
A2SD Storage: 0.89GB, Free 790MB
Internal Storage: 160MB, Free 33.33MB
I probably have under 50 apps installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have around the same amount of apps and I usually have almost 80mb after I clear my cache.
Does it matter if the apps were downloaded from the market or from another source? Because I have about 35MB of internal storage left as well but my A2SD appears to be working as well. I might have 25 apps.
durandetto said:
I have around the same amount of apps and I usually have almost 80mb after I clear my cache.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently cleared my dalvik cache to fix some market apps not showing up. However, I just did it again so I can compare results to the numbers posted earlier.
Before:
A2SD Storage: 0.89GB, Free 790MB
Internal Storage: 160MB, Free 33.33MB
After wipe of dalvik cache:
A2SD Storage: 0.89GB, Free 790MB
Internal Storage: 160MB, Free 33.24MB
Is the dalvik cache the cache you're talking about?
Jonesdana - it might help if you mention what size sdcard you have if you're curious about typical partition sizes. I know that's one of the things I was curious about when figuring this stuff out. I have an 8gb card and set the ext3 partion for 1 gig(overkill, I know), swap 128, fat for the rest.
Deleted...
e30user said:
I recently cleared my dalvik cache to fix some market apps not showing up. However, I just did it again so I can compare results to the numbers posted earlier.
Before:
A2SD Storage: 0.89GB, Free 790MB
Internal Storage: 160MB, Free 33.33MB
After wipe of dalvik cache:
A2SD Storage: 0.89GB, Free 790MB
Internal Storage: 160MB, Free 33.24MB
Is the dalvik cache the cache you're talking about?
Jonesdana - it might help if you mention what size sdcard you have if you're curious about typical partition sizes. I know that's one of the things I was curious about when figuring this stuff out. I have an 8gb card and set the ext3 partion for 1 gig(overkill, I know), swap 128, fat for the rest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings>applications>manage applications Sort by size and check the Browser, market, albums and others that you use regularly and clear cache. I doubt you'll gain 50mb, but you should gain something.
Isn't the point of this to not have to do that stuff? I don't see the benefit of a2sd from this thread.
Apps2SD
EDIT: Removed the original instructions because of errors. If you want to install A2SD version 2.5, follow these instructions on this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=666420
My apologies for any issues the original instructions may have caused.
Now, for a bonus. If you installed A2SD verison 2.5, you can also move your dalvik-cache to your sd card. This will free up more space on your internal storage. This is completely optional and does not affect the operation of A2SD. Simply enter the phone's console via adb shell, then type /system/bin/a2sd cache. The dalvik-cache will be relocated to /system/sd/dalvik-cache. If you do this, make sure the phone is fully booted.
You can move your dalvik-cache manually without version 2.5.
In the adb shell, type the following commands:
mkdir /system/sd/dalvik-cache
chown 777 /system/sd/dalvik-cache
cp /data/dalvik-cache/* /system/sd/dalvik-cache
rm /data/dalvik-cache
ln -s /system/sd/dalvik-cache /data/dalvik-cache
And that's it.
tkirton said:
Okay...here's the breakdown of how to activate A2SD (a.k.a. Apps2SD)
1. (Optional) Download A2SD version 2.5: http://www.darktremor.com/files/misc/a2sd-2.5-signed.zip. Save the file to your SD card. If you don't want to download this version, skip this step.
2. Reboot the phone into recovery mode.
3. Partition the SD card by selecting Partition SD Card -> Partition SD.
4. Once you have partitioned it, press the back button to go to the main recovery menu.
5. If you downloaded the A2SD version 2.5, flash the program by selecting Flash zip from scard -> a2sd-2.5-signed.zip. Otherwise, skip this step.
6. Reboot the phone. A2SD will start when the program boots and will automatically move your programs located in /data/app and /data/app-private.
7. To validate, go into the console of the phone by typing adb shell and press ENTER. Type ls -l /data and press ENTER. Look for the entries app and app-private. Check to see if entries look like the following:
app -> /system/sd/app
app-private -> /system/sd/app-private
If you see this, then A2SD is working.
Now, for a bonus. If you installed A2SD verison 2.5, you can also move your dalvik-cache to your sd card. This will free up more space on your internal storage. This is completely optional and does not affect the operation of A2SD. Simply enter the phone's console via adb shell, then type /system/bin/a2sd cache. The dalvik-cache will be relocated to /system/sd/dalvik-cache. If you do this, make sure the phone is fully booted.
You can move your dalvik-cache manually without version 2.5.
In the adb shell, type the following commands:
mkdir /system/sd/dalvik-cache
chown 777 /system/sd/dalvik-cache
cp /data/dalvik-cache/* /system/sd/dalvik-cache
rm /data/dalvik-cache
ln -s /system/sd/dalvik-cache /data/dalvik-cache
And that's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using just the aps2sd 2.5 zip I always start with about 153 meg out of 159 meg and after all my apps are back using titanium backup (about 60 apps) I still have over 135 meg free. I never had this before I used this zip. I did not run the dalvik cache command either. After checking however my dalvik-cache is being moved to /system/sd/dalvik-cache. I see no diff in the phone than before I moved this to the SD either. It just frees up lots of space and lets you load many many more apps
so what exactly does one gain from doing this? just more space? i can't imagine there would be any increase in speed, and wouldn't this have a tiny negative impact on power usage? (small but theoretically still there)
I've never tried this either...
So, if your sdcard dies, could you just reflash the rom over itself and everything would be gravy?
-edit-
After you've installed a new card and formatted it properly, of course.
Can you flash the 2.5 over existing a2sd? or would you have to redo everything when done?
redram38 said:
Using just the aps2sd 2.5 zip I always start with about 153 meg out of 159 meg and after all my apps are back using titanium backup (about 60 apps) I still have over 135 meg free. I never had this before I used this zip. I did not run the dalvik cache command either. After checking however my dalvik-cache is being moved to /system/sd/dalvik-cache. I see no diff in the phone than before I moved this to the SD either. It just frees up lots of space and lets you load many many more apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bbv203 said:
Can you flash the 2.5 over existing a2sd? or would you have to redo everything when done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash the 2.5 over the existing a2sd! I am not sure if you have to wipe the Davlik Cache, but I would recommend it. You will probably have a lengthy boot time as the Davlik Cache is written.
hmmmm...one way to find out I guess!
mjweisberg said:
You can flash the 2.5 over the existing a2sd! I am not sure if you have to wipe the Davlik Cache, but I would recommend it. You will probably have a lengthy boot time as the Davlik Cache is written.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to know in which partition it would be better to have apps on? Ext or Fat? Should I move the apps which support Moving to SD card to the Fat partition or it doesnt matter in which partition the app is?
depends on your preference, for some people it might be easier to just use apps2sd since it require no setup while ext does.
i prefer apps2ext because it works for me and i just experience too many problems with apps2sd
behelit said:
depends on your preference, for some people it might be easier to just use apps2sd since it require no setup while ext does.
i prefer apps2ext because it works for me and i just experience too many problems with apps2sd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have set up apps2ext on my phone.. But is there any advantage or disadvantage in keeping apps in either of the partition?
BTW what problems did you face in apps2sd?
This may help:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=8012686&postcount=4342
Thanks for this ..
Ive set up my apps2ext and most of my apps are in the ext partition but I have found that not all apps are in there...some are stored in sd and some in phone...why is that? I have still around 0.5gb left in the ext partition...
can anyone shed some light into this? thanks in advance
nazrin313 said:
Ive set up my apps2ext and most of my apps are in the ext partition but I have found that not all apps are in there...some are stored in sd and some in phone...why is that? I have still around 0.5gb left in the ext partition...
can anyone shed some light into this? thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android sees and reports apps on your sd-ext partition (apps2ext) as internal.
App developers can force apps to install on SD (sd-fat).
If you install an app that is forced to SD then it will install on "external" (sd-fat) and be reported as such.
You can prevent this behaviour, and I recommend doing this, by forcing apps to internal storage (despite what the developer builds into the app) - you may need a custom rom for this(?). They will always be installed on sd-ext then.
djmcnz said:
Android sees and reports apps on your sd-ext partition (apps2ext) as internal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply. And Yeap I know but I have also seen at some instance that the apps are stored in the phone memory
djmcnz said:
You can prevent this behaviour, and I recommend doing this, by forcing apps to internal storage (despite what the developer builds into the app) - you may need a custom rom for this(?). They will always be installed on sd-ext then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using Enom's latest if thats any help
nazrin313 said:
Thanks for the quick reply. And Yeap I know but I have also seen at some instance that the apps are stored in the phone memory
Im using Enom's latest if thats any help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfect:
Code:
adb shell pm setInstallLocation 1
Will set future installs to "internal" (sd-ext).
You'll need to manually move the ones already on sd-fat back to "internal" using Manage Applications... then fixed...
EDIT: Oh! I see "phone memory" - sorry. They will not be in /data/app/ they will be in /data/app-private/ which is NOT moved to sd-ext...
djmcnz said:
Perfect:
Code:
adb shell pm setInstallLocation 1
Well set future installs to "internal" (sd-ext).
You'll need to manually move the ones already on sd-fat back to "internal" using Manage Applications... then fixed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks buddy, your a star.....
tried what you suggested and moved the apps from sd to internal..now Im running low on space as Im down to 19mb...any suggestions? Did I do something wrong?
EDIT...just saw your edit...what do you mean?
nazrin313 said:
tried what you suggested and moved the apps from sd to internal..now Im running low on space as Im down to 19mb...any suggestions? Did I do something wrong?
EDIT...just saw your edit...what do you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
19MB suggests apps2ext is not working... it should never really go below ~60MB with apps2ext (I have 203 apps and ~70MB free).
The edit means that some secure apps are installed to a location that apps2ext does NOT move... although there are very few of these, nothing to account for ~19MB.
What apps2ext does your rom use? DarkTremor? If so that has built in diagnostics... otherwise, if you do this:
Code:
Terminal:
ls -l /data/
Code:
ADB:
adb shell ls -l /data/
What do you get back?
djmcnz said:
19MB suggests apps2ext is not working... it should never really go below ~60MB with apps2ext (I have 203 apps and ~70MB free).
The edit means that some secure apps are installed to a location that apps2ext does NOT move... although there are very few of these, nothing to account for ~19MB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im sure its working as I have most of my apps (some 170+) are in ext3sd..and the rest either in phone or fat sd...
djmcnz said:
Code:
Terminal:
ls -l /data/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its says anr,app, app-private,backup, d_app_store, dalvik-cache, data, dontpanic, local, lost+found, misc, property, systems, tombstones...
dats it...
nazrin313 said:
Im sure its working as I have most of my apps (some 170+) are in ext3sd..and the rest either in phone or fat sd...
its says anr,app, app-private,backup, d_app_store, dalvik-cache, data, dontpanic, local, lost+found, misc, property, systems, tombstones...
dats it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
should say something like
Code:
/data/app -> /system/sd/app
To reflect the symlink.
djmcnz said:
should say something like
Code:
/data/app -> /system/sd/app
To reflect the symlink.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm...interesting, I guess Enom's rom doesnt use darktremor's script...what do you suggest? I guess it would hurt putting the script over the ROM?
Edit: i ran the code again indeed it did say /data/app -> /system/sd/app
Ermmm... so what next?
nazrin313 said:
Hmmmm...interesting, I guess Enom's rom doesnt use darktremor's script...what do you suggest? I guess it would hurt putting the script over the ROM?
Edit: i ran the code again indeed it did say /data/app -> /system/sd/app
Ermmm... so what next?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hunt and peck.
du will give you disk usage...
nazrin313 said:
Im sure its working as I have most of my apps (some 170+) are in ext3sd..and the rest either in phone or fat sd...
its says anr,app, app-private,backup, d_app_store, dalvik-cache, data, dontpanic, local, lost+found, misc, property, systems, tombstones...
dats it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
170+ apps = LOTS OF DALVIK CACHE. My 120ish is 110m.. Of course it depends on the app, but I'd say you're seeing all dalvik cache. If you really need more internal storage, you'll have to uninstall some apps or move dalvik to SD. (NOT /cache)
Yeap, i can confirm dat its all dalvik cache...so, should i move the dalvik to sd? Why? N why not cache?
Update:
Ive tried putting dalvik into sd but i had a system process error...what up? Luckily i did a nandroid before i moved it
Another update
Tried dc to cache - everything loaded just fine but cannot install apps from market
Tried dc to sd - system error n fc's everything
Anyone?
may i knoe does it support a2sd on cm6.1 rc 2 ? If Yes, How do i have/install it ? Where can i found the file ? Thx in advance.
Milx said:
may i knoe does it support a2sd on cm6.1 rc 2 ? If Yes, How do i have/install it ? Where can i found the file ? Thx in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need it. CM 6.1 supports installing apps to the SD natively. No need to worry about a2sd.
tpbklake said:
You don't need it. CM 6.1 supports installing apps to the SD natively. No need to worry about a2sd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do i do that ? after install move the app to sd from the app managment ?
Milx said:
How do i do that ? after install move the app to sd from the app managment ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that is how I do it. You can also set the default location to SD for new apps that you load.
tpbklake said:
Yes, that is how I do it. You can also set the default location to SD for new apps that you load.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct me if im wrong, but isnt the dalvik cache still set to be stored on the internal memory by default, and using a2sd(which is what I do) the only way to move it to the sd card.
After every flash, I reinstall a2sd from clockwork, then load the build of CM6 I just updated, then go to terminal and run:
su -> a2sd cachesd(then phone reboots and the dalvik cache flag is signaled to be stored on sdext instead of internal storage.
and then to be safe I usually run "a2sd repair".
Is there an easier, more reliable, stable, blah blah way of moving dalvik to sd, and ensure all installed apps are stored on sd instead of internally? Right now i have about 70 apps installed, and have 166mb free internal memory left. And everything is very fast and snappy. I have no problems using a2sd. it seems to be working perfectly for me.
So could someone tell me if there is a better way of achieving what I am already achieving, without using a2sd? Thanks
Script said:
Correct me if im wrong, but isnt the dalvik cache still set to be stored on the internal memory by default, and using a2sd(which is what I do) the only way to move it to the sd card.
After every flash, I reinstall a2sd from clockwork, then load the build of CM6 I just updated, then go to terminal and run:
su -> a2sd cachesd(then phone reboots and the dalvik cache flag is signaled to be stored on sdext instead of internal storage.
and then to be safe I usually run "a2sd repair".
Is there an easier, more reliable, stable, blah blah way of moving dalvik to sd, and ensure all installed apps are stored on sd instead of internally? Right now i have about 70 apps installed, and have 166mb free internal memory left. And everything is very fast and snappy. I have no problems using a2sd. it seems to be working perfectly for me.
So could someone tell me if there is a better way of achieving what I am already achieving, without using a2sd? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to find the a2sd but could not find it, would u be kind to guide me to it =)
So guys I've just switched ROM to this and I'm loving it but only one problem. I don't there is DATA2SD which I rely on. I'm using MyBackup to restore my apps to my phone but its annoying that I can't reinstall them all because of the internal memory capacity (22mb).
It says in the thread
Howto apps2sd
By default app, app-private and dalvik-cache are on the SD card, if you need any other option, then follow the below instructions on what you want
data2sd
Code:
adb shell a2sd datasd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I do that? I know you type that in cmd but nothing after that. Do I need any programs on my phone/PC?
Oh yeah, I have my SD card partitioned with a FAT32 and a Ext3 partition.
Why is this? My app2sd space is 300+mb but why it seems like my apps installed in my phone memory?
I need to uninstall some my apps to get rid of the Low On Space message in the notification bar
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA Premium App
1)verify your apps are actually on the ext partition. Use Root explorer to verify the links.
2)try "cachesd"
3)try "datasd", seriously slows down boot-up.
edit: Thought you meant apps2sdext by darktremor.
A2SD doesn't move the entire app to the SD card, only part of it. I believe that if you are root, there is a method known as A2Ext which makes use of a partition the user makes on the SD card and treats that partition as if it were part of the internal memory, thus making it unnecessary to use A2SD. Can someone with more knowledge on this topic clarify this?
i've had the same problem for the last 6 months, never been able to fix it. I have 20 mb internal storage left, and a2sd is definitely working (partition shows up in Titanium Backup, and i have a LOT more apps than would fit normally on internal). Someone recommended I move my dalvik-cache to sd, never tried it, but I'll look at it soon.
britoso said:
1)verify your apps are actually on the ext partition. Use Root explorer to verify the links.
2)try "cachesd"
3)try "datasd", seriously slows down boot-up.
edit: Thought you meant apps2sdext by darktremor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive tried typing a2sd cachesd in terminal emulator. But my phone memory are still decreasing after i install sniper vs sniper online from 30mn to 20mb. And now the Low On Space message are back on my notification bar.
And yes, i use darktremor app2sd.
Other suggestions of what to type in the terminal emulator?
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA Premium App
You guys definitely need to move the dalvik cache to SD. I forget the exact term to type into terminal emulator but I think there is an a2sd app available on the market which you can use to do it. Its called A2SDGUI
ksc6000 said:
You guys definitely need to move the dalvik cache to SD. I forget the exact term to type into terminal emulator but I think there is an a2sd app available on the market which you can use to do it. Its called A2SDGUI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have installed it. It says my dalvik cache are on sd-ext. Other suggestions?
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA Premium App
like britoso said, try datasd. that should clear up a lot of space
I had a similar issue..not sure if my solution will work in your case, but worth a shot:
In Root Explorer, go to the "/Cache" folder
Delete all the "downloadfile-(number).apk" files
See if that fixes it
It seems as though the marketplace gunks up that folder whenever it's updating an app, or something along those lines.
I have the exact same issue. I'm always hovering around 20MB
have you tried flashing the dark tremor's script that does the trick for me