Database Users

Replacing HTC apps with ANDROID ones

Hi,
After reading this thread and learning that you CAN replace HTC's apps with stock Android ones, I have started messing around to see what other apps I can / should change. I'll use this thread as kind of a log, so if I mess things up I can come back and see where I went wrong. Fellow noobs can surely use it too!
I am using SDK in Ubuntu, but the procedure should be pretty similar in Windows.
First, follow the Unlockr's method to root your phone.
Download a stock Android rom and extract its /system/apps folder inside /sdk/tools. I named the folder "Apps-stock
Check if Ubuntu recognises your phone:
Code:
./fastboot devices
Load the recovery image and mount the system:
Code:
./fastboot boot cm-hero-recovery.img
./adb shell mount /system
Replacing HTC's calendar:
Code:
./adb shell rm /system/app/Calendar.apk
./adb shell rm /system/app/Calendar.odex
./adb push Apps-stock/Calendar.apk /system/app/
I'll edit the thread, add details as I go on

Nice one!
Please keep us informed!

Thanks for this thread.
Post moved to a more appropriate topic :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=4477971#post4477971

Thanks for setting this thread up!
Firstly, you should probably say in the first post that everyone should do a Nandroid backup first - it's saved my bacon. Might be an idea to link to the files, too?
Second, I've got a problem trying to run this method. I removed the original calendar.apk and .odex without any problems, and copied the new one over, but on rebooting, it wasn't in the list of applications anywhere. I browsed there in Astro and opened the file, which gave me an option to install it - which then gave an error of "Calendar could not be installed on this device".
I'm running the MoDaCo 2.1 custom ROM and using the calendar.apk from this thread.
Thanks for your time!

fastboot
can you tell me where this fastboot command is located? I am using Ubuntu too, but can not find fastboot. What is it for by the way?

dragonflyFZX said:
can you tell me where this fastboot command is located? I am using Ubuntu too, but can not find fastboot. What is it for by the way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fastboot and adb are executables you get from the Android SDK - see here.
This thread does require your phone to be rooted, though, which would require you to have already used adb at least once....

frandavid100 said:
........
Replacing HTC's calendar:
Code:
./adb shell rm /system/app/Calendar.apk
./adb shell rm /system/app/Calendar.odex
./adb push Apps-stock/Calendar.apk /system/app/
I'll edit the thread, add details as I go on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how about simply replacing those files using a file explorer (like linda)? possible, or would that screw up my system?

Google Navigation for Magic

I saw over in the Dream forums that they have Google Navigation working for the G1.
Was just wondering if anyone out there managed to get it to run on the Magic too? Or if not, has anyone been working on it / made any progress?
I tried to follow the G1 instructions but (predictably) it didnt work for the Magic.

I also tried and not surprisingly did not get it to work.

Which part failed? I was thinking of trying it but assumed I would have to pull my build prop file, compare it to the ones from the G1 thread, and make some changes.

adb shell rm /system/sd/app/*Maps*
adb shell rm /system/sd/app/*maps*
adb shell rm /system/sd/dalvik-cache/*Maps*
adb shell rm /system/sd/dalvik-cache/*maps*
adb shell rm /system/app/*Maps*
adb shell rm /system/app/*maps*
None of those files exist on the magic - i am assuming they are stored elsewhere?
also:
/system/packages.xml <-- does not exist on the magic
Result being that you cannot install the new maps.apk file

No dice for me either. I tried manually and the batch file. I'm sure it's those missing files. If someone had access to a G1 and copied them I'm sure it would work.

I also saw this earlier today and was thinking about testing it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=582656
Just checking guys, since you don't have the information in your signatures are you running the Cyan 4.2.3.1 rom? I can't see that this has been given the OK to work on other roms.

?
Do we have to have Cynogens mod to get this to work

crisvillani said:
Do we have to have Cynogens mod to get this to work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably - I did it on an AOSP rom and screwed up my radio. No idea why

I could not get it working on 32A MyHero because the app looks like it needs 1.6 to work.
Here are the steps to get it installed. Once it was installed it force-closed on launch.
I did this all from adb in recovery
if exists remove Maps.apk from /data/app/
if exists remove Maps.apk from /data/app_s/
if exists remove *maps* & *Maps* from /data/dalvik-cache/
Update build.prop and build.trout.prop
set ro.build.version.sdk=5
set ro.build.version.release=2.0
set ro.com.google.clientidbase=android-verizon
reboot
adb install path-to-Maps.apk (the one found in Dream forums)
I see the new Maps app name and icon, but it force closes (crashes) on launch.
Note: the MyHero rom just has a link from /system/app/ --> /data/app_s/

I imagine it should work on a 1.6 Donut ROM.
Note: You might have to revert the build.prop changes after you install Maps to support other applications.

ADB Push

I searched around and couldn't get a clear answer. I'm a noob at anything command prompt/terminal related.
I was screwing around with adb last night after figuring out that I can remove program .apks with the rm <com.whatever.program> command. I got a little trigger happy and removed things that I don't use, just to test it out. I made a nandroid backup before I started. The phone runs fine, but now the Market won't download anything. It just sits on the Starting download... screen.
One of the .apks I removed was GmailProvider.apk. Whether this is the problem or not, I'd like to reinstall it for practice. I can always nand restore later.
So my question is... How can I use adb push to reinstall an apk?
I tried:
Code:
adb push C:\GmailProvider.apk
adb install C:\GmailProvider.apk
adb install C:\GmailProvider.apk \system\app
And about every variation of the 3, in and out of the adb shell.
It didn't work, and I'm at a loss to do anything else. So does anyone have any suggestions?
EDIT: I think my "\" should be "/". I got this
Code:
BusyBox v1.15.2 <2009-12-02 TIME EST> multi-call binary
Usage: install [-cdDsp] [-o USER] [-g GRP] [-m MODE] [source] dest|directory
Copy files and set attributes
Options:
Then some usage stuff here.
Then I looked at the command prompt and made a face like .
Suggestions?
It might help to say that I'm using EvilEris 2.0.1, Windows 7.

Just reflash your ROM after doing a titanium backup. Easiest fix.

try this after putting GmailProvider.apk in your sdk\tools dir:
Code:
adb remount
adb push GmailProvider.apk /system/app
remount marks the system directory as read/write

silverramsrt said:
try this after putting GmailProvider.apk in your sdk\tools dir:
Code:
adb remount
adb push GmailProvider.apk /system/app
remount marks the system directory as read/write
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beat me to it. ADB is powerful and pretty cool if you know some good commands, but you can really mess up your phone if you know what I mean. Not mess up like brick (unless you really try) but more like phone won't load gmail now, phone won't get past the htc screen. As long as you have a nandroid backup you SHOULD be fine, the push, pull and rm commands are really the first step of rom building. If you know what files you pushed and rm'd you can make your dream rom.

CPCookieMan said:
Beat me to it. ADB is powerful and pretty cool if you know some good commands, but you can really mess up your phone if you know what I mean. Not mess up like brick (unless you really try) but more like phone won't load gmail now, phone won't get past the htc screen. As long as you have a nandroid backup you SHOULD be fine, the push, pull and rm commands are really the first step of rom building. If you know what files you pushed and rm'd you can make your dream rom.[/QUOTE
i am installing htc facebook.apk on a rom that has had all the Bloat removed.do i need to do something after i have pushed a apk file into system/app?? i have tried rebooting the phone and the program isnt there,ive tried going in the phone with root explorer and tried installing while having it in r/w and r/o and still cant get it to install.im not sure what im doing wrong.any help is apreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

i am installing htc facebook.apk on a rom that has had all the Bloat removed.do i need to do something after i have pushed a apk file into system/app?? i have tried rebooting the phone and the program isnt there,ive tried going in the phone with root explorer and tried installing while having it in r/w and r/o and still cant get it to install.im not sure what im doing wrong.any help is apreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not have to do anything after an adb push.
What rom? Some roms have been modified to the point some htc apps will not work. Addionally a copy of the htcfacebook.apk from an eris build may not work on a sprint based or g1 based roms do to signature variations
Sent from my Eris using XDA App

zach.xtr said:
You do not have to do anything after an adb push.
What rom? Some roms have been modified to the point some htc apps will not work. Addionally a copy of the htcfacebook.apk from an eris build may not work on a sprint based or g1 based roms do to signature variations
Sent from my Eris using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im running xtrom 3.0.......i just went ahead and installed the social app flash and deleted what the ones i dont uses,but thanks for the help anyways.i was looking into pushing friendstream into it but found out its only works in sprint base builds

Backing up Swype/QuickOffice; restoring on custom ROM [UPDATED 11/13]

OK so I installed the latest CM6.1 Nightly and was able to backup and then restore both QuickOffice and Swype. NOTE: I am NOT providing any apks for backup purposes or if you somehow lost yours. These are merely directions for how to get Swype/QuickOffice off your phone and back on.
BACKUP:
(In a terminal w/ ADB)
Code:
adb pull /system/app/Swype.apk .
adb pull /system/app/Quickoffice.apk .
adb pull /system/lib/libSwypeCore.so .
After installing a custom ROM....
Code:
adb install Quickoffice.apk
adb push libSwypeCore.so /system/lib
adb install Swype.apk

tuzonghua said:
I was wondering if it is possible to pull the Swype/QuickOffice .apk's from my G2 (currently stock ROM), flash a custom ROM (say, Desire Z or CM6), and then re-install those .apk's. I figure it will throw some kind of error (e.g., Swype will say it's not configured for my device) because of different ROMs but just thought I'd ask.
I know how to pull, push, and install apk's from ADB so I'm not asking for how to do it. Just if it is possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love to know this as well. If you figure it out would you mind PMing me the details on how to do it?

Once a more stable version of CM6 or some other ROM comes out, I'll be trying it myself. Just as a reference, the ADB commands for doing this are:
Code:
C:\>adb pull /system/app/Swype.apk
C:\>adb pull /system/app/Quickoffice.apk
then after installing a custom ROM...
Code:
C:\>adb install Swype.apk
C:\>adb install Quickoffice.apk

I was able to use ES File Explorer and press menu>manager>app manager> then long press the Quick office app to back it up to the SD card, still trying to find the Swype apk though, going to do some digging with SUFBS (another file manager) and see if I can't get a hold of the Swype apk

This would be pretty awesome once we figure this out. Using Swype is the main reason why I'm still on the stock ROM. I tried out Sense and if it can come with Swype, I'll be one happy camper.
Did anyone try the above poster's method on pulling the apk?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

tuzonghua said:
Once a more stable version of CM6 or some other ROM comes out, I'll be trying it myself. Just as a reference, the ADB commands for doing this are:
Code:
C:\>adb pull /system/app/Swype.apk
C:\>adb pull /system/app/Quickoffice.apk
then after installing a custom ROM...
Code:
C:\>adb install Swype.apk
C:\>adb install Quickoffice.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quickoffice will work, but Swype will not. Swype has some libraries that you have to copy as well. Beyond that, I've not tested it. Find those Swype specific libs in the stock ROM and copy them as well, and maybe you might be ok.

Any chances you guys can send me the original Swype.apk that pre-installed on the G2? I stupidly deleted it off while doing Titanium things. Thanks.

See the post above from Dyndragon. I don't know what specific libs also go with Swype so the apk alone won't be enough.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

tuzonghua said:
BUGS:
- Cannot use voice input with Swype after restoring to custom ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is working fine for me on the CM 12 nightly. I used the same steps as you so try it with that?

Is there a way to get these files from a backup without having to back up the CM rom and then restore the stock, grab the stuff, and then go back to cm rom?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

Popokrew,
No, AFAIK, and I cannot provide them here.

root file explorer
/system/app long click and copy what u wanna backup.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

tuzonghua said:
Popokrew,
No, AFAIK, and I cannot provide them here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. Ill restore the backup, grab it, and go back to cm once the RC comes out. I noticed the google apps are also missing and I know cm can't provide those so I'm sure there is a backup procedure for them.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

Hey guys, I was able to back everything up and while I was able to install the swype apk, whenever I go to copy the libswypecore.so file I have issues. Both through adb and root explorer. Any ideas? I'm going to attempt to do it through an update.zip + clockwork recovery now

tuzonghua said:
OK so I installed the latest CM6.1 Nightly and was able to backup and then restore both QuickOffice and Swype. NOTE: I am NOT providing any apks for backup purposes or if you somehow lost yours. These are merely directions for how to get Swype/QuickOffice off your phone and back on.
BACKUP:
(In a terminal w/ ADB)
Code:
adb pull /system/app/Swype.apk .
adb pull /system/app/Quickoffice.apk .
adb pull /system/lib/libSwypeCore.so .
After installing a custom ROM....
Code:
adb install Quickoffice.apk
adb push libSwypeCore.so /system/lib
adb install Swype.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I got it, I'm not sure if everyone has to do this or if it was just an oddity for me but
A. For those that quickly jumped on the rom band wagon without thinking about backing up swype. You can just open any g2 stock rom as an archive and get the files from it.
B. This is what I had to do to install it.
Turn it from Read-Only to Read/Write
Code:
adb shell
mount -o rw,remount -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
Then you have acess to the system folder to copy the swype lib file so...
Code:
adb install Quickoffice.apk
adb push libSwypeCore.so /system/lib
adb install Swype.apk
[/QUOTE]
Then close that access up
Code:
mount -o rw,remount -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
And your good to go.
REMEMBER SWYPE WILL NOT FUNCTION WITHOUT THAT LIB FILE!

If you are already on the custom rom and don't have the files, you can grab the files from the stock rom posted in this forum.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

adb wont let me adb push libSwypeCore.so /system/lib . Says it is read only. I just installed cm6.1 and would like to have swype back.
Thanks for any help.

popokrew said:
If you are already on the custom rom and don't have the files, you can grab the files from the stock rom posted in this forum.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And where is this located?

i got this to install. but when i go to use swype it says something about i cant use this version of swype with this phone.... do anyone know anything about this? if you do post some info. thanks!
i'm using the g2 with sense ui.

shaneleelevin said:
Ok, I got it, I'm not sure if everyone has to do this or if it was just an oddity for me but
A. For those that quickly jumped on the rom band wagon without thinking about backing up swype. You can just open any g2 stock rom as an archive and get the files from it.
B. This is what I had to do to install it.
Turn it from Read-Only to Read/Write
Code:
adb shell
mount -o rw,remount -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
Then you have acess to the system folder to copy the swype lib file so...
Code:
adb install Quickoffice.apk
adb push libSwypeCore.so /system/lib
adb install Swype.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then close that access up
Code:
mount -o rw,remount -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
And your good to go.
REMEMBER SWYPE WILL NOT FUNCTION WITHOUT THAT LIB FILE![/QUOTE]
Just FYI, you don't need all the extra stuff when you're remounting /system, you can just say
Code:
mount -o remount,rw /system
It already knows where it's mounted from and what it is, neh?
Also, I have a Swype Beta login, so I wanted to install the newest beta, and before you can install with the Swype Installer, you have to delete /system/app/Swype.apk and /system/lib/libSwypeCore.so both before the new beta runs right (if you leave the library it just FCs as soon as you enable it).

Custom Rom App Removal

hey guys,
how would i go about removing apps from an installed custom rom?
ive tried titanium back... doesnt work, tried pulling the apps from the pack nothing,
ive tried root exploits and it just sends your phone into an almost
"paperweight"
like state,
any further moves i can do to remove various bits ? there as some things i just genuinely dont want.

Telling which rom and which apps might help

[ROM] Pays-ROM HD SPARTA v1.0 [ULTRA LIGHT] [19/NOV/10]
[ROM] Pays-ROM HD SPARTA v1.0 [ULTRA LIGHT]
i cant list the apps i want to remove as im off to work, but can you do some background work into it for me??

fkofilee said:
[ROM] Pays-ROM HD SPARTA v1.0 [ULTRA LIGHT]
i cant list the apps i want to remove as im off to work, but can you do some background work into it for me??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried doing it from terminal?
Code:
adb remount
adb shell
su
cd /system/app
ls *
rm INSERTANNOYINGAPPNAMEHERE
reboot
adb pull is not for deleting apps. It is for copying the app to your computer.

when i say pull... lol. i mean removing them from the system completely

fkofilee said:
when i say pull... lol. i mean removing them from the system completely
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've just discovered there are issues where /system isn't getting wiped correctly prior to a new rom being flashed. Keep getting apps from other roms and such sitting in my /system folder even after a wipe and flash - at this stage I assume CWM is bugged? Could be your issue is related.

nope the ADB coding doesnt work as its almost like there is a PERMANENT R/w lock on the section i need to remove apps from

unfortunately the issues AERNT related, as ive wiped everything before, these apps are pre installed on the ROM. What does me with this is that the root exploit to remove these apps as in Titanium backup ... just turns the phone into a very expensive paperweight till the battery is remove
weather apps (widgets etc,)
Twitter apps , teet and various other bits i want to remove

fkofilee said:
unfortunately the issues AERNT related, as ive wiped everything before, these apps are pre installed on the ROM. What does me with this is that the root exploit to remove these apps as in Titanium backup ... just turns the phone into a very expensive paperweight till the battery is remove
weather apps (widgets etc,)
Twitter apps , teet and various other bits i want to remove
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a new rom ???

hmm flash a new rom??this is the most refined rom i can find for DHD.
for that reason its more of a hassle to flash new roms
I would rather crack it, mind you i might be really thick asking this. that code you gave me have i got to get the adb.exe from android SDK and do this via a cmd.exe window on my pc or have i got to do it on my phone via termnial emulator.

how weird!!!... i used to terminal emulator to allow su (I.E to give system SU Permissions and now i can remove the apps ) haha
Shocked!!
Admin Please close & Deleted Thread.

fkofilee said:
hmm flash a new rom??this is the most refined rom i can find for DHD.
for that reason its more of a hassle to flash new roms
I would rather crack it, mind you i might be really thick asking this. that code you gave me have i got to get the adb.exe from android SDK and do this via a cmd.exe window on my pc or have i got to do it on my phone via termnial emulator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes from the android sdk. It *should* work from a terminal emulator as well if you run these commands first to mount the /system/app directory as read/write:
Code:
mount -o rw,remount -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
chmod 777 /system/app
Other option would be to use the root explorer app, it is a paid app though well worth it.

dr.m0x said:
Yes from the android sdk. It *should* work from a terminal emulator as well if you run these commands first to mount the /system/app directory as read/write:
Code:
mount -o rw,remount -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
chmod 777 /system/app
Other option would be to use the root explorer app, it is a paid app though well worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird thing is i tried root explorer , and it still wouldnt R/W the app folder... but as i said now solved... slightly weird though that i completely missed that lil bit on the su permissions for the system directly.

fkofilee said:
Weird thing is i tried root explorer , and it still wouldnt R/W the app folder... but as i said now solved... slightly weird though that i completely missed that lil bit on the su permissions for the system directly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you ninja'd my last post
Glad to hear you're gtg now.

but mind you the mount script i ran and it didnt work lol.... maybe i did them the wrong way round, (Raise SU first then do mount cmd??)

dr.m0x said:
Have you tried doing it from terminal?
Code:
adb remount
adb shell
su
cd /system/app
ls *
rm INSERTANNOYINGAPPNAMEHERE
reboot
adb pull is not for deleting apps. It is for copying the app to your computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works. Thanks!