File permissions for system/app? Please read! - Epic 4G General

I've been going crazy trying to get DI07 on this thing. Out of a bonehead move of trying to save some space pre-update, I've managed to delete my SprintZone.apk from system/app. Needless to say, my update stalled because it required the apk to be there for everything to go as planned.
I've gone as far as hard resetting the phone just to get the over the air prompt back... and nothing.
I've read threads about how to attain the update manually and have my update.zip in the proper placement for recovery.
I also have my needed sprint apk ready... though even though i have the application installed, it still gives me a discrepancy when i run the update.
I've read that it must be in a very specific directory in order for the process to work. As far as I've read, everything points to system/app.
I've become so frustrated that it's pushed me to root the device and purchase root explorer from the market.... so there's only one thing left to do right? Just copy over the file?
The thing is.. I'm not able to copy anything over because as far as its told me, its a read only directory.
I've fiddled with permissions, but even then, they revert back to normal.
Is there any possible way i can copy my sprintzone.apk over to that directory? Preferably without the need for a computer?
Any kind of input or guidance would be much appreciated.
Thank you for reading.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

What file browser are you using? Root explorer may work
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Related

Prevent erasure of application after wiping?

I recently started using the new Mobile Defense app (mobiledefense.com) and I'm trying to make it survive a wipe. I moved it to /system/app and the APK stays after a wipe, but it is not recognized as an installed program. Can anybody give me some direction as to how to fix this?
Thanks,
Chris
Anyone? Maybe better in the dev. forum?
grokdesigns said:
Anyone? Maybe better in the dev. forum?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you not cook it into the ROM, i think if you open up the flash and put the APK file into the framework-res.apk in the framework/apps folder
then sign the update.zip and flash it
and with any luck the app should now be integrated into the OS.
EDIT: Ignore this post and read my second one below Daveid's this explains what I meant better than this post does.
I think you were on the right path trying to place the file into the /system/app directory, however.. I believe you want to do it a little differently. I think the command you want to use is:
adb install xxx.apk /system/app
I think that installs it into the specified directory, instead of just copying it there. I could be wrong, but I think that may do it. If not, it may need to be signed with the test-keys in order to be installed in /system.
I am not sure what you tried to copy it (I am assuming you did "adb push xxx.apk /system/app"), but I would try my method out. Don't listen to warrmr, judging by what they wrote, I doubt they really know what they are talking about. The framework-res.apk file is an application in and of itself, that is mainly responsible for the layout and design of the operating system. and there is no framework/apps folder, nor do you put any apks into the framework-res-apk file. So his entire post is pretty bad advice (no offense intended, just if you don't know what you are talking about, maybe you should tell people that to start off with).
EDIT - I guess you can't specify the target using adb install. Let me try to figure this one out real quick.
In fact, I believe I will attempt to install an app using the adb install command listed above, and post back in a few moments to see if it works out ok.
Alright, so I pushed an APK into the /system/app directory, and it worked just fine for me. Showing in the list and all, one thought. Is the program you are trying to do this with a copy-protected program? If so, you may need to be a little underhanded in your actions. Let me try moving one real quick from /data/app and /data/app-private over to /system/app and see what happens, though I doubt it will work.
Nah, doesn't work like that, if this is indeed a copy-protected app, I don't think there is much you can do about it. Sorry.
I am able to copy to /system/app and run it with no problems. The problem is after wiping, the APK is still in the directory, but doesn't show up in my applications.
daveid said:
I think you were on the right path trying to place the file into the /system/app directory, however.. I believe you want to do it a little differently. I think the command you want to use is:
adb install xxx.apk /system/app
I think that installs it into the specified directory, instead of just copying it there. I could be wrong, but I think that may do it. If not, it may need to be signed with the test-keys in order to be installed in /system.
I am not sure what you tried to copy it (I am assuming you did "adb push xxx.apk /system/app"), but I would try my method out. Don't listen to warrmr, judging by what they wrote, I doubt they really know what they are talking about. The framework-res.apk file is an application in and of itself, that is mainly responsible for the layout and design of the operating system. and there is no framework/apps folder, nor do you put any apks into the framework-res-apk file. So his entire post is pretty bad advice (no offense intended, just if you don't know what you are talking about, maybe you should tell people that to start off with).
EDIT - I guess you can't specify the target using adb install. Let me try to figure this one out real quick.
In fact, I believe I will attempt to install an app using the adb install command listed above, and post back in a few moments to see if it works out ok.
Alright, so I pushed an APK into the /system/app directory, and it worked just fine for me. Showing in the list and all, one thought. Is the program you are trying to do this with a copy-protected program? If so, you may need to be a little underhanded in your actions. Let me try moving one real quick from /data/app and /data/app-private over to /system/app and see what happens, though I doubt it will work.
Nah, doesn't work like that, if this is indeed a copy-protected app, I don't think there is much you can do about it. Sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was a suggestion, and as nobody had replied to the thread i thought i would give it a bash with my limited knowlage.
Mabe i should explain what i meant a bit better than i did in my last post and then you can tell me of im talking utter balls so to speak.
Ignore what i said about the framework-res.apk I was being slightly stupid. I was getting confused with where the App folder in the flash.
If you take the update.zip and look in system/app you will see lots of the "core" APK files along with any other ones that the "chef" has decided to cook into it.
If you were to take your APK file and inject it into the update.zip and then sign it, put the update.zip on your phone and then flash that zip file you will have the app pre-installed thus if you do a factory wipe then it will still be there.
It was badly explained and there was no real need to just brush my post off and say it was a useless waste of time. Isnt the ethos of this forum for learning and development, If I was talking utter balls then fine. I also should have bothered to check the content of an update.zip file rather than just relying that i saw the folder somewhere.
warrmr said:
It was a suggestion, and as nobody had replied to the thread i thought i would give it a bash with my limited knowlage.
Mabe i should explain what i meant a bit better than i did in my last post and then you can tell me of im talking utter balls so to speak.
Ignore what i said about the framework-res.apk I was being slightly stupid. I was getting confused with where the App folder in the flash.
If you take the update.zip and look in system/app you will see lots of the "core" APK files along with any other ones that the "chef" has decided to cook into it.
If you were to take your APK file and inject it into the update.zip and then sign it, put the update.zip on your phone and then flash that zip file you will have the app pre-installed thus if you do a factory wipe then it will still be there.
It was badly explained and there was no real need to just brush my post off and say it was a useless waste of time. Isnt the ethos of this forum for learning and development, If I was talking utter balls then fine. I also should have bothered to check the content of an update.zip file rather than just relying that i saw the folder somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally understood what you meant the first time and agree. For example, having SuperUser permissions, Spare Parts, and Term emulator "cooked" into JesusFreke's build. Should be able to simply decompile an update.zip, plug in those programs, and resign.

bloatware

how do i remove blockbuster? etc? do i have to root?
sorry for asking dumb question. i am new to android and a new verzion customer
IF you've rooted your phone, then the easiest way is to buy Root Explorer (trust me it's worth the couple bucks) and navigate to /system/app and find blockbuster.apk or whatever it's called. Click mount r/w and longpress, then delete it. Or rename it to .bak instead of .apk
There is another way to do it using ADB, but if you're new to Android it's probably a bit more complicated than buying the app. If you wanna know how to do it on adb just let me know.
edit: Also, welcome to the Android side.
lol thanks....
i think i already rooted. im using DroidXRoot to rooted the driod x. i just install root explorer and its not working.
blockbuster.apk cannot be renamed because the file system is read-only.
Do you guys know where the files for the bloatware 3G Hotspot are? I would prefer to use wifi tether vs the included app.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Hide it then. You don't HAVE to use it.
Also when you get the read only message, as was previously stated, you have to mount it as r/w rather than read only.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
3g hotspot is mynet.apk
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
GiantsFan91 said:
lol thanks....
i think i already rooted. im using DroidXRoot to rooted the driod x. i just install root explorer and its not working.
blockbuster.apk cannot be renamed because the file system is read-only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Press mount r/w in the upper right hand corner or root explorer.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Just watch out what you delete...I wasn't able to update to froyo because it was missing system apps. I ended up having to reinstall the system apps and resetting all of the permissions.
Now I just use LauncherPro to hide stuff. If you are dead set on removing them though, I am sure most of us would recommend only renaming the apk files instead of deleting. While you can definitely reinstall them, it tends to be a pain. Also, I heard that removing some apps would cause a boot loop. Haven't experienced it myself, but something to watch out for I guess.
Use launcher pro to hide as well
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
inzandity said:
Just watch out what you delete...I wasn't able to update to froyo because it was missing system apps. I ended up having to reinstall the system apps and resetting all of the permissions.
Now I just use LauncherPro to hide stuff. If you are dead set on removing them though, I am sure most of us would recommend only renaming the apk files instead of deleting. While you can definitely reinstall them, it tends to be a pain. Also, I heard that removing some apps would cause a boot loop. Haven't experienced it myself, but something to watch out for I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I accidentally deleted the Conversations.apk... for future reference how do you reinstall system apps and reset permissions?
Thanks in advance,
Brandon
Instead of renaming or deleting apps/bloatware, just use "Titanium Backup" donate version and you can freeze apps/bloatware so they don't load up. This way if you want to update the phone later, you don't have to worry about things you deleted that need to be on the phone for the update to work.
bsmac02 said:
I accidentally deleted the Conversations.apk... for future reference how do you reinstall system apps and reset permissions?
Thanks in advance,
Brandon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the tutorial that I used below from android forums
http://androidforums.com/droid-x-al...w-reinstall-system-apps-_as_-system-apps.html

[Q] Help removing apk file

If this is in the wrong spot please move it still new to the forum and i never know where to post. I need to know how to remove apk files from \system\app i want to remove flash from the froyo leak so i can install from the market to fix the lag. I tried using astro but it wont let me still trying to learn all this its so much different from my incredible that i was used to
Try Root explorer.
i just tried with root explorer says it cant the file is read only any other suggestions im lost here. If i can figure this out then i can fix my other problem changing my browser to the debinged one as well it wont let me rename it either saying i dont have the proper permissions to rename it to add the other browser.
Click the button in the top right of root explorer that says mount r/w
your a life saver man it worked i owe you

[Q] GoogleServicesFramework.apk won't install

Wonder if anyone has any ideas about how to fix this: I rooted my Kindle Fire, installed root explorer, everything's working fine. When i place GoogleServicesFramework.apk on my device and install I get a message that it won't install. I've tried placing the apk in the system/app folder, still no install. My ultimate goal is to get the Android Market working. I've been all over the threads in the developer's forum for the KFire ... no one has posted that they've not been able to install GoogleServicesFramework.apk. I must be missing something obvious ...
I'm having the same issue... even tried to "reset device" from the settings menu... but to no avail!
I am having the same issue!
You need to copy the file to /system/apps and change the permissions to 644.
Chadarius said:
You need to copy the file to /system/apps and change the permissions to 644.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain how to change the permissions to 644?
http://androidforums.com/behold-2-all-things-root/73177-understanding-android-file-permissions.html
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
Also some step by step guidance for installing all of it.....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1349902
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
Thanks, Chadarius. I'll try when I get done with work today and post my results. Appreciate the answer!
Chadarius said:
You need to copy the file to /system/apps and change the permissions to 644.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to change the permissions with ES Explorer??
I'm a complete noob at this. I see Root Explorer can change permissions but it is on the Android Market and I can't get to that until I get all of this installed
Spdracer said:
How to change the permissions with ES Explorer??
I'm a complete noob at this. I see Root Explorer can change permissions but it is on the Android Market and I can't get to that until I get all of this installed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got Root Explorer from Amazon App Store (not free) which I used to get the android Market APK copied to system/app and change permissions. Works great now.
The system is telling me I cannot move the file to /system/app becuase it is read only. When I try to make the directory writeable via root explorer, it does not work (will not perform the function after selecting it in the upper right corner).
I am getting really frustrated with this. I hate to ask but would someone PLEASE dumb this down for me. If possible please provide step by step commands of how to change this file permission. I visited the link and did not get it (feel like a retard right now). Not sure If I should be using ADB, RE or something else.
I have rooted 8 phones, flashed tons of ROMs and for some reason I can't accomplish this. I am about to throw this Kindle POS into the FIRE AAAARRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
I had the same problem, but I had already side loaded some other Google apps, so I did a full factory reset and it installed just fine. It was the first thing I loaded on it, just to be sure. I never had to play with permissions.
It does depend on what version you use though, and there are a few flying around. I used the one from here
Also really frustrated
I am having the same problem where I can't install googleservicesframework. I also can't change permissions because root explorer doesn't show up in the android market. THis shouldn't be that hard! Already spent 4 hrs messing with this today.
---------- Post added at 05:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:19 PM ----------
DId a full reset. Rerooted Kindle. Side-loaded Root Exporer and installed on Kindle. Changed permissions on system and on apps. Moved GoogleServicesFramework.apk to system/apps. Also changed permissions on the apk. Still won't install???
Update
Working now. I loaded a different GoogleServicesFramework.apk and it installed right away. Weird. All is good now!
I have the same issue
daddygene said:
Working now. I loaded a different GoogleServicesFramework.apk and it installed right away. Weird. All is good now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you let me know which version and where did you get the googleservicesframework.apk that finally worked for you. I still keep getting the same irritating "application not installed" message. If I see it one more time I might do some serious damage to my KF
Why don't you push the market to your device using dos commands
krishmo said:
daddygene said:
Working now. I loaded a different GoogleServicesFramework.apk and it installed right away. Weird. All is good now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you let me know which version and where did you get the googleservicesframework.apk that finally worked for you. I still keep getting the same irritating "application not installed" message. If I see it one more time I might do some serious damage to my KF
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks daddygene! I had all the same problems and here's the dl which worked.
www(dot)mediafire(dot)com/?4ykd6rdikmz5l8c
The working version is 1.35Mb as opposed to 624Kb for the non-working one. Sorry for the (dot)'s ... I don't have enough posts to use urls :\
sl0ttedpig said:
I had the same problem, but I had already side loaded some other Google apps, so I did a full factory reset and it installed just fine. It was the first thing I loaded on it, just to be sure. I never had to play with permissions.
It does depend on what version you use though, and there are a few flying around. I used the one from here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly happens when you use the factory reset button on the KF? Understand that you lose root but what about all the apps that you have installed from the market, are they still on the device or do they need to be reinstalled as well? May be trying this as I can't get some things to sync, or wait and do it after the next update.
Thanks.
Hellcat6 said:
What exactly happens when you use the factory reset button on the KF? Understand that you lose root but what about all the apps that you have installed from the market, are they still on the device or do they need to be reinstalled as well? May be trying this as I can't get some things to sync, or wait and do it after the next update.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i believe you lose everything in the /data folder, so yes that includes apps you installed from the market.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium
Problem fixed
Had this problem too but turns out I wasn't using the right framework apk. Download the one from the pcworld turorial! Google "install android market on kindle fire" and open up the tutorial, there's a link in the post to the google apps package!
The just tap it in root explorer and install!

How do I stop new Firmware from downloading?

Just read that the new version of kitkat will be out soon. For Note3 Verizon.
I have a rooted phone. My main concern is not to let the firmware automatically download. How do I stop it from downloading
Do you have a link to the article?
Galaxy Note 3
susieq29 said:
Just read that the new version of kitkat will be out today or tomorrow. For Note3 Verizon.
I have a rooted phone. If I want the Verzion version do I need to unroot to download it when it comes out?
Do I need to stop it from automatically downloading on my phone so nothings happens?
Can I go into Kies and get the new software and install it manually?
What do you suggest. My main concern is not to let it download automatically and do any damage to my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IS this a trusted source? Its hard to believe Verizon will be pushing out an update anytime soon for this device.
I guess it remains to be seen!
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
susieq29 said:
Just read that the new version of kitkat will be out today or tomorrow. For Note3 Verizon.
I have a rooted phone. If I want the Verzion version do I need to unroot to download it when it comes out?
Do I need to stop it from automatically downloading on my phone so nothings happens?
Can I go into Kies and get the new software and install it manually?
What do you suggest. My main concern is not to let it download automatically and do any damage to my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can't install automatically without your permission (shouldn't).
My suggestion to get the update is Odin back to 100% full stock image. Then you can take whatever OTA is at your hearts desire. Then you know everything is so fresh, so clean :good:
Then we just wait for word on root ?
Sent from my SM-N900V using xda app-developers app
kickenwing13 said:
Then we just wait for word on root ?
Sent from my SM-N900V using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm going to do. I hear a lot of interesting things about 4.4.2 - how it breaks SD Card access etc... I am VERY happy with 4.3 with the rom I've chosen and will happily await a Clean Rom 4.4 before I even think about 4.4.
I have 4.4.2 on my Nexus 7 2013 tablet and it's good - hopefully it'll mean even better battery life. Pretty happy with the 2x battery life increase after I've rooted. Here's to hoping for more in 4.4.2.
Fyi - googled and I can't find anything about 4.4 coming to Note 3 via Verizon. Back when I had Droid 1 and HTC Thunderbolt us rooters got ICS way before it came out to the carriers. lol.
OP, do you have a link?
I disabled both Knox and the OTA update in MJE by using a root file explorer (Solid Explorer) and changing file permissions to 0000 ("---------") of a couple .apk/.odex files in /system/app (followed by rebooting) :
ContainerAgent{.apk,.odex}
ContainerEventsRelayManager{.apk,.odex}
KLMSAgent{.apk,.odex}
KnoxAgent{.apk,.odex}
KnoxAttestationAgent{.apk,.odex}
KnoxStore{.apk,.odex}
SDM{.apk,.odex}
FWUpgrade{.apk,.odex}
LocalFOTA.apk
This allows them to be restored at any time by chmod'ing them back to mode 0644 ("-rw-r--r--"). I suppose this is similar to "freezing" in TiBu. The first group are Knox-related and last three are involved in the OTA, but it might be sufficient to only disable the SDM{.apk,.odex} files.
cheers
how do I disable SDM{.apk,.odex} files. using root file explorer. I found the files I do not see anyway to disable them?
susieq29 said:
how do I disable SDM{.apk,.odex} files. using root file explorer. I found the files I do not see anyway to disable them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rename them to .bak files.
If I move the file to my sd card would that do the same thing as disabling them? Would it mess up my OS not to have it in my system file.
I do not see how to rename any file? Please explain the process of renaming.
susieq29 said:
how do I disable SDM{.apk,.odex} files. using root file explorer. I found the files I do not see anyway to disable them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used root explorer, but I know that both Solid Explorer and ES File Manager have a way to change the file permissions mode - usually by press-and-hold on the file name, and then select "Properties" or some such from the pop-up menu.
You can also rename them if you want as suggested above (but obviously don't delete the {.apk | .odex} suffix so you won't get the two of them confused) - for instance Foo.apk -> Foo.apk.bak and Foo.odex -> Foo.odex.bak
[Edit] Also: Some root-aware file explorers make you manually remount /system in rw mode before you do anything, and some take care of it for you. If your permission changes / renaming operations fail, it's because of that. (Solid explorer just does it for you).
susieq29 said:
If I move the file to my sd card would that do the same thing as disabling them? Would it mess up my OS not to have it in my system file.
I do not see how to rename any file? Please explain the process of renaming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually there is a menu in your file explorer which is brought up by long-pressing on an individual file name. I would recommend you leave the files in place and either rename them or make them unreadable (mode 0000) - moving them to the SD card and back will destroy the SElinux extended attributes of the files (if any). Then a couple months from now you won't need to remember where they are. They won't do any harm just sitting there.
Do I take out work apk and put in bak instead?
Got it thanks
susieq29 said:
If I move the file to my sd card would that do the same thing as disabling them? Would it mess up my OS not to have it in my system file.
I do not see how to rename any file? Please explain the process of renaming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have root you can download fx file manager and the root add on from the play store or a similar root file manager. This will allow you to rename the files you need. You can move or delete them if you want. All the custom ROMs remove them without issue. Another option would be to purchase Titanium Backup Pro and freeze the apps with that. That is my preferred method with a stock rooted rom because all you have to do is unfreeze them and then unroot to take the OTA. With that in mind I would heed the advice of others and stay away from KitKat until a root method is confirmed if you value having root access.
Edit @bftb0 beat me to the answer when I was typing...
Just changed it and the app became a blank. When I put back the app and took away the bak the app did not appear again it is still a blank what do I do to get it back in system tray. Right now it is a blank page?
Misterxtc said:
With that in mind I would heed the advice of others and stay away from KitKat until a root method is confirmed if you value having root access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
There will be plenty of lemmings that rush to the sea, afraid that they are going to miss something by not downloading an update on day one.
So, wait a week or two to see if any of them make it back to shore with their root privileges still intact. Their pain will be your gain. You'll also have the benefit of reading review articles on-line that will tell you if there is anything compelling in the update; my guess is that your phone already works quite well.
.
---------- Post added at 02:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:31 PM ----------
susieq29 said:
Just changed it and the app became a blank. When I put back the app and took away the bak the app did not appear again it is still a blank what do I do to get it back in system tray. Right now it is a blank page?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Extremely confusing and vague language "changed it", "the app became a blank". also "system tray" and "put back". Huh?
Don't use pronouns such as "it". Nobody knows which "it" you are talking about.
It is possible that your file browser needs to "refresh" it's listing after a file name change. Sometimes file managers have an explicit "refresh" in their menu, or in other cases, you just visit a different folder in the file manger and then return back to (e.g.) /system/app folder to get the refresh to occur.
Hopefully all you are doing is manipulating file names.
Titanium will not work with Note 3. It actually semi bricked my phone. I was told not to Install it. The app whose name I changed then changed back is still there the original icon is just not there. I think everything is OK but got nervous not seeing the icom
I think the icon just disappeared. I first changed the name as you suggested adding bak. The icon disappeared but it showed a blank page icon.Then I wanted to make sure I could put it back so I removed the bak. After I removed the bak then rebooted. The icon never appeared again? When I open file manager and look at it the symbol is a question mark.
bftb0 said:
+1
There will be plenty of lemmings that rush to the sea, afraid that they are going to miss something by not downloading an update on day one.
So, wait a week or two to see if any of them make it back to shore with their root privileges still intact. Their pain will be your gain. You'll also have the benefit of reading review articles on-line that will tell you if there is anything compelling in the update; my guess is that your phone already works quite well.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I learned my lesson on my last phone. It was a S3 with an unlocked bootloader. I HAD to get the update despite the warnings not to. Within 10 minutes after that I tripped knox trying to get root and the wifi stopped working. That mistake cost me $400.00 for the phone N3 I have now. Verizon was "kind" enough to give me $300.00 off any new phone despite my mistake. No more going down that road for me. Yes, I am quite happy with this phone, even with the locked bootloader.
---------- Post added at 05:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:43 PM ----------
susieq29 said:
Titanium will not work with Note 3. It actually semi bricked my phone. I was told not to Install it. The app whose name I changed then changed back is still there the original icon is just not there. I think everything is OK but got nervous not seeing the icom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me it works fine and won't brick your phone if you use it properly. At worst you would have to Odin back to stock if you deleted important files by mistake.
I don't think anything is wrong with the system. It is OK to have a ? mark instead of the icon right?

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