Database Users

Files on SD card without restarting

Hi at all,
everytime I put files on the sd card, I have to reboot Android because without ES File Explorer won't show the new files I put on the memory card.
Even "Refresh" in ES File Explorer doesn't helo. Is there any other way?
Thanks!

Wifi sync is your friend

lamajstro said:
Hi at all,
everytime I put files on the sd card, I have to reboot Android because without ES File Explorer won't show the new files I put on the memory card.
Even "Refresh" in ES File Explorer doesn't helo. Is there any other way?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a well documented problem. I think it's to do with the way that android sees the SD card with booting from it but don't quote me on that. As far as I know, the best ways round it are:
1. Use dropbox. Free 2gb account and can be very useful.
2. FTP. This is my personal favourite. SwiFTP is a free FTP server for android and there are many free ftp clients for PC/Mac/Linux available. I use FileZilla (opensource ftp client).
3. I believe that if you unmount your SD card before copying files over, then remount however I don't find it particularly successful.
There are other ways like shared folders, email files etc but the top 2 above are the best for me. I use dropbox for small files and one-offs or if I'm copying a lot of stuff and don't want to reboot to winmo, then FTP.
It's also worth noting that if you are a windows user then winamp can sync music over wifi providing you install the winamp android client. However both winamp for windows and android are free.
Hope this helps..
enjoy

Ok, thank you. But that's bad.
The problem is not only that I want to put files through USB on it, it happens also when I use CurrentWidget for example that wants to create a log file on the sd card. Hmm...

I use MDJ Froyo HD 4.6, and there are practically no problems when using mass storage option... After unplugging the files are on the SD card... Only sometimes have to reboot, but not very often...

Why so complicated? Use "Multi Mount SD Card" (it´s free) to connect to PC and you will see new files without rebooting.

lamajstro said:
Ok, thank you. But that's bad.
The problem is not only that I want to put files through USB on it, it happens also when I use CurrentWidget for example that wants to create a log file on the sd card. Hmm...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're now saying that applications are unable to create files on the SD then there is something wrong with your card. I'd recommend copying everything off it and reformatting it (use disk management to format it, and use the largest cluster size available).

Some builds suffer from this problem and some don't.
Im using HD2ONE 0.3.6 and it's working fine. File explorer detects the new files after transferring via USB Cable
I love this build paired up with the CM6.1.1 Gingerbread Theme

kashifsiddique said:
Some builds suffer from this problem and some don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard many people complain about not being able to see files after copying them across, but I've never heard anyone say that an app could not make a file on the sd card.

I am having the same exact problem. I was transferring files from this PC to my phone and everything was going fine (it refreshes right away after disconnect) then suddenly, my SD Card got corrupted and I was forced to reformat. I used the same ROM (Darkstone's SUPERAM FROYO) and after that, it won't sync anymore. I even tried removing it and using the HD2ONE (mentioned above) ROM and it was the same. I went home, copied everything from my SD backup from the other PC and same symptoms.
I thought I was missing a sync app or something but no. I looked into each of the folders I copied and most of them are blank.
I hope someone can save us!

I find it easiest and safest to just use ES Explorer to access the network shares and copy files wirelessly. The way our data.img is mounted, giving the pc full access to the sdcard is just not a good move. There was good reason when you connected to windows' sync software it disables your phone from accessing the card.
Even though the hd2one build seems to handle it correctly I almost never do it anymore unless it's for big files. It saves the wear and tear on the usb port anyway.

I had that "problem" too, but for me it was easy to solve. Here is the whole procedure:
So, i want some files to put on my sdcard, i plug in the usb cable and select the option "use as a storage", dont check the "use allways" or "dont ask again" (or whatever this is called on your machine). Now the computer "see" the phone and i put my files on it. In this moment i cant browse the sdcard on my hd2, because its reserved for windows now, (thats why currentwidget cant write onto it, same if you have a wallpaper in some "wallpaper" folder on sd).
Now, when i am done, usually i unplug the usb cable for some seconds and then i plug it in again and choose the option "charge only" and the sdcard gets mounted in android like it should and all my new imported files are visible.
Its the same on WinMo, if you choose there the "HDD" option, you cant browse the sdcard on the mobile. Only if you choose "use active sync"(slower) you are able to browse the sdcard.
cheers
ps: the quickest way for me now is to use wifi and shared folders

Adding own ringtone to a NAND

Hi,
Could someone please tell me where I put my mp3 file so that 'sound settings' detects it as a ringtone. I used to put it in the media folder for SD roms but obviously that's all changed.
Thanks.

Hi,
I found the folder in NAND but putting the file in there didn't work. I'm not sure but all the ringtones were using .ogg format so it didn't see the mp3 file. Even tried converting to ogg but didn't work either!
I managed to get the ringtone applied by using "music" app, finding the mp3 on my sd card, hit the menu button and select "set as ringtone".
This was the only way I found
If you find a better method, let me know as the stock gingerbread ringtones are cr*ap.

I just have the media folder on my SD card, and it still picks up all my custom ringtones and notifications in every nand build I've tried.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

Gushfevah said:
I just have the media folder on my SD card, and it still picks up all my custom ringtones and notifications in every nand build I've tried.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used this method but during connection to pc as mass storage mode, the ringtone and and notifications will revert back to default internal ringtone as the sdcard is not seen by the system.

It's a strange one. I'm sure someone out there knows the answer.
With winmo you just navigated to the sounds folder on the device.
Anyone?

Just dropped an MP3 in ringtone folder and it's working fine...
You'll need a file manager with root access. I use "Super Manager" and the following instructions are specific to that application but will be similar in any other file manager.
Note: Before you begin make sure you have enabled the root function in the system settings.
1. Select the file you want to move...longpress on the file and select copy from the menu that pops up.
2. Navigate to /system/media/audio/ringtones
3. Press the windows hardbutton and select "Switch System R/W" to enable writing to the system directories.
4. Longpress the screen, when the menu pops up select paste.
5. Exit and reboot (ringtone won't appear until you reboot)

bdkinney said:
Just dropped an MP3 in ringtone folder and it's working fine...
You'll need a file manager with root access. I use "Super Manager" and the following instructions are specific to that application but will be similar in any other file manager.
Note: Before you begin make sure you have enabled the root function in the system settings.
1. Select the file you want to move...longpress on the file and select copy from the menu that pops up.
2. Navigate to /system/media/audio/ringtones
3. Press the windows hardbutton and select "Switch System R/W" to enable writing to the system directories.
4. Longpress the screen, when the menu pops up select paste.
5. Exit and reboot (ringtone won't appear until you reboot)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfect. Thank you.

Incidentally, if you don't want to go through that hassle, you can also put the ringtones in.
/sdcard/media/audio/ringtones

LiFE1688 said:
Incidentally, if you don't want to go through that hassle, you can also put the ringtones in.
/sdcard/media/audio/ringtones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem with that is that when connected to the PC nothing on the SD card can be read.

jamesbond_28_007 said:
Problem with that is that when connected to the PC nothing on the SD card can be read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Serious? When you say connected to PC, you mean connect phone to pc with android running? Well, depending on which build. Desire/DesireHD, you will need to unmount the sd card in settings->storage in order to use the phone as a usb mass storage device. If you are using Gingerbread build, you will have to use Multi-mount.
Unless you are my hero, and you went full ext2/ext3/ext4 partition for the whole sd card without fat32.
Then it would be almost useless in a card reader with a windows 7 pc.

LiFE1688 said:
Serious? When you say connected to PC, you mean connect phone to pc with android running? Well, depending on which build. Desire/DesireHD, you will need to unmount the sd card in settings->storage in order to use the phone as a usb mass storage device. If you are using Gingerbread build, you will have to use Multi-mount.
Unless you are my hero, and you went full ext2/ext3/ext4 partition for the whole sd card without fat32.
Then it would be almost useless in a card reader with a windows 7 pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he is referring to this problem posted above:
"I used this method but during connection to pc as mass storage mode, the ringtone and and notifications will revert back to default internal ringtone as the sdcard is not seen by the system." -nghockcheng

LiFE1688 said:
Incidentally, if you don't want to go through that hassle, you can also put the ringtones in.
/sdcard/media/audio/ringtones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i did this but remain the same problem
when the phone rings .it ring with the old ringtone from system-->media-->>audio-->>ringtons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

a dual mount sd app would help if you don't want the usb to kick your sd card every time that you use mass storage

micro SD. Not showing in file manager [SOLVED]

As the title says. I've put the microsd card of my htc g2/z in the iconia and its working. Though i cant seem to find it anywhere in my file managers. (Music app shows ext. Sd content) tried es and file manager for honeycomb. I want to transfer music and video's over to internal sd. Since acer does not have usb drivers for mac, this is kind off my only option. Right?
SOLVED:
1.
Micro SD card slot shows up under: /mnt/external_SD.
So in your file explorer you have to go to root, and then mnt.
2. There are no mac drivers for the acer A500. You can try http://www.android.com/filetransfer/
Though, that program seems to crash alot!
3.
Transfer your files from mac to A500 using USB sticks, SD cards, FTP servers (loads in market).
USB stick can be found: mnt/external_USB

huppelkutje said:
Since acer does not have usb drivers for mac, this is kind off my only option. Right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it isn't your only option, you install this: http://www.android.com/filetransfer/.
Regards,
Dave

I will check it out. Thanks alot!
**edit**
Android file transfer keeps crashing as soon as i connect the tab. Tried reboot, but still crashing.
Any other solutions? I've tried FTP and such apps. They work, but ofcourse not as fast as usb connection.
and why is my micro sd card not showing in file explorers?

if you're using es strogs file manager than you first need to go to root (click on the left most icon on top) than go to /mnt than /external_sd <-- that's your micro sd card than simply copy and paste your files from there to your internal storage.

shock2sys said:
if you're using es strogs file manager than you first need to go to root (click on the left most icon on top) than go to /mnt than /external_sd <-- that's your micro sd card than simply copy and paste your files from there to your internal storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. This makes copying my music alot easier.

Dual File Manager works too. When you start it, just hit the Android back button and you'll see "external_sd"
Sucks that it doesn't mount on my PC though.

huppelkutje said:
Thanks. This makes copying my music alot easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Winamp on the desktop and the A500. It syncs music from my desktop machine to my tablet automatically whenever my tablet connects to my home wifi.

just put the card in and power down/on the device.

as mentioned, power down fully, not just On/off until the screen blanks. Found out the hard way, lazy person that I am.
Odd thing I've found though is that when connecting my Acer tab to my Acer .... err ... laptop ... feels so incestuous .... is that the mSD card appears as simply "SDCARD" while it's external_SD from the device itself. Ah the sweet smell of O/S kludges in the morning

qhinton said:
just put the card in and power down/on the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to power off > back on. Just put the sd card in and voila! It worked right away. Just could not find the sd card in ES file. But now I know it's under mnt/external_SD/

actually I wouldn't call it solved, its kind of an annoyance if anything else. Titanium Backup for one won't see it, I thought honeycomb was going to mnt internal as essc (or something like that) and the external sd as sdcard?
You can soft link it (now that we have root) but that won't carry across a reboot for now.
any how still loving this thing!

[q] guys need help!!!! Plz reply fast

i am using the sd version of the AmeriCanAndroid AOSP HD2 GB2.3.5 CM7 and i cannot copy the files through usb ie it gets copied and then when i disconnect the copied files are not visible .......and sometimes they even get deleted ...So plz tell how can i get over this ????

You could transfer the files via Dropbox, the link below in my signature will get us both extra storage space.

welll i can copy but they r not visible or getting deleted ......

Are you copying the files to the sdcard? And what app are you using to browse for them once you have transfered? Root Explorer is the best file explorer imo.

sidduhtc said:
welll i can copy but they r not visible or getting deleted ......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try SD card mount from market
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

tried tht but no use

sidduhtc said:
i am using the sd version of the AmeriCanAndroid AOSP HD2 GB2.3.5 CM7 and i cannot copy the files through usb ie it gets copied and then when i disconnect the copied files are not visible .......and sometimes they even get deleted ...So plz tell how can i get over this ????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you removing the usb device safely?

Usually if you copy files to the SD on android they will not be visible until you restart the device. You can make the media files visible using some apps, but other files will only appear after you restart.
Apparently, when copying files using My phone explorer, the app seems to make android update it's information and thus files you copy using My phone explorer will appear when you finish.
I have tested this with most sense builds, but not with Amercian Android.

Dr.Move said:
Usually if you copy files to the SD on android they will not be visible until you restart the device. You can make the media files visible using some apps, but other files will only appear after you restart.
Apparently, when copying files using My phone explorer, the app seems to make android update it's information and thus files you copy using My phone explorer will appear when you finish.
I have tested this with most sense builds, but not with Amercian Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is false.
When you copy anything to Android's SDCard via USB/WiFi, the device immediately sees the files.
When you copy media files (pics/music/movie), the device sees the files, but the Media Service might not have indexed the files yet, so media apps relying on the Media Service will not show them (Music app f.e.)
IF you're copying files to the SD card via USB, safely removing the device from your computer, and they still do not show up on Android's File explorer, then i would check your SD card for errors...
P.S. Tested on HTC Kaiser running froyo/gingerbread, HTC Diamond running Froyo/Gingerbread, HTC HD2 Running gingerbread, HTC Desire running Gingerbread, HTC DesireHD running froyo/gingerbread. Multiple SDcards raging from 1gb to 16, class 2 to 10.

With americanandroid on SD, Theres a problem with usb files transfer (check FAQ'S on thread), u can do: reboot to wimo, copy files and boot android, files will be there, OR use the program for windows described in the FAQ (guess its Androidmanager) OR.. Use NAND Rom... ;-)
Hope it helps
Enviado desde mi HTC HD2

daedric said:
This is false.
When you copy anything to Android's SDCard via USB/WiFi, the device immediately sees the files.
When you copy media files (pics/music/movie), the device sees the files, but the Media Service might not have indexed the files yet, so media apps relying on the Media Service will not show them (Music app f.e.)
IF you're copying files to the SD card via USB, safely removing the device from your computer, and they still do not show up on Android's File explorer, then i would check your SD card for errors...
P.S. Tested on HTC Kaiser running froyo/gingerbread, HTC Diamond running Froyo/Gingerbread, HTC HD2 Running gingerbread, HTC Desire running Gingerbread, HTC DesireHD running froyo/gingerbread. Multiple SDcards raging from 1gb to 16, class 2 to 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like that you tested it on multiple devices, but they're all running Android form device memory if I'm correct, right? you're not running SD Android. anyway I tagged a long and scanned my SD for errors and nothing was there. Using wifi and bluetooth makes android recognize the files, and yes media files have to be reloaded.
however, when copying non-media files through USB on several build I've tried before (can't remember which because I've tried almost every SD build out there) the phone will not see them even using a file browser, but they would appear on the PC. Resetting the device would make them appear. My only explanation to that was that certain builds would create some kind of "image" of the files on SD at the time, and would show you that image when you request the files. So if you add files using a way that doesn't update that image (here copying through USB) they wouldn't appear until the next start.

try samba filesharing from market.
you can copy files via wifi without usb.

Or you could use a card reader......

dropbox is great for transferring files wirelessly too

Dr.Move said:
I like that you tested it on multiple devices, but they're all running Android form device memory if I'm correct, right? you're not running SD Android. anyway I tagged a long and scanned my SD for errors and nothing was there. Using wifi and bluetooth makes android recognize the files, and yes media files have to be reloaded.
however, when copying non-media files through USB on several build I've tried before (can't remember which because I've tried almost every SD build out there) the phone will not see them even using a file browser, but they would appear on the PC. Resetting the device would make them appear. My only explanation to that was that certain builds would create some kind of "image" of the files on SD at the time, and would show you that image when you request the files. So if you add files using a way that doesn't update that image (here copying through USB) they wouldn't appear until the next start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC Kaiser run android from sdcard (either SD partitions or image files on the main partition) long before there was nand.
I understand what you're saying, but i cannot accept it. It makes no sense.
Let's see, Android requires a minimum of 2 partitions, one for data, one for system. Those might be a SD card partition (in this cases), or 2 files on the SD card mounted using loop.
IF, you're using the second option, you cannot access the sdcard on the computer (it must be unmounted from android to appear on the computer, you probably noticed that it's impossible to access the sdcard when it's connected via USB as mass storage.)
So, you're probably using SD card partitions. Am i right?

it might be permission issue...

daedric said:
HTC Kaiser run android from sdcard (either SD partitions or image files on the main partition) long before there was nand.
I understand what you're saying, but i cannot accept it. It makes no sense.
Let's see, Android requires a minimum of 2 partitions, one for data, one for system. Those might be a SD card partition (in this cases), or 2 files on the SD card mounted using loop.
IF, you're using the second option, you cannot access the sdcard on the computer (it must be unmounted from android to appear on the computer, you probably noticed that it's impossible to access the sdcard when it's connected via USB as mass storage.)
So, you're probably using SD card partitions. Am i right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry didn't notice the Kaiser on that list. I don't use SD partitions, too lazy to do so, and I don't unmount the SD, had my share of troubles doing so in the past, I used apps like Dualmount SD and such, media files would appear after I force android to rescan media, but other file types would appear after I restart the device. So I came up with the best possible explanation. However, when I copy files with My phone explorer they always show up, whether media or not, could be the new build I'm trying, or could be that I'm doing something I didn't in the past, who knows.

Cannot Manually Add files to internal Storage SD Card, but Apps can be transfered

I'm having a rather unique problem with my the Micro SD card I installed.
I can format it as internal storage and it won't pop up for file managers or my computer.
This means I can't manually move files to it all.
Despite that when it's internal storage I can move apps to it and it adds new apps to it by default.
I could go to move all and move everything it can on, but it's a fairly slow SD card so I'm hoping to mainly put music, videos and any pictures on there.
I worry about it moving the apps that I want to keep in internal storage for speed over.
Does anyone know how I could fix this?
EDIT:
I didn't manage to figure out how to add files manually while it was internal storage through either internal file managers or through the computer.
But I did manage to find the SD card while it was portable.
The trick is to use the built in file explorer on the phone and copy a small file onto the SD card.
With there being something other than just Android files on the SD card it can then be discovered by the computer.
This mainly solves my problem as I plan to use it primarily for storage of music and game files, with the emulators being on the phone itself.

I had this issue a few days ago. You have 2 options to format, (1) as a internal storage and only your phone can read this and other option (2)to use on others devices. Using the second option I managed to transfer files to my microSD like it used to be.
While using the first option I was able only to transfer apps to it through the system.
I hope it helps

I'm using one, but I'm not even able to find it with File Manager?
Is that normal for Internal Storage?
I expected there to at least be a folder in the normal phone space called SD card or something?
Is there no way to manually move music there when it's internal storage?
Also I tried changing it to be portable but my computer still couldn't see it.
File manager could actually see it and open it but I couldn't copy paste anything to it.
So I turned it back to internal as I can at least move apps to it successfully at the moment.

Rajvir8 said:
I'm using one, but I'm not even able to find it with File Manager?
Is that normal for Internal Storage?
I expected there to at least be a folder in the normal phone space called SD card or something?
Is there no way to manually move music there when it's internal storage?
Also I tried changing it to be portable but my computer still couldn't see it.
File manager could actually see it and open it but I couldn't copy paste anything to it.
So I turned it back to internal as I can at least move apps to it successfully at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I tried as Internal Storage any File Manager found my SDcard too... Thats why I'm using as portable.
After that, i could see this.
Maybe you're missing something like changing the USB connection from Charging to File transfering.
Did you checked this?

Yes it can see the rest of my phone and move files, so I've made sure to change it to file transferring.
When you used internal storage file managers failed to find your SD card as well?
dennismac said:
When I tried as Internal Storage any File Manager found my SDcard too... Thats why I'm using as portable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here your saying that you could find it and that's why you swapped over?
I assume you forgot to say it failed to show up separately and that's why you changed to portable.

Rajvir8 said:
Yes it can see the rest of my phone and move files, so I've made sure to change it to file transferring.
When you used internal storage file managers failed to find your SD card as well?
Here your saying that you could find it and that's why you swapped over?
I assume you forgot to say it failed to show up separately and that's why you changed to portable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry! Yes, I failed to find my SD card too, thats why i changed to portable.
Im assuming this is a normal behavior, my last Android phone was a Galaxy S2 and I stopped following Android changes for the lasts 4/5 years. But idk why you can't see it even in portable mode... That should work as worked for me.
Hope someone help you more than I did!

dennismac said:
Sorry! Yes, I failed to find my SD card too, thats why i changed to portable.
Im assuming this is a normal behavior, my last Android phone was a Galaxy S2 and I stopped following Android changes for the lasts 4/5 years. But idk why you can't see it even in portable mode... That should work as worked for me.
Hope someone help you more than I did!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for trying to help.
I think I might have figured out part of the problem, the file explorer I normally use doesn't have permission to add anything to the SD card. I'm not sure how I would go about giving it permission though.
But when I use the system built in I was able to copy paste some music onto it.
With a file on the SD Card my computer was able to locate it as well, and I can now copy and paste to the SD card using my computer.
So with your help I was able to figure out how to get portable working.
It is a bit disappointing that there isn't a way to manually add files while it is an internal storage though.
So again while your solution didn't directly work, it made me think and find a solution to my problem even if it's not the one I wanted.