Database Users

A2SD - Can someone point me to a how-to?

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

Apps2SD for 2.1 Rom?

does anyone have any instructions for apps2Sd for the 2.1 rom? I have no idea what I'm doing with this, and Im tired of not having any space on my phone to dl apps! thanks for any help in advance.

if you are running an a2sd enabled rom,
1. backup your entire sd card to your pc
2. boot into recovery
3. select to partition sd
4. partition to ext 2 and then to ext 3
5. use the default settings of 32mb swap / 512mb data
6. reboot
7. move your previous data back to your sd from your pc
you should be good to go. if you start seeing a significant drop in system memory, go back to recovery and flash the attached zip

troyboytn said:
if you are running an a2sd enabled rom,
1. backup your entire sd card to your pc
2. boot into recovery
3. select to partition sd
4. partition to ext 2 and then to ext 3
5. use the default settings of 32mb swap / 512mb data
6. reboot
7. move your previous data back to your sd from your pc
you should be good to go. if you start seeing a significant drop in system memory, go back to recovery and flash the attached zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What if is the 32mb swap & the 512mb Data sizes for? What happens if I make them bigger?

Coldheat1906 said:
What if is the 32mb swap & the 512mb Data sizes for? What happens if I make them bigger?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually, you can set swap at 0 (its not used anyway, unless you are gonna use the new Fresh Toast rom)
you can set data to be larger if you like (though not needed unless you are gonna install ALOT of mega mb apps)

Thanks, besides that is there anything else that I need to do or can I just start downloading apps..... Also how can I verify that they are going to my sd card?

Coldheat1906 said:
Thanks, besides that is there anything else that I need to do or can I just start downloading apps..... Also how can I verify that they are going to my sd card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go into your command prompt...
adb remount
adb shell
cd /data/app
pwd
if it says /system/sd/app your apps2sd is working! if it says /data/app, it's not

dec3ption said:
go into your command prompt...
adb remount
adb shell
cd /data/app
pwd
if it says /system/sd/app your apps2sd is working! if it says /data/app, it's not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok,....now I really feel like a noob.....
When I try to do a adb remount it says "device not found"
I also do have "USB Debug" selected.
Edit: Ok.... had to re-install the SDK..... I think it's working now.

Thanks
Im flashing my rom right now so I will see how this works out

I have a problem
Im using the Fresh rom with android 2.1 which should have app2sd enabled, but for some reason my apps dont go the sd card? Any help with this, I 've formatted based on the instructions, but it doesnt seem to work for me?

troyboytn said:
actually, you can set swap at 0 (its not used anyway, unless you are gonna use the new Fresh Toast rom)
you can set data to be larger if you like (though not needed unless you are gonna install ALOT of mega mb apps)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I beg to differ...the A2SD version 2.5 will activate swap if it sees the partition. That's the file you posted as part of the instructions.

amallama said:
Im using the Fresh rom with android 2.1 which should have app2sd enabled, but for some reason my apps dont go the sd card? Any help with this, I 've formatted based on the instructions, but it doesnt seem to work for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Validate by doing this:
1. At your computer (in the Android SDK Tools directory), type adb shell
2. Once you are in an adb shell, type ls -l /data
3. Look for the entries app and app-private. The two entries should look like the following:
app -> /system/sd/app
app-private -> /system/sd/app-private
If they don't, you'll need to validate you have an ext3 partition on your sd card.
If you do, download A2SD version 2.5 from http://www.darktremor.com/files/misc/a2sd-2.5-signed.zip and put it on your SD card (in the same place you put custom roms). Go into recovery and flash this file (it won't erase anything...it's just going to install a2sd version 2.5). Reboot phone and perform the same steps above.
If it still isn't working, PM me and I'll continue to help you.

tkirton said:
I beg to differ...the A2SD version 2.5 will activate swap if it sees the partition. That's the file you posted as part of the instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will it activate swap on any rom?, is it required? can it actually just be left at 0 (users choice) to not use swap?
dont mean to step on toes here, just realized this is your creation (guess you know more than I).....sorry if I spewed some misinfo

troyboytn said:
will it activate swap on any rom?, is it required? can it actually just be left at 0 (users choice) to not use swap?
dont mean to step on toes here, just realized this is your creation (guess you know more than I).....sorry if I spewed some misinfo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem...the previous version (2.0) didn't turn on swap...that was actually handled by another routine from my Darktremor kernel (never released...that's why you never seen it).
If you don't want to activate swap, you can go into the phone and type /system/bin/a2sd noswap. It will put a flag file on the system that, if present, will tell a2sd not to use swap file although one is present.
Swap is not required. If a2sd doesn't see the swap partition, it simply won't activate swap...all other functions will activate as normal.
It will activate swap on any rom provided that the swap partition is using /dev/block/mmcblk0p3 (third partition on the SD card). The sd partition feature on the RA Recovery does this automatically.

hi i have a the wildfire got it rooted but not sure how to install apps2sd,apk im on software 2.1
i did have a custom rom cyanogenmod 6.1 and that had apps2sd but the wildfire 2.1 dosent and would like some advice on how to do it please any help wud b nice thanks

Low on Space

Under applications I there is a tab for Apps On SD..
Is there a tab for Apps on Phone?
I keep getting Low on Space error, and cannot remove it.
I've cleared browser cache and deleted SMS messages..
Moved almost every app I could to the SD card (except the system ones, which won't allow me too, and a few widgets which need to be on the phone apparently [winamp, clockr, battstatt]).
Not sure what else is eating the ROM..
Is there an uninstaller app that you recommend that tells me if an app is on external or internal?
I'm running Kangorama 1.1 if that matters.
Thanks

On Kangorama's first post, you should look into the apps2ext method. Nexus One doesn't have much built in space for apps, so it's going to happen pretty easily. I highly recommend apps2ext since i have several gameloft games that eat up my memory instantly.
If you aren't interested in apps2ext, in the cyanogen settings/apps there should be a auto move all to external. This is the default froyo apps to fat32.

Thanks for the tip..
I thought I had apps2ext setup..
It was set in my advanced installer file and I remember choosing an ext2 partition..
however when I run a2sd check in the terminal
it says it finds a partition but it isn't installed properly.. I might have an ext4 partition and this rom doesn't support it..
I tried re-installing and it says it's missing an install file..
Running fix_permissions now..
I'm going to try a2sd uninstall/install in a bit.

You must have an Ext3 partition, so in your recovery you have an option to ext2>ext3.
Then in terminal write this:
- su
- a2sd check
- a2sd cachesd
Then phone will reboot and voila

ZTE Light / V9 [ROM] [Froyo] Light Roast RLS6 [2011-05-19] [Gen2]

ALL CREDITS TO KALLT_KAFFE !!
Information
NOTE: Only for devices that have been upgraded to Android 2.2.
Based on the leaked 2.2 ROM V9_GENERICV1.0.0B03 (Android 2.2)
Rooted "out-of-the-box"
Support for Darktremors Apps2SD (apps on EXT2 partition on SD card)
Various updates to the Google apps as Maps, etc.
"Extra Settings" where you can easily switch between the LCD density settings, etc.
HW UI turned on
VMHeapTool included to easily change the VM Heap Size.
Added "Spare Parts" (I recommend changing the "Window" and "Transition" animations to "Fast")
Predefined APN list from CyanogenMod7 (NOTE: If you use Telia may be necessary to go in and actively choose Telia as Halebop seems to be the chosen default)
Instructions
If you have not already Clockwork Recovery installed, download OneClickRecoveryV9.apk and save on the SD card.
Then download Light_Roast_RLS6.zip and save on the SD card. (Mirror)
Install and run OneClickRecovery. (Alternatively, reboot to already installed Clockword using 'adb reboot recovery')
Make a backup of existing installation inside Clockwork (Backup and Restore -> Backup)
Install Light_Roast_RLS6.zip (Install zip from sdcard-> choose zip from sdcard-> etc ...)
Make a Wipe (wipe data / factory reset) (Only required for new installations or if you are upgrading from RLS2 or earlier)
Choose to restart the phone. (Reboot system now)
First boot takes extra long time so be patient.
Overclock AHB bus
First, install Light Roast RLS6 if you have not already done so.
Download and install Light_Roast_RLS5_ahb_overclocked.zip (ignore RLS5, it also applies to RLS6)
NOTE: Do NOT use this if you do not know how to restore the phone if it would not boot. There is no guarantee that all phones can handle AHB overclocking which is a 50% overclock of AHB bus in 480 and 600MHz.
Activate Apps2SD (NOTE: Android 2.2 has built in support for moveing apps to the SD card. This is another method that most people probably will survive without)
Make a backup on everything on your SD card that you want to save.
(Optional) If you have already installed apps then you must run "a2sd remove" via "adb shell".
Reboot into recovery (Can be made using "Extra Settings")
Partition SD card. It is basically meaningless to assign more than 512MB if you don't want to move Dalvik cache to the SD card. I recommend 512MB and 0MB swap (the kernel does not support swap and the phone has enough memory to not need swap)
Boot up again and now all the apps that are installed will automagically be on EXT2 partition on the SD card.
(Optional) If you did "a2sd remove" above then you must make a "a2sd reinstall" to move the apps to the partition.
Uninstall
Reboot into recovery (eg using "Extra Settings)
Restore the backup you made before you installed
(Optional) If you also wish to recover the leaked 2.2 ROM original recovery partition, download, install and run OneClickStockRecoveryV9.apk
NOTE: Everything is done at your own risk!

[Q] app 2 sd

hello..
1. i'm noob...
2. i put Android to my HD2. ok...
Problems... Low Memory on my phone after a few instalations.
i make one partition ext3 on my SD.
My problem is that partition never seen by software...
When i try to put commands on the terminal, at "su" command i see the next message: "Permission denied"...
In the ROM MANAGER 4.3.2.3. when i try to partition SD card , when i try to install ClockwordMod Recovery , i choose the HD2 model and on my phone appear "An error ocurred while attempting to run privileged commands!"
PLS HELP!!!! My sd card in a 16Gb, class 10.
Only i needed is space for a new programs on my phone...
I send you a beer if you can help me (special pentru cei din Bucuresti eventual...).

sorincristian said:
When i try to put commands on the terminal, at "su" command i see the next message: "Permission denied"...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe you have used a rom without root permission. make sure that your rom supports app2sd. Secondly partition your sd card with the help of gparted livecd or you can use the AD recovery's build-in tools to partition your sd card. then flash a rom supporting app2sd. here cm7 recommded,the extra space will be recognized automatically. if you use miui rom, pls make sure that your partition format is ext3. after flashing miui, open terminal-1.su-2.a2sd reinstall-3.reboot automatically-4.open terminal again-5.su-6.a2sd zipalign-7.a2sd cachesd-8.reboot automatically-9.just install whatever you want.

elvis1988 said:
maybe you have used a rom without root permission. make sure that your rom supports app2sd. Secondly partition your sd card with the help of gparted livecd or you can use the AD recovery's build-in tools to partition your sd card. then flash a rom supporting app2sd. here cm7 recommded,the extra space will be recognized automatically. if you use miui rom, pls make sure that your partition format is ext3. after flashing miui, open terminal-1.su-2.a2sd reinstall-3.reboot automatically-4.open terminal again-5.su-6.a2sd zipalign-7.a2sd cachesd-8.reboot automatically-9.just install whatever you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In QUICK INFORMATON INFO write:
sd card storage..... free 11 gb
A2SD storage 22 mb free
internal storage 40 mb free
system storage 18 mb free...
i don't understand something...
Yes.. it's a based MIUI ROM instaled
I can't use the terminal... i haven't permissions... read my first message...
"after flashing miui" - what do you recommand?

does it the miui rom you are using support app2sd ? and you haven't downloaded app2sd+ from market, if so id get a rom that supports app2sd, then id recommend downloading THIS to fully format your sd card, and would also recommend using THIS to partition your sd card Ext3/4 depending on rom...
sorincristian said:
In QUICK INFORMATON INFO write:
sd card storage..... free 11 gb
A2SD storage 22 mb free
internal storage 40 mb free
system storage 18 mb free...
i don't understand something...
Yes.. it's a based MIUI ROM instaled
I can't use the terminal... i haven't permissions... read my first message...
"after flashing miui" - what do you recommand?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if your rom is app2sd....
you must not have it set up correct make sure you take 1gb (1024) out of your sd card to use for app2sd, take a look at my screen shot at how many apps i have to what internal i have left with typhoon build...
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App

sorincristian said:
A2SD storage 22 mb free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This makes me believe that App2sd+ is working, how else is there only 22 mb free? What is the partition size you made?
Things you can do:
Clear Cache of apps
Clear the downloadfile-#.apk in /Cache/ (you need a root explorer to do this)
Backup apps, delete apps, restore apps.
Another thing to do is to start from scratch, reflash your rom, using a backup program to backup your apps. Completly clear caches, and wipe sd card.
DOING THIS WILL WIPE YOUR PHONE AND LOSE ALL SETTINGS
Rommanager is only available for cLK, make sure you have cLK, or phone will boot-loop.

Eelkede said:
This makes me believe that App2sd+ is working, how else is there only 22 mb free? What is the partition size you made?
Things you can do:
Clear Cache of apps
Clear the downloadfile-#.apk in /Cache/ (you need a root explorer to do this)
Backup apps, delete apps, restore apps.
Another thing to do is to start from scratch, reflash your rom, using a backup program to backup your apps. Completly clear caches, and wipe sd card.
DOING THIS WILL WIPE YOUR PHONE AND LOSE ALL SETTINGS
Rommanager is only available for cLK, make sure you have cLK, or phone will boot-loop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that i don't have luck..
i reinstall the my HD2 with this ROM: DFT_LEO_NAND_Android.rar
Another (new) problem... my Android working good... but i don't see my SD...
I seen that SD only at boot if i boot in "MASS STORAGE"
Do you know what i really understand?
I have enough hours loosed... i need my telephone working...