Database Users

Get Apk file from Market

When i download and install an App from the Android Market where the Apk installation file is temporary placed? Which path?
tnx in advance

the apk's are stored at /data/app and /data/app-private after you installed the app and will be removed if you uninstall it.

Tnx for the answer mopodo, but if i hard reset the device, can i will use theese files to reinstall them?
i'm sorry for my bad english...

sidvizioso said:
Tnx for the answer mopodo, but if i hard reset the device, can i will use theese files to reinstall them?
i'm sorry for my bad english...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you can make a backup to your SD card with apps like MyBackup or Backup For Root Users.

So which is the temp path of the downloaded apk from market?
i want to grab them...

Pinesal said:
No, you can make a backup to your SD card with apps like MyBackup or Backup For Root Users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
of course you can.
you just have to copy them to your sdcard or pc an install them again, with «adb install something.apk» or «Astro File Manager» (or a similar file managerapp)
a hard reset will delete everything on «/data»

If you have root copy the contents of both folders to your SD card.
mkdir /sdcard/apps
cp /data/app/* /sdcard/apps
cp /data/app-private/* /sdcard/apps
Then after you wipe (I've never heard anyone call it a 'hard reset' before) you can use an app like Astore or ApkInstaller to reinstall them.
If you don't have root then not only will you not be able to read app-private, but your ROM wont have busybox so you wont be able to bash in those commands. In that case use an app like Astro or AppManager to copy non-private apks to the sdcard, but for private apps you'll have to redownload them (without being charged of course.)
Pinesal said:
No, you can make a backup to your SD card with apps like MyBackup or Backup For Root Users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if they're non-private (reside in /app, private being /app-private).

He's probably coming from WinMo. We called a factory reset/wipe a hard reset.

mopodo said:
the apk's are stored at /data/app and /data/app-private after you installed the app and will be removed if you uninstall it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Slightly off topic lol But i see you said Private does that mean you could manually back up Private apps you buy off market by just copying them /w root access?

When I run the following from an adb shell, with or without SU root:
cp /data/app/* <my location on sd>
I always get:
cp: permission denied
In fact, no matter how or where I cp from or to, and no matter what I am trying to copy, even if I leave all arguments blank, I still get "cp: permission denied" -- I have busybox installed in /system/xbin from /data/local and as far as I can tell it installed ok. Phone is a rooted Sprint hero 1.56.651.2 running stock ROM.
I have also tried to 'adb pull /data/app' and it always find 0 files. None of this is a big deal for me, however, as I am just trying to backup a bunch of apks for free apps in case versions change too much. Mostly just curious...
Any ideas?
EDIT: Both Astro and AppManager handled the (non-private) apk backups fine -- so I have no real need for the cp method to work, but I am still wondering why it will not -- is it the adb shell? must I use a terminal emulator from on the phone instead? something else? Anyways, if I really want to pursue it, perhaps I should take it to a busybox thread at this point...
EDIT2: It appears as if the 'cp' command as I was running it wasn't getting passed through busybox (not sure why). From what I can piece together reading other threads, it seems that if you have installed busybox on top of a ROM that doesn't already have it (like stock, after rooting and recovery setup) than you must prefix commands with 'busybox' when entered, as in 'busybox cp /data/app/* <my location>' and it does work for me that way. Still cannot seem to copy /data/app-private which I thought having root access would allow -- I guess I just don't understand nearly enough about busybox implementation, linux permissions, and, well, linux in general.

You could try an app manager and back 'em up from there.

Just try the following command.
busybox cp /data/app/* /sdcard/<your backup loc>
askwhy said:
When I run the following from an adb shell, with or without SU root:
cp /data/app/* <my location on sd>
I always get:
cp: permission denied
In fact, no matter how or where I cp from or to, and no matter what I am trying to copy, even if I leave all arguments blank, I still get "cp: permission denied" -- I have busybox installed in /system/xbin from /data/local and as far as I can tell it installed ok. Phone is a rooted Sprint hero 1.56.651.2 running stock ROM.
I have also tried to 'adb pull /data/app' and it always find 0 files. None of this is a big deal for me, however, as I am just trying to backup a bunch of apks for free apps in case versions change too much. Mostly just curious...
Any ideas?
EDIT: Both Astro and AppManager handled the (non-private) apk backups fine -- so I have no real need for the cp method to work, but I am still wondering why it will not -- is it the adb shell? must I use a terminal emulator from on the phone instead? something else? Anyways, if I really want to pursue it, perhaps I should take it to a busybox thread at this point...
EDIT2: It appears as if the 'cp' command as I was running it wasn't getting passed through busybox (not sure why). From what I can piece together reading other threads, it seems that if you have installed busybox on top of a ROM that doesn't already have it (like stock, after rooting and recovery setup) than you must prefix commands with 'busybox' when entered, as in 'busybox cp /data/app/* <my location>' and it does work for me that way. Still cannot seem to copy /data/app-private which I thought having root access would allow -- I guess I just don't understand nearly enough about busybox implementation, linux permissions, and, well, linux in general.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Well in windows
'adb pull' is used if that helps

[SOLVED] Uninstall Swype?

I need to uninstall swype and reinstall it. Ive tried over writing it with the default apk but its not removing a theme I installed with metamorph. If I can uninstall it, a fresh install should fix it.
I just dont know how to remove it

I don't know if you want to go to this extreme, but I did. I fudged up the phone real good by removing and installing stuff. I finally got fed up and flashed it back to stock and applied root again. This time I'll keep my fingers out of it. I hated touchwiz in the beginning, but now it's kinda growing on me. I've never had an iphone but the home and drawer remind me of iphone wannabe. It's okay for now.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

There a tool over at sdx-developers that can remove that when root explorer can't. I forget the name of it. There's also a pay app in the market that I think is called root manager that can successfully remove crap too. I didn't have much luck putting the general swype 1.61 in. It refused to install. That's when I think I just flashed it back to factory image. A full reset/wipe wouldn't fix it either.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

I had to do this a few days ago for similar reasons. This is what I did:
First, you have to open your browser or other app with a text field. Select the text field then long press the text field again and switch the input method to the stock android kb.
Next, you have to make sure /system is mounted as r/w. The early versions of the the rooting scripts did not remount correctly but the newer ones supposedly fix it. I just looked in the initial rooting .bat file (on the PC) for the remount command and used adb to remount /system.
You can test if it's remounted correctly by renaming Swype.apk to Swype.bak with Root Explorer then going up a level and back to /system/app. If it's not mounted correctly it will show as Swype.apk again. If it shows as Swype.bak still, then you just have to copy the original Swype.apk to /system/app and then switch input method back to Swype!
Sent from my Epic 4G using XDA App

yea its mounting in r-r, thats def my problem, cant change swype.apk with root explorer
so i need to re-root?

I don't know what's causing it but root explorer doesn't seem to work properly on the phone (not sdcard) filesystem in the system app folder. It's stuck in rw mode. People have said different things why but I forgot. I did noobnl's latest flash and it's still not working right. His script is removing the old root and my phone doesn't have that on there. I don't know what to tell ya. Maybe I should look for another root file manager.

kennethlongshaw said:
yea its mounting in r-r, thats def my problem, cant change swype.apk with root explorer
so i need to re-root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if re-rooting will fix it or not. You could try. Here's the exact steps I took using adb from the PC:
Code:
adb shell
su
ls /system/app/S* (just shows Swype.apk is in fact in /system/app)
mount -t rfs -o remount,rw /dev/block/stl9 /system
mv /system/app/Swype.apk /system/app/Swype.bak
ls /system/app/S* (just to confirm Swype.apk is now Swype.bak)
cp /sdcard/download/Swype.apk /system/app/Swype.apk (or replace first argument with path of the good Swype.apk on your phone)
ls /system/app/S* (just to confirm Swype.apk and Swype.bak are both there)
reboot (reboots the phone, dunno if its really necessary)

dwyw42 said:
I don't know if re-rooting will fix it or not. You could try. Here's the exact steps I took using adb from the PC:
Code:
adb shell
su
ls /system/app/S* (just shows Swype.apk is in fact in /system/app)
mount -t rfs -o remount,rw /dev/block/stl9 /system
mv /system/app/Swype.apk /system/app/Swype.bak
ls /system/app/S* (just to confirm Swype.apk is now Swype.bak)
cp /sdcard/download/Swype.apk /system/app/Swype.apk (or replace first argument with path of the good Swype.apk on your phone)
ls /system/app/S* (just to confirm Swype.apk and Swype.bak are both there)
reboot (reboots the phone, dunno if its really necessary)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mmmm. That fixed. it. I owe you a beer

kennethlongshaw said:
mmmm. That fixed. it. I owe you a beer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi guyz.
I cant delete swype.apt file from /system/app/*
i am using SUFBS program (reed/write option enabled)
i tried use command in terminal:
Code:
su
mount -t rfs -o remount,rw /dev/block/stl9 /system
but i get only;
Code:
permission denied
z4root show info that my phone is rooted
PDA i5800XXJI2
any ideas how to del that file? :]

[Q] Unable to delete/move shutdown/startup WAV file after JID6 update

I updated JID6 using ODIN
Rooted using OCLF One click
Using Root Explorer I am unable to modify these files after JID6 update.
Previously i was able to move/delete these files. Not anymore.
Current Permission is rw-r--r--
I tried to modify my permsission, but it does not permanently apply. Does anybody else have this problem.. Even after its been rooted, i can't make these permission changes therefore i can't move/delete these files.
Bootup: system/etc/PowerOn.wav
Shutdown: system/media/audio/ui/Shutdown_128.ogg

Did you remount /system rw?
busybox mount -o rw,remount /system

samlot said:
I updated JID6 using ODIN
Rooted using OCLF One click
Using Root Explorer I am unable to modify these files after JID6 update.
Previously i was able to move/delete these files. Not anymore.
Current Permission is rw-r--r--
I tried to modify my permsission, but it does not permanently apply. Does anybody else have this problem.. Even after its been rooted, i can't make these permission changes therefore i can't move/delete these files.
Bootup: system/etc/PowerOn.wav
Shutdown: system/media/audio/ui/Shutdown_128.ogg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the exact same problem. I posted a thread pretty much identical to this one. Still no answer...

busybox mount -o rw,remount /system
worked for me. Once remounted I could rename the startup/shutdown sounds.

Thanks guys for responding, Thats it. Once I installed Busy Box i was able to move those files again. I guess after the JI6 update, it removes your previously installed busy box. I coulda swear i had busy box already installed when i was using titanium backup. But then I remember i had to Re-Root the phone as well.

rmeden said:
busybox mount -o rw,remount /system
worked for me. Once remounted I could rename the startup/shutdown sounds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So just to be clear....type that string exactly as shown into terminal on the phone and that's it? Then I can delete (not rename) the sound files?

yes. you should have needed to do it the first time, too... /system is always mounted read-only.
and you also need a root shell (su)

chui101 said:
yes. you should have needed to do it the first time, too... /system is always mounted read-only.
and you also need a root shell (su)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet! That worked for me! I had to change back to the samsung keyboard because everytime I used the , key in terminal SwiftKey would crash.
No more obnoxious startup/shutdown sounds! Woooo hoooo! Made my Friday!

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!