OK, I just downloaded and installed the 3.1 update, running stock OS.
CONFIG
I have a 32GB A500 which I assume is main memory / SSD. I also added a 32GB micro SDHC chip in it, and for testing, an 8GB thumb drive in the large USB port. They all show up in system Settings,
When I have had the A500 connected via the mini-USB port, the memory / SSD shows up, but not the sdhc card, and not a thumb drive if i plug that in (when I look at it as an extended drive)
Some applications can see memory / SSD, and the micro SDHC chip. For example, ES File Explorer has a tab which cycles between the memory / SSD file system, and that on the SHDC chip. It doesn't include USB storage.
QUESTION
First, I'd like to confirm that something (anything) can read the USB file system.
Next, I am looking for a utility that would allow me to see all three file systems: main/SSD, SDHC, and USB, and move things back and forth between them, and to/from my PC as well. Recommendations?
As far as I know there is nothing that will allow you to read the 'external' drives from PC. This was supposed to be fixed in 3.1 (just another thing borked..), so go figure when or IF it'll ever be available.
Incidentally, my 2.2 Archos 101 did all that perfectly, but the new android versions won't, funny eh?
Assuming he has the proper drivers installed, what if he went micro usb connected to pc and thumb drive in tablet. He could read/transfer files from thumb to tablet and have the pc read/transfer to/from the tablet. If that makes sense or helps.
Get a file explorer and go to the mnt directory. the internal, external and usb storage are all there.
I guess I'd be happy with an answer to the first question below, happier with an answer to the second:
1. Is there any app, running on the tablet, which will allow me to see the file system on a USB thumbdrive? Which one. It's odd to me that I can see the drive, apparently properly formed, in the tablet "system settings" app, but (so far) haven't seen how to get at it myself, and haven't found an app which access it either.
2. Is there an application, running on the PC, or an app running on the tablet, which let's me see the file systems on tablet, tablet's sdhc chip, thumb drive and PC storage in a unified way, so I can move things around without unplugging stuff? That is harder, but one of those networked file access utilities might do it.
GCurry said:
I guess I'd be happy with an answer to the first question below, happier with an answer to the second:
1. Is there any app, running on the tablet, which will allow me to see the file system on a USB thumbdrive? Which one. It's odd to me that I can see the drive, apparently properly formed, in the tablet "system settings" app, but (so far) haven't seen how to get at it myself, and haven't found an app which access it either.
2. Is there an application, running on the PC, or an app running on the tablet, which let's me see the file systems on tablet, tablet's sdhc chip, thumb drive and PC storage in a unified way, so I can move things around without unplugging stuff? That is harder, but one of those networked file access utilities might do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) I use Root Explorer and I can see the USB Storage in the MNT directory in the root of the device.
2) from the PC, adb i assume, but i've never done this. For network, try Samba server - https://market.android.com/details?id=com.funkyfresh.samba&feature=search_result.
GCurry said:
I guess I'd be happy with an answer to the first question below, happier with an answer to the second:
1. Is there any app, running on the tablet, which will allow me to see the file system on a USB thumbdrive? Which one. It's odd to me that I can see the drive, apparently properly formed, in the tablet "system settings" app, but (so far) haven't seen how to get at it myself, and haven't found an app which access it either.
2. Is there an application, running on the PC, or an app running on the tablet, which let's me see the file systems on tablet, tablet's sdhc chip, thumb drive and PC storage in a unified way, so I can move things around without unplugging stuff? That is harder, but one of those networked file access utilities might do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer the first one, no, there is no application to read the external data drives.
As for the second, to transfer files between these, you need to get a file explorer like Root Explorer. The multimedia apps have the ability to access the external data drives so if you want to store music and/or movies on them, you do not have to use up your internal memory.
Hope that answered your question.
Does 3.1 add ntfs support??....if not can I make it support without rooting my tab??
Sent from my XT720 using XDA App
Root explorer works great, so does File Manager HD
GCurry said:
OK, I just downloaded and installed the 3.1 update, running stock OS.
QUESTION
First, I'd like to confirm that something (anything) can read the USB file system.
Next, I am looking for a utility that would allow me to see all three file systems: main/SSD, SDHC, and USB, and move things back and forth between them, and to/from my PC as well. Recommendations?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Astro, in Astro I see them all. Home, Up and you'll see all the storage areas.
Astro will allow you to move things back and forth between SD, USB and Internal storage.
Nothing that I know of, will allow you to directly view your USB or MicroSD using your PC, by directly I mean through the microusb connection.
There's an app called Wifi File Explorer Pro which may allow you to see them on the PC however I'm not certain as I never used it extensively and may be more trouble than it's worth as you'll have to open a port in your router for it to work properly.
Hope this helps.
Any file manager can access /mnt/external_sd and /mnt/usb_storage.
Drive mount or USB mount all can mount ntfs drives. Must be rooted.
Can only access internal memory front PC. End of story until google/Acer fixes it.
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk
Euclid's Brother said:
Any file manager can access /mnt/external_sd and /mnt/usb_storage.
Drive mount or USB mount all can mount ntfs drives. Must be rooted.
Can only access internal memory front PC. End of story until google/Acer fixes it.
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on 3.1 ota and I wanted to root it for ntfs support.....but don't want to void my warranty.....(weather here is too humid so generally all electronic devices don't work or something or the other happens to them)...so I will unroot later to claim my warranty.....what else can I do with root.....(no custom roms..).......
Sent from my XT720 using XDA App
1. Is there any app, running on the tablet, which will allow me to see the file system on a USB thumbdrive? Which one. It's odd to me that I can see the drive, apparently properly formed, in the tablet "system settings" app, but (so far) haven't seen how to get at it myself, and haven't found an app which access it either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any file system application (ASTRO, Root Explorer) can access all storage devices in your system. The location for the storage devices is /mnt.
Note that the /mnt/sdcard directory is actually a FUSE mount of /data/local
The directories related to storage are:
/mnt/sdcard - a FUSE image of /data/local. This is internal storage.
/mnt/external_sd - The microSD card. Must be FAT32.
/mnt/usb_drive - A USB drive of some sorts...can be a thumb drive or a hard drive. Not sure about 3.1, but 3.0.1 needed this drive to be FAT32.
2. Is there an application, running on the PC, or an app running on the tablet, which let's me see the file systems on tablet, tablet's sdhc chip, thumb drive and PC storage in a unified way, so I can move things around without unplugging stuff? That is harder, but one of those networked file access utilities might do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answer...other than ADB, no (until Acer fixes that). When you mount your tablet to your PC, you are connecting to a FUSE partition, which is an image of /data/local. You can transfer files between /data/local (via FUSE partition) and your PC. Unfortunately, because you are accessing a FUSE partition, you are restricted to only /data/local (so you can't get to /mnt). ADB is a known exception (as it uses USB Debugging to access the tablet), but that isn't graphical at all (all command line, which means it is a lot of typing).
op mentioned ES file explorer
Use it myself - as I really like the interface and the LAN access works great for me.
You can see all your storage devices from es explorer
/mnt/sdcard = internal memory
/mnt/external_sd = microsd card
/mnt/USB_drive = USB based storage device
If you want to mount ntfs you need to root.
First i cannot make a folder with a file manager like Total Commander, or any other file manager.
In Total Commander ha ask if i want to Re-mount the drive:
remount as read/write: /mnt/usbdrive/
Command mount -o remount,rw -t ntfs /dev/block/vold/8:1 /mnt/usbdrive
I click on OK and i see:
Re-mount error!
Su call failed!
And second when i use a USB HUB and plug that in the 2.0 USB port and plug my 2.5" USB 1TB drive in the USB 3.0 port and then plug a
USB stick in the USB Hub i loose my 2.5" USB 1TB drive.
I never had all does problems with my MeLE M9.
We'll check it out for you.
Have you rooted your MOJO? If not, you will be unable to write files or create folders on drives mounted through USB as the MOJO mounts them as r/o.
As for the problem of vanishing drives, I've got no idea. I don't have a hub.
ExtremeRyno said:
Have you rooted your MOJO? If not, you will be unable to write files or create folders on drives mounted through USB as the MOJO mounts them as r/o.
As for the problem of vanishing drives, I've got no idea. I don't have a hub.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks.
And Mad Catz Rich it is a good idea to make the next firmware Rooted, MeLE and VidOn has also don that for there customers.
We're not allowed to ship rooted as we're a fully GMS-certified device. We'll be expanding the content on our site to include rooting instructions though, as well as linking out to Paul's Modaco mod.
Mad Catz Rich said:
We're not allowed to ship rooted as we're a fully GMS-certified device. We'll be expanding the content on our site to include rooting instructions though, as well as linking out to Paul's Modaco mod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK.
How do I mount an external USB stick? I thought it was under /mnt/usbdisk0, but it's apparently not. I can access this folder and create folders in it fine, but it's still there, and I can manipulate files on it even after I unplug the drive. Also, accessing this directory does not power on the USB light. How do I access external USB drives in OmniROM?
StickMount is one mounting tool that seems to work well.
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Posted from whatever phone booted today
jeffsf said:
StickMount is one mounting tool that seems to work well.
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Posted from whatever phone booted today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried StickMount, but it didn't do anything on my device. I have the drive formatted in FAT32, so it should be readable on anything. I tried plugging it into my wife's tablet, and it works fine there. I just can't seem to get it to work on my phone.
I've had the AFTV 3 for a couple of months but only just tried hooking up a usb flash drive. I tried through the OTG + ethernet usb hub and I tried it with just a OTG cable. It doesn't mount the usb drive.
I'm sure I have it hooked up right. I formatted Fat 32 (even though it should do that automatically). It's getting power because the light on the Flash drive turns on.
I'm wondering if the update I got on May 15th removed the USB storage option?
Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
The Fire TV 3 has never mounted USB drives in a way that all apps can access files on the drive. Your only option is to use an app that can mount the drive itself. Two such apps are ES File Explorer and Total Commander with a mounting addon. Once those apps mount the drive, you'll then be able to select a file and choose a different app to open the file. Some more info here: http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire...rives-keyboards-mice-flirc-ethernet-hubs-etc/
AFTVnews.com said:
The Fire TV 3 has never mounted USB drives in a way that all apps can access files on the drive. Your only option is to use an app that can mount the drive itself. Two such apps are ES File Explorer and Total Commander with a mounting addon. Once those apps mount the drive, you'll then be able to select a file and choose a different app to open the file. Some more info here: http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire...rives-keyboards-mice-flirc-ethernet-hubs-etc/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Elias!
I should've read the full article.
For now is there still no way to mount usb drive permanently?
Looks like Gen 3 is more protected then older versions, but maybe we can execute commands like "mount" in some way? (just my naive guess)
mntlzr said:
For now is there still no way to mount usb drive permanently?
Looks like Gen 3 is more protected then older versions, but maybe we can execute commands like "mount" in some way? (just my naive guess)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly not, a Fire TV 3 is only suitable for "paying" apps (Prime, Netflix, etc.), and is much more limited than its predecessors (similar to Apple TV). That's why neither the 3-series nor the Cube is an option for me. I don't like closed systems!
Why is a NAS not an option?
I'm trying to find out the Android requirements to properly format a USB drive from either a Windows or macOS computer (Linux if required) so (A) I can mount it on Shield TV 2017 (16GB) and (B) TWRP 3.2.3.0 Recovery Project can actually read the files on it.
What are the exact requirements to format the USB drive so Android doesn't have to modify or update anything?
FAT32/NTFS/XFAT/Other ? from what I've read FAT32 seems to be the most preferable.
MBR/GDP/Other ?
Primary/Logical ?
What tool is the best to format this so there's no issues?
I've tried Gparted, Windows Format, Acronis, Disk Utility, MiniTool Partition Wizard, and a few others.
Are their any requirements to copy data (i.e. boot.img, boot.zip, readme.txt, etc...) files from Windows/macOS/Linux onto the USB drive so it's readable?
These may sound like primitive or stupid questions, however I've spent several hours trying to boot my Shield TV (usb keyboard holding keys A and B) to then launch TWRP 3.2.3.0 Recovery to then mount the USB and read its files to Install them. So far I've tried just about everything I've learned from the internet and nothing seems to work. I've even formatted the USB drive using a Sony Android (7.0) TV however when I attempt to insert that onto either a PC or Mac both require the drive to be initialized. When my Shield TV was still working any USB drive I inserted required it be formatted or updated in some way so it could read it.
Currently if I format the USB drive can be detected by Shield TV and mounted by TWRP however none of the files I've copied onto it can be viewed by TWRP. I understand that TWRP filters files so if one needs to load an *.img file one needs to press the correct button to "view" and "access" those file types.
I'm starting to believe it's not the USB it's TWRP but I can't tell for certain.
Does one need to create Android-x86 (android-x86_64-8.1-rc2.iso) in VMware to accomplish this task? It's mind boggling that this is seems to be so difficult when it should be rather straight forward.
whiteak said:
You have tried mounting the USB I take it? I would try a different USB Stick if you have one for sure, it doesn't have to be any special format at all, just a simple fat32 format through Windows is all it needs. Without actually physically seeing what is going on, I can't really say what is going on, power is actually getting to the USB, eg, can you see any lights flashing etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello whiteak, Shield TV sees the USB drive, TWRP is able to mount it, navigate to it and list folders but no files are displayed either through Install (to see boot.img, readme.txt or boot.zip) even when toggling the IMG or ZIP button. I've also attempted to use TWRP's File Manager to review this data, no success. In an alternate test to prove that TWRP can see any *.img file I navigated to the Downloads folder (internal storage) and it can see recovery.img just fine. Using TWRP's File Manager I've attempted to change the file permissions (chmod 755, 777, etc...) to the usb-otg but that didn't change anything either.
At this point I'm unsure what to think? Is it the way the USB drive is formatted? Is it file/folder permissions on the USB drive? Is it TWRP limiting things that are actually there but refuses to read them for security or some other reasons? Hard to tell...
SOLVED
I solved the problem. I'll post the exact steps later but in short, create a Virtual Machine, install Android 8.1, insert the USB drive, format it and quit. Once this is done PROPERLY I later copied the necessary files using macOS TERMINAL from macOS to the USB drive. Now TWRP sees everything. What a pain in the @$$ to do such a simple task.
nadia p. said:
I solved the problem. I'll post the exact steps later but in short, create a Virtual Machine, install Android 8.1, insert the USB drive, format it and quit. Once this is done PROPERLY I later copied the necessary files using macOS TERMINAL from macOS to the USB drive. Now TWRP sees everything. What a pain in the @$$ to do such a simple task.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i havent used twrp on my shield tv before but i typically prefer to use twrp's adb terminal for that type of stuff..
it sounds like u had something formatted wrong or maybe even some type of encryption on the usb so it couldnt see the files... u def. shouldnt have to do all that lol
elliwigy said:
i havent used twrp on my shield tv before but i typically prefer to use twrp's adb terminal for that type of stuff..
it sounds like u had something formatted wrong or maybe even some type of encryption on the usb so it couldnt see the files... u def. shouldnt have to do all that lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello elliwigy, I'm quite new at all this so I didn't know how to format a USB drive using ADB, I didn't even know this was possible. I'll have to look into this next time. My workaround installing Android in VMware worked out well.