Related
Well I finally got my G1 and dont have to use my Wing anymore. I got the unlimited G1 plan so im all set with that. Ive been lookin on the Development forums about rooting, and everything, but is it really worth it? There seems like theres alot I gotta do, and everything is getting updated fast, should I root my G1?
no, you should hack your Wing, now that you dont "need" it. Or go root, it just requires a little reading and some understanding of what you read. I am a noobenstein with android but I got it to work and have a few themes installed. The only thing you might not like is that OTA (over the air) updates wont work, so if they release cupcake wyou will prolly be waiting for it from here.
I have modded my Wing, but im going to get rid of it. That is my main concern with Rooting my G1, is the OTA updates
If you have no interest in themes or development theres no point in getting root and voiding the warranty. I would just play with the phone for a while and get used to it and then later decide whether here or not you want to root it.
you say you are concerned about OTA updates. What exactly are you concerned about?
rsfaze said:
you say you are concerned about OTA updates. What exactly are you concerned about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question, but what I will be concerned about will depend on what is updated ota, but im sure what I use on my rooted G1 will be bettr than what is updated ota.
Ya rooting is easy. As I remember you from the Herald forums. Also with a rooted phone you can install a Jesus Freak Modded version of OTA updates. Finally as said before when an OTA update comes out Tmo-GooG don't just drop it on every market they "roll it out" so chances are you can probably get it here and flashed well before your "market area" is pushing the updates on to the G1s
diabolical28 said:
...of OTA updates. Finally as said before when an OTA update comes out Tmo-GooG don't just drop it on every market they "roll it out" so chances are you can probably get it here and flashed well before your "market area" is pushing the updates on to the G1s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a big plus to me
I was undecided too - here's what swung it -
1 - Task Manager for root - this app in the market allows you to actually close apps that are running constantly in the background - it saves a LOT of battery and (to me it seems) makes the stuff you do run after a lot faster. Not to be confused with Power Manager, which can change display settings and stuff, but can't close any apps down.
2 - You can move the Market Cache (which grows like a mo fo) and the Browser Cache (Again with the growing) to your SD card quite easily using the terminal thingy. (Plus other Caches, but those are the two that made most difference for me )
I'm a total noob to Android and linux, but if you follow the clear instructions on here, it doesn't seem that hard and mostly is salvagable - Nothing too scary that can't be recovered from.
Daisy xxx
Current Benefits of Root
1. Multi-Touch Browser - Ipod like pinch/unpinch to zoom
2. Recovery from Bootloader (Think of it kind of like Windows F8 Safe mode)
3. Back-up from boot loader
4. Use of Task Manager (Root Only) - Shut Down Apps
5. Auto Rotate
6. Themes (Currently maybe 10-15 Themes, Check 'em out)
7. Cache to SD Card (Saves alot of Phone memory for application use)
8. Install to SD Card (Better than just cache-ing) Cons: little more tricky than cache-ing to SD Card, but not much, if you have gotten this far, then you can do it.
9. Install Debian (For true hacks that know how to use Linux)
10. Mod your Start up screens.
All of these things are just for starters. The Cupcake, IF and WHEN it comes out, will surely be hacked (Probably faster than you will get it over the air). All these things will likely be added or improved upon in future updates.
I definitely recommend thoroughly reading these forums, and then start small.
Good luck on your decision.
Ok, ive been convinced, looks like I will root my G1. But it seems like there are different ways to do it? What are the differences with these ways?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=442480
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=443797
http://www.webnetta.com/2009/01/02/t-mobile-g1-rc30-to-jfv13/
Also would I need to Hard SPL?
Ways to do it.
Basically all of the "ways" are the same. The differences are just whether your a Windows/Linux/Mac user.
You can Push stuff to your phone using USB. Its much like using the command line in DOS (C Prompt C:\). I prefer to just copy the files over and use the Astro Application (Available on Market). It lets you use the file system like Windows Explorer. You can copy and paste back and forth. The push sytem is a little safer to start in case you have any problems, but if you follow instructions exactly it shouldn't be a problem. There are even Video Tutorials and if you have any questions there is always someone here that can help.
As for HardSPL, yes you will end up with a SPL which is either Hard SPL RC30 ver. 1.41 Mod (Recommended version) , or Engineering MOD which is the version on the DEV phone, or the G1 Original SPL. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=455860
Basically its like this, you will revert back to the original RC29 Software version where the Root Loophole was before T-Mobile Closed it. Using Dreamng.ing you will then download Terminal Emulator from the Market. Type in Telnetd, you will then have Root. Then you will upgrade to JF ver. 1.41, No need to go through 1.31. Then you will be at the most recent Mod update.
From there you can just browse this website for all the tips and tricks associated with a rooted G1.
Hope this helps for starters.
Video for Moding.
http://androidcommunity.com/forums/f28/video-on-how-to-mod-jailbreak-get-root-from-g1-11598/
It sounds like you know what you're doing, but I'll offer my advice. Previous to the Android I'd flashed roms to a few WinMo devices. The first time is always the most nerve racking, but after that you see how easy it is and it's addictive.
Before I rooted and went to JF's 1.41 firmware I read all the modding threads that had instructions.. they're all pretty much the same thing, just said different ways. I wound up using the ones found here:
http://android-dls.com/wiki/index.php?title=Quick_Root (skip to "Downgrade to RC29")
Just make sure you have everything downloaded beforehand.
The only snag I ran into was that I couldn't get from RC29 to JFv1.41 the first few times, I kept getting a error saying that a file wasn't found in the update.zip file. Once I installed HardSPL this went away and everything has been peachy since.
The main reasons why I wanted root was custom boot splash screens and the Root Task Manager. Enabling auto-rotation is cool, but I find it anoying sometimes when viewing the device when I'm laying on my bed (it constantly switching on me!)
Thanks for all the help everyone, I read that I had to upgrade to JF v1.31 before going to JF v1.41 otherwise I will need to wipe, what will wiping do? Im guessing delete everything?
AsaSpades said:
Thanks for all the help everyone, I read that I had to upgrade to JF v1.31 before going to JF v1.41 otherwise I will need to wipe, what will wiping do? Im guessing delete everything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it will get rid of your apps and data... however, there's an app in the market called MyBackup. The icon is a flotation ring. If you really don't want to re-install your apps you can use it to back everything up --- but really it's not THAT much of a hassle to install apps as you want to use them. I used it to back up my contacts, home screen icons, my bookmarks and my SMS messages.
A few things to remember about MyBackup:
If you restore your homescreen icons before you install the corresponding programs, you'll have a bunch of broken icons ... not earth shatter, but you'll be all "uhg, ****" afterwards.
Do not restore your google contacts using MyBackup. You will get duplicates on your phone that will then get passed on to your google account. If you do this (don't do this, trust me) do not remove the dupes using the phone -- remove them via google on the website itself. If you use the phone to do it you will no longer be able to sync contacts and you'll have to wipe all over again to fix it. It's much easier to just sycn your contacts to google anyway.
nolageek said:
Yes, it will get rid of your apps and data... however, there's an app in the market called MyBackup. The icon is a flotation ring. If you really don't want to re-install your apps you can use it to back everything up --- but really it's not THAT much of a hassle to install apps as you want to use them. I used it to back up my contacts, home screen icons, my bookmarks and my SMS messages.
A few things to remember about MyBackup:
If you restore your homescreen icons before you install the corresponding programs, you'll have a bunch of broken icons ... not earth shatter, but you'll be all "uhg, ****" afterwards.
Do not restore your google contacts using MyBackup. You will get duplicates on your phone that will then get passed on to your google account. If you do this (don't do this, trust me) do not remove the dupes using the phone -- remove them via google on the website itself. If you use the phone to do it you will no longer be able to sync contacts and you'll have to wipe all over again to fix it. It's much easier to just sycn your contacts to google anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, ill get to it now.
Can also use mybackup to backup system settings which is a time saver as well. Take your time on root steps and download everything before you get going. As far as root goes i wouldnt hesitate, you can always go back if needed.
Thanks every1, I have successfully rooted my G1, with no errors at all.
AsaSpades said:
Thanks every1, I have successfully rooted my G1, with no errors at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good deal man have fun!
I've considered rooting and installing a custom ROM dozens of times ever since I got my Droid X back in August and I've finally decided I'm just going to do it, but i just want to double check a few things before I root my phone and install Fission:
1. I know that rooting voids your warranty, but if I have problems with my phone and I end up needing repairs, can I just unroot my phone back to stock and still have my phone be covered under the warranty?
2. Will my phone be secure rooted with a custom ROM? I don't want people having access to my personal info contact data, and my passwords.
3. If I Overclock to say 1.2 or 1.3 Ghz with ULV, will I have stability problems with demanding 3D games or other demanding apps?
4. After I root and install my Custom Rom, will I need to reactivate my phone or need to re-add my phone contacts/apps?
5. Will Z4Root work on system version 2.3.340?
I have unrooted and exchanged under warranty with no problems. Your phone will be just as secure. 1.2-1.3 are very stable on my phone. If you do have to reactivate it's as easy as dialing *228 and following the prompts. If your contacts are "google" contacts they'll return to your phonebook. Your apps from the market shall return without a problem. And yes, z4root will work with your system version.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
I am having difficulty rooting my droid x. I am an android noob, but am a pretty savvy user. I used z4 (permanant) and it says it has been rooted when i launch the app. However i see no appreciable difference in access. My terminal still shows a $ prompt and i cannot uninstall verizons crapware. I used rage against the cage prior to z4 with similar results, but i was able to at least get temporary su access and install the bootstrap recovery and perform a system level backup. It reverted to user access after rebooting. Please help.
Superuser confirmation
alright, if you want super user privileges in terminal type "su", then once you hit enter, you get "#" instead of "$" To test if you have root access, first check app drawer for "Superuser" if its there, open an app that requires it, (wifi teather, root explorer, rom manager to name a few) you should get a pop up similar to this
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...=1&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:0&biw=888&bih=638
that would be a diffinitive confirmation that you have superuser permissions.
The way I remove verizons crap once rooted, is to use root explorer, go to system/app and find the .apk files you want to remove. There are lists around the forums what is safe to remove. I highly recommend simply renaming the files. For example, the 3g hotspot app is called mynet.apk, so I would just rename it to mynet.bak, or mynet.apk.bak, really anything that lets you know what it is, but removes the .apk extension.
Ok, I have confirmed su access, but am unable to rename any of the offending .apk's. I am simply told that the operation was unsuccessful. I have tried a couple of different file managers, as well as trying from a terminal, still no luck. I like 2.2.1 alright, but if i can't control what apps are running on my phone with root access, I may want another ROM. Any suggestions are appreciated, aswell as any links to a rom installer that is pc-less.
I usually rename apk's from Root Explorer, just prefer the graphical interface, so I can't really help you on the terminal process.
Rom manager is "pc-less" although most roms are posted in forums first it is often the easiest route, also lets you make backups and restore. There are a few posts around on how to install a rom you might want to read first. Also, you should find the thread for the rom before you flash it, in favor of size and speed, some developers go down to bare minimum and may remove something you need/want.
I have not used it, but I hear Titanium Backup allows you to "Freeze" apps, so that is a possible route also.
2.2.1 is not exclusive to people running official vzw builds, many of the roms on the forum (and rom manager) are running 2.2.1, so you will not be taking a step back to an earlier release.
SharkBaitDave said:
I usually rename apk's from Root Explorer, just prefer the graphical interface, so I can't really help you on the terminal process.
Rom manager is "pc-less" although most roms are posted in forums first it is often the easiest route, also lets you make backups and restore. There are a few posts around on how to install a rom you might want to read first. Also, you should find the thread for the rom before you flash it, in favor of size and speed, some developers go down to bare minimum and may remove something you need/want.
I have not used it, but I hear Titanium Backup allows you to "Freeze" apps, so that is a possible route also.
2.2.1 is not exclusive to people running official vzw builds, many of the roms on the forum (and rom manager) are running 2.2.1, so you will not be taking a step back to an earlier release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are trying to rename apps in the /system/app portion of the OS, you will need to mount /system as RW first.
from terminal: mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mtdblock4 /system
After it has been mounted read-write, you should be able to rename...
to remount as read-only: mount -o ro,remount /dev/block/mtdblock4 /system
zwade01 said:
I have unrooted and exchanged under warranty with no problems. Your phone will be just as secure. 1.2-1.3 are very stable on my phone. If you do have to reactivate it's as easy as dialing *228 and following the prompts. If your contacts are "google" contacts they'll return to your phonebook. Your apps from the market shall return without a problem. And yes, z4root will work with your system version.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your response. Just out of curiosity, did you (or anyone else for that matter) have to reactivate your phone after rooting and installing a custom ROM? I'd rather not have to re-activate my phone every time I want to update a ROM or change to a different ROM.
Thank all of you for the great info. Here's what I've learned after a day of rooting and romming: titanium freezes apps only in the paid version, z4 was the most user friendly app for rooting noobs, milestone overclock works well if you have the patience to lock up your phone several times finding the right settings, and I'm digging apeX 1.3.1. Thx to everyone for your help, i will definately be checking here frequently. One last question: where might i find a side by side comparo of roms with things like features and memory footprint, etc.? Or am I asking for too much. Im not scared of the search button, but i will defer to the more experienced of you. Thanks again.
galaga4991 said:
Thank you for your response. Just out of curiosity, did you (or anyone else for that matter) have to reactivate your phone after rooting and installing a custom ROM? I'd rather not have to re-activate my phone every time I want to update a ROM or change to a different ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used rom manager to load apeX 1.3.1 and did not need to #228. I did not clear the user data or cache, but I do not know if that affected my results or not. Your mileage may vary.
stpvapor said:
Thank all of you for the great info. Here's what I've learned after a day of rooting and romming: titanium freezes apps only in the paid version, z4 was the most user friendly app for rooting noobs, milestone overclock works well if you have the patience to lock up your phone several times finding the right settings, and I'm digging apeX 1.3.1. Thx to everyone for your help, i will definately be checking here frequently. One last question: where might i find a side by side comparo of roms with things like features and memory footprint, etc.? Or am I asking for too much. Im not scared of the search button, but i will defer to the more experienced of you. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know that anyone has really done a side by side per say. Since you say you are apeX, then if you are looking for more ROM's that contain blur features, then I would recommend looking into ZapX Bazinga, or Fusion (from the same creator as Fission, but just with blur). I have not worked with any of the Blur ROM's so far...
If you are looking for ROM's that do not have blur, then the big ones are Liberty, Fission 2.5.7, GummyJar 2.5, and Rubix Focused 1.9.5. Liberty is the big one right now, because it just came out and combines the great talents of Kejar31 and Jrummy. Most others I believe are using Fission. All are great choices, as the dev's do some AMAZING work.
Each has their owns unique feel...so I woudl recommend just digging through each thread for their respective ROM's as they usually include what components are built into each ROM on the original post of each thread.
Hope this helps somewhat =)
another ROM to try is DarkSlide. It comes in both flavors, Blurred & Blurless. It's fast, stable & well supported. You only have to re-activate if you wind up bricking your phone & have to flash an SBF. My advice it to spend the $$ on DroidXBootstrapper (available in the market) to make a nandroid backup prior to flashing your new ROM. This way you have a base to go back to in the event you run into problems, or want to try multiple ROMS. One other suggestion is to rename each backup into something that will let you know what the backup actually is, like StockROMBU or the like.
Could somebody please tell me what the advantages and disadvantages of rooting the flipside are, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, are there any risks??
Will I be able to take of all of these ATT apps?
Will I be able to move my apps from the phones memory to the SD card?
Can the phone be unrooted?
Will all of my apps still work?
What is the best route to root? I have the z4root.
I am much indebted to anyone who will answer these questions. Thanks.
z4root will work fine, it's nice an easy to use. Rooting won't give you an easy way to move apps to the sd card, but you can remove the AT&T (and other system) apps. You can either do it by hand, or with any number of apps on the market. I prefer titanium backup, personally. All of your existing apps will work, there's no change there.
The only real disadvantage is that you'll have the power to screw up your phone. You can potentially screw up bad enough that you'll need to reflash the stock .sbf file. Generally, this takes some real screwing around, but just thought I'd point it out.
Thank u for your thourough answer. What do you mean by screw it up. How could I do that and how do i avoid it. Are you saying by virtue of the fact that i'm rooting that i'll screw it up, or it's something that i may do afterwards that may do it? Thanks.
also, are there any other advantages to rooting other than taking off the apps?
The act of rooting itself shouldn't screw anything up, but having root means you could possibly do something later that would. Generally, you'd have to be messing with stuff you have no business messing with. With root, you can remount the system directory as read/write, and then end up deleting or modifying a file that won't let the phone boot, which means you'd need to reflash. Stay away from the command line if you don't know what you're doing, and don't grant root access to apps you don't trust, and you're reasonably safe.
Other than removing system apps, like the AT&T garbage, you can also backup and restore apps and their data, which is great for if you need to reflash, if you switch phones, etc. There's not a TON of stuff that requires root, but honestly, removing the AT&T junk is definitely a good reason to root, the phone feels much faster after scrapping a lot of the blur and AT&T stuff.
I'm assuming then that any android/att/Motorola updates will not be problem either? BTW, do you if and when Motorola will bupdating the flipside to 2.2? Thanks.
There shouldn't be any problem updating with an official update if/when we get one, but you'll need to re-root and remove the AT&T stuff again. There's no word on when we'll get 2.2, but I'd assume we'll get it at some point.
Ok. I just rooted! Yeah, it worked! But i cannot figue out how to delete the att bloatware. I go into the apps manager and click on one of the att apps, and there is still no option to uninstall; only to clear the cache. Also, I downloaded the titanium and I cannot figure out how to do it from there either. Plus, I still had to sideload the titanium which i tbought that i would not have to do once i rooted.
mordechai said:
Plus, I still had to sideload the titanium which i tbought that i would not have to do once i rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to enable Unknown Sources before you can install non-Market apps
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=867637
This is also an example of how you can mess up your phone by having root access.
That is part of the problem that i do not have that option in two.one. that is why i had to sideload all of those programs. are you saying that i screwed up my phone. i tried clicking on the link but this googlw ad comes up and i cant get past it.
Ok, i got through to the link. But the guy seems pretty shaky as to whether you should follow his instructions. Is this legit or what?
Maybe one of you guys can help. I'm new to alot of this but my last droid x was rooted and it was great I used z4root worked perfectly. But now I have a new X and a z4root apk. On my laptop, now what? Last rooted X, I was fortunate enough to catch z4root on the market, like a day before they updated. HELP!!!!!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
There are instructions in another post in this forum on how to enable Non-Market Apps, also known as Unknown Sources. With Titanium Backup, make sure that you grant it root permissions when it asks, and that it says something like this on the overview:
Root access: OK (BusyBox 1.17.2 from system)
HyperShell (FAST!): YES
Fast/Auto app install: Yes (using HyperShell)
SQLite: YES (SQLite 3.7.2 included)
Then just click on Backup/Restore at the top, and you'll get a list of all your apps. If you don't have backup/restore at the top, your sd card isn't mounted on the phone, unplug your usb cable and hit Menu > More > Reload application.
From Backup/Restore, you get a huge list of all the apps on your phone. Just scroll down to the AT&T stuff, tap them, and click uninstall in the top-right corner. If you're not sure if you want to uninstall something, because it might belong to something important, click Freeze instead. Freezing will stop the app from running, and stop it from showing up in your tray, but you can easily unfreeze it to restore it if it turns out it was important.
Here's the list of stuff I have frozen/uninstalled:
AdService 1.0
all of the "AT&T" apps
all of the "com.motorola" apps
Data Manager and Data Manager Service
Help Center
Home (I use ADWLauncher, don't remove this if you don't already have an alternative launcher installed)
MediaSync
Mobile Video
all of the "MotoBlur" apps
My Uploads
Phone Portal
Quick Contact
Social Messaging, Social Messaging Service, Social Networking, and Social Status
Sticky Note
Video Editor Lite
Vlingo Voice
Weather 2.1
WHERE
Work Contacts
Mobile Banking
Magic Smoke Wallpapers
Kodak Perfect Touch
AT&T Address Book
Quickoffice
YPmobile
As for enabling unknown sources, it's a bit of a pain, you'll need to be comfortable with a command line to do replace the files, and comfortable with a hex editor if you want to edit your own instead of reusing someone else's files. I managed to screw up my phone in the process and had to completely reflash and start over, it wasn't fun.
His instructions do work, but his .sh file doesn't work, you'll need to paste the commands one by one into your command prompt. I preferred to edit my own files, so I wouldn't have the same market ID, and that's just slightly more complex. I can help you through it either way though, just make a post over in that thread if you're having problems.
bubba90744 said:
Maybe one of you guys can help. I'm new to alot of this but my last droid x was rooted and it was great I used z4root worked perfectly. But now I have a new X and a z4root apk. On my laptop, now what? Last rooted X, I was fortunate enough to catch z4root on the market, like a day before they updated. HELP!!!!!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just need to get z4root installed on your phone, it should be pretty straightforward. The Droid X shouldn't be blocking non-market apps, so just download it from your phone and run the .apk to install.
So do I hook my phone up to my laptop, and put the apk. on my sd?
Or download the apk. directly to my phone from the site?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
I found the link, but the directions are too complicated for my novice understanding of technology. It looks like I am stuck. I don't want to try what he's saying and take any chances. Are there any other alternatives? Or do you have any other suggestions as to how to make the most of the space that I do have with the att bloatware, because I am constantly running out of room. It is a strange phenomenon that I don't understand, that when I turn on the phone it will have around 40mb to play with, and after a few hours it is down to 16 and then 10, and then before I know it, the phone is telling me that my memory is full. So then I reset and it's back to ~40 again. Do you have an explanation? Thanks.
Hi guys.
I'm totally new to Android OS but finding it pretty amiable so far. Got a Flipout that's rooted and installed the CEE firmware after getting pissed off with MotoBlur. I know my way around the phone pretty well. Installed the Wireless Tether app too which, I was amazed to discover, works beautifully. After using WM6.5 for so long I'm used to stuff not working for no good reason so that was a bit refreshing.
What I'm hoping someone might be able to point me in the right direction for is...
1 - I'm rooted. Now what? What else can I do and why would I?
2 - My battery life sucks. Any apps I should be using to optimise this?
3 - I have SetCPU but tbh don't really know how to use it. Should I even bother?
A bit about my usage that might be relevant - I use Twitter and FB apps pretty frequently (update interval 30 mins+), have 3 email accounts (1 push 2 pull 30 mins interval). Hope this helps.
Cheers!
Essential Apps for new Droid User...
Hello Kaladan .
I too am new to the world of droids (well read regarding symbian hacks/mods). I am also a very quick learner. In the short time I have owned my Flipout (UK), I have learned that there are a few apps that are essential installations for rooted users.
1: "Titanium Backup" (paid if possible)...essential for nand backup (rom)..system backup, App installation & a whole host of other needed routines.
2: "BusyBox" standalone installation or install from within "Titanium Backup"
3: latest "Clockwork" recovery tools (search on here for more info on this).
4: Setcpu..? (no kernal modded for overclocking is available yet for the flipout so this fact alone makes installation of Setcpu questionable unless you want to underclock to save battery?).
5: Root Explorer..(very usefull for locating those elusive system files that we sometimes need to edit).
6: RSDlite..Stable, reliable & essential for full firmware rom flashing.
7: UniversalAndroot..(for future rooting projects)(renowned for stability & user friendliness).
I would consider all the above Apps to be essential as most of what you are gonna want to do on or with your Flipout will require the phone to be rooted & at least 1 or more of the listed Apps to be installed.
There is a whole world of Droid Apps at your disposal (Market & other sources) once your rooted & set up but we'll leave the fun of discovering some of them to you.
Hope this post has been of some help to you...
Stay Breezy & Be Lucky...
Peace...
Thanks dude, this is helpful.
I've managed to, er, procure Titanium Backup but it says I'm not rooted; havent' had time to mess on with it but I'll have a fiddle with it today. I actually used UniversalAndroot to root in the first place though.
Root Explorer and RSDlite I've got already too.
BusyBox seems to be a bit more complicated than I'd expected though, I'd seen some instructions somewhere about terminal emulators and Linux commands. I don't know much about that but I suppose I've gotta start somewhere
Edit: Nevermind, I figured it out. TiBackup works and BB installed
Thanks again matey.
This is a list of safe/unsafe apps to remove from stock roms.
Generally for other regions/carrier roms anything not included should be safe to remove.
Safe in this case is defined as "will not affect the stability of the rom" removing carrier apps is "safe" for the rom, but weither or not it's useful to keep is beyond the scope of this guide. An example is removing the carrier specific mms app. It can function correctly without it, but you lose any carrier specific enhancements.
General Guideline
NOT safe to remove:
com.android.*
com.dell.* (excluding com.dell.launcher, com.dell.stage.*)
com.google.android.* (that isnt available on market)
PreLoadNetworkSettings.apk [com.oem.prenetworksetting]
Safe to remove:
com.oem.engineeringmode.*
anything available on market
anything not listed here
Possibly Not safe to remove:
Package (OTA) util
PackageChecker.apk [com.oem.packagechecker]
PackageUpdate.apk [com.oem.packageupdate]
Safe to remove:
AMOLED.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.amoled]
CableDetection.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.cabledetection]
Calibrator.apk [com.oem.calibrator]
CellInfo.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.cellinfo]
ConfidentialRunningTest.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.runningtest]
DisplayVersionInfo.apk [com.oem.mode]
dtretriever.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.dtretriever]
ECompass.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.ecompass]
EMList and subapps
audioEM.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.audioEM]
BluetoothEM.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.BluetoothEM]
cameraEM.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.cameraEM]
EMList.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.emlist]
EMLoader.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.EMLoader]
EMwifi.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.wifi]
GpsEM.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.gpsem]
FactorySuiteUtility.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.suitutility]
FakeCB.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.fakecb]
GPIO subapps
Gpio.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.gpio]
GpioSleepMode.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.gpiosleepmode]
GSensor.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.gsensor]
Logging apps
LogMaster2.apk [com.oem.log]
LogService.apk [com.oem.logservice]
Lota.apk [com.oem.lota]
MaxPowerTest.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.maxpowertest]
mccmnc.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.mccmnc]
mminfo.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.mminfo]
NetWorkSetting.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.networksetting]
NVEngMode.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.nv]
OOD_OOM.apk [com.oem.testkits.ood_oom]
PermissionToAccessLocApi.apk [com.qualcomm.permission.locapi]
PowerMonitor.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.powermonitor]
security.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.security]
SensorsInfo.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.SensorsInfo]
SIMInfo.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.siminfo]
TouchPanel.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.touch]
Verification apps
FactoryTestSIMCard.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verificationsimcard]
Verification.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verification]
VerificationAudio.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.VerificationAudio]
VerificationBluetooth.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verification.bluetooth]
VerificationCamEEPROM.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verificationcameeprom]
VerificationEcampass.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verification.ecampass]
VerificationGaugeIcTemp.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verification.gaugeictemp]
VerificationGaugeIcVoltage.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verification.gaugeicvoltage]
VerificationGSensorTest.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verificationGSensorTest]
VerificationHdmi.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verificationVerificationHdmi]
VerificationHeadset.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.VerificationHeadset]
VerificationKey.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verificationkey]
VerificationLCD.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verificationlcd]
VerificationLPSensorTest.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verificationLPSensorTest]
VerificationLPSensorUtility.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verificationlpsensorutility]
VerificationSDCard.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verificationsdcard]
VerificationSingleTouch.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verification.singletouch]
VerificationUsbCharging.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verification.usbcharging]
VerificationVibratorAndLed.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.crt]
VerificationWifi.apk [com.oem.engineeringmode.verificationwifi]
Bundleware (available in market):
ACCUWX.apk [com.accuweather.android.simpleweatherlite.dellstreak]
amazonmp3.apk [com.amazon.mp3]
com.adobe.air.apk [com.adobe.air]
com.facebook.katana [com.facebook.katana]
com.twitter.android.apk [com.twitter.android]
copilot.apk [com.alk.copilot.dell.trial]
evernote.apk [com.evernote]
Gallery3D.apk [com.cooliris.media]
KindleGold.apk [com.amazon.kindle]
KongregateArcade.apk [com.kongregate.android.kongarcade]
Napster-Tablet.apk [com.napster.bishop]
NeroDellSync.apk [com.nero.android.dellsync]
oovoo.apk [com.oovoo]
PageOnce.apk [com.netgate]
Quickoffice.apk [com.qo.android.oemec]
radiotime.apk [tunein.player]
RoxioNow.apk [com.roxio.rnow]
ZinioReader.apk [com.zinio.mobile.android]
ZinioSettingsProvider.apk [com.zinio.android.settings]
GApps (available in market):
Gmail.apk [com.google.android.gm]
GoogleQuickSearchBox.apk [com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox]
Maps.apk [com.google.android.apps.maps]
Street.apk [com.google.android.street]
VoiceSearch.apk [com.google.android.voicesearch]
Youtube.apk [com.google.android.youtube]
StageUI:
BooksStageWidget-release.apk [com.dell.stage.widget.books]
ContactsStageWidget-release.apk [com.dell.stage.widget.contacts]
EmailStageWidget-release.apk [com.dell.stage.widget.email]
HomeStageWidget-release.apk [com.dell.stage.widget.home]
MusicStageWidget-release.apk [com.dell.stage.widget.music]
NewsStageWidget-release.apk [com.dell.stage.widget.news]
PicturesStageWidget-release.apk [com.dell.stage.widget.pictures]
RadioStageWidget-release.apk [com.dell.stage.widget.radio]
SocialStageWidget-release.apk [com.dell.stage.widget.social]
StageLauncher-release.apk [com.dell.launcher]
VideoStageWidget-release.apk [com.dell.stage.widget.video]
WebStageWidget-release.apk [com.dell.stage.widget.web]
Non system apps:
CarDock.apk [com.google.android.carhome]
DRMPlayer.apk [com.arcsoft.drmplayer]
swype.apk [com.swype.android.inputmethod]
It's time consuming to go through and delete the unwanted stuff using Root Uninstaller, but I believe it to be time well spent if only to provide a bit more space on the internal MicroSD. Perhaps someone should write an automated script that will allow the user to delete the APKs in the "Safe To Remove" section of the post?
Removing things like Stage UI and the bundleware should be left out of such a script, since every user is different.
The bundleware is more or less safe to remove, just as much they're usually older versions of what's available on market, you'd still need to update and would end up with 2 copies on your system. The current version at /data/app and the original older version at /system/app
Root explorer has a mass select button btw if you use that, I believe it also works for deleting but I'm not 100% sure. Only thing to be careful of is uninstalling a system critical file, though you can just as easily manually uninstall one by accident.
There's actually more stuff that can safely be removed, only the rom is the only way to get it as you cant download it normally. (eg swype and drmplayer, though swype beta is available as a slightly different thing)
I wasn't questioning the safety of removing the bundleware, since I removed most of it along with all the engineering stuff and the Stage UI yesterday. All I was saying is that in a script those things shouldn't be included because of individual user preferences.
Nice work bruv!!:d
Added a couple more apps into list, turns out everything in com.oem.* is not required (if you ignore being able to use OTA updates, but as noone uses them to begin with)
Dont remove dellsettingsprovider.apk though, it's needed for dock mode with an official dock.
out of curiosity did you guys figure out what are all those com.engineeringmode.* apps? to be honest, removing something like gsensor.apk sounds scary
If you force them to run by making a custom activity shortcut, they mostly do exactly what they sound like.
Majority of them lets you test a single function (ie what they're named after). They're all essentinally debug utils. Dell might have them included because it makes fixing returned devices easier (ie warrentied devices)
Or just as likely they left them in because they're lazy, the entire build system for the s5 is a bit of a mess. They fixed it for building venue and streak 7 roms but they never bothered to go back and fix it.
Though all these apps are also included in stock venue and s7 roms
So before removing these apps do a nandroid backup. Will the nandroid save these files? Also can u do this with Gingerstreak?
Sent from the SuperStreak! ;-)
Of course nandroid saves it, unless you intentionally dont do a nandroid of system\, which defeats the point of nandroid.
SD2.3 doesnt include these nor does SD2.0
TheManii said:
Of course nandroid saves it, unless you intentionally dont do a nandroid of system\, which defeats the point of nandroid.
SD2.3 doesnt include these nor does SD2.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SD 2.3 doesn't save which ones?
Sent from the SuperStreak! ;-)
I mean SD2.3 doesnt include anything that needs to be removed
TheManii said:
I mean SD2.3 doesnt include anything that needs to be removed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh ok
Sent from the SuperStreak! ;-)
so I decided to remove completely all those apps; so far so good and I'll surely like the slightly higher amount of available RAM
I have found something odd though (albeit almost irrelevant). after uninstalling (via titanium backup) all these apps I have lost one of the two wallpapers galllery (the one with a lot of pictures). Unfortunately I cannot tell which is the app responsible for this as I uninstalled them in bulk (I am not even 100% sure the two facts are related as more tweaking was going on and I discovered the issue only hours later).
well as I stated before it's not what you call a deal breaker, who uses stock wallpapers anyway but you'd better be advised than sorry!
you likely removed something in com.android.*
wallpapers are set with either:
gallery app
stageui's set
default android live wallpapers
whatever others you downloaded
mmh unlikely mate. I'm not betting my house on this but I'm quite confident I deleted only the apps that are in this very OP. the LWP and the 2-images-only galleries anyway are still there, i think it's something related to stage.
crashDebug said:
mmh unlikely mate. I'm not betting my house on this but I'm quite confident I deleted only the apps that are in this very OP. the LWP and the 2-images-only galleries anyway are still there, i think it's something related to stage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is the stage UI. I LOVE the "beach & sea" one and lost it after removing stage ui
Sent from my Dell Streak using Tapatalk
Updated list, there are a couple com.oem apps that are boarderline cases of being safe to remove, as they break functionality, but which depends on if that's a good or bad thing.
Case in point: the ota tools can be safely removed, but obviously break ota updates. If you're on a custom rom this wouldnt work anyway as custom roms dont support ota updates.
Experience uninstalling these apps, based on 2.2.2 351 00:
Deleted the package apps = could not uninstall using Settings - App. Tried restarting phone as possible solution but got stuck on boot image.
Does cabledetection have anything to do with attaching with usb to pc? Gone, cannot use Streak as USB storage device in pc.
Note that many other appd can be removed too. Check Cyanogen barebones for detailed descriptions.
Question: Why is it impossible to "restore" apps I remove? Titanium simply does not work. At least with such far out ventures as removing, by accident though, and I had made a backup of everything, so it shoulf have been possible, the Accounts and Sync Settings apk.
Analogously - copying and pasting in RootExplorer does nothing at all, as is the case with trying to reinstall removed apps.
Anyways, lots of stuff can be removed. I even removed Market, to save resources, since I never download any apps from there anway.
You would be better off doing a nandroid backup before you muck around with the files. That way if something DOES happen you can go back to the original configuration. As to Titanium Backup, various versions of the app have had problems with restoring apps, corrupting not only the app, but the app's data as well. For backup purposes, Titanium Backup is not recommended. Nandroid instead.