Database Users

[How To Guide] Access A500 microSD card and/or USB from PC

For those of you that would like the ability to transfer files between the internal memory, microSD card, and/or usb data drive from your PC, there is a way. Download and install QtADB.
NOTE: I have updated the instructions. This should work without having to download the Android SDK.
1. First you need to download and install the flavor of Java you require (x86 or x64). This is required for ADB and AAPT.
2. Next download QtADB. Copy the "QtADB_0.8.0_windows_with_libs" folder to the "C:\Program Files\" folder.
3. Finally, download ADB and AAPT binaries for windows. Copy the files to the "C:\Program Files\QtADB_0.8.0_windows_with_libs" folder.
Here is the link for Java: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk-6u26-download-400750.html
Here is the link to QtADB: http://qtadb.wordpress.com/download/
Here is the link for the ADB and AAPT binarie files: http://www.mediafire.com/?yegi0lp9ik5xuk0
Once you get it all loaded, connect your A500 to your PC via the micro USB port. Launch QtADB. The first time you run QtADB, it will ask you for the path to ADB and AAPT. This should be "C:\Program Files\QtADB_0.8.0_windows_with_libs" folder. You should be able to access all your storage internal and external to your A500. I am no expert on this application, but will try to help if I can.
Attached are screenshots of QtADB abd attached to my A500. The Apps and Messages tabs do not work, but so far everything else seems to. Enjoy.

So, no one wants to be able to directly transfer files from thier PC to thier external microSC card? I see a lot of views, but no comments. Has anyone else tried this? Did it work for you? Anyway, happy day.

dalepl said:
So, no one wants to be able to directly transfer files from thier PC to thier external microSC card? I see a lot of views, but no comments. Has anyone else tried this? Did it work for you? Anyway, happy day.
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@dalepl - to answer your question I have posted this SIMPLE method previously. I have emphasied the word SIMPLE because it's not as clever and structured as your method but is probably more suited to us non-programming noobs.
For anyone who wants to see the contents of their sd card on their PC and be able to copy/transfer files from one to the other, why not give this a try, it is very simple and works for my A500.
Before you start you need your A500 to be rooted and you need "USB Mount All version 1.3" from the Market cost $1.99
(1) Have your PC switched on, don't connect your A500 yet but switch the A500 on.
(2) Run USB Mount All and you will see your sd card as a "Device" named "ext_sdcard".
(3) Press the tab "Mount" next to your ext_sdcard. You will see two messages "Mount has been granted Superuser permission" and "Device successfully mounted".
(4) Press the "Menu" tab in the top Right hand corner of the screen, this opens a small box entitled "Settings". Press on "Settings" and you get 3 options, make certain all 3 options are ticked, ticking them if they are not. (The important thing is to have "Mount on Bootup" ticked"). Press the Back Arrow twice to get back to Home Page or where ever you started from.
(5) Re-boot the A500 and after it is back running connect it to your PC using mini usb connector.
(6) Now check your PC and open Windows Explorer, you will find under your A500 Device most of the folder/directories that are in /mnt/sdcard (which isn't all that relevent to this) BUT importantly you will find a folder/directory entitled "ext_sdcard" which for those of you who noticed is the exact name that "USB Mount All" called your sd card.
(7) Now use Windows Explorer to copy and paste whatever you want into the "ext_sdcard" folder.
(8) Please note that when you start to copy files you will get up a warning box stating "Do you want to copy XXXXX to your device?". You are given 2 choices (1) No skip this file or (2) Yes.
(9) Put a tick in the box at the bottom Left and click on "Yes".
(10) When finished safely disconnect your A500 from your PC and re-boot your A500.
(11) After re-boot go back into "USB Mount All", chose top Right menu and settings box and remove the tick from the 3rd option "Mount on Bootup". Each time you are going to copy, move or delete files first of all put the tick back in the 3rd box and when you're done take it out.
Your Done. If you use any File Explorer to look at /mnt/external_sd you will see all the files residing on your sd card including those you've just copied.

I think the reason is people wish there were a simpler way than to have to download 13 programs and do this do that...
But still, thanks.

Johnny0906 said:
I think the reason is people wish there were a simpler way than to have to download 13 programs and do this do that...
But still, thanks.
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Click to collapse
You may be right. Looking closer I am going to change the directions. You do not have to install the SDK to get this to work. You can download ADB and AAPT files from the QtADB site.

I believe someone else in another thread mentioned Droid Explorer. Works great for me.

tomlogan1 said:
I believe someone else in another thread mentioned Droid Explorer. Works great for me.
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I took a look at this one and although it does look good and does most of the same thing QtADB does, I still perfer QtADB. For one, I can delete, move, and copy files from the A500 external storage to the PC and vice versa from right within QtADB. I did not spend much time with Droid Explorer and it may be able to do the same thing, but I did not find it. All in all, I guess it will be up to each user to pick the one they like. Both seem to be good options.

File transfer directly between PC and external_sd (WiFi)
dalepl said:
So, no one wants to be able to directly transfer files from thier PC to thier external microSC card? I see a lot of views, but no comments. Has anyone else tried this? Did it work for you? Anyway, happy day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use WiFi File Explorer, from the Market. I can easily transfer files directly between my PC and my SD card over the same WiFi net. See http://www.appbrain.com/app/wifi-file-explorer/com.dooblou.WiFiFileExplorer for details. Don't even need the USB cable! My mobile phone can act as a WiFi hotspot (HTC Desire Froyo from Telstra) so I'm never anywhere that this can't work for me.
HTH.

dweebken said:
I use WiFi File Explorer, from the Market. I can easily transfer files directly between my PC and my SD card over the same WiFi net. See http://www.appbrain.com/app/wifi-file-explorer/com.dooblou.WiFiFileExplorer for details. Don't even need the USB cable! My mobile phone can act as a WiFi hotspot (HTC Desire Froyo from Telstra) so I'm never anywhere that this can't work for me.
HTH.
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Click to collapse
Good to hear. I saw many people asking in other threads about this ability, but had not seen anyone mention how except for taking your micrSD card out and using an adapter to hook it up to your PC. I have been using QtADB since I got my HTC Droid Incredible a year ago and gave it a try with the A500 and it worked, so I thought I would let everyone know. It is good that now there are three alternatives listed for everyone.

dweebken said:
I use WiFi File Explorer, from the Market. I can easily transfer files directly between my PC and my SD card over the same WiFi net. See http://www.appbrain.com/app/wifi-file-explorer/com.dooblou.WiFiFileExplorer for details. Don't even need the USB cable! My mobile phone can act as a WiFi hotspot (HTC Desire Froyo from Telstra) so I'm never anywhere that this can't work for me.
HTH.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should just add, I think the default browse folder when you install it is /mnt/sdcard. Just change the default to /mnt in the app's menu, and then on the pc you can browse to either sdcard or external_sd from the local IP address the program gives you on the tablet.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App

dweebken said:
I use WiFi File Explorer, from the Market. I can easily transfer files directly between my PC and my SD card over the same WiFi net. See http://www.appbrain.com/app/wifi-file-explorer/com.dooblou.WiFiFileExplorer for details. Don't even need the USB cable! My mobile phone can act as a WiFi hotspot (HTC Desire Froyo from Telstra) so I'm never anywhere that this can't work for me.
HTH.
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Click to collapse
Wow this is awesome just tried it out and its nice
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App

garbagecanman said:
Wow this is awesome just tried it out and its nice
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it worked for you.

I use ES File Explorer, its free and fairly straight forward. I can access any shared file on my PC and move/copy any file from my A500 to my PC and vise-versa. It also accesses Dropbox, which is handy. Probably not a perfect solution, but it works well enough for me. I'm sure there are other file explorer apps out there that do the same thing, but I've been using ES since I got my Archos 5IMT way back when so I'm used to it.

karlkarloff said:
I use ES File Explorer, its free and fairly straight forward. I can access any shared file on my PC and move/copy any file from my A500 to my PC and vise-versa. It also accesses Dropbox, which is handy. Probably not a perfect solution, but it works well enough for me. I'm sure there are other file explorer apps out there that do the same thing, but I've been using ES since I got my Archos 5IMT way back when so I'm used to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice. The real difference between using a file explorer on the tablet and the solution I gave is that no shared folders or dropbox are needed. You can access all the folders on the PC and all the storage on the A500. The interface is just like the Windows Explorer, so there is no big learning curve. I do like that this is showing people different ways to get to the same solution. Now they can use the one that best fits them.

[Q] Viewing nook system files on my computer?

I am a bit stuck... I rooted my Nook Touch using the TouchNooter method. It worked well and I can install apps from the market easily.
But I think I missed a step. I want to be able to access nook system files on my computer and can't seem to figure out how. When connected via USB, I can see the normal Nook folders for adding books and such but none of the system files.
I want to be able to add/remove apk's using my computer. Is this even possible?

The easiest way to do this is copy apk files to your SD card and then use ES File or Root explorer to fin and install them.
Sent from my NookColor using xda premium

Even Astro get to install apk, and it's free on market.

While the OP can get Astro she will not be able to see the system files with that. ES File allows access to root files and is free as well.

I have not wifi and any file mangers
I rooted my nook touch.
I have not wifi (unavailable to me)and any file mangers (root explorer &...) how can i install file manager in my nook ?
I want to be able to install apk's using my computer. Is this even possible?

you can install using adb throught wifi. google adb.

I've successfully rooted my touch, and am trying to install Messagease & Instafetch.
Using ES File Explorer, I can't gain access to /system/apps, which is where i'm told they need to go- ES File won't go navigate above the SD card, although I've enabled root access & /system mounting.
i've tried copying the apks to an sd card, but install fails due to non-market issues, although i've enabled installing from non-market sources as well (as far as i can tell, anyway- maybe i have to do that in another place too?).
any ideas what I've done wrong? let me know if i need to post any other info. I'm using LinuxMint.
thanks!
-steve

ypres333 said:
i've enabled installing from non-market sources as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you enable it using Nook Color Tools, you should untick and tick again the checkbox to make it work
Also, it may be possible to access the system partition booting with noogie.img ...

merci mille fois!
sorry for the question, but is rooting a 2nd time with noogie.img a bad idea, or will it just overwrite the image i created with touchnooter?
thanks in advance,
-steve
i may have figured something out: i remade a new image with noogie.img, the rebooted the nook with the sd card in. once the "rooted forever" appeared, I plugged in the USB and 7 partitions showed up on my computer screen. i was able to access the files there and put the messagease.apk and instapaper apps in there that way.
thanks again!

cannot copy files to kindle

I have a Samsung Note and if I want to add a new Kindle book I just connect with USB and copy the file from the PC to the Kindle folder on the Note, I cannot seem to do this on the Nexus I can access the storage but I am offered no folders to past into.
I know I can send it via email so please do not suggest this method. Why cant I see all the folders like I can on the Note?

Are you saying there are no folders at all, or you cant find the kindle folder?
on the N7 it should be:
/sdcard/kindle

samcory said:
I have a Samsung Note and if I want to add a new Kindle book I just connect with USB and copy the file from the PC to the Kindle folder on the Note, I cannot seem to do this on the Nexus I can access the storage but I am offered no folders to past into.
I know I can send it via email so please do not suggest this method. Why cant I see all the folders like I can on the Note?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Create the folder on your pc (kindle) with your books in the correct place and copy/paste it to the sd. When asked, tick merge.

Wifi explorer. MTP is a little crappy at updating at times.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Or you could get moon reader and read any epub book.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

ES File Explorer Doesn't Delete Files Properly Sometimes

Hi all, I'm using ES File Explorer. Sometimes when I delete a file by using the Nexus 7 itself and afterwards plug it into my computer and I browse using Windows Explorer, the file that was supposedly deleted would still show up. Does anyone know why this is?

Jark89 said:
Hi all, I'm using ES File Explorer. Sometimes when I delete a file by using the Nexus 7 itself and afterwards plug it into my computer and I browse using Windows Explorer, the file that was supposedly deleted would still show up. Does anyone know why this is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a similar thing happen where I moved a bunch of files using the adb shell. The files were still accessible in the old directory in Windows, but didn't show in directory listings done on the N7.

opcow said:
I had a similar thing happen where I moved a bunch of files using the adb shell. The files were still accessible in the old directory in Windows, but didn't show in directory listings done on the N7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you also using ES File Explorer or a different app?

Because the Nexus uses MTP instead of USB Mass Storage, the Media scanner on the Nexus will need to periodically scan your device for changes in files/folders. It sucks because it will always show inconsistencies in Windows Explorer that don't match the file structure on the Nexus.
You can use the SDRescan app to force it to scan now, then Windows Explorer will correctly show files/folders you've changed.

Salty Wagyu said:
Because the Nexus uses MTP instead of USB Mass Storage, the Media scanner on the Nexus will need to periodically scan your device for changes in files/folders. It sucks because it will always show inconsistencies in Windows Explorer that don't match the file structure on the Nexus.
You can use the SDRescan app to force it to scan now, then Windows Explorer will correctly show files/folders you've changed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the explanation! That clears it up for me. :good:

Location of CWM back up in PC?

Since we have limited amount of storage, i would like to know where is the CWM back up stored so that i can simply move it to my desktop and move back when needed.
this way i saved a few hundred MBs and is able to have multiple backups.
I tried connecting via USB and searching thru the directory but couldnt find it (even enable hidden files)
i know the path is sd/CWM/backup
but i cant seem to find CWM either...
It use to work on my sg2 when i save it on my external sd
any idea?
Thanks,

ugotproblemz said:
Since we have limited amount of storage, i would like to know where is the CWM back up stored so that i can simply move it to my desktop and move back when needed.
this way i saved a few hundred MBs and is able to have multiple backups.
I tried connecting via USB and searching thru the directory but couldnt find it (even enable hidden files)
i know the path is sd/CWM/backup
but i cant seem to find CWM either...
It use to work on my sg2 when i save it on my external sd
any idea?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's in root folder "/mnt/shell/emulated/clockworkmod" for me.

not there either for me....shell folder is empty

/data/media

On my 8gb it is in the shell folder. Some root browsers won't see anything in that folder for some reason. Esfile explorer with root privileges wouldn't see it but root explorer would. I used the nexus 4 tool kit to adb pull the backup from the shell folder and onto my PC. Again using the toolkit to push it back onto the phone
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Thanks @ tohg2
Does anyone know how to get to root directory from the comp?

a. Try this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1999214
b Simply use a root explorer and cut the clockworkmod folder from "/data/media" into "/data/media/0", then the PC will see it. You will need to cut it back to /data/media if you want to Clockworkmod Recovery to see it though.
c. Copy it using ADB by typing: adb pull /data/media/clockworkmod "C:\clockworkmod"

ugotproblemz said:
Thanks @ tohg2
Does anyone know how to get to root directory from the comp?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't - you'll need to move it from the CWM folder to somewhere a PC can see it and then copy it off from there...ball ache, I know, but it's the only way I've done it since moving to 4.2

damn, it was so much easier on my sg2. internal sd, such a pain in the....