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How do you stop the B&N firmware updates?
I’m running 1.0.0 and have no desire to have my Nook updated and lose all my hard work.
I’ve had it one day and I have rooted, installed Market, downloaded tons of apps that work on my DX and don’t have any issues yet.
Even the Demo of NFS Shift works on this thing!
Just say no to an update.
I searched xda a few days ago and found this way to prevent updates (I changed the words a bit in my personal notes) - I can take no credit for this method...
To disable OTA (over the air) updates:
Change the name of this file: otacerts.zip to anything else
To do this, get root explorer ($3) from the market
Run root explorer
Go to etc/security/otacerts.zip
Hit the little mount button near the top to change r/w to r/o
Rename the file otacerts.zip to otacerts.zip_DISABLED_OTA_UPDATES
Hit the little mount button again to change r/o back to r/w
Hopefully this will do the trick.
I'm rooted on 1.0.0 as well and have been for a few days now. I haven't been updated OTA to 1.0.1 at all. I read somewhere that once your'e rooted, OTA doesn't work. Is that true? Or should I take this precautionary step as well?
Do a titanium backup and don't worry about it either way...
Sent from my NookColor using XDA app
Don't do the above if you use the B&N Store. It'll cause your device to reset.
deleted...wrong post
Mikroft said:
Don't do the above if you use the B&N Store. It'll cause your device to reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up. I've already got a Titanium backup on my apps so I should be ok if mine resets. I'll leave mine as is for the time being.
tech_head said:
How do you stop the B&N firmware updates?
I’m running 1.0.0 and have no desire to have my Nook updated and lose all my hard work.
I’ve had it one day and I have rooted, installed Market, downloaded tons of apps that work on my DX and don’t have any issues yet.
Even the Demo of NFS Shift works on this thing!
Just say no to an update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So why didn't you update to 1.0.1 as suggested in the nookdevs wiki?
Mikroft said:
Don't do the above if you use the B&N Store. It'll cause your device to reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1- Does "do the above" refer to changing the name of the OTA file or does it refer to making a Titanium backup? (I assume the first?)
2- Does "if you use the B&N Store" refer to shopping for a book on wifi or going into a physical B&N store?
So... our choice is to stop an update and loose the store or get the update and possibly lose our root?
barbo said:
1- Does "do the above" refer to changing the name of the OTA file or does it refer to making a Titanium backup? (I assume the first?)
2- Does "if you use the B&N Store" refer to shopping for a book on wifi or going into a physical B&N store?
So... our choice is to stop an update and loose the store or get the update and possibly lose our root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As in don't do the OTA file modification above if you use the B&N online store on the Nook. I don't think it's been proven either that the file mod absolutely prevents an update as sometimes it differs per device. I have the file modded but I don't use the B&N online store.
Developer To Do
Good topic. It would be great if one of this forums many great developers could solve this conundrum. Many of us who have rooted our NookColors would like to retain the rooted status but be able to use the B&N store without fear of unrooting the NC.
Mikroft said:
As in don't do the OTA file modification above if you use the B&N online store on the Nook. I don't think it's been proven either that the file mod absolutely prevents an update as sometimes it differs per device. I have the file modded but I don't use the B&N online store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the file modded and I was able to use the store to buy books just fine.
I changed the file name on 12/17 to stop updates . I "Shop" several times a week. No issues at all.
SCIONTX said:
I changed the file name on 12/17 to stop updates . I "Shop" several times a week. No issues at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SCIONTX and KitF, do you have titanium backup installed? In another thread, someone is thinking the problem might be due to installing and/or using titanium backup.
Explanation of how to avoid forced B&N Reset when using Titanium backup / restore
barbo said:
SCIONTX and KitF, do you have titanium backup installed? In another thread, someone is thinking the problem might be due to installing and/or using titanium backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To the best of my knowledge, as is also discussed in the other thread on the B&N forced reset + Titanium ...
A B&N forced reset will occur if you restore an old login registration certificate for your device. This would occur if you make a full Titanium backup (including various system settings), de-register your Nook Color, (wipe, etc.), re-register (this creates a new certificate in on the Nook and in the B&N Shop itself associated with your B&N login), and then restore "too much" using Titanium.
The solution (so far) is to be very selective as to what you restore with Titanium ... i.e., I avoided restoring "anything" remotely system settings for B&N , whisper, shop, sync, etc.. There likely is only one "settings" to be avoided, but I don't know which one.
Side note: I also read that having a mismatch between your Google login and your B&N Login can confuse the B&N server and force a reset. This one does not make as much sense to me.
OK folks,please forgive me if the following questions have been answered already. I just need some clarification.
I recently side loaded apps to my NT,including Launcher Pro and Button savior so I can recal the NT launcher if I need to. I boot into Launcher Pro and I like the interface and ability to see all of my sideloaded apps in a grid view instead of having to do a search via the NT's launcher.So am I right in assuming that,technically, I have not rooted my NT? If this is the case,how do I avoid the OTA updates? As of last night,Dec 29th,I was still able to install apps and have them launch and run just fine. I really don't want the firmware update! Can someone just clarify the steps I need to take as I don't know if the work around discussed here applies to me.
meshica7 said:
[...] I recently side loaded apps to my NT,including Launcher Pro and Button savior so I can recal the NT launcher if I need to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nook TABLET (NT) or Nook COLOR (NC)? They are different devices.
If you're able to install apps from the Market, it does sounds as if you've rooted properly. I blocked updates on my NC and my wife's NT using the SQLite database edit, and have not had any problems with recent updates.
I'm very interested in this topic as I'm preparing to noot my Nook Color. But I feel that I've missed something. How do you block updates "using the SQLite database edit"?
I have seen all the threads about apk`s that can be renamed or removed froyo 2.2 on a few different websites.
could someone make a current one for GingerBread 4.5.602 now that we have a working root?
would very much appreciate it as i dont think all the files are the same as they used to be in froyo 2.2
there are so many threads on what to remove and what not to remove from all around...
no one has made a thread about .apk`s for 4.5.602....so someone has a chance to be the first.
make a new thread or use this one i dont care...in the end i just want to know what we can remove and what we cant.
the names that root uninstaller shows would be great if someone could cross refrence to what the actual .apk is.
thanks
Bloatware .602 APk's that can be removed...
I would be THRILLED to be able to get a list of bloatware .602 APk's that can be removed without affecting the OS or any 'tangential' functionality. I prefer to stick with the rooted stock .602 ROM...
Anybody have any ideas?
a first-must-know
* preventing subsequent OTA "upgrades"
lest they kill this new root
How to stop OTA upgrades
I use Titanium Backup Pro - it's not perfect, but darn good. I started getting the OTA upgrade from Verison in a popup message, with a timer on it. I could click yes to do the upgrade or no to not do it, and the time was counting down in seconds at which point when it reached 0 it was going to do the upgrade if it did not get a response. I got this repeatedly.
I saw another thread that explained that if you 'freeze' (within Titanium Backup Pro) the application named "Updater 2.3.3" then this would not happen any more. That resolved my issue. This did not have any effect on the upgrades for which I got notices and could check on from the Amazon App Market or the Google Marketplace.
What bloatware can be removed? I have removed "City ID" and it has not seemed to affect me.... anybody know what else can be removed safely?
When I first looked around on the internet (and I'm good at doing search) I didn't find any lists of applications you can "freeze" (rename or move to another folder until you need them to update) specific to Droid X Gingerbread. Then while researching other issues I bumped into a fairly complete list (hope mods here don't mind me posting link!)
http://androidforums.com/droid-x-all-things-root/319383-apks-files-safe-remove-gingerbread-gingerblur.html
One issue I've run into is that if you use Titanium Pro you have to translate the actual .apk file name into what it displays. The Titanium devs should add the underlying apk file name to their list. I just upgraded to Pro because I've been using the product for backup/restore and was tired of renaming .apks to .apk.bak to freeze them. I like being able to have a freeze list I can save for the next time I upgrade. I suppose I should learn a bit more linux and create a script but...
THIS METHOD IS NO LONGER WORKS as of update version 2.0.5 and higher.
Please visit this thread instead for the current rooting method.
Posting in this thread will get you nowhere, let it RIP.
Proof:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIaw2RZkguk
Due to the popular demand, and the questions in the last few days. The problem arise from people who were using verygreen version of root. The true is, his version of root works, but what very happens is that he decided to lock down some of the stuff, and thus making further mod become inconvenience for a lot of people. Many people don't know how to fix it. They do not know how to read and interpret the error message and fix it. In a way I think this maybe a better alternative since I believe people who looking to modify their Nook HD/HD+ or root them, what they very after at the minimum is the Google Play store and ability to install any apps they want. While this isn't gonna get you everything, it does most of what people are very after with very little fuss. The main purpose of this thread isn't to have everything working, because we are working around the limitation of what the Nook has, but rather stream line what we already have working and get it there quickly and painlessly from a scratch. So this is mainly to use after the system has been wipe/factory reset.
After I have made this post, I still got someone PM me said it doesn't work. While I'm sure that it does work, I want to be very confident about it. So, I decided to sacrifice my already good setup of my Nook HD+ and FULLY FACTORY RESET it then record this video. Let me make it clear, the file was download from the thread again, and not from my local copy. I'm baffled. I'm just not sure is there is anything easier way it can be done. Seriously just unzip and run 1 command and people still say it doesn't work. The responsibility to read the information is up to you. I don't have the capability to upload those information to your head. Since I already proved that this work, I'll not response to PM regarding this. If you have question or problem, post it on the thread.
Disclaimer:
If something gone wrong, it's all your fault. I take ZERO responsibility for what happen to your device, your life, your wife/husband, your kids, your unborn child and etc. You get the idea.
Breaking News:
It seem the latest update 2.0.5 actually break the root. So, be warned.
Preface:
I didn't discovered the original root on the Nook HD+, verygreen did Nor did I discover the ability to enable install of unknown source. Leapinlar thread has the history on that so I won't go there. But I have created some scripts to help gaining root, modify some critical setting, and adding GAPPS to the Nook HD/HD+, but they are all scattered. Leapinlar has a thread that help gather many of those information together here. Still people are still having trouble. As I stated, I believe what many people are after is just the ability to install any app they want. And this should get very close to their goal. While the end goal is probably something like a custom ROM, something like a CM10 that verygreen is developing; and I believe it will get there. It will probably take a bit more time for the installation process to be easy for people to follow. And there may be something that need to get fix when the very early beta come out. It's like in the Alpha if not pre-Alpha ATM.
While this will get a lot done for you, I still encourage people to go read the original mod threads, there maybe some useful information for you.
1. My original root thread.
2. My original GAPPS thread.
3. I encourage you to read the Nook HD+ Stock Root User Tips from LeapinLar thread, this is like a must read for anyone planning to root their Nook HD/HD+.
Pre-Requisite:
Working ADB that can see Nook HD/HD+ and the Nook HD/HD+ of course(that include enable ADB on the Nook also). If you need help getting drivers and ADB to see Nook, check out LeapinLar thread. ATM, Nook HD/HD+ have 3 firmwares version, 2.0.0, 2.0.2 and 2.0.4. When the get it online it will update automatically. So far all the mods we know of works on all 3. But this doesn't mean it will on future version. Again, LeapinLar thread will have that information as well.
Instruction:
Download these three files. allinone.zip GoogleMaps.apk and gapps-ics-system.zip
Unzip allinone.zip (don't unzip gapps-ics-system.zip)
run allinone.bat
after you got google play store, I suggest you to update it first, the run it at least once before installing Google Map by either copy it to Nook and use your favorite file manager to install or using the command
Code:
adb install GoogleMaps.apk
Post-Install: (or if you don't see the google apps)
The way apps installed via B&N store are different from other apps install via sideloading or any other app stores, and that include GAPPS as well. What this means is that all these apps won't show up on the stock Nook Launcher naturally. But other launcher will see them w/o any problem. That said, I recommend you pick another launcher from the google app store and use that instead. In order to see those extra apps from the Nook Launcher on the Apps screen, hold the volume up button while you press the "Apps" word at the top of the screen for 2-3 seconds. An "Extras" screen will pop up showing all of the sideloaded apps. Another thing is that the superuser app need one extra nudge. It need to be launch at least once manually before it start working. This only need to be done once.
IMO, while I could just point you to one of the launcher or even sideload it during the installation for you. I prefer not to do that. I very think the choice to choose one should be your own. Personal preference aside, I rather not point you to one because I don't know how safe is it to randomly point people to some random apk when it's not even the real purpose of this. I very prefer people get to the google play store on their own and get it from there. If you don't know one then ask around. Many people here have suggested ADW, Apex, Nova, Zeam. If you want to grab apk to sideload, then you can try androiddrawer, it look rather ok.
PRECAUTION:
All these mods you see the Nook HD & HD+ are workaround. They are not the holy grail. So, for example the superuser checker app won't recognize them. That doesn't mean you don't have root, you do but because it's not a traditional root thus they don't see them. A bigger concern is that because this is a workaround. And it's a workaround because we don't have full control of the Nook, any modification to the files or added files /system and its sub-directories (regardless of whether you do so manually or via app) will result in 8 boot loop followed by a full system wipe. Anything stored on the Nook internal storage will be gone. As such, we encourage you not to use such app. We know of at least SuperSU and many ad removal apps will create such event. For more information I strongly encourage you to read those threads I pointed to earlier.
Footnote:
Google Chrome browser is also not included, it's quite big and the latest version doesn't seem compatible(at least that's what I heard). And the voice search is also not working.
ORIGINAL TEXT:
Basically I'm sick of manually reinstalling everything from scratch every time it bootloop mine. Well, I guess mine bootloop more than some ppl here because I explore mine more. So, would you be interested in seeing a simple all-in-one guide? It's already done, I'm just not sure whether to make another thread or not. Meaning I'll leave those guides I made outdated and rotted. Although I just updated the GAPPS installation to be super simple. The All-in-One will basically be the same thing. You just run 1 command and get all three of them. Since I figured people who root their Nook HD/HD+ will end up want to get GAPPS anyway. If people want it, I'll put a new instruction on this thread instead. The Poll will run for 3 days, and then after the poll close, I'll consider that a majority decision. That or if a mod close this thread for duplicate.
someone0 said:
Basically I'm sick of manually reinstalling everything from scratch every time it bootloop mine. Well, I guess mine bootloop more than some ppl here because I explore mine more. So, would you be interested in seeing a simple all-in-one guide? It's already done, I'm just not sure whether to make another thread or not. Meaning I'll leave those guides I made outdated and rotted. Although I just updated the GAPPS installation to be super simple. The All-in-One will basically be the same thing. You just run 1 command and get all three of them. Since I figured people who root their Nook HD/HD+ will end up want to get GAPPS anyway. If people want it, I'll put a new instruction on this thread instead. The Poll will run for 3 days, and then after the poll close, I'll consider that a majority decision. That or if a mod close this thread for duplicate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ooooo yes please!
I have an HD and i cant get adb on it. I got a new computer too and no other android device has been install but when I try to install the drivers provide, they always have the yellow triangle and the only drivers are the BNTV400 ones. I have looked everywhere and cant get it so I can install google play store.
kvnly2 said:
Ooooo yes please!
I have an HD and i cant get adb on it. I got a new computer too and no other android device has been install but when I try to install the drivers provide, they always have the yellow triangle and the only drivers are the BNTV400 ones. I have looked everywhere and cant get it so I can install google play store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on Windows 7 64bit, check this post.
collect all your tips about root ,manual ota and gapps under one thread and do some editing so that people can follow step by step , and figure where the problems lie.
all in one bat file will help advanced users, but for layman, I am afraid it will cause more confusion
robertchow said:
all in one bat file will help advanced users, but for layman, I am afraid it will cause more confusion
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if it works consistently enough there will be nothing for the layperson to get confused about. Only if it leads to troubleshooting would it maybe cause problems (because the person would have no idea what steps were taken).
I say if the process can be further automated, even if it's just (hopefully) a stopgap to more thorough root and ROMs down the road, then by Glob do it!
Taosaur said:
I say if the process can be further automated, even if it's just (hopefully) a stopgap to more thorough root and ROMs down the road, then by Glob do it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what further automated this thing could be, you only have to download few files, unzip and run ONE command to get all three things done; root+Manual OTA+GAPPS.
someone0 said:
I'm not sure what further automated this thing could be, you only have to download few files, unzip and run ONE command to get all three things done; root+Manual OTA+GAPPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, I'm saying go for it. Your proposal in this thread would be "further automated" than the current method where only root is automated, is what I meant.
I like the idea
Sent from Droid 4 Running Codename Android
someone0 said:
Basically I'm sick of manually reinstalling everything from scratch every time it bootloop mine. Well, I guess mine bootloop more than some ppl here because I explore mine more. So, would you be interested in seeing a simple all-in-one guide? It's already done, I'm just not sure whether to make another thread or not. Meaning I'll leave those guides I made outdated and rotted. Although I just updated the GAPPS installation to be super simple. The All-in-One will basically be the same thing. You just run 1 command and get all three of them. Since I figured people who root their Nook HD/HD+ will end up want to get GAPPS anyway. If people want it, I'll put a new instruction on this thread instead. The Poll will run for 3 days, and then after the poll close, I'll consider that a majority decision. That or if a mod close this thread for duplicate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes please, i like that idea :good:
Yes!
I have ADB & side loading working via Mac OSX, but would love an all in one before taking on this next step as I'm not too good with Terminal commands.
Yes please! I'd love a step-by-step to root the device, manual OTA, and GApps! Although, I do still appreciate the work you have done so far, it's amazing! ;D
Thank you very much.
Sounds like a fantastic idea! Please do! And thx again for all you've done for the nook HD community!
Sent from my BNTV600 using xda premium
I have 2.04 - the installation went well. i've tried and i'm able to get launcher running but cannot get playstore running.
Ok, am I just messing this up big time or what? When I run the .bat it starts, then it says mkdir failed for /data/su, file exists. Then it tries to do every file saying "cannot stat "whatever" : No such file or directory." Over and over again. Major fail. I've rooted multiple android phones and tablets without these kinds of problems. Am I messing up something simple?
Strouperman369 said:
Ok, am I just messing this up big time or what? When I run the .bat it starts, then it says mkdir failed for /data/su, file exists. Then it tries to do every file saying "cannot stat "whatever" : No such file or directory." Over and over again. Major fail. I've rooted multiple android phones and tablets without these kinds of problems. Am I messing up something simple?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you rooted once before it will give you that cannot mkdir error. You might erase and deregister using the B&N settings, then as soon as you reload and register, run the mod. Only once.
Sent from my Nook HD+ Running CM10 on SD
I've done that a few times, but I'll try again.
Thank you very much for this all-in-one. It's genius!
I've just installed it on my Dad's HD+, and it works like a charm. Damn, it's so amazing! One thing though, rookie question, and I guess I'm asking for too much, but would it be possible to redirect the "Apps" icon on the "desktop" to auto redirect to the Android app-drawer; where the Android apps are located - i.e. Play store? Sorry for the bother, and I understand I am asking for too much, so please ignore my message.
Again, thank you very much for your efforts. Works like a charm.
Did a full reset on my HD+. No longer shows the mkdir failed part, everything else still says no such file or directory.
Strouperman369 said:
Did a full reset on my HD+. No longer shows the mkdir failed part, everything else still says no such file or directory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you download that gapps-ics-system.zip file and put it in the same folder you are running the allinone bat file from?
Sent from my Nook HD+ Running CM10 on SD
I've tried it in the same area and out, although I'm not sure if both were fresh. I'm trying yet again here in the next few minutes. I will get this. I've only owned one android device that I didn't root, and the was the Samsung Intercept. If you've ever heard of that piece of crap, you'll know why I didn't bother.
---------- Post added at 02:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:02 AM ----------
Finally! I'd already had the gapps in the folder before but I guess the su file had already been created. A full wipe, followed by proper placement of the files finally worked! I would ask if it is sad to feel so good about such a simple achievement, but I don't care. It finally worked! Thanks to someone0 for the all-in-one and leapinlar for the advice.
I recently rooted/installed CleanROM for my S4, but now I have some basic questions regarding what actually happened in the process and how I could improve it. (First smartphone, first Android).
1. Is flashing the exact equivalent of installing a kernel/ROM/app in a recovery like TeamWin that is zipped in an SD card? All I did was select my zipped file and install--the guide says to use GooManager but I never used it. Also, does updating TWRP, kernel, or ROM (same application/kernel/ROM, but newer version) require that you delete the old ZIP, copy over the new ZIP, then install it? Is there a cleaner method (I feel that since we have to wipe to prevent old files from interfering with new ROM that maybe parts of the old version of a ROM may be redundant or may interfere with the new ROM?
2. Is there a way I can save the phone settings when dealing with one ROM and transferring these settings to another ROM? I really don't want to spend 20 minutes to go through all the settings and change it to my liking every time I install a new ROM.
3. With TWRP I could backup the entire ROM and also be able to install that backup ROM if I don't like the new ROM installed? What does Titanium Backup offer in regards to this aside from backing up app data and the ability freeze/uninstall system apps?
4. Does Titanium Backup leave any residual files? I see other apps designed to uninstall system apps and Titanium Backup seems like an all-in-one jack of all trades.
5. I thought I wiped everything and to me, that sounds like reformatting the entire drive. I only wiped system, boot, and data though (good enough for ROMs, according to what I've read). I was surprised when I saw my videos that I had already backed up to my PC accessible on the phone. Should I just wipe literally everything (I assume it would be cleaner) like cache, preload, EFS, modem, recovery, etc.? Will wiping literally everything be like reformatting my phone (since my phone was not reformatted because my personal videos was still there when I installed my custom ROM? If I were to install completely different ROMs cleanly and wanted to keep my personal files, I would only need to wipe system, data, and boot?
4. Do I have to use CASUAL again to install an updated TWRP?
5. Does backing up a ROM also backup its root? I'm going to assume this is a dumb question and the answer is no. I'm also guessing I have to block OTA updates from AT&T to ensure I keep my root. How would I go about doing this? Also, would my phone be "safe" if I stick to my ROM (no updates or anything) for 4+ years? I'm asking this as an extreme case because I feel like I'm missing out on AT&T security updates that could protect my phone and also I don't think the developer my ROM (CleanROM) will do frequent updates).
6. I had problems with my computer not being able to recognize my phone and my SD card in the phone after I wiped everything and before I installed a ROM. I literally had to take the SD card from the phone and use an SD card reader to transfer my custom ROM/loki then put it back into the phone. Was I missing a driver?
7. What are some must-have apps a newly rooted user would want?
8. I read that you only need 1 EFS backup and you don't need to back it up every time you are going to install a custom ROM. Can I get a confirmation?
9. What does Goo Manager do and would I want it?
10. Is it essential that I keep up to date with news about my custom ROM/phone to ensure my phone is secured?
**Not Root/ROM related--Is swiping an app away from the Recent Apps List (long-press home button) the equivalent of killing an app? I use the Recent Apps List often but I don't want to go about swiping apps away if means it is killing it, since I read that killing apps are bad and actually drains battery life. Also, is there a mod that lets you access the Recent Apps List by long-pressing the menu one? I only see a mod that kills the app if you long-press it.
Also, any ROMs you guys can recommend me that is like CleanROM? It has to be TW-based because I use multi-windows. Basically, I want a stable, popular (popular ones tend to be more frequently updated, which is important because there are often bugs in custom ROMs), and optimized/debloated ROM (as debloated as possible, I rather use my own large list of apps than pre-installed ones). I was looking at GoldenEye but I'm not sure.
Thanks. I'm hoping for many responses as I have more questions to ask but not a lot of free time (I will check back on this thread every several hours until there are no more responses on the thread.
Hey there! Here is my take on at least some of your questions. I am not a super pro, but I will try not to give you any wrong info.
1. The zip files that are still out on your SD card are just the install files for whatever you are flashing. They won't be cleaned up automatically and you will need to delete them yourself if you want them gone. That being said I would recommend leaving the previous version's zip out there in case you need to back out of the new version.
2. If by phone settings you mean all of the settings in the various option menus baked into the ROM it is best to redo those when switching between ROMs. Many ROMs add and take away options and add whole new option sections so you will want to go through those and set things to your liking. Another option is to use a launcher like Nova Launcher that lets you back up its settings and restore them which is a big chunk of the things I change when going to a new ROM. Some people may have a different opinion on this one.
3. Yes if you make a backup in a recovery like TWRP and then restore from it it will be like you never flashed the other ROM. Titanium backup does what you say and also can backup individual Apps themselves and restore them.
4. Once you have a recovery installed you should not have to go through the hoops you went through to get it there to update it. Check the thread for the recovery for upgrade instructions.
5. Your SD card will not be wiped when you wipe system or data. There is also the internal "sdcard" that if I recall is not wiped when you do a standard wipe which will keep things like pics and videos between flashes.
6. So you were trying to access the phone storage/SD card while it was in recovery? I have never had much luck with that. I always just make sure I have all of the files I will need to install the new ROM moved over before I wipe it. That being said if you have the right driver it might be possible.
7. Titanium Backup, a file explorer that can leverage Root access like Root Explorer, maybe something like Greenify (I think it takes Root). Other than that check out the thread in the Apps/Themes subforum where people list their top 5 apps.
8. Pass (but I think what you heard/read is right)
9. Goo Manager can let you know if there is updated version of your ROM or what other ROMs are available for your device and download them. It can also be used to install a recovery. Personally I don't use it and just check ROM threads for updates if the ROM doesn't offer OTA updates.
10. I rarely see mention of security fixes/features in custom ROMs so I don't think you need to stay on top of threads for that reason. With that said, if security is crazy super important to you then a custom ROM might not be your best bet. Even though source code is available for most if not all of them that doesn't mean someone has gone through the code looking for security flaws (or even malicious code).
11. You can test this yourself. Go into the "Apps" section of the options and look at what Apps are running then swipe one away and check again. Personally I would go ahead and swipe away Apps as needed since that is a core Android feature. I haven't seen a mod for what you are asking.
12. The other two TW-based ROMs I have used are Goldeneye and Alpha. Both are good, but I am using Alpha now due to its higher degree of customization. Goldeneye hasn't been updated in a month or so, Alpha is being updated regularly at the moment.
---------- Post added at 08:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:09 PM ----------
Here is the link to the thread where people list out their top 5 apps!
Nice post, very good help...serious...
Incredibly helpful, thanks. I will post more questions if I have here, kind of busy at the moment.
Question:
What is the best way to detect whether a third-party app has a keylogger? I read from an article that it is incredibly easy for someone to put a keylogger on an app. Is Avast Mobile Security and Antivirus capable/overkill for this job? Also, I was worried that Avast may actually be bad because it would deteriorate (wear and tear on the SSD of the phone) through all the scannings? Or am I completely wrong? If I am wrong, I'm guessing it's because an antivirus only reads your files and therefore does not wear down a SSD (I'm not even sure if this is right).
mindstormer said:
Question:
What is the best way to detect whether a third-party app has a keylogger? I read from an article that it is incredibly easy for someone to put a keylogger on an app. Is Avast Mobile Security and Antivirus capable/overkill for this job? Also, I was worried that Avast may actually be bad because it would deteriorate (wear and tear on the SSD of the phone) through all the scannings? Or am I completely wrong? If I am wrong, I'm guessing it's because an antivirus only reads your files and therefore does not wear down a SSD (I'm not even sure if this is right).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can read a SSD all day long, that doesn't wear it out. Writing to a SSD will cause wear, not reading. I'm thinking that most antivirus apps can find that kind of stuff, but don't download from unknown sources or those you don't trust. Even Google Play has some shady stuff. I would recommend researching an app on Google if you have any doubts about it. I'm sure it can be done, but I really doubt any of your friends know how to reprogram one of your apps to have a keylogger, plus I wouldn't let them use my phone in the first place.
To answer your questions:
1. Antivirus doesn't wear anything out, it just puts load on your system.
2. Most antivirus apps should detect apps like the ones your talking about.
agent929 said:
You can read a SSD all day long, that doesn't wear it out. Writing to a SSD will cause wear, not reading. I'm thinking that most antivirus apps can find that kind of stuff, but don't download from unknown sources or those you don't trust. Even Google Play has some shady stuff. I would recommend researching an app on Google if you have any doubts about it. I'm sure it can be done, but I really doubt any of your friends know how to reprogram one of your apps to have a keylogger, plus I wouldn't let them use my phone in the first place.
To answer your questions:
1. Antivirus doesn't wear anything out, it just puts load on your system.
2. Most antivirus apps should detect apps like the ones your talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the confirmation.
Another question for anyone:
Clean Master found the folder of an app that I installed on a precious ROM, so I not wipe the device cleanly. I though wiping system, boot, and data was enough--what was I missing, or should I have checked everything to be wiped on TeamWin Recovery?
Are you sure its not coming from your SD card?
Sent from miPhone using XDA Premium HD app
Hi,
My brother has been told by an associate, that he has hacked his phone and can track and hear everything he does and did it remotely.
Also said the App is undetectable.
His phone is a rooted Note 3 and his wife has a non rooted Galaxy S5.
Now, I have told him there is no way for for somebody to remotely install any app on your phone even if it is rooted, unless it is already compromised and or unless they have your Google account and password, which i am not 100% sure that would allow you to install anything either.
So my question is, if he flashes an original rom and creates a new Google account, can he feel safe that his phone can't have malicious apps installed with out his knowledge ?
I would assume a factory reset wouldn't be enough to get rid of an app installed as a system app ?
Is there any programs he could install to check for malicious apps.
I think my brother is just being overly paranoid and this guy is a ****
Help greatly appreciated.
Hopefully this is the right thread / board, if not please move to the correct thread please mods.
JaGuR said:
Hi,
My brother has been told by an associate, that he has hacked his phone and can track and hear everything he does and did it remotely.
Also said the App is undetectable.
His phone is a rooted Note 3 and his wife has a non rooted Galaxy S5.
Now, I have told him there is no way for for somebody to remotely install any app on your phone even if it is rooted, unless it is already compromised and or unless they have your Google account and password, which i am not 100% sure that would allow you to install anything either.
So my question is, if he flashes an original rom and creates a new Google account, can he feel safe that his phone can't have malicious apps installed with out his knowledge ?
I would assume a factory reset wouldn't be enough to get rid of an app installed as a system app ?
Is there any programs he could install to check for malicious apps.
I think my brother is just being overly paranoid and this guy is a ****
Help greatly appreciated.
Hopefully this is the right thread / board, if not please move to the correct thread please mods.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say, scan with an antivirus like avast and see what can come up, and to your question, if he flashes the stock rom, everything which has been installed as a system app will get removed, also if your phone is rooted , avast has a function which is called firewall, in that you can control the internet connectivity of all the user/system app. I use it to block internet access to systems which in my view do not need any connectivity to run. Its very easy to do also. ask him to change his goole password and also user 2 factor authentication on google.
Sounds like someone's been watching a bit too much Person of Interest...
Do such 'apps' exist? Yes. Are they publicly available? Hell no.
I dont think theres a software like that in public. Thats a lot of money to be earned "IF" ever and theres laws to break.
Just do a factory reset from recovery or a better solution is to upgrade your firmware to the newest build from samfirmware
Factory reset won't delete system apps.
The least you can do is flash stock ROM using Odin to fulfill your brother's OCD.
Thanks guys, will put my mind at rest and hopefully his.
JaGuR said:
1- if he flashes an original rom and creates a new Google account, can he feel safe that his phone can't have malicious apps installed with out his knowledge ?
2- I would assume a factory reset wouldn't be enough to get rid of an app installed as a system app ?
3- Is there any programs he could install to check for malicious apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1- Yes. And no need to create a new account, just change the password of the current account.
2- Yes, in some (rare) cases.
3- I'm not sure. You can try some antivirus apps or security apps on the Play Store. But in general, you can check yourself by finding apps that have the following permissions: READ SMS + RECORD AUDIO + FULL INTERNET ACCESS... Try to eliminate well-known safe apps, plus some experiences and some helps from the other, you can identify these malicious apps.