Related
I'm new to the Nook Color area of XDA, so I apologize in advance if my question is one that has been answered. I did search, but was not able to find an answer to my exact situation, so here it is:
I'm getting a NC as a gift for my family to use. I understand that the stock Rom for the NC allows you to access (what appears to me to be) B&N's version of the Market, with apps optimized for the NC. That sounds like a good thing, as it would seem like they would be the more stable versions (as they are built/tweaked specifically for the NC).
However, I'm familiar with (in general) the rooting/custom ROMs/overclocking concepts of an Android device, so I'm thinking I would like to put MIUI or CM7 on the device so that I can make it be the most powerful and useful device possible.
Here's my dilemma - I can't seem to find any posts that say whether the apps that a person can get from the B&N "market" will run (if transferred via ADB or Root Explorer, or whatever the NC equivalent may be) on a CM7/MIUI setup, or if it is just better to get the normal Market version of those apps.
For example: If I get Angry Birds in the B&N market, I would assume it's designed to run a certain way on the NC. If I download it from the Android Market, I would assume it's going to run differently. Is there any perceptible difference between the two?
I'm not entirely averse to staying with the stock ROM if the apps are heavily tied to (and perform better with) the stock setup. However, if it's not really going to matter whether they come from B&N or Google, I would prefer to be able to use a custom ROM and still be able to run (within reason) all the apps I'm used to using.
I guess that ultimately I can dual-boot if I find that the B&N app versions are superior, but having just dealt with a letdown from a Pandigital Novel, I'm wanting this experience to get off on the right foot. To me, the optimal situation would be a full install of a custom ROM, with either the optimized B&N apps running or equivalent Android Market apps running.
Thanks in advance for any advice/experiences anyone can offer.
I think it depends on whether or not the application requires anything that would be only in the B&N version of Android. I've used the Pandora application from the stock OS on CM7 and worked fine, but there may be some that won't. I haven't ran stock since about a week after getting mine.
Edit: I realized I rambled, so feel free to skip the long version below.
Short version: Not sure if you can ADB pull/push the paid B&N apps to another install, don't know how (if any) DRM works for that. While B&N apps are built specifically for the resolution, I find that they are very expensive (compared Angry Birds Seasons HD 99cents to B&N Angry Birds Seasons (HD) 3 dollars, and honestly I could not see a difference between the two) and if your Nook is not overclocked (which requires rooting), tend to be slow. There are some that are quite nice that I haven't found the equivalent of yet in Amazon App/Google Market such as Word Rainbow. You can find replacements/equivalents for most of the B&N apps in the other two stores I've mentioned. B&N sadly has a very small selection of apps that are actually any good, imo.
The native B&N reader app is far better than the Nook app (some functionality like enhanced children's books ONLY available on native app) and has not been, afaik, successfully ported.
Long, rambly, feel-free-to-ignore version pertaining more to ROMS than apps:
I've run unrooted stock, Manualnootered (rooted) stock, and various flavors of CM7.
- The native ereader app in stock has a very, very nice UI. Much better imo than the Kindle's. I still have to find a good replacement for it. It is also the only way, AFAIK, that you can read those enhanced children's books that lets you record your voice, or that has animations/reads to the viewer. If this is important to you, then stick to unrooted or rooted stock.
- Unrooted stock is so slow, that after having used overclocked rooted stock and CM7, I cannot bring myself to use it again. Even page turns were slow. App loading times are abysmal, and live wallpaper will not only eat your battery but cause everything else to slow down.
- Manualnootered stock is quite nice because you get to install 3rd party apps, have access to not only B&N's own store but also Google Market and Amazon App Store if you install them. You can also overclock so it's a much faster experience (highly recommended).
*Drawbacks are that there are some bugs that you may run into: Update issues with Adobe products, which cause boot loops (there's a fix for it). Not all apps may appear in Google Market (several things you can try to fix). And finally, if there's an OTA (over the air) update to the next (1.4, assuming you manualnooter to the latest 1.3 update), it will break your root/nootering and you will have to do it all over again.
- Installing a Cyanogenmod ROM: You get Gingerbread instead of Froyo (2.3.x vs 2.2.x), lots of goodies too many to list. With Tablet Tweaks (built in) and Nook Color Tools, you can tweak the bleep out of your Nook Color in terms of performance. You won't have to worry about OTA updates or the boot loop issue, but you do run into issues such as: "Your device is not compatible" messages when you try to install certain apps from Google Market (there are workarounds for most of them), SOD (Screen of Death, supposedly fixed with latest dalingrin kernel update), wifi issues (disconnect, difficulty connecting, etc.), force closes of random processes if using a nightly build. You could go with the stable build, but honestly the improvements in the nightly builds far outweigh the bugs which get ironed out pretty quickly.
The best part is, you don't even have to install just one of these. If you want, you can either a) dual boot stock + custom rom from EMMC (native Nook Color space), b) boot custom rom from SD install and keep unrooted stock to avoid voiding your warranty if you're concerned about that c) mix and match dual booting etc. It is pretty much impossible to brick your Nook Color.
After several months I've found that I prefer using CM7 builds simply because they are so much more customizable than rooted stock. I would suggest trying out both (stock, rooted or not, + CM7) via the SD card install + stock EMMC if you're not leaning towards one or the other.
Thank you. That was a very clear, concise, and complete answer to my question (and a good excuse for me to use some alliteration).
As I'm not really interested in the eReader functionality of the device, I'm guessing a Manualnootered/CM7(or MIUI) configuration is where I"ll go, at least until I'm sure what will work better for me.
Don't be surprised if you see me popping up in here again, asking more questions.
Sorry to revive an old thread, but I'm finding myself in a similar situation again.
I've downloaded and successfully been able to run CM7.2 from an SD card, and I've been really impressed with how much faster it makes the Nook run. I'm wanting to push this over to the internal storage so that my family can enjoy the faster performance with all of their stuff on it (I've tested and been able to make a Titanium Backup of a Nook app, which restored correctly in the CM7.2 SD image).
There's one hangup, though - I can't figure out how (if it's possible) to get the stock Nook reader app to work on the CM7.2 image. This wouldn't really be a problem except that I have some "read to me" books that I've paid for that absolutely have to be available on whatever is on the device.
I've looked at this thread in the Tablet section, which has a package that can "re-bloat" the device with the stock reader.
I'd like to do something similar, and I think I have the files needed to do this, but I can't figure out how to push them into the image on the SD card.
-When I open the SD card from my computer, I see all the non-expanded files (e.g. MLO, uRamdisk, uImage, etc.), but no standard Android root directory setup.
-If I attach it to my computer when CM is running, I can see the storage, but not the root directory.
-If I use a root file explorer, I can see the root directory, but I can't mount it as read/write.
-If I use ADB, I can't mount the image as read/write, and adb push fails because it's not read-write.
I'd really like to try and get this working, as I'm not feeling comfortable with messing with the internal setup just yet (I don't want to break something that is working), but I'm guessing I'm hitting a wall because the SD card method is running in some sort of virtualized environment.
Anyone have any suggestions?
jmtheiss said:
Sorry to revive an old thread, but I'm finding myself in a similar situation again.
I've downloaded and successfully been able to run CM7.2 from an SD card, and I've been really impressed with how much faster it makes the Nook run. I'm wanting to push this over to the internal storage so that my family can enjoy the faster performance with all of their stuff on it (I've tested and been able to make a Titanium Backup of a Nook app, which restored correctly in the CM7.2 SD image).
There's one hangup, though - I can't figure out how (if it's possible) to get the stock Nook reader app to work on the CM7.2 image. This wouldn't really be a problem except that I have some "read to me" books that I've paid for that absolutely have to be available on whatever is on the device.
I've looked at this thread in the Tablet section, which has a package that can "re-bloat" the device with the stock reader.
I'd like to do something similar, and I think I have the files needed to do this, but I can't figure out how to push them into the image on the SD card.
-When I open the SD card from my computer, I see all the non-expanded files (e.g. MLO, uRamdisk, uImage, etc.), but no standard Android root directory setup.
-If I attach it to my computer when CM is running, I can see the storage, but not the root directory.
-If I use a root file explorer, I can see the root directory, but I can't mount it as read/write.
-If I use ADB, I can't mount the image as read/write, and adb push fails because it's not read-write.
I'd really like to try and get this working, as I'm not feeling comfortable with messing with the internal setup just yet (I don't want to break something that is working), but I'm guessing I'm hitting a wall because the SD card method is running in some sort of virtualized environment.
Anyone have any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, if you want to keep the kid's books, you have to keep stock on internal memory. It is the only way they can run. They won't work on CM. That rebloat pack is just to put the stock nook reader back on stock.
When you put the SD card in the PC it is normal that it sees only the boot partition of the SD.
When you connect your nook to the PC with the USB cable, the PC can only see the internal media partition (emmc) and partition 4 of the SD (sdcard).
Root Explorer will let you read/write if you touch the toggle button at the top of it's screen.
With adb, what are you trying to mount?
Thanks for the reply.
I'm using ES File explorer, which I know works to give me the read/write capabilities, but after mounting /system (and/or /system/app) as read-write, I was not able to write files into because it said that it was not read-write.
With ADB, I was trying to mount either /system or /system/app as rewritable, but I couldn't get it to take.
That's a bummer about the kid's books thing. I was hoping I could use a better rom to get the performance up. Just because I'm curious, what is the issue that keeps the reader from working with the CM roms? Is it some sort of signature problem that B&N checks when you sign in with the reader app?
jmtheiss said:
That's a bummer about the kid's books thing. I was hoping I could use a better rom to get the performance up. Just because I'm curious, what is the issue that keeps the reader from working with the CM roms? Is it some sort of signature problem that B&N checks when you sign in with the reader app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem with the kids books is they are not really books. They are interactive applications that the stock reader can access. That is how the books are smart and know how to respond to the kids touches.
And people have tried to take the stock reader and install it on CM, but it will not run.
I assume you are running ES Explorer from CM. CM is already rooted so it should work. I have used ES Explorer a little and it seems to me it had a setting that turned on root access for it.
leapinlar said:
The problem with the kids books is they are not really books. They are interactive applications that the stock reader can access. That is how the books are smart and know how to respond to the kids touches.
And people have tried to take the stock reader and install it on CM, but it will not run.
I assume you are running ES Explorer from CM. CM is already rooted so it should work. I have used ES Explorer a little and it seems to me it had a setting that turned on root access for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright. Thanks, that makes a lot more sense.
After many hours of reading and searching these forums for answers to various questions I had when rooting my new nook, I decided to write out all the answers the average user (like me) will wish he had known before he started. So here you go, I present all you need to know about rooting and configuring your nook from the box to the promised land of awesomeness.
This is for the Nook Simple Touch (also called NST, N2E) non-glowlight version. After you root your nook, the software advice should be the same, but if you have a glowlight version, see the post by ladykayaker below. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=36035695&postcount=2
A. Rooting
1) Backing up
--- noogie.img
--- nookmanager
--- reclaiming and reformatting your micro sd after using winimage.
2) Firmware version
--- does version matter?
--- updates
3) Touchnooter
B. First Configuration
--- what to expect
--- getting google play and web browsing to work.
--- installing apps from micro sd
C. Make it awesome
--- apps you'll need to patch missing nook functions
--- Multi-touch, fast ink modes, and kernal mods
--- Battery
D. Phone specific apps
--- whatsapp, and getting an IMEI on your nook
--- Phone contacts
E. List of current unsolved problems
--- Media scanner
--- scrolling
--- keyboards
--- video support in certain apps
--- audio
A. Rooting
Part 1. Backing up.
Q: Can I get my device back to stock?
A: Yes, if you take backups before you start.
Step 1. Take your nook out of the box
Step 2. Register for a barnes and noble account
Step 3. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1142983
--- Noogie.img full partition backups ---
In English, this means you have to download noogie.img, and download winimage and use it to (CAREFULLY) write the image to a micro sd card. Boot your nook with the micro sd card. Then use winimage again to copy the physical disk (1.8gb) to a file. Now you can always go back to your stock nook, apparently.
--- Easy Backups and Restoring with Nook Manager ---
You can never be too safe. I suggest you backup with 2 methods.
Search "nookmanager for 1.21 and beyond".
Download nookmanager and write it to a micro sd card just like you did for noogie. Nook manager has a brilliant backup and restore feature and works on all versions, so boot into it and follow the menu to take a backup, it creates a second backup partition on your micro sd. So when you're done, plug in your nook and copy the backup file off and the md5 hash. Follow the previous step to reclaim your micro sd.
--- Reclaiming Your Micro SD ---
To reclaim your micro sd, on windows click start menu, search partition, and open the partition manager. Find your micro sd card which now has a small partition on it, select the partition, and delete it. Right click >> create simple partition >> fat32
Backup(s) finished.
2. Firmware
--- Firmware Version ---
Q: Does firmware version matter?
A: Yes it does, make sure you search for 1.1 update and update your version to 1.1 before rooting with touchnooter. Don't bother with 1.21 yet because all the cool things you've seen and want are done with 1.1 and 1.21 root needs more time to mature and become more user friendly (noob friendly).
To check your firmware version go into settings > device info.
--- updates ---
Q: How do I update to 1.1?
First check your firmware version, if it's 1.0.1, update to 1.1 by downloading the 1.1 firmware (it's a zip file) and moving it into the nook drive on your computer. It will update automatically. Don't wait too long to backup or move to 1.1 because it might automatically update to 1.21. You should update to 1.1 and root immediately. If your device came with 1.2, try this to flash and install 1.1: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1475613
--- touchnooter ----
Once you're on 1.1, download touchnooter and like noogie and nookmanager, make an image on your microsd with winimage and boot the device. the screen will turn black, and then you can take the card out and reboot. However, I found that after running the root once, many /most of the applications didn't function, I had to boot three times with touchnooter for most apps to work. It doesn't hurt so just do it if you have any problems.
B. First Configurations
--- What To Expect ---
Now that you're rooted and running in android, you're probably thinking, "well this sucks, the web browsers don't work and neither do the app stores...."
Calm yourself, it will get better.
--- Getting GAPPS and web browsing ---
Add a google account in gmail, sync it, sign into the same google account with youtube (nobody knows why). Then you will have to "wait a day" for it to work...
Q: Wait a day? FUUUUUU
A: Just joking, you can add another google mail account and sync that, your google play will now work without the wait, but it can be a bit tricky to hit the agree to tos button.
Reclaim your micro sd, you'll need it to install apps if your Opera Mini isn't working.
Search google for opera mobile, download the apk onto your micro sd, it's on opera's website, you should also download opera mini so you can re-install the one that comes loaded if it doesn't work. Rooting several times fixed my opera mini, but if yours is broken re-installing should fix it.
--- installing apps from micro sd ---
Q: How to install apps from micro sd?
A: Find the super manager, open it up, click the button to grant super user privileges, on the second or third tab from the left there is a file manager. Go into it, click the apk, click install.
C. MAKE IT AWESOME
Now that you have opera mini/mobile, can browse the web and google play works, what next?
--- apps you'll need to patch NST broken functions ---
1. Google play search function is broken, before you can start installing apps quickly, use opera mini to search for "search market" , you'll find the google play link, click it, install it.
2. default android home screen looks bad and custom wallpaper support is broken.
Now you probably want a decent looking home screen because face it, adk looks like crap, and you probably noticed you can't set the wallpaper because the media scanner doesn't detect any media = empty gallery = can't select a wallpaper.
use search market to find legacy launcher, install it
search for "wallpaper changer" and "es file explorer", install them. You can now set the wallpaper to any file on your sd card, and your android launcher looks great. Try adusting the font size in settings and adding widgets later.
3. Gallery doesn't work because media scanner is broken.
Some apps require the gallery to work to select images.
Your solution is to download the app "Quickpic" - it will allow you to choose pictures in apps that need a gallery.
4. The default keyboard is not very good, and the nook disables all spelling suggestion bars from keyboards. This makes t9 and chinese input impossible, and can make typing a pain in any language. The solution is to download a back-port keyboard.
Jellybean keyboard is a good back-port, search and install it, it's fully functional with lots of languages. No t9 though
1/2 OF GUIDE. CONTINUED IN MY NEXT POST
notes for Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight
If you have the US Nook with glowlight, firmware version 1.1.5, then follow these instructions :
backup
http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/20...-and-restore-nook-glow-and-nook-simple-touch/
root
http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/20...using-glownooter-includes-googles-app-market/
2/2 OF GUIDE.
--- Kernel, fast ink modes, and multitouch---
If you want multi touch and fast ink, search for oc kernel 1.66 with fastmode. it includes all you need for multitouch and overclocks the cpu. slightly.
FYI: You will need something called "Clockwork mod" or CWM to install the kernel. Google it, you'll need to image it to your micro sd just like you did for noogie.img. After you're done, copy the oc kernel zip file into the root directory, boot up your nook with the CWM sd inserted and follow the instructions to install package from zip.
Fast ink options:
Fast mode vs no refresh
fast mode is highly dithered, and as a result small text is unreadable. however it affects the system wide and it doesn't have any compatibility issues. No refresh is high contrast, low dithering means low dynamic range but text is very readable and sharp. The disadvantage is it seemed very buggy and it's application specific, ie- you have to enable it in each application and it gets a bit buggy or laggy when it switches on and off. It has a lot more configuration potential than fast mode though. I prefer fast mode because it's simple, and very fast. It just works.
--- Battery ---
You'll notice your battery suck as soon as you root. This isn't widely discussed, but it turns out it's do to certain phone system resources being active. This can eat up 10 times more battery than your screen, and a hundred times more than anything else, even using fast mode liberally. Go into file manager and rename /system/app/phone.apk and telephonyprovider.apk. Reboot immediately.
I suggest you also download the app "deep sleep" as well. Battery manager plus is also a good application to keep track of applications individual battery useage.
D. Phone Specific APPS
Q: I want whatsapp
You need to install a static IMEI, google imei nook touch xda and you'll find the thread. Download the exe, install it.
On your phone use search market to install "wifi adb" in wifi adb select on, note the ip address.
Run the imei app you got from xda dev and it will give you a static imei.
install the latest version of whatsapp. You'll notice you can't message anyone or add contacts because nook contacts doesn't work.
download go contacts ex and it will be ok.
E. Current major issues to consider and how to fix them:
--- Scrolling: ---
problem: Scrolling does not work properly, if you use chat programs, or google voice etc. you'll find yourself scrolling through the conversation manually every time. Some apps have difficulty scrolling at all.
Solution: No known fix at this time
--- Media scanner (media storage) ---
Problem: Media scanner fails to add media files from sd card into the media database. This means the default gallery and music applications won't detect any media.
Solution: No known direct solution, although you can edit the db manually using sql.
A better solution is to download an application which includes it's own embedded media search function. An example being quickpic as a gallery replacement.
--- Keyboards ---
problem: Keyboards are missing the text suggestion bar, this means that t9 input and language input like chinese are difficult/impossible.
Solution: Download a back-ported keyboard. Jellybean keyboard is by far the best, have extensive mutli-language support, and the text suggestion bars displays properly. The only downside is it does not have a t9 layout. Baidu, sougou, or any chinese t9 keyboard software will not work on the nook until the proper dependencies/support is patched somehow.
---video support ---
Q: Can I play video?
You can, but you'll be limited to about 10-15 fps with no audio and it will be 1 bit dithered. Download rockplayer to play various video formats. There appears to be a problem with hardware video decoding and only software video players work at the moment. If I discover a fix for broader video support I'll update this.
--- audio ---
Q: Can I play audio?
A: There are some people working on audio implementation through usb host and a cheap 2 or 3 dollar dongle. However, it seems like it's very 'alpha' at the moment, until someone writes an app to automatically configure audio through usb hosts, you can probably forget about it unfortunately.
I'll update this later.
Hi nice so far
You say " make sure you search for 1.1 update and update your version to 1.1 before rooting with touchnooter. Don't bother with 1.21 yet because all the cool things you've seen and want are done with 1.1"
But what if you bought your device lately and it already came with FW 1.2.0 then what do you do?
180 people read this thread and only 6 bothered to click on thanks?? Come on guys!
bentwand said:
But what if you bought your device lately and it already came with FW 1.2.0 then what do you do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
apap said:
+1
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used this
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1475613
fosselman said:
I used this
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1475613
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input, did your device come loaded with 1.2 or was it the result of an automatic update? I updated my guide with a link to touch-formatter.
jun127 said:
Thanks for the input, did your device come loaded with 1.2 or was it the result of an automatic update? I updated my guide with a link to touch-formatter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was on 1.0.x and I manually updated to 1.2.0 and then found out about rooting and wanted gapps so I downgraded to 1.1.0.
bentwand said:
But what if you bought your device lately and it already came with FW 1.2.0 then what do you do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fosselman said:
I used this
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1475613
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bricked my new 1.2.0 device and the thread in the link above saved my butt. That said, it convinced my NSTG that it was a standard Simple Touch (no more glowlight function). I've been looking around for an update to NSTG 1.5 firmware to start over with, hoping the light features will come back. If any of you old salts can let me know if that's even possible I'd appreciate it.
If you're still at 1.2, this thread looks promising: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1675706&highlight=nstg&page=12
Looking at the ;ast pages of the NookManager rooting process it appears that the Amazon App store is US based and doesn't work for UK users (for example). Is there any simple method to fix that so it works outside of the US?
(Post i'm referring to - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=36210882&postcount=110)
Thanks for clearing up the fastMode/noRefresh situation!
I have rooted NST by NookManager. The first step after that was to register device in DeviceRegistrator.apk. Next I installed ale stuff (gapps, amazon ect.) If I decide to flash kernel, it will be necessary to do it again?
Thanks, very in-dept
Renaming Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk to avoid battery drain didn't work for me. I had to delete both and reboot. Now I can use my nook without losing too much battery
Used Total Commander app as my file manager to access /system/app/
Do you have a recommendation for a launcher other than ReLaunch?
dalovar said:
Renaming Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk to avoid battery drain didn't work. I had to delete both and reboot. Now I can use my nook without losing too much battery
Used Total Commander app as my file manager to access /system/app/
Do you have a recommendation for a launcher other than ReLaunch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use lightning launcher it is lite weight and works well for me.
dalovar said:
Renaming Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk to avoid battery drain didn't work for me. I had to delete both and reboot. Now I can use my nook without losing too much battery
Used Total Commander app as my file manager to access /system/app/
Do you have a recommendation for a launcher other than ReLaunch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used ADW Launcher EX for years, and still loving it. Best customizability on any Nook Touch-compatible launcher, at least in my opinion.
Guys after successfully rooting my device and using it for some time it occurred to me that I would spend the $5 gift that comes with every NST. After buying books on B&N and turning on my nook I realized that nook's original software can't connect to the internet even when connected to my home's wifi connection.
I get the error: "Sorry, a problem has occurred. Please try again" in both the B&N library or B&N's shop.
Has anyone been able to download/sync books from B&N AFTER rooting your device?
Is this just a problem that I'm experiencing?
Thank you
dalovar said:
Guys after successfully rooting my device and using it for some time it occurred to me that I would spend the $5 gift that comes with every NST. After buying books on B&N and turning on my nook I realized that nook's original software can't connect to the internet even when connected to my home's wifi connection.
I get the error: "Sorry, a problem has occurred. Please try again" in both the B&N library or B&N's shop.
Has anyone been able to download/sync books from B&N AFTER rooting your device?
Is this just a problem that I'm experiencing?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Can't connect to the internet" at all or just to the B&N sites? If you've disabled/deleted some of the B&N apps you could have problems of this sort. There are all kinds of unlikely dependencies in the B&N system that can break functionality if something is missing.
I'm working with a rooted and modified NST running FW 1.21 and the only limitation I've seen so far is not being able to connect in-store (but I intentionally altered the QuickNav buttons to eliminate "Shop"). I haven't purchased books from B&N but have selected "Free Friday" offerings from the website and they come right down to my NST when it's online, no problem.
I assume you had no problem registering your device, otherwise I would suggest that maybe that error was due to B&N blacklisting the serial number. That's happened before with used/refurbished devices. Then a phone call is in order to B&N to get them to reverse that.
nmyshkin said:
"Can't connect to the internet" at all or just to the B&N sites? If you've disabled/deleted some of the B&N apps you could have problems of this sort. There are all kinds of unlikely dependencies in the B&N system that can break functionality if something is missing.
I'm working with a rooted and modified NST running FW 1.21 and the only limitation I've seen so far is not being able to connect in-store (but I intentionally altered the QuickNav buttons to eliminate "Shop"). I haven't purchased books from B&N but have selected "Free Friday" offerings from the website and they come right down to my NST when it's online, no problem.
I assume you had no problem registering your device, otherwise I would suggest that maybe that error was due to B&N blacklisting the serial number. That's happened before with used/refurbished devices. Then a phone call is in order to B&N to get them to reverse that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't connect to B&N only. The rest of the internet is accessible. I can install apps from Google play from my computer to my device without problem too. The only system apps that i remember deleting are android apps (Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk).
I don't think my serial number is black listed, because I was able to register my nook without problem. But is there any tool online where I could check my serial # statues that would be nice. I'm thinking of resetting to factory settings and rooting again if necessary. thanks for your help
dalovar said:
Can't connect to B&N only. The rest of the internet is accessible. I can install apps from Google play from my computer to my device without problem too. The only system apps that i remember deleting are android apps (Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk).
I don't think my serial number is black listed, because I was able to register my nook without problem. But is there any tool online where I could check my serial # statues that would be nice. I'm thinking of resetting to factory settings and rooting again if necessary. thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both of those apps disabled (.apk --> .OLD) so that's probably not it. To my knowledge there is no on-line way to check on the status of your serial number and now that I come to think of it, if you had no problem registering when you set up your Nook before rooting, there should be no problem with the serial number.
Seems like there was a post similar to yours not too long ago and going back to factory and rooting again fixed the problem, as much of a nuisance as that is. The only other thing that comes to mind is: you're not in the UK are you? Someone else posted a similar problem and it turned out that he needed a UK firmware update to account for changing B&N-UK URLs before he could connect.
If you get the problem sorted, I can't emphasize enough the importance--and convenience--of making a backup with NM. Backup early and often, especially when trying out something new. It saves so much time and hassle in the long run. But first....you need to get it in working condition
Hello,
I would like to root a Nook Simple Touch GlowLight. The only reason for doing this is to install Kindle for Android. I have found three particularly popular threads for achieving this:
NookManager
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2040351
TouchNooter
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1343143
GlowNooter
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1675706
Can you please advise which of these I would be best to follow? Can you also recommend anything else that I must (or should) do following the recommended procedure - Any particular apps or configurations for either optimal enjoyment of Kindle for Android or the usability of the device (regarding refresh, etc).
Thank you.
LavaChild0809 said:
Hello,
I would like to root a Nook Simple Touch GlowLight. The only reason for doing this is to install Kindle for Android. I have found three particularly popular threads for achieving this:
NookManager
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2040351
TouchNooter
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1343143
GlowNooter
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1675706
Can you please advise which of these I would be best to follow? Can you also recommend anything else that I must (or should) do following the recommended procedure - Any particular apps or configurations for either optimal enjoyment of Kindle for Android or the usability of the device (regarding refresh, etc).
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have only used two of above for 4 x NST not a NSTG so far.
Now I've literally got two NSTG arrived today waiting at home for me to play with (Just been reduced to £49 in UK so I expect a lot more visitors to this forum asking such questions).
If your new to Nook simple touch devices then please be aware of firmwares. A lot of older more mature stuff for NST relies on the v1.1 firmware base. All new NST and NSTG in UK and other places will already be on v1.2 from factory.
NookManager is newer and supports v2. It has a backup feature. Before anything else boot off it. Backup your NSTG. Connect usb cable to PC while using Nookmanager and copy the backup to a PC.
I would also use Noogie and make another backup a different way.
That way if you screw anything up and or don't like root method you can go back.
Before rooting I strongly recommend registering your stock nook and if your going to stick with version 2 update to latest one following instructions on B&N website.
Touchnooter is a lot older and I tend to use that when I am using a v1 base (you lose some features but can gain a very quick lag free multitouch norefresh NST).
I have never used glownooter. Obviously it sounds more NSTG specific which is a good thing.
Personally I don't know how much the NST and NSTG differ internally. Certainly if you start messing around with different kernels make sure they support NSTG or you may lose the glow ability.
I will be trying the NookManager route first. Highly recommend coolreader app as alternative to BnN reader.
I'll let you know how it goes with mine. I will be using it stock for little while first though.
Oh the kindle app did not work that great when I tried it. If you really want kindle that much is it worth buying one..... Certainly if its not up to your standard then use your backup return nook to stock. Only then de-register device and return it.
If running v2 firmware then rather than norefresh (works best on v1) you would be after fastmode. I would not recommend that for reading ebooks. Scrolling PDFs maybe.
Crispy
Noogie guide for backing up
You can use winimage mention in above guide to stick Nookmanager on a sdcard too.
When booting off Nookmanager say no to wifi, Rescue->Backup, Use rest of space on SD card, create backup.
Obviously make sure your device is well charged and choose a big enough sd card to hold the backup. Its about 300MB compressed. As the backup is stored on a second partiton on the sd card windows won't easily be able to access it. To copy to PC once complete plug a usb cable in while running nookmanager and it will appear as mass storage device. Some of my nook's usb cables were charge only ones (very handy) so if cable is thin and long use a different cable.
Also for others reading the NSTG also comes with the most compact usb charger I've ever seen. Its actually smaller than my samsung one. NST comes with no charger.
Based on this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1961835 avoid using glownooter
To get fastmode working I've confirmed v166 kernel works with glowlight.
Thank you for your reply
Perhaps you might be able to help here, too?
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=46539085
Thanks again!
The nook glow-light I am trying to root has 1.1.5 firmware. The device got rooted but the market app doesn't work properly in order to download the opera browser (the other one doesn't work either), and the amazon app store keeps telling me: "Please enter a valid email and password" and doesn't let me log in with the same credentials that I use to log in from my pc. The opera app isn't even listed among the handful of apps listed on the Market app. What can the problem be? How can it be fixed? If I can't properly use this old nook model as an e-ink android I will have to return it. The only reason I purchased it was to root it.
If anyone know the fix please explain it to me in simple terms as I am not a great tech savvy.
Thx.
Johndun said:
The nook glow-light I am trying to root has 1.1.5 firmware. The device got rooted but the market app doesn't work properly in order to download the opera browser (the other one doesn't work either), and the amazon app store keeps telling me: "Please enter a valid email and password" and doesn't let me log in with the same credentials that I use to log in from my pc. The opera app isn't even listed among the handful of apps listed on the Market app. What can the problem be? How can it be fixed? If I can't properly use this old nook model as an e-ink android I will have to return it. The only reason I purchased it was to root it.
If anyone know the fix please explain it to me in simple terms as I am not a great tech savvy.
Thx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should definitely return to stock firmware and update to 1.2.1 before anything else. Then, you can re-root and enjoy.
Restoring to stock and re-rooting can be done with the NookManager rooting tool. Updating your software version can be done by following the instructions at B&N.
Suddenly increase of the people trying to root their devices recently.
Something goes wrong and either they have no backup or its damaged and then they have a lot of trouble.
So I'd thought a list a couple of things that you should do BEFORE you try to do anything else to your Nook Simple Touch or Nook Simple Touch Glow aka NST/NSTG
Now I strongly suggest making two backups in different manners detailed below. I personally do this before I even use my NST for first time.
NookManager:
Nookmanager has a great backup tool however it does save it directly onto the sdcard which if is not big enough or has other errors or you simply end up deleting by accident.
Pros: Convenient backup and restore. No need for PC. ADB over wireless to copy backup.
Cons: Must remember to copy off sdcard, at mercy of sdcard failing.
Noogie:
Noogie allows the NST/NSTG partitions to be completely accessible by a PC over a usb cable.
You then use a tool on the PC to backup all the partitions to a file.
Pros: Your backup is stored independent of your sdcard. A bit more verbose by default.
Cons: If your usb cable is dodgy or usb bus errors can be introduced.
Both systems have good points and bad points doing both means if one is not quite right you have an alternative. Its worth doing both.
A complete image of a NST/NSTG is around 1.86GB in size however after compression should be around 280MB.
Now to the details.
I would do Noogie first as you can then use the same sdcard to stick nookmanager on that you may want to do the root with (after backing up correctly).
Some of my nook's usb cables were charge only ones (very handy) so if cable is thin with too cores and long use a different cable.
I would try and avoid using class 10 sdcards for this process.
Noogie
###########
If you use windows use this guide
The same method you stick noogie img onto sdcard you can use to stick nookmanager as well.
After the backup check your event viewer [Start->settings->Control Panel->Administration Tools->Event Viewer->System].
Look for any error Red or yellow warning about disks.
Windows does not pop up something when your having serious disk errors (even to their latest version!)
Remember to "safety remove the hardware" before unplugging the NST.
You will end up with a 1.86GB image file I would suggest compressing it using rar/zip to get to a manageable size plus add some CRC checking.
If you use Linux use this one.
If you linux newbie be very very very careful with the dd command. Its very powerful and a simple typo can ruin your computer.
Make sure nothing is mounted during the process.
Run dmesg or sudo tail /var/log/kern.log to see if any usb or disk errors.
NookManager
##############
Read the Guide
You can use winimage mention in noogie guide to stick Nookmanager on a sdcard too.
When booting off Nookmanager say no to wifi, Rescue->Backup, Use rest of space on SD card, create backup.
Obviously make sure your device is well charged and choose a big enough sd card to hold the backup. Its about 280MB compressed.
Once backup is complete we want to get it onto our PC or something other than a single sdcard which are prone to sudden failure.
Nookmanager has stored the backup on a second partition on the sdcard.
Windows does not like mounting second partitions on removable devices by default so we can't easily be able to access it.
If you can either enable wireless and usb adb to copy which I won't go into now or connect your nook via usb while running nookmanager and it will appear as a mass storage device.
You are looking for a file called "backup.full.gz". Copy that as well as its md5. Make sure you check the size is around 280ishMB.
If you have already connect the stock nook over usb or used noogie over usb to your PC sometimes it will get confused and the drives won't appear in windows explorer.
This is windows getting confused. If you click on the safetly remove device icon you will see two drive letters are assigned its just explorer that can't access them. Easy fix is to reboot. If your like me and dozens of web browsing windows open and regard rebooting as something the power company forces on me few times a year you can do this to access.
Start->settings->Control Panel->Administration Tools->Computer Management->Disk Manager.
You will see the drive letters for your nook there. Right click (don't click format or delete!) and chose open. Explorer will now happily open a window with your drive contents.
Again as with Noogie check your event viewer system for any errors. (make sure hit F5 for refresh)
On linux you can mount the second partition no trouble so either remove sdcard and stick in a reader or use nook via usb cable. Mount and copy. Check size of file. I am sure if using linux and have mastered dd you know how.
So now you should have two full backups using different methods.
Now go forth and root, tinker and learn about with your NST/NSTG to your hearts content knowing you can safely recover.
Personally I like Version 1.2.X Nookmanager as a root method but I was also recommend if you have more than one NST trying out all of kuskro's hardwork on 1.1.X and excellent guides starting here (never tried on NSTG however)
Getting your SDcard back to normal
###################################
After rooting/backing up if you want to put your sdcard back to normal for storage you can't just simply format as the card has been repartitioned.
Easiest tool I have found for doing this is HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool which should be here I think.
Simple to use just select sdcard and hit format. It will automatically repartition and format to the maximum size of your card.
Hi i just had a quick question about the rooting,
When i have rooted, will there be a file manager already on there? so i can download any apk's i want, transfer onto micro sd and then install them? Is this going to be possible?
I ask because i dont particularly want all of the google apps which come in the package thing, and the installation of them seems slightly awkward, main part about it is that wont the imaged nook manager micro sd not have space for more files? but it tells you to put extra files on there.
I havent started the rooted yet but will be in a bit.
Thanks anyway.
flobbadob said:
Hi i just had a quick question about the rooting,
When i have rooted, will there be a file manager already on there? so i can download any apk's i want, transfer onto micro sd and then install them? Is this going to be possible?
I ask because i dont particularly want all of the google apps which come in the package thing, and the installation of them seems slightly awkward, main part about it is that wont the imaged nook manager micro sd not have space for more files? but it tells you to put extra files on there.
I havent started the rooted yet but will be in a bit.
Thanks anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your using nookmanager then the launcher relaunch that comes with is a filemanager. Touchnooter has something too. You don't have to install gapps and can sideload if you want. A lot of apps need a /sdcard so I would recommend having one for storage. Not sure if you need gapps for licensing etc for paid apps. You can use adb over wifi to install apps from a PC ie a filemanager like esfileexplorer if you did not have one available. I would ask your questions regarding any specific root method in their relevant thread....
Crispy3000 said:
If your using nookmanager then the launcher relaunch that comes with is a filemanager. Touchnooter has something too. You don't have to install gapps and can sideload if you want. A lot of apps need a /sdcard so I would recommend having one for storage. Not sure if you need gapps for licensing etc for paid apps. You can use adb over wifi to install apps from a PC ie a filemanager like esfileexplorer if you did not have one available. I would ask your questions regarding any specific root method in their relevant thread....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay ,sorry about wrong thread and whatnot, thank you though!
i think i get the gist of everything now anyway, im very new to all this lol. ill probably just install the gapps anyway now for mail and calendar.
Also just a general question, is battery life decreased at all after rooting? or was the android running all the time even before root and now i can just use it (if that makes sense)
flobbadob said:
okay ,sorry about wrong thread and whatnot, thank you though!
i think i get the gist of everything now anyway, im very new to all this lol. ill probably just install the gapps anyway now for mail and calendar.
Also just a general question, is battery life decreased at all after rooting? or was the android running all the time even before root and now i can just use it (if that makes sense)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Battery life initially perhaps. Your adding gapps running in background. Phone.apk, Music.apk, TelephonyProvider.apk gets installed where it does not need to be.
Joy of rooting is you can uninstall or disable what you don't want. Longterm with some tweaks you extended it a lot. Remember to let screen timeout rather than using power button when to lock screen.
If you don't want B&N stuff just your own ereading system and don't want some gapps disable/freeze all this:
FfileDownloadService.apk,AccountAndSyncSettin gs.apk, AirRuntime.apk, ApplicationsProvider.apk, BnAuthenticationService.apk, BnCloudRequestSvc.apk, ContactsProvider.apk, CrytoServer.apk, DemoMode.apk, DeviceManager.apk, DeviceRegistrator.apk, GlobalSearch.apk, gtalkservice.apk, Home.apk, Library.apk, Music.apk, NookCommunity.apk, Phone.apk, QuickStartActivity.apk, Shop.apk, Social.apk, SysChecksum.apk, Talk.apk, TalkProvider.apk, TelephonyProvider.apk, WaveformDownloader.apk
Crispy3000 said:
Battery life initially perhaps. Your adding gapps running in background. Phone.apk, Music.apk, TelephonyProvider.apk gets installed where it does not need to be.
Joy of rooting is you can uninstall or disable what you don't want. Longterm with some tweaks you extended it a lot. Remember to let screen timeout rather than using power button when to lock screen.
If you don't want B&N stuff just your own ereading system and don't want some gapps disable/freeze all this:
FfileDownloadService.apk,AccountAndSyncSettin gs.apk, AirRuntime.apk, ApplicationsProvider.apk, BnAuthenticationService.apk, BnCloudRequestSvc.apk, ContactsProvider.apk, CrytoServer.apk, DemoMode.apk, DeviceManager.apk, DeviceRegistrator.apk, GlobalSearch.apk, gtalkservice.apk, Home.apk, Library.apk, Music.apk, NookCommunity.apk, Phone.apk, QuickStartActivity.apk, Shop.apk, Social.apk, SysChecksum.apk, Talk.apk, TalkProvider.apk, TelephonyProvider.apk, WaveformDownloader.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
quick question, ive gone and deleted a lot of those apps, not sure if this was caused by that (doubt it) but:
when i go on the quicklaunch and click library, it goes to the relaunch page, not my nook library, any idea whats up
flobbadob said:
quick question, ive gone and deleted a lot of those apps, not sure if this was caused by that (doubt it) but:
when i go on the quicklaunch and click library, it goes to the relaunch page, not my nook library, any idea whats up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should read closer before doing.
If you don't want B&N stuff
A lot of those in the list are for B&N stuff like the library. ie. Library.apk. If you want B&N Apps undo what you have done. Good job you have a backup :silly: One of the reasons I said disable/freeze as well as uninstall. If you are not using an app to disable/freeze (like titainium backup) then you can simply rename them with a root enabled filemanager. e.g. library.apk to library.apk_disabled
Search around for details on what to disable and what they do to see if you want them or not. Don't deregister the nook with B&N apps disabled.
Crispy3000 said:
You should read closer before doing.
If you don't want B&N stuff
A lot of those in the list are for B&N stuff like the library. ie. Library.apk. If you want B&N Apps undo what you have done. Good job you have a backup :silly: One of the reasons I said disable/freeze as well as uninstall. If you are not using an app to disable/freeze (like titainium backup) then you can simply rename them with a root enabled filemanager. e.g. library.apk to library.apk_disabled
Search around for details on what to disable and what they do to see if you want them or not. Don't deregister the nook with B&N apps disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, turns out i did delete the library apk when ishouldnt have, but it turns out that i can just use the file browser which is the homepage for relaunch to access epub files (which open up in the reader) so the library app thing is kinda redundant.
EDIT: everything is fine now, i got a new library app and somehow deleted the keyboard which im getting back now lol
Hi anyone
Please help me with my questions below, I picked up a Nook for predominantly reading only but wanted one or two apps to be installed from play store.
1. How to sideload books onto the Nook simple touch. I have loads of PDF on my hard drive and epub books. For this do I need to root at all?
2. I see that the rooting solutions on youtube all show 'android market' instead of 'Play store' - but also see these videos are several years old. So are there any new ways to root and get 'play store'.
3. How to sideload APKs not from Play store?
4. I am mainly looking to use Bible app like Quick Bible from the Play Store if not I would have to go and find the APK to side load it.
5. If something goes wrong can I get back to the factory setting of original Nook.
I like in some of the videos that the rooting still retained the original Nook screens and additionally there were options to go and select the apps from the side. Is this how all the rooted Nooks work?
Please suggest a more recent easier thread that can support all of my above queries.
thanks
S
sany said:
1. How to sideload books onto the Nook simple touch. I have loads of PDF on my hard drive and epub books. For this do I need to root at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You can copy epubs and PDFs directly onto the NST internal memory or onto an installed SD card.
2. I see that the rooting solutions on youtube all show 'android market' instead of 'Play store' - but also see these videos are several years old. So are there any new ways to root and get 'play store'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct in that those are all out-of-date. No PlayStore access via Google Apps since 2017. Google apps themselves are available only in a limited form. See the post on updating NTGAppsAttack. The Yalp Store app, however, can access the PlayStore without Google Apps and can be installed by NookManager (see the post on updating NookManager)
3. How to sideload APKs not from Play store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Copy the apk files from your PC to the NST via USB and install via a file manager, or install via ADB.
4. I am mainly looking to use Bible app like Quick Bible from the Play Store if not I would have to go and find the APK to side load it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that part is always interesting. Not many apps in the PlayStore work for Android 2.1 and even those that theoretically do sometimes decline to run on the NST. I've seen mention of Bible apps on the forum so your best bet may be to search for that and see what worked for others.
5. If something goes wrong can I get back to the factory setting of original Nook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, unless you wipe out the factory recovery (not recommended by me).
I like in some of the videos that the rooting still retained the original Nook screens and additionally there were options to go and select the apps from the side. Is this how all the rooted Nooks work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sort of. NookManager is not very invasive and you can--to some extent--tailor the few apps it installs to suit your wants. After that, it's sort of up to you. Some people want to wipe out all the B&N stuff (not my choice), others not so much. Depends on how you use your device--and that can evolve.
Please suggest a more recent easier thread that can support all of my above queries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems like you just started one.
nmyshkin said:
Yes, unless you wipe out the factory recovery (not recommended by me).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Thanks.
Just another clarification. So after I install Nook Manager - irrespective of whether I make a backup or not, by default there will be a factory recovery already in the device, correct?
I read somewhere in the thread that we make a backup and keep the SD card saved in a safe place additionally to saving the backup image as an additional backup. Can you please explain this further.
Say for example, I use the SD card image to install nook manager - do i use the same card as is to create a backup? Sorry I am asking for too many information!
thanks again
S
sany said:
Hi Thanks.
Just another clarification. So after I install Nook Manager - irrespective of whether I make a backup or not, by default there will be a factory recovery already in the device, correct?
I read somewhere in the thread that we make a backup and keep the SD card saved in a safe place additionally to saving the backup image as an additional backup. Can you please explain this further.
Say for example, I use the SD card image to install nook manager - do i use the same card as is to create a backup? Sorry I am asking for too many information!
thanks again
S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you intentionally replace or delete the factory recovery image, you can return to an out-of-the-box state by powering down, then powering up and holding the two lower hardware buttons at the first sign of the "your Nook is starting up" screen until a screen prompt appears. In fact, it would probably be a good idea to do that when you first get the device. You never know what has been done to it by the previous owner.
NookManager is a utility, not an installation. It resides on the SD card you prepare and can be used, as you say, to make backups of "work-in-progress" as well as an out-of-the-box backup, if you wish. The backups are stored by default on the NookManager SD card itself, but there is only provision for one. A new one will overwrite the old one. If you want to keep a few backups as you make changes to your NST, you can copy the backups to your PC if you connect your NST with the USB cable while NookManager is running. This condition makes the otherwise invisible backup partition on the card visible to your PC.
Thank you!
S