Database Users

[Q] "Crap" Everywhere - From Uninstalled Apps

In trying to free up some space on my KF today, I noticed that apps that I had uninstalled, both before and after I rooted my KF, still left the entire app on my KF.
What's up with this?
For example, one of the first things I installed, kinda jokingly, was the Nook app. This was days after I got my KF and I had also downloaded a few free books for it. I uninstalled that app 6 months ago, yet all the Nook files were still there, including the .apk. I was able to delete them all and not cause any noticeable problem with my KF, but I have d/l'd a lot of apps and deleted them since I got my KF on the first day it was released. So if it had an easy name to remember, not too big of an issue, but app names in the directory aren't always straightforward to what they are... they may be listed by their developer's name or such.
I'm not opposed to completely wiping it and re-installing everything, but there are a number of games that I would lose my progress in if I did that. Plus, I am not in desperate need of space... yet. Granted, the TWRP backup doesn't help much when it comes to space, but it is a nice thing to have.
[BTW, my KF has been rooted for several months now, and was just updated with the latest KFU v9.6, running GoLauncher. It's a pretty straight forward rooted device that I haven't tweaked much because I really do read a lot on it.]
So I was wondering if there was an app that works better than the free version of SD Maid to clean up all this left over garbage? Even SD Maid didn't detect the Nook app still being there (the free version doesn't do all the paid version does, but, for the most part, it still shows ya what it found). Or if someone has a detailed guide of walking you through how to clean up useless files... that would be cool too.
Like I said, there is definitely a lot of crap taking up space that can be deleted. But I don't know Android (I'm really a Windows/Cisco guy), so I don't know to what extent I can delete stuff without causing problems.
Any help would be appreciated.
BTW, could the Image Verification images be any harder? LOL

PBFred said:
In trying to free up some space on my KF today, I noticed that apps that I had uninstalled, both before and after I rooted my KF, still left the entire app on my KF.
What's up with this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe this is an issue in older Android versions. I noticed my phone doing the same thing while it was in Eclair, then in Froyo and then in GingerBread.
It looks to me like ICS will automatically remove any orphan data it finds - I've tried deleting just an application's apk and, after rebooting the system, its data was gone as well (tried on both my phone and KF).
PBFred said:
So if it had an easy name to remember, not too big of an issue, but app names in the directory aren't always straightforward to what they are... they may be listed by their developer's name or such.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you can try "pm list packages -f" to get the names of the apks and their matching data folders.
PBFred said:
I'm not opposed to completely wiping it and re-installing everything, but there are a number of games that I would lose my progress in if I did that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can most likely extract their data. Alternatively, you may want to look into Titanium Backup for backing up both apps and their data.
PBFred said:
Granted, the TWRP backup doesn't help much when it comes to space, but it is a nice thing to have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could also move the TWRP backup to the computer...

I would just backup any apps/games on TB while also saving the contents of your SD on your computer. Then simply use TWRP to wide SD card. You can then move your TWRP backups to the SD card from your computer and restore app and data on TB.

[Q] Rooted/Custom Rom'd AT&T S4, now for some very basic questions!

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

[ROM] MIUI 2.3.30 (GB 2.3.7) English ROM + TWRP Recovery for Google Nexus One

Please Read Everything Carefully as some info is crucial to getting your old phone functioning well!
Update:::: August 16, 2015 ::::::::::
STAGEFRIGHT BUG:
This bug has been blown way out of proportion and it is not something anyone should be extremely worried about. There are no patches for gingerbread as of yet, and I cannot patch it since I do not have the CM source. However, you can copy from /system/build.prop and open the file in Notepad++ and then search for "stage" and change the "true" to "false" -without quotes. While this is not a fix, it will still offer some protection. Do not download apk files from places you do not trust and you should be ok. For now you can also do the following :
1) In MMS App, Turn off Auto-Retrieve. If your Carrier converts your voice mails to text, you will no longer be getting those. The app will then provide a download button for you to download the message instead. You can simply call your voice mail and listen to the message and download it if you think its important.
2) Remove the stock browser - do not use it to sign into anything.
3) Use Firefox as your default browser. It will be slower but safer. Type about:config > Search for Stagefright > Set stagefright.disabled to True
4) FIREWALL : Use AFWall+ to block Apps making unneeded connections to places you don't trust. It starts in Whitelist mode. Change it Blacklist mode. Be careful, and understand how to use this. LINK https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dev.ukanth.ufirewall&hl=en
6) In an effort to save RAM and unnecessary background Operation, I have included ForceStop Prevent Running. Do not update this past version 0.15. Updates after this do not work well on Gingerbread. Preventing Google Play Store is ok, Play Services is optional (You will lose all sync except Contacts and Calendar but no unnecessary background syncing.[/I]
7) GApps package now Included. It is Stock Gingerbread Gapps with Google Play Store updated to version 5.1.11. Please note that the latest Google Play Store works Fine but it is slower. If you want to block it from Updating, BEFORE connecting to Wifi, IF the APK is called com.android.vending.apk THEN create a new directory in /data/app called com.android.vending-1.apk, so it is always 1 number higher than what is installed. Also, if you do Update, MOVE the update to System parition or you will have 2 copies of it. Then delete its Dalvik cache and reboot
Update :::: June 18, 2015 ::::::::::::::New Goody : Added Modded K9-Email for Gingerbread to list of Software - It is open source, and a good way to check "Hotmail/Outlook" using Imap. Imap functions in Outlook are limited but the program works. I have removed the Ugly K9 dog Icon and replaced it with a real Email icon to make it look more appealing
Updated ::: June 12, 2015 ::::::::::::: New Goody : Attached Adaway for Gingerbread - Disclaimer: I support ads in some apps that do so reasonably, but some apps are out of control with Permissions and blowing up your screen with constant Ads, this behavior is unacceptable so I have included AdAway here. It is the user's Right and choice to do as they please on a carrier/contract free ROM, however it is not my responsibility what you may do with this ROM. This ROM still contains most of the original components of the Original ROM and I may remove outdated functions or add new functions in the future
This is MIUI 2.3.30 Gingerbread version 2.3.7 U.S. English Rom
I have now added various changes to this ROM. No more Security Certificate issues. No more Email / IMAP issues -K9 Mail, Exchange and Google accounts should sync without issues now
Xposed For Gingerbread + Prevent Running + Security Fixes are now attached below for convenience
Partitioning your SDCard is absolutely recommended or you will not have enough Internal Space to have Google Apps - Internal Space should only store Dalvik Cache - Please see details
1) 30 Step Headset Volume Configuration - works great with Volume Limiter
2) Security Certificates updated. Bad and Outdated ones Removed. see GuardianProject. This ROM is more secure. I also highly recommend using Firefox and OperaMini. I have also attached CACERTS.BKS - Remove the .TXT Extension - Already included in the ROM but can be used in other Gingerbread devices!
3) Nexus Pie boot animation
4) Misc changes - Gps locks fast when using GPS apps like Mapfactor Navigator, CPU Sleep works during trackball wake/notify feature, country codes in dialer corrected, Correct APN and Carrier name will show.
Recommended Software
I recommend you download this: Volume Limiter by Captain Neoguri - March 26, 2014
Caution: Nexus One hardware has a bug where upon using this app when adjusting volume outputs in max volume which can be dangerous for your ears, Please do not wear your headset when doing volume adjustments. I recommend a volume of upto 16 in this app for headset max volume.
Recommended : Xposed Framework for Gingerbread :::::: Download Below
Once you install it, Update it, and Install the Following :
1) Fake ID Fix
2) Master Key Multi Fix
3) MasterKeyFix GB
These are all Security Patches for Gingerbread. I have taken the Courtesy to attach them in this thread.
I recommend Google Play Store no later than 5.1.11 as the latest versions seem to have some kind of DPI related bug and will Force close constantly. Google Play Services can however be updated to 7.5.73-034 - I have tested it and it is working perfectly fine
Launcher : I am now recommending Holo Launcher from the Playstore. It saves RAM and it is much more Functional than the Stock launcher. When I have time, I will entirely remove the Stock Launcher and put Holo Launcher in the ROM or until I get permission from its author
Call Blocking Call blocking feature is built into the ROM, however it is like most call blockers which simply hide the blocked call but it still goes through. A solution to this is to use this app. Root Call Blocker : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fahrbot.apps.rootcallblocker.beta&hl=en
It will take about 5 minutes to set up and will allow you to kill a call after 1 ring and it will not go into your voice mail. So the Spam caller will have no idea whether its a dead number or to even bother calling back. Usually "Dead Rings" make the automated telemarketing calls stop because the computer dialer that is making the call keeps getting dead air and it keeps showing in their call logs. So it becomes their problem, you will simply never see the call coming until 1 day you decide to go in your blocker's call log. So if you have a pesky caller, use this app.
Radio / Baseband Software
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Passion_Info
If your 3G does not work, Please check your 3G Network's supported Frequency with your Nexus One 3G Supported Frequency. There were 2 models of this phone released in Canada. This is not due to MIUI and downloading any Radio software will NOT fix this because it is by design.
You need version 5.08.00.04 if you are not using a Korean Nexus One. Download it, then Extract the Radio.img file from the zip.
1) You need to have ADB Fastboot and ADB Enabled on your phone. You can download a small ADB Version here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979
There are also other places to get ADB, But just know there is no need to download Gigantic SDK Kit from Google. You only need the basic ADB with Fastboot.
2) Press Volume Down, Then Press Power and Start your phone in Bootloader Mode. Then select Fastboot. Make sure your phone is now in Fastboot mode, it should say it at the top of all the choices.
3) Go to where you ADB folder is and hit Shift + Right Click = Open Command Window Here.
4) Now Plug your USB cable into your phone and type in Command Prompt this - fastboot devices. You should see your Phone listed. If you do not, go back and check everything.
5) Copy that Radio.img file from the Zip you extracted into your ADB Folder and then type
fastboot flash radio radio.img
It should take about 30 seconds.
Use the instructions here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=698721 to push it to your phone.
Now you are done.
How To Increase Internal Storage using Data2SD. This puts Apps(apk) AND Data onto your SD EXT Partition so you have more free Internal memory on the internal /Data partition
MIUI comes with something called A2SD+ which is turned off by Default.
1) Go into TWRP Recovery. Create EXT-4 Partition. You will lose all data, so before doing this, its a good idea to backup.
Create an EXT partition size you are comfortable with and depending on your needs.
2) SWAP SPACE 0. You do not need it.
When it is done. Your SD Card now has a FAT partition and an EXT Partition. You can reformat your FAT to FAT32 in Windows if you would like and give it a name.
Then get this Script. MAKE SURE YOU READ EVERYTHING in the Following Threads.
This is Ungaze Data2SD Script. Script is now Attached at the bottom of this post
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1378568
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1661892
Get the Data2SD Script and copy it to your SDCard FAT32 partition. Reboot your phone a couple times after flashing MIUI. Wipe Dalvik, Wipe Cache, Then Flash Ungaze D2SD from Recovery.
Follow directions in those threads and you should see an increase in Internal Storage Space in MIUI
You can delete the Contents of /mnt/asec/d2sd/data/app/* and /mnt/asec/d2sd/data/data/* from your Device Root which is "/" after this otherwise you will have 2 copies of the same app. You should only have Dalvik-Cache in this location as it links to your Internal Memory Data partition. Make a backup first to your SD Card incase something goes wrong by copying those APKs, then simply Delete them. Your Device System Partition will have System Apps, Data partition will have Dalvik Cache and your SD Card's EXT Partition will have the rest of the Apps and their Data.
ETC INFO
You will Need ROOT Access for almost everything if you want to make changes so make sure you have SuperUser Access Turned ON in MIUI.
Search for ADAWAY which creates a HOSTS file in your /System/etc Directory, which helps to block ads. I prefer using only open source apps or apps with Ads that do not Annoy.
Use ES File Explorer
And now you can install (or Uninstall) all the Pesky large size Google Apps. I personally stay away from ANY Google App I do not absolutely Need. I remove apps like
Google Search
Google Talk (Hangouts)
and Other Google crap.
MIUI has the basics of what you need. But you can Remove the MIUI Accounts etc because you won't be needing it.
And Anything Pesky that I cannot trust. Make sure you Backup in Recovery first before Uninstalling System Apps.
You can use an app called Disable Service from the PlayStore to disable Individual Services in an app incase you don't want certain services loading up. This should help conserve memory and cpu cycles if needed and also to disable functionalities in Apps that are otherwise impossible to disable. Link Below
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cn.wq.disableservice&hl=en
The idea is to keep it SIMPLE and functional.
Last but not least, Thanks to everyone at XDA for making things like this possible. Without this community, we would not be able to do the things we can to bring enjoyment and functionality to our devices. Thanks to everyone who finds a solution and posts it with details for everyone to understand. I hope this culture keeps growing stronger.
Don't forget to say Thanks
That's it Folks! Bring out your old Nexus One. It will be fast, and serve its purpose as a phone first. And YES, Even your mom will now be able to use it. Enjoy!
ROM DOWNLOAD:
Download MIUI-Android-2.3.30-Gingerbread-NexusOne

Thanks for your time and for sharing this with us... Maybe some of us knows these stuff but in the KK 4.4.4 era, there always is someone who want to use the Sexy Nexy as a fully functional phone and use an eye candy ROM and more user friendly than CM 7.2.
For recovery I recommend 4Ext Recovery
Regards!

Obsy said:
Thanks for your time and for sharing this with us... Maybe some of us knows these stuff but in the KK 4.4.4 era, there always is someone who want to use the Sexy Nexy as a fully functional phone and use an eye candy ROM and more user friendly than CM 7.2.
For recovery I recommend 4Ext Recovery
Regards!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, no problem! Yes 4Ext is a good recovery if you are on Blackrose and change your hboot partitions etc. My Guide is for those who don't want to mess with that and the TWRP Recovery is working flawless. I will mess around with Blackrose to increase internal Memory because one thing I find after bootloader unlock is the initial boot process is what takes the longest! MIUI Itself boots in less than half the time it takes for the intial boot. (Nexus X multi colored Logo with gray colored open lock at the bottom)
I am still not quite sure if the trouble of using Blackrose just to cut down my Cache partition to 50mb is worth the time and trouble because the phone is running fine. And I am also not sure if Blackrose will work with twrp. I will need to read more on this.

Thanks.
I completely agree with this OP. This is best rom you can use on the nexus one, I've played around with all sorts of roms and versions including the most recent KitKat iterations and non of them are smooth in comparison with a solid gingerbread rom. But this rom is particularly good because it still makes the Nexus One feel fresh.

daaac said:
I completely agree with this OP. This is best rom you can use on the nexus one, I've played around with all sorts of roms and versions including the most recent KitKat iterations and non of them are smooth in comparison with a solid gingerbread rom. But this rom is particularly good because it still makes the Nexus One feel fresh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Daaac, you are right. When I pull out this old Phone, people ask me where did I get it? And how nice it looks. When I tell them its over 4 years old, they seem surprised. What google still does not seem to realize is that when it comes to Phones, people look at both the Phone hardware AND its Software that's running on it. Android is terribly ugly and MIUI is the closest you can get to getting some kind of Organized option structure even though it lacks some power user features, it is still better than scrolling through endless Cyanogenmod Gingerbread options. Not the fault of Cyanogenmod, but I blame Google for the terrible User Interface of Android. Google seems to hire Amateurs to design their User Interface and then market it as Simplicity. In my opinion, Apple runs circles around Android when it comes to Fluidity but ofcourse we know why we stick to Android, for things an iOs user can only dream of, specially on older devices. This MIUI ROM comes closest to make your Nexus One a daily usable phone with very few annoyances, however it is stable, never crashes, and looks good.

Thanks for your guide, very nice to read your step by step, good as I didn't update nexus one since 1 year ago and I don't remember all steps.
Thanks!!

You are most certainly welcomed Sir! If you ever have any questions, feel free to ask me.
danibus said:
Thanks for your guide, very nice to read your step by step, good as I didn't update nexus one since 1 year ago and I don't remember all steps.
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thank you very much for taking the time to cook such a nice ROM for Nexus one. I hadn't installed any custom ROM on my device until some days ago. It is really awesome. Considering that Nexus one is an old device I do not expect to be any update for this ROM, but in case there was one I would appreciate it if you could post the link.

You need to see the first post for that to happen.
miui_nexus1 said:
Thank you very much for taking the time to cook such a nice ROM for Nexus one. I hadn't installed any custom ROM on my device until some days ago. It is really awesome. Considering that Nexus one is an old device I do not expect to be any update for this ROM, but in case there was one I would appreciate it if you could post the link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks for your quick reply. I am well aware of your updates to the ROM. I especially love the Nexus pie and appreciate the security updates.
ocd_amp said:
You need to see the first post for that to happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

More security fixes!! I can't believe my eyes. Thanks a ton!

Hola launcher
I have tried Hola launcher (e.g. with chromatic theme), and its icons are similar to MIUI icons in contrast with Hola launcher (which is similar to latest Android versions).
P.s. I am just testing . I don't know if this launcher will drain the battery fast or not.

That launcher will slow down your system, and constantly try to download ads. It also takes up a LOT of RAM. The idea here to make the device run FAST consuming as little resources as possible. On a fresh boot, my N1 RAM usage is at 95MB, and after 28 Hours, it is 144MB. With other processes that are important Cached. My Dialer starts and makes calls upto 3 seconds faster than my Galaxy 3 on Lollipop.
All this can be achieved by disabling Google Play Services and Google Play Store from starting on boot (unless you have apps that you are always using and depend constantly on them) - I don't use apps that heavily depend on Google Play Services, and if I do, I start the service and the app, then I press the "back" key and exit Google Play Services. - Xposed Framework module attached to prevent Apps from running helps.
Battery life is great, easily lasts 2-3 days with minor screen time / talk time - Heavy usage can last a full day. This is all on a 2010 phone with an old battery. My Nexus One puts most people's dual core modern phones to shame when it comes to speed
miui_nexus1 said:
I have tried Hola launcher (e.g. with chromatic theme), and its icons are similar to MIUI icons in contrast with Hola launcher (which is similar to latest Android versions).
P.s. I am just testing . I don't know if this launcher will drain the battery fast or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

That is fantastic battery life and speed you have!
I have got some questions and appreciate your help (Please forgive my newbie questions and such a long post)
1) When I want to run PHONE and MESSAGING applications on “Holo launcher” it gives this error message: "This activity cannot be launched". Although stock MIUI icons for these applications work fine.
2) I partitioned my memory card using ClockworkMod recovery and I dedicated 2 Gb’s of my 16 Gb class 10 microSD card (I haven’t had any problem with this recovery so far but if you think it may be incompatible with your ROM or cause issues please let me know and I will replace it). After flashing Ungaze Data2SD I see an increase in the internal memory . To be honest I didn’t completely understand the rest of the instructions so I do not know whether I have done it right or not.
"You can delete the Contents of /mnt/asec/d2sd/data/app/* and /mnt/asec/d2sd/data/data/* from your Device Root which is "/" after this otherwise you will have 2 copies of the same app. You should only have Dalvik-Cache in this location as it links to your Internal Memory Data partition. Make a backup first to your SD Card in case something goes wrong by copying those APKs, then simply Delete them. Your Device System Partition will have System Apps, Data partition will have Dalvik Cache and your SD Card's EXT Partition will have the rest of the Apps and their Data."
This is what I did:
I used “adb shell” to access the contents of those two locations and deleted their contents. As I said before I didn’t understand the rest of the instructions and I assumed it has been done correctly!! Then I installed my apps normally but I do not know whether they have been copied to the internal memory or the memory card. (I have downloaded apk’s of all apps I use from "apps.evozi. /apk-downloader/" or "apk4fun" and I have installed them using package manager).
My main question is what do I do after cleaning up those two locations and how do I install the apps so they will be copied to the memory Card’s Ext partition.
You should only have Dalvik-Cache in this location (What location exactly?)
Your Device System Partition will have System Apps (/system?)
Data partition will have Dalvik Cache (/data?)
SD Card's EXT Partition (/sd-ext?) If I am right as I have “adb” installed on my windows, it doesn’t show me the contents of this folder naturally. I have Ubuntu Linux too but “adb” is not installed on it.
Thanks a lot for your time!

1) Remove Holo Launcher icons and drag and drop Phone and Messaging icon from Drawer into the Dock at the bottom.
2) Use TWRP recovery.
3) /Data partition is EXT2 partition on your SDCard. Apps+Data (app data) will be there.
4) /mnt/asec/d2sd will be the "other" data partition (the original data partition) which is where your Dalvik cache will be.
5) Apps will be installed where their manifest suggests - Most apps will be installed to /Data on your EXT and their Dalvik Cache will be on the Internal parition /mnt/asec/d2sd/Dalvik-Cache
6) Use ES File Explorer - give it Root permissions - make sure Superuser permissions is set to On and inside ES Explorer you give Root access R/W - you can view all partions there
7) Use DiskInfo to see all your partitions
miui_nexus1 said:
That is fantastic battery life and speed you have!
I have got some questions and appreciate your help (Please forgive my newbie questions and such a long post)
1) When I want to run PHONE and MESSAGING applications on “Holo launcher” it gives this error message: "This activity cannot be launched". Although stock MIUI icons for these applications work fine.
2) I partitioned my memory card using ClockworkMod recovery and I dedicated 2 Gb’s of my 16 Gb class 10 microSD card (I haven’t had any problem with this recovery so far but if you think it may be incompatible with your ROM or cause issues please let me know and I will replace it). After flashing Ungaze Data2SD I see an increase in the internal memory . To be honest I didn’t completely understand the rest of the instructions so I do not know whether I have done it right or not.
"You can delete the Contents of /mnt/asec/d2sd/data/app/* and /mnt/asec/d2sd/data/data/* from your Device Root which is "/" after this otherwise you will have 2 copies of the same app. You should only have Dalvik-Cache in this location as it links to your Internal Memory Data partition. Make a backup first to your SD Card in case something goes wrong by copying those APKs, then simply Delete them. Your Device System Partition will have System Apps, Data partition will have Dalvik Cache and your SD Card's EXT Partition will have the rest of the Apps and their Data."
This is what I did:
I used “adb shell” to access the contents of those two locations and deleted their contents. As I said before I didn’t understand the rest of the instructions and I assumed it has been done correctly!! Then I installed my apps normally but I do not know whether they have been copied to the internal memory or the memory card. (I have downloaded apk’s of all apps I use from "apps.evozi. /apk-downloader/" or "apk4fun" and I have installed them using package manager).
My main question is what do I do after cleaning up those two locations and how do I install the apps so they will be copied to the memory Card’s Ext partition.
You should only have Dalvik-Cache in this location (What location exactly?)
Your Device System Partition will have System Apps (/system?)
Data partition will have Dalvik Cache (/data?)
SD Card's EXT Partition (/sd-ext?) If I am right as I have “adb” installed on my windows, it doesn’t show me the contents of this folder naturally. I have Ubuntu Linux too but “adb” is not installed on it.
Thanks a lot for your time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks a lot for the complete information. Holo launcher and Prevent running are really great. Now only 94 Mb of RAM is used . I expect to have better battery life too. I will report that after some days of using this configuration.

miui_nexus1 said:
Thanks a lot for the complete information. Holo launcher and Prevent running are really great. Now only 94 Mb of RAM is used . I expect to have better battery life too. I will report that after some days of using this configuration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh lord, might be joining the N1 family due to recent corrupt internal data/EMMC failures on the Sensation and One Mini. Hoping to get a daily ROM and stable service from AT&T. Any critical updates/preventions prior to dusting off 2 years of being shelved and lending to 3 people (aka TANK N1).
Excited to see activity and will give this a shot when I get home. Thanks for posting!

Thanks for posting about Stagefright bug. It seems to be a hell of a bug. I have done all of them except the first one. Could you elaborate on how to edit build.prop?
By the way just a small thing: there is an extra "r" in
3) Use Firefox. Type about:config > Search for Stragefright > Set stagefright.disabled to True
Thanks again.

You're welcome. Enjoy!
lfe.zaius said:
Oh lord, might be joining the N1 family due to recent corrupt internal data/EMMC failures on the Sensation and One Mini. Hoping to get a daily ROM and stable service from AT&T. Any critical updates/preventions prior to dusting off 2 years of being shelved and lending to 3 people (aka TANK N1).
Excited to see activity and will give this a shot when I get home. Thanks for posting!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You edit build.prop either right on the phone using a text editor, or if you're like me, do it on the computer with Notepad++. It's a text based file. Oh yes, that was a spelling error. Fixed.
miui_nexus1 said:
Thanks for posting about Stagefright bug. It seems to be a hell of a bug. I have done all of them except the first one. Could you elaborate on how to edit build.prop?
By the way just a small thing: there is an extra "r" in
3) Use Firefox. Type about:config > Search for Stragefright > Set stagefright.disabled to True
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I have opened it using ES file explorer (ES Note editor) on my device but when I want to save it it shows an error:"Error occurred when trying to save the file. It will not be saved.". I have granted Superuser access to ES file explorer but I cannot find a way to give the specified permissions you have mentioned in the post. I would appreciate your help.

[Tutorial] [OTA 3.0] [Nvidia Shield Tablet] How to debloat and optimize ota 3.0

DISCLAIMER: though this seems safe, there are always risks. Warranty may be void, bugs might crawl out of your shield. I am not responsible for mishaps, bugs, crashes, damage, loss of jobs, girlfriends, and/or if your shield turns into Skynet and begins to destroy the human race!
Firstly, throughout this tutorial I will be shamelessly pointing you toward others threads. Please, give them your thanks. They are masters in their fields and with out them none of this would be happening! Also remember noone gets paid for any of this, they with their skills and I with time do this out love for tech and a desire to help others and see them enjoy their tech as much as we all love ours. That said... Onto the cookies!
*********PLEASE NOTE*********
*********THIS ENTIRE PROCESS CAN BE DONE WITH OUT ANY ACCESS TO A PC!
--BUT--
TO KEEP A LOCKED BOOTLOADER AND AVOID WARRANTY NASTYNESS PLEASE READ
*If you are still on a locked bootloader, and want to easily keep it. Root ota 2.2.1 first, install flashify, and use it to install twrp.
*Rooting ota 3. 0 and using flashify from there will also preserve locked bootloader.
*Rooted ota 2.2.1 or a custom recovery will break nvidias native ota system. You will have need a copy if the FULL OTA from the links provided. They flash easily in twrp. But ONLY THE FULL OTA, NOT THE INCREMENTAL.
******PREREQUISITES (These Are Required)******
*Must be rooted.
If coming from stock, (unrooted, stock recovery, and locked bootloader) Kingroot will root any ota so far.
Install apk, run it, it will most likely reboot your shield, on ota 3 it will freeze, (mine did at around 30% on ota 3, but instead of a reboot, I got a freeze) this is normal. Hold power button until the shield turns off. Boot back up, and run Kingroot again. It should now complete fine, installing Kinguser as root control app. This gives you enough root to run flashify from play store to install the next step. (thanks to China for making kingroot and whoever translated it for us)
Kingroot link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/one-click-root-tool-android-2-x-5-0-t3107461
*Team Win Recovery Project (twrp) must be installed.
Head over here to @Steel01 thread for multi rom twrp. You will only (at the moment) need his modified twrp build. More instructions there. Don't forget to thank him! (Thanks @Steel01)
@Steel01 multi rom twrp thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tablet/development/multirom-v30-unofficial-port-t3025355
*ota 3.0 FULL OTA (thanks to @MidgetMob)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shi...k-recovery-images-ota-library-guides-t2988881
*MEGA may or may NOT work. Mega has issues from time to time. (thanks @Ctrl_Alt_Del for the heads up)
****If MEGA links are not working, here's another source.
Thanks @gavin-phelan for the links.
OTHER Link for full ota: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tablet/general/android-5-1-t3115536
*SuperSU recovery flashable installer. (thanks to @Chainfire)
Link to supersu beta (beta works better for the xposed framework):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/supersu/2014-09-02-supersu-v2-05-t2868133
*Fdroid store for selinux mode changer (needed for viper) and ad away apps! (thanks Fdroid!)
Link: https://f-droid.org
*****OPTIONAL*****
*Xposed super alpha for Android 5.1 (sdk22) (thanks @romracer)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/super-alpha-posted-permission-xposed-t3072979
You must read that thread a bit. You will need the xposed installer from the main xposed lollipop thread. (thanks @rovo89)
Main xposed thread
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3034811
*Gravitybox works on 5.1 now (thanks @C3C076)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/app-gravitybox-v5-0-0alpha-tweak-box-t3037566
*BusyBox - Busybox is required for viper4android install. Make sure to run and install it BEFORE YOU INSTALL VIPER DRIVER. The apk can be installed, but when you run it. It will try to install the viper driver. Selinux must be set to permissive, and busybox installed first.
It can be found in play store.
*selinuxmodechanger can be found in fdroid repository.
*ViPER4Android audio engine (thanks @zhuhang)
For viper install. Be sure to install fdroid and get selinux mode changer. And change to permissive BEFORE YOU INSTALL VIPER DRIVER. the app is fine but for the driver to install selinux must be set to permissive. After that it's fine to set it back to enforcing.
Link: http://vipersaudio.com/blog/?page_id=48
Forum:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2191223
Someone said cookies? (Procedure)
**tip** titanium backup SUCKS FOR backing up app data. Bugs out the apps sometimes. So for games, manually backup saves and place them back after reinstall. It's helpful to use tibu to backup your apps alone. Then use tibu again to make a recovery flashable zip to reinstall them all at once....
*Firstly you will need a root enabled file browser (I use es file explorer)
*On the internal memory, firstly back up any pics or ANYTHING you want saved from internal memory to the external SD card. (I usually name my backup folders starting with a # to keep them separated from anything that's written to external via an app or the system. Helps to keep track.)
*Next delete it ALL. In es file Explorer just as everything in sdcard0. /android gone, all folders, ax them. I even nuked the hidden folders and all. I wanted a totally clean install. So anything in the /sdcard0 folder can get wiped. As wiping through twrp DOES NOT WIPE THESE FILES. And sometimes can cause oddness on new installs. This can also be achieved through twrp but it takes longer. Keep in mind that everything inside /sdcard is rebuilt on FIRST boot. Hence deleting in twrp. Don't navigate to straight / things go bad if you mess about in those files....
*After everything has been deleted on internal, and the folders your not using for backups on external. Namely the /android folder on external. You should be ready to reboot to recovery....
*Now reboot into twrp. Click wipe, advanced, then check dalvik, system, data, and cache. Wipe
*Now flash the FULL OTA for your model of shield.
*Next click the home button in twrp. Then Mount, then, uncheck the box for system, then, re-check it. (remount system)
*Now click on the Home button again, Advanced, File Manager.....
*Now the fun part...
Navigate to /system/app and delete the following FOLDERS, contents and all, by clicking on each folder one at a time, once clicked, it will show you contents of that folder. At the bottom click select, then delete, swipe to delete. For each of the following folders....
++*NOTICE* Some of these folders contain libs (library files) and i discovered some issues with deleting them. (videos not working, possible connection console mode crashing, etc) These folders are indicated below, and any side effects possible due to its removal. Console mode has been solid so far even without the libs. That doesnt mean that it wont cause any issues later and i just havent seen it yet. So BEWARE o0o0o =D
Adobe reader
Books
Calendar
++**Chrome (I use chrome beta) (CONTAINS LIBS) possible connection to the "great chrome slowdown" These ARE SAFE to remove and removal may cure the slowdown bug. either way, using any browser BUT chrome (i.e. Chrome Beta, Dolphin, Opera etc.) also fixes the "Chrome slug races"
Cloud print
Input methods for Japanese and Korean (unless you need it)
++**Drive (CONTAINS LIBS) i havent noticed any side effects from removing these and SHOULD BE SAFE to delete. also i use es file explorer for drive access
Email (I use inbox)
Evernote
Evernote widget
Exchange2
Gmail (I use inbox or reinstall from store)
++**Hangouts (CONTAINS LIBS) i use hangouts for OUTGOING PHONE CALLS, as such i feel these libs are POSSIBLY NOT SAFE to remove. i havent found any issues so far but BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY on an essential core sytem
Holo spiral
Google tts (optional)
Juswrite (I don't use the stylus or handwriting)
latinIME (aosp keyboard)
++**Maps (CONTAINS LIBS) i havent found any issues but NAVIGATION to me is an essential core system therefore i feel these are POSSIBLY NOT SAFE to remove. again BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY
Music2 (I use gonemad music player or reinstall from store)
Newstand
Nvcameraawesome (it sucked and I use camera51)
Phase beam
Play games
++**Print spooler (CONTAINS LIBS) never use(d) it so i dunno really. SHOULD BE SAFE to remove (feedback welcome)
Street
Stylusmobileoem (like I said I don't even HAVE a stylus (unless someone has an extra they are willing to mail....)
Talkback
Trine 2 (unless you like it)
Twitch (unless you use it, also in play store)
++**Videos (CONTAINS LIBS) I had issues playing embedded videos in play store (app trailers) and some websites. i would recommend DO NOT REMOVE THIS. i ONLY left this here for info only. remove ONLY AT YOUR OWN RISK
Write (again with stylus stuff)
++**Youtube (CONTAINS LIBS) never had any issues removing this. but i feel it could be related to my above mentioned video playback bug. this is OPTIONAL.
*now navigate to /system/priv-app
Delete folder musicfx (needs to be gone or disabled for viper4android audio install)
*now navigate to /system/vendor/app
Delete the folder watercolor (dabbler can be gotten from play store)
*if you feel busy /system/media/audio is where the ring tones are and you can delete the ones you don't use for more space but it's only 3mb....
*FINALLY hit the home button in twrp again.
**DO NOT FORGET** Install superSU beta for root!!!
*REBOOT!!
*After system boots up and gets done optimizing, it's safe to reboot back to twrp and flash the xposed framework.
*You're done! That's it... Wait... What? You want even MORE cookies? Well, OK....
*Keep reading for optional steps for even better results!
***PS... Keep checking our friend's @BitOBSessiOn and @twistedumbrella threads for really great kernels for our ota..
Thanks @BitOBSessiOn
Thanks @twistedumbrella
Links:
Bito: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shi.../tweaked-kernel-nvidia-shield-tablet-t3069776
++++++ ***check out @BitOBSessiOn thread, ota 3.0 source built, optimized kernels for all models released!
NEW UNIFIED BUILDS FOR OTA 3.0 (ONE FILE FOR ALL MODELS)
Twistedumbrella: 2.2.1 ONLY http://forum.xda-developers.com/shi...t/stock-lollipop-kernel-cifs-support-t2967839
And some more post script.
PPS **tips**
*System apps always keep a copy of themselves for when it gets updated, so all those apps (that you just deleted) end up being over 400 mb after they all update once. And they ALL HAVE updates at time of install. So you save there. Just takes a minute to reinstall as user apps from the play store,and save a bunch of space.
***WIFI ISSUES!** If you do NOT HAVE a 5ghz router. Go to wifi settings, advanced, wifi band, switch from auto to 2.4ghz, makes the Web run faster and if it's set to auto I notice a good 40 second delay in wifi connecting. Also make sure the box "wifi always scan" is turned in. Otherwise wifi doesn't auto connect at boot.
*Get folder mount from the play store. It automagically patches android to let apps write to external SD. As well as links folders on external to internal so you can move ANY app to sd card. Profit!
*For a cleaner install. Install fdroid, then ad away. And run ad away before you ever open more than play store for es file Explorer to install fdroid. This way ad away is the first or one of the first apps to open. Blocking ads from that point on. That way if apps have built in ads, they won't even be able to load!
*Also thanks to @djdarkknight96 here's a link for a bad ass themed SwiftKey keyboard
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1016053
*To improve system responsiveness, enable developer options (In settings, click about tablet, click build number 7 times.) Then in developer options about midway down, turn "window animation scale" "transition animation scale" and "animator duration scale" from 1.0 to .5 this increases the speed of animations throughout the system/rom
*After installing the gravitybox xposed module, you can turn those 3 animation scales down further to .25 for even faster response.
*Native lcd density for shield tablet is 283.
It comes stock at 320
*Nvidia corporate tegra color scheme. Green is hex (#76b900) rgb (r:118 g:185 b:0), and grey, hex (#5c5c5c) not sure greys rgb. And black.... I looked it up in their corporate and product guidelines pdf.
*You can add apps to console mode by clicking the little + symbol under "android games" and "media apps" in shield hub. They will then be added to the "easier" to navigate shield hub menu.
*In the play store kernel adiutor (yes that's how it's spelled) allows control over the cpu speed and other critical stuff and things. To squeeze alot more juice from your battery, if everything else here is done, I found I could clock the cpu @2ghz (200mhz down from stock) and it's just as fast as true stock. Killer battery savings on top of the improvements already made in ota 3.0
*If you adjust the clock speeds in kernel adiutor... Make sure to reset the minimum to 51 every time and sit and watch to make sure they stuck. They will float around, then settle. But if you exit after altering the max and the minimum is floating high, it will set the minimum to that value.... Found THAT out the hard way......
*The letters that form the word "SHIELD" on the back of our devices.... Are stickers in small indents.... Looks really kewl if taken out. (see post #13 for pics)
+ *POSSIBLE USB ON THE GO (OTG) FIX*
Power off your shield, plug in USB OTG cable with a flash drive in it. Power on the shield. Once booted, pull flash drive and use whatever OTG compatible device you wish (mouse, keyboard, micro missile launcher--thanks ThinkGeek!))
ONE CONDITION! This method BREAKS CHARGING UNTIL NEXT REBOOT! (thanks nvidia!)
Enjoy!
Questions and comments always welcomed and encouraged!
If i forgot something, missed a step, whatever. Let me know!
I'll update/add to this if/when I think of things.
Ideas? Let me know!
CHECK POST #2 FOR UPDATE TIMES.
I'll try to highlight changes until I update again.
Look for the + symbol
Cheers,
Cyris
Mmm cookies just like mom makes!

Just a reminder! ALWAYS CHECK THE MD5 CHECKSUM FOR DOWNLOADED FILES. Md5 checker in play store works great. It can certainly save some headaches!
A SECOND MORE IMPORTANT REMINDER, KEEP A COPY OF YOUR FULL OTA IN THE ROOT OF YOUR EXTERNAL SD CARD. THAT WAY IF THE LIQUID DEFECATION TRULY STRIKES THE AUXILIARY ROTOR. YOU CAN USE NVIDIAS BACKUP STOCK RECOVERY (AT BUGDROID (ANDY ON HIS BACK WITH A RED ! OVER IT) HIT "VOLUME UP" + "POWER") TO WIPE DATA AND FLASH A STOCK FULL OTA AND GET BACK UP AND RUNNING AGAIN. THEN USE KINGROOT, THEN FLASHIFY, THEN TWRP, TO GET ROOT BACK AND CUSTOM RECOVERY....
**UPDATES**
Times are Pacific (my local)
+Initial post 5/25 @ 1300 (apx)
+Updated 5/25 @ 1655
+Updated 5/25 @ 1730
+Updated 5/25 @ 1810 - make sure you check this one for viper audio install
+Updated 5/25 @ 2304 - new full ota links
+Updated 5/26 @ 1030 - @BitOBSessiOn ota 3 kernel release, links posted
+Updated 5/26 @ 1546 - Added usb-otg temporary fix
+Updated 5/27 @ 2200 - Cleanup OP, removed old + symbols
+Updated 6/17 @ 1430 - Added info on folders containing LIBS in the wiping section.

Nice! I will report back once I have redone my tablet.
And please, give me some time. It's the end of a holiday weekend & I have a few things to do before going back to work Tuesday.

Ctrl_Alt_Del said:
Nice! I will report back once I have redone my tablet.
And please, give me some time. It's the end of a holiday weekend & I have a few things to do before going back to work Tuesday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. I created this thread for a laid back easy way to (try) and get the most from our device. Xda was always my go to place to find help and it's a bit different now. Not everyone is a developer, but it shouldn't be hard to get knowledge from those that are. Hell I'm no dev, just like to test stuff, a crack flasher. But at one time I didn't know what root was..... We all were. I know I love it when I show someone my device I spent 100s of hours tweaking just right and the look on their face! At one time that was me. I had to ask questions that probably got a few chuckles. But usually there was someone there to ask. If i can help I figure I SHOULD,
As I said I encourage questions. It may help someone else later on. Cheers!

... Wrong button.....

All is well. And the wipe,install directions from TWRP went flawlessly.
As soon as it booted, I was presented with the Welcome screen, as if it were a brand new device, unlike just updating an older OS. Chose the language, if I had a Google account & signed in...all that cookie dust. Apps from the list I have backed up to the Google servers under my account downloaded & installed automagically.
And best of all....no more "Android is Starting" & no more "optimizing the apps" at cold startup! Big thumbs up there! :good:
By the way, I could not get the full install from the link you provided from another user. It went to Mega & Mega is having transfer issues. It would download about 10 thru 15 % then flash something about a transfer error, then reduce the file transferred back down to 8 or 9 %...then download that again up to around 12 % or so, then back down to 8 %....lather, rinse, repeat...indefinitely! I used this user's link in his post to get the correct ROM: Android 5.1 out now
Just an FYI there.

Ctrl_Alt_Del said:
All is well. And the wipe,install directions from TWRP went flawlessly.
As soon as it booted, I was presented with the Welcome screen, as if it were a brand new device, unlike just updating an older OS. Chose the language, if I had a Google account & signed in...all that cookie dust. Apps from the list I have backed up to the Google servers under my account downloaded & installed automagically.
And best of all....no more "Android is Starting" & no more "optimizing the apps" at cold startup! Big thumbs up there! :good:
By the way, I could not get the full install from the link you provided from another user. It went to Mega & Mega is having transfer issues. It would download about 10 thru 15 % then flash something about a transfer error, then reduce the file transferred back down to 8 or 9 %...then download that again up to around 12 % or so, then back down to 8 %....lather, rinse, repeat...indefinitely! I used this user's link in his post to get the correct ROM: Android 5.1 out now
Just an FYI there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear it went well. And thanks for the info on mega. It does that from time to time. Could be alot of people trying to get that file right now. Links updated.
If you go through the xposed install and all. It gets spooky fast....

can you explain about screen density? native 283? how do you know that? table has 320 dpi

Excellent guide and info. Spent all weekend formatting and dealing with "optimizing apps", this fixed it all, great tablet now

GOALAR said:
can you explain about screen density? native 283? how do you know that? table has 320 dpi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an 8 inch screen. With a resolution of 1920x1200 I'm not sure the math, but it adds up to 283,or there are a few sites that you can go to and enter your the screen info and it will tell you what you density is. Density is how many pixels are in a square inch. Also GSM arena and a few other sites show this data if you Google "shield tablet specs".
Switching from 320 to 283 just makes the screen look sharper. It also can effect what games are listed as compatible in the play store. Example, dead space and dead trigger 2 will not install @ 283. But will run at it. I have dead space myself and it plays fine but I have to side load it or set my density back to 320 in build.prop then install it.
Think of it like running different resolutions on your pc monitor. The monitor will show them just fine, but only 1 is the exact spec from the factory, and look the best.

Thanks For This
Hi, @Pariahnoble. Just wanted to say that this is great, exactly the kind of effort that supports the XDA community.
I am sure that this will be a huge help to a lot of people.

koop1955 said:
Hi, @Pariahnoble. Just wanted to say that this is great, exactly the kind of effort that supports the XDA community.
I am sure that this will be a huge help to a lot of people.
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Thanks! =D Just hope it does in fact help some folks enjoy their shields a little more. I've been pretty unhappy so far, it was this or a Nexus 9, now I don't regret my decision anymore lol

Pictures of back of shield with letter stickers removed

Updated again

I'm surprised there aren't more comments on this thread. This looks great.
By the way, did I miss something or can this actually be done completely without the use of a computer?

radio five said:
I'm surprised there aren't more comments on this thread. This looks great.
By the way, did I miss something or can this actually be done completely without the use of a computer?
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Nope didn't miss a beat. This whole process can be done with no pc (I don't have a pc, my shield is my ONLY device.) so I've learned how to do it all locally (on board the shield itself).
This is only just now available, 5/13 kingroot was released that would root the tablet stock off the shelf. And flashify to put on the custom twrp. After that it's good times!
Ps, thanks for the heads up on the no pc thing, I forgot to mention that, OP updated...

That's great news for me since my computer recently took a **** and I'm about to throw my old laptop out the window. (windows vista, won't take adb drivers, runs out of memory using chrome, etc...)
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app

radio five said:
That's great news for me since my computer recently took a **** and I'm about to throw my old laptop out the window. (windows vista, won't take adb drivers, runs out of memory using chrome, etc...)
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
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Ouch! I feel your pain. I recently had to try to flash using add (adb but "add" was a great typo) on Windows xp.... Oh yeah... THAT went well.... Then 2 days later kingroot came out.
Just make sure (and I'll add this to the op as well) to keep a copy of the full ota on the ROOT of your external SD card, that way if your shield take a flaming deuce in your hands, you can STILL use nvidia backup recovery. If you have ever seen the "bug droid" (ole Andy on his back and the flaming red ! Over it) hold the "volume up" button and hit power and the nvidia recovery comes up. Let's you flash a STOCK FULL OTA and bam, back in business, just kingroot, flashify, twrp, keep calm, and carry on!

Man, I'm glad you said something! I'm gathering all the files on my external sd card in a folder (downloads/Shield Optimization) and I was getting ready to take the plunge. I'll move everything to the sd card's root before I get started.
I'm also considering backing all of my sd card to a work computer temporarily so I can reformat it. My junk heap of a laptop can't read it but I suspect my shield may have formatted it to a weird..... format.
I just want to have the card ready in the event I want to transfer large files and not wait as long.
Speaking of which, would I be able to format my sd card via my PC with it still in the Shield, connected by a usb cable?
Sorry if I'm getting slightly off topic.
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app

@radio five
Firstly the only file you really need in the root folder is the ota zip. That's only because I'm pretty sure that's where the stock recovery will look for it, IF everything goes to hell.
Yes about formatting your card or storing files elsewhere during all this. The closer to a fresh card and internal memory the better.
Not sure what if any besides ntfs that the shield would format it to. But ntfs is recommended. And it's so far the only (I think) supported format for cards over 32gb. Also. After you format it to ntfs, quick format is OK, full is better but much slower on Windows, make sure to name it. Any is OK. "Sdcard" works.
In Windows Explorer, click on the volume (Sdcard you just formatted) to select it. Wait a sec. Then click it again. And name it when it highlights.
It fixes SOMETHING, Noone really knows what, but makes the shield recognize SD cards over 32gb
I'm sure there IS a way to format via adb, but I have no idea how...
What topic? >.< lol all questions are encouraged.

How to install a custom Rom with the small system partition size??

Hi all.
Dug an original 2012 nexus 7 (16GB) out of the drawer to see if it could be refreshed a bit and brought back in to some sort of use.
I've put Lineage 14.1 on it and rooted with the nexus toolkit but I had to install the pico Gapps as there is only 689mb of system space. I've trawled the internet looking for a solution on how to make the system partition slightly bigger to accomodate a larger rom and all i came up with was using "Parted" to try and resize the partitions. I've tried everything but i can't get a reading from mmcblk0. Keeps telling me that there's no such file or words to that effect. I know it's there because i can see it. I'm clearly doing something wrong in adb. I see Roms for CRDroid that combined with Gapps pico are too big to fit on. They've been made so there's obviously a way to get them on there that i'm missing.
Would anybody be willing to give me a guide on how to get the system partition bigger?
Thanks very much

There is no possibility to re-orgainize partition sizes for the Nexus 7. The only idea which could work in my opinion: create an image file on the /data partition, move the content from e.g. /system/apps there and bind mount the image file to /system/apps
Unfortunately this new concept needs to be supported by your custom recovery, too, otherwise you would not be able to install any app. Long story, short answer: much work to be done and it's not really needed as you can download almost all Gapps from the playstore and then these apps will be installed on the /data partition.
Btw. custom ROMs occupying too much space on /system probably should try to reduce the number of supported languages / features or renounce on pre-compilation of the build-in apps. First startup will take longer but on the other side you gain some additional space ... Just a hint.

Try google "nvflash" for Nexus 7. Attention! This is a low-level utility, if used improperly and there are no backups, RESTORE THE DEVICE WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE!!!
I strongly do not recommend this, the risk of turning the tablet into a brick is very large.
Instead, you can use root file explorer to remove unnecessary system applications and files (for example, media - boot animation, sounds, etc.) to free space.

gmikhail said:
Try google "nvflash" for Nexus 7. Attention! This is a low-level utility, if used improperly and there are no backups, RESTORE THE DEVICE WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE!!!
I strongly do not recommend this, the risk of turning the tablet into a brick is very large.
Instead, you can use root file explorer to remove unnecessary system applications and files (for example, media - boot animation, sounds, etc.) to free space.
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Hi.
Spent the last hour or so trying to decipher what nvflash actually was. I think the penny has dropped. You wern't recommending it as a way to get more space. You were potentially recommending it as a failsafe so i could mess about with the partitions without bricking it????
Anyway, thanks very much. I think i'll just have a look at uninstalling some of the non required files to free up the space. I assume the best way would be to install the ROM of choice, go in and uninstall stuff and hopefully if enough space has been created, be able to flash gapps?

@blueplasticsoulman probably you would like to have a look at Magic GApps 2017.11.9, they are implementing more or less the solution I pointed out in my other post. I didn't try yet, but sounds promising to me.

AndDiSa said:
@blueplasticsoulman probably you would like to have a look at Magic GApps 2017.11.9, they are implementing more or less the solution I pointed out in my other post. I didn't try yet, but sounds promising to me.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for that. I did get the problem sorted by installing the rom and then removing things that wern't required such as stock email, telephone functions (not sure why they are in the rom anyway) gallery and some wallpapers. That created enough space to then be able to install pico gapps. Runs quite nice on CRdroid although it probably wont get used as we all have newer tablets. Still, nice to know it runs good after 6 years. :good: