Database Users

[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!
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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.

[Q] 9 more attempts before device gets wiped issue

A co-worker and I both have a Verizon Note 3. They both are running Bajarom. We both followed the same steps to root and install it. The only thing I can find that is different about the phones is that I have the Galaxy Gear and it does the auto-lock thing on my phone when the gear is out of range. And we may have some different xposed modules/configs enabled.
However, my device gives the warning about wiping all the data when I enter the unlock pattern wrong. My co-worker's phone does not. I would really like to get rid of this because there is to much of a possibility of my young daughter of playing with the lock screen and wiping my phone.
Can anyone tell me how to get rid of this scary thing? What I have tried so far (all without effect):
1)Tried with android device manager as device administrator and without. Currently not set as device administrator.
2)Switched lock screen to swipe instead of auto-lock.
3)Created a Tasker task to take picture when >1 unlock attempt is made (using secure setting module for profile).
Thanks.

Am I the only one? I can't find much info about this anywhere. All I find are unhelpful posts such as this one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48590347&postcount=23
I can't seem to get rid of this thing.

iherbivore said:
Am I the only one? I can't find much info about this anywhere. All I find are unhelpful posts such as this one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48590347&postcount=23
I can't seem to get rid of this thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if you can get rid of that or not. Kinda weird that one phone has it and the other doesn't. Since you're running Baja you could always PM him directly and see if he knows what's going on. He's pretty down to earth and doesn't have a Dev God Complex. In the meantime do you use Titanium Backup? I would just use this, make a Titanium folder on your external sd card, TIBU will install inital backup folder on your internal. Got into preferences and point Tibu to your external sd card folder. Make a batch backup of your user apps, not system apps. Go through and backup anything it might not have manually, for example if you have bookmarks in chrome batch won't back that up you have to do it manually. Then if your phone gets wiped by accident everything is still on your sd card and just restore with tibu. Honestly anyone flashing roms should have this app, it's priceless. Hope this helps for now.

[Q] Force close loop after editing platform.xml

I wanted to bypass the kitkat restrictions and be able to upload directly to the external SD card with AirDroid, but this seriously backfired on me lol. Ever since editing the platform.xml file in /system/etc/permissions/ and rebooting the phone I've been stuck in a continuous force close loop. I've wiped the cache but this didn't improve anything. I was able to turn all data connections off which actually prevents the force closing from happening, but that seriously diminishes how smart my smartphone is so staying like that is not an option
Now that I've stopped the messages from happening, I've noticed that my internal SD isn't being recognized anymore. Camera doesn't work, the file manager shows zero files and my gallery doesn't show any pictures either. Same for the MP3 player. Most apps are broken now, but some who don't require an internet connection still work.
At this point I'm thinking that I've probably corrupted my internal SD? I think my system partition is fine as I can still run apps and use the system as it should, but I can no longer create files, maps or do anything that requires my internal SD.
Are there any suggestions as to what I should do next? Formatting/factory resets are a last resort so I'm hoping anything can be done to recover my phone! Thanks in advance!

Shuji1987 said:
I wanted to bypass the kitkat restrictions and be able to upload directly to the external SD card with AirDroid, but this seriously backfired on me lol. Ever since editing the platform.xml file in /system/etc/permissions/ and rebooting the phone I've been stuck in a continuous force close loop. I've wiped the cache but this didn't improve anything. I was able to turn all data connections off which actually prevents the force closing from happening, but that seriously diminishes how smart my smartphone is so staying like that is not an option
Now that I've stopped the messages from happening, I've noticed that my internal SD isn't being recognized anymore. Camera doesn't work, the file manager shows zero files and my gallery doesn't show any pictures either. Same for the MP3 player. Most apps are broken now, but some who don't require an internet connection still work.
At this point I'm thinking that I've probably corrupted my internal SD? I think my system partition is fine as I can still run apps and use the system as it should, but I can no longer create files, maps or do anything that requires my internal SD.
Are there any suggestions as to what I should do next? Formatting/factory resets are a last resort so I'm hoping anything can be done to recover my phone! Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your SD card is recognized by the PC or laptop? I think you wrote some fault in the platform.xml file... can't correct it?

Tkkg1994 said:
Your SD card is recognized by the PC or laptop? I think you wrote some fault in the platform.xml file... can't correct it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My PC is able to recognize the internal memory and that there is only 2,7GB of free space (which seems about right). However, when I enter the drive it appears empty. Windows isn't able to see anything. So in that regard Windows is acting the same as my phone.
As for platform.xml, I added <group gid=”media_rw” /> to “WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE“ and didn't do anything else besides that. It's really weird how this happened in the first place.
Any suggestions how to go from here? =)
edit;
I also removed the added permission but this didn't change a thing.

Shuji1987 said:
My PC is able to recognize the internal memory and that there is only 2,7GB of free space (which seems about right). However, when I enter the drive it appears empty. Windows isn't able to see anything. So in that regard Windows is acting the same as my phone.
As for platform.xml, I added <group gid=”media_rw” /> to “WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE“ and didn't do anything else besides that. It's really weird how this happened in the first place.
Any suggestions how to go from here? =)
edit;
I also removed the added permission but this didn't change a thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Mate do you have a custom rom? flash NO WIPE so you will restore the system , all apps and data will remain

MAX 404 said:
Hi
Mate do you have a custom rom? flash NO WIPE so you will restore the system , all apps and data will remain
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should have probably tried this. Instead I became frustrated with the device and did a factory reset (which didn't solve a thing) so the problem is somewhere in the system which is causing the errors. Going to flash the latest stock rom in a bit and HOPEFULLY the phone will work again.

Shuji1987 said:
Should have probably tried this. Instead I became frustrated with the device and did a factory reset (which didn't solve a thing) so the problem is somewhere in the system which is causing the errors. Going to flash the latest stock rom in a bit and HOPEFULLY the phone will work again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lets hope so.
Good luck

Shuji1987 said:
Should have probably tried this. Instead I became frustrated with the device and did a factory reset (which didn't solve a thing) so the problem is somewhere in the system which is causing the errors. Going to flash the latest stock rom in a bit and HOPEFULLY the phone will work again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A factory reset will only wipe the /data part. Because you did something in /system that part is untouched. A reflash should fix it.

Lennyz1988 said:
A factory reset will only wipe the /data part. Because you did something in /system that part is untouched. A reflash should fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I noticed, my bad.
However, I flashed the latest stock rom and did another factory reset but the problem is still present. I keep getting a force close loop. What am I forgetting? What can I still do to fix this problem? I'm at a loss here xd

Shuji1987 said:
Yeah I noticed, my bad.
However, I flashed the latest stock rom and did another factory reset but the problem is still present. I keep getting a force close loop. What am I forgetting? What can I still do to fix this problem? I'm at a loss here xd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi,
As you were "playing around " with your externalSD why you don't copy everything you have on it , format it and see if it works ..before restoring anything onto it

Broke settings.

So i installed the samsung s5 lockscreen, or at least attempted to, I never realized you needed to flash in recovery. First I backed my files up. Then with the zip all I did was copy the files down to system in EZ Explorer, when I found out that my settings.apk went missing and the home button didnt work(or the lockscreen) I tried to restore my files, I restart my phone but no change still no settings and home button doesnt interact at all. (Stock S4 with Root)
(Also I cannot install apps anymore) Any help greatly appreciated!

I think you can solve this by Android development bridge (adb). In a few words, this is a way you can modify your internal memory from your ?. So, you have to push all backup.
If you don't know how to use it, in this page there are a lot of helpful post.

marniba1 said:
I think you can solve this by Android development bridge (adb). In a few words, this is a way you can modify your internal memory from your ?. So, you have to push all backup.
If you don't know how to use it, in this page there are a lot of helpful post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry the app creates a backup, or do I need to have a previously installed backup?

Messed up even further!
Guys I tried to factory reset hoping to fix the problem, but as the config window opens up, I'm flooded with errors. My question is should I just install a ROM and hope that fixes it, or just go to my provider and go by the warranty?(Root I used is towelroot, so it should be gone after FR, so the warranty should still be good.)

Found a fix!
I did what it says here, works perfect except for wifi(Other then that its great)
www(dot)droidviews(dot)com/install-android-4-4-2-kitkat-firmware-on-canadian-galaxy-s4/