Database Users

a2sd + partitioning Moving and Undoing

3 Questions on A2SD
1. How can i undo the partition to my SD card?
2. What is the procedure if i wanted to add more space for a2sd on my card?
3. If i wanted to switch roms is there a special procedure to back up and move apps?

bigboidomo said:
1. How can i undo the partition to my SD card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure to backup anything on your card(regular mount and apps mount) as doing anything with the partition will have to wipe your sd card completely.
Then just reboot into recovery and select partition. Just don't allocate space for apps2sd.
2. What is the procedure if i wanted to add more space for a2sd on my card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same as above just go through the partition process again. Only thing to note is you may want to hold off going from ext3 to ext4. I don't think all the ROMs support ext4. So be careful or just stick with ext3 to be safe.
3. If i wanted to switch roms is there a special procedure to back up and move apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best bet(in my opinion) is to DL Titanium Backup from the market place. There are other backup apps but I feel that one works the best. re-installing means a lot of clicking but if you donate then that part is automated.

Apps2Sd or App2Ext?

I want to know in which partition it would be better to have apps on? Ext or Fat? Should I move the apps which support Moving to SD card to the Fat partition or it doesnt matter in which partition the app is?

depends on your preference, for some people it might be easier to just use apps2sd since it require no setup while ext does.
i prefer apps2ext because it works for me and i just experience too many problems with apps2sd

behelit said:
depends on your preference, for some people it might be easier to just use apps2sd since it require no setup while ext does.
i prefer apps2ext because it works for me and i just experience too many problems with apps2sd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have set up apps2ext on my phone.. But is there any advantage or disadvantage in keeping apps in either of the partition?
BTW what problems did you face in apps2sd?

This may help:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=8012686&postcount=4342

Thanks for this ..

Ive set up my apps2ext and most of my apps are in the ext partition but I have found that not all apps are in there...some are stored in sd and some in phone...why is that? I have still around 0.5gb left in the ext partition...
can anyone shed some light into this? thanks in advance

nazrin313 said:
Ive set up my apps2ext and most of my apps are in the ext partition but I have found that not all apps are in there...some are stored in sd and some in phone...why is that? I have still around 0.5gb left in the ext partition...
can anyone shed some light into this? thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android sees and reports apps on your sd-ext partition (apps2ext) as internal.
App developers can force apps to install on SD (sd-fat).
If you install an app that is forced to SD then it will install on "external" (sd-fat) and be reported as such.
You can prevent this behaviour, and I recommend doing this, by forcing apps to internal storage (despite what the developer builds into the app) - you may need a custom rom for this(?). They will always be installed on sd-ext then.

djmcnz said:
Android sees and reports apps on your sd-ext partition (apps2ext) as internal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply. And Yeap I know but I have also seen at some instance that the apps are stored in the phone memory
djmcnz said:
You can prevent this behaviour, and I recommend doing this, by forcing apps to internal storage (despite what the developer builds into the app) - you may need a custom rom for this(?). They will always be installed on sd-ext then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using Enom's latest if thats any help

nazrin313 said:
Thanks for the quick reply. And Yeap I know but I have also seen at some instance that the apps are stored in the phone memory
Im using Enom's latest if thats any help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfect:
Code:
adb shell pm setInstallLocation 1
Will set future installs to "internal" (sd-ext).
You'll need to manually move the ones already on sd-fat back to "internal" using Manage Applications... then fixed...
EDIT: Oh! I see "phone memory" - sorry. They will not be in /data/app/ they will be in /data/app-private/ which is NOT moved to sd-ext...

djmcnz said:
Perfect:
Code:
adb shell pm setInstallLocation 1
Well set future installs to "internal" (sd-ext).
You'll need to manually move the ones already on sd-fat back to "internal" using Manage Applications... then fixed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks buddy, your a star.....

tried what you suggested and moved the apps from sd to internal..now Im running low on space as Im down to 19mb...any suggestions? Did I do something wrong?
EDIT...just saw your edit...what do you mean?

nazrin313 said:
tried what you suggested and moved the apps from sd to internal..now Im running low on space as Im down to 19mb...any suggestions? Did I do something wrong?
EDIT...just saw your edit...what do you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
19MB suggests apps2ext is not working... it should never really go below ~60MB with apps2ext (I have 203 apps and ~70MB free).
The edit means that some secure apps are installed to a location that apps2ext does NOT move... although there are very few of these, nothing to account for ~19MB.
What apps2ext does your rom use? DarkTremor? If so that has built in diagnostics... otherwise, if you do this:
Code:
Terminal:
ls -l /data/
Code:
ADB:
adb shell ls -l /data/
What do you get back?

djmcnz said:
19MB suggests apps2ext is not working... it should never really go below ~60MB with apps2ext (I have 203 apps and ~70MB free).
The edit means that some secure apps are installed to a location that apps2ext does NOT move... although there are very few of these, nothing to account for ~19MB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im sure its working as I have most of my apps (some 170+) are in ext3sd..and the rest either in phone or fat sd...
djmcnz said:
Code:
Terminal:
ls -l /data/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its says anr,app, app-private,backup, d_app_store, dalvik-cache, data, dontpanic, local, lost+found, misc, property, systems, tombstones...
dats it...

nazrin313 said:
Im sure its working as I have most of my apps (some 170+) are in ext3sd..and the rest either in phone or fat sd...
its says anr,app, app-private,backup, d_app_store, dalvik-cache, data, dontpanic, local, lost+found, misc, property, systems, tombstones...
dats it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
should say something like
Code:
/data/app -> /system/sd/app
To reflect the symlink.

djmcnz said:
should say something like
Code:
/data/app -> /system/sd/app
To reflect the symlink.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm...interesting, I guess Enom's rom doesnt use darktremor's script...what do you suggest? I guess it would hurt putting the script over the ROM?
Edit: i ran the code again indeed it did say /data/app -> /system/sd/app
Ermmm... so what next?

nazrin313 said:
Hmmmm...interesting, I guess Enom's rom doesnt use darktremor's script...what do you suggest? I guess it would hurt putting the script over the ROM?
Edit: i ran the code again indeed it did say /data/app -> /system/sd/app
Ermmm... so what next?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hunt and peck.
du will give you disk usage...

nazrin313 said:
Im sure its working as I have most of my apps (some 170+) are in ext3sd..and the rest either in phone or fat sd...
its says anr,app, app-private,backup, d_app_store, dalvik-cache, data, dontpanic, local, lost+found, misc, property, systems, tombstones...
dats it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
170+ apps = LOTS OF DALVIK CACHE. My 120ish is 110m.. Of course it depends on the app, but I'd say you're seeing all dalvik cache. If you really need more internal storage, you'll have to uninstall some apps or move dalvik to SD. (NOT /cache)

Yeap, i can confirm dat its all dalvik cache...so, should i move the dalvik to sd? Why? N why not cache?
Update:
Ive tried putting dalvik into sd but i had a system process error...what up? Luckily i did a nandroid before i moved it

Another update
Tried dc to cache - everything loaded just fine but cannot install apps from market
Tried dc to sd - system error n fc's everything
Anyone?

How to format SD card as Ext4?

How do I format the SD card as Ext4 and then make a partition of about 750mb on it?

If you have a card reader you could just boot your computer with linux (live cd or usb stick) and use linux tools (gparted etc) to partition the card.

Daz555 said:
If you have a card reader you could just boot your computer with linux (live cd or usb stick) and use linux tools (gparted etc) to partition the card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do I need a card reader, I put my phone in Disk Drive and then tried gparted but it couldnt find it, Il try a card reader tonight!

You can actually just connect via USB. Then right click on it in Linux and chose Format. Then go into the advanced options. (I use Ubuntu and have used LinuxMint in the past)

vious21 said:
You can actually just connect via USB. Then right click on it in Linux and chose Format. Then go into the advanced options. (I use Ubuntu and have used LinuxMint in the past)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks ive partitioned it, now how do I get all my apps onto my partition lol!

How about using windows platform? How to partition in ext4?

c_shekhar said:
How about using windows platform? How to partition in ext4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just boot Gparted Live from a usb or something.

Repsys7 said:
Ok thanks ive partitioned it, now how do I get all my apps onto my partition lol!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the rom you're using supports A2SD (every rom doesn't) there's probably instructions in the thread for that. Here's from LeeDroid's thread:
LeeDroid said:
Q: What is A2SD+
A:
A2SD+ Moves your apps & Dalvik cahche to a hidden EXT partition on your MicroSD
You will be required to format you SD card with 2 partitions as laid out below
How do i set up my MicroSD ready for A2SD+
A:
Backup all data on you SD card (this will be Formatted)
The card should be formatted with your standard FAT32 partition 1st followed by an EXT3 partition (I would recommend a minimum 512mb)
Linux users use GParted or a similar software.
For everyone else I would recommend using Rom Manager or CWM
Once you have downloaded ROM manager from the market, open the app and click partition SD Card, Select your EXT size and set 0mb for swap
Restore your data to your SD.
Flash the A2SD+ Patch
Boot << Please be aware, 1st boot may take a while depending on how many apps you have installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Hawks556 said:
If the rom you're using supports A2SD (every rom doesn't) there's probably instructions in the thread for that. Here's from LeeDroid's thread:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Im using RCMix3D at the moment, im not sure if it has A2SD though, if it doesnt is there a way to get it like just flashing it or something?

Repsys7 said:
Thanks! Im using RCMix3D at the moment, im not sure if it has A2SD though, if it doesnt is there a way to get it like just flashing it or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, every rom doesn't support A2SD and those who do have it probably mentioned in the OP of the rom thread (RCMix3D doesn't atm). You can't add A2SD support by flashing, you can only flash the A2SD patch to a rom that supports it.

Hawks556 said:
As I said, every rom doesn't support A2SD and those who do have it probably mentioned in the OP of the rom thread (RCMix3D doesn't atm). You can't add A2SD support by flashing, you can only flash the A2SD patch to a rom that supports it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh alright then, Il have to find another way to get apps to sd I guess!
Thanks for your help!

Excuse me for going off-topic a bit
But why are there so many people focused on moving every application to the SD card?
It can't be for the space... I just counted and I have 70 apps installed on my internal memory, using 274 MB with 883 MB free.
I just don't get it?

co2-guy said:
Excuse me for going off-topic a bit
But why are there so many people focused on moving every application to the SD card?
It can't be for the space... I just counted and I have 70 apps installed on my internal memory, using 274 MB with 883 MB free.
I just don't get it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont know about other people but for me, there is a new rom out every day and full wiping makes sure nothings wrong and if the apps are on the SD then its just easier you dont have to worry about losing your apps

But always you can use Titanum Backup to backup your apps.

Hmm.. So, ext4... For what? I know, ext4 is newest than ext3, but performance ext4>ext3 or for what?

suroegin said:
Hmm.. So, ext4... For what? I know, ext4 is newest than ext3, but performance ext4>ext3 or for what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ext4 is the same as ext3, but has journalling initialised that makes it more fault tolerant. Don't take my word for it read me here

Dod6 said:
But always you can use Titanum Backup to backup your apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But if I do that when I restore it do I still get my progress in apps, like where im up to and stuff?

Repsys7 said:
But if I do that when I restore it do I still get my progress in apps, like where im up to and stuff?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, as long as you backup and restore apk + Data for the required apps

ghostofcain said:
Yes, as long as you backup and restore apk + Data for the required apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I didnt know that, how do I do that?

A2sd help needed!

When I try to use A2SD commands I get "darktremor apps2sd may not have ran during boot cannot read a2sd.mountpoint"
Its saying my sd partition is not mounted, and no apps have moved to sd card
please help guys!

Have you partitioned your SD card correctly so that it works with a2sd?

Daz555 said:
Have you partitioned your SD card correctly so that it works with a2sd?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think so, I partitioned it Ext4. what else do I have to do?

Please list the exact partition config you have on your SD card. That way we'll hopefully be able to see the problem. Also please tell us which ROM you are using.

Daz555 said:
Please list the exact partition config you have on your SD card. That way we'll hopefully be able to see the problem. Also please tell us which ROM you are using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I have an Ext4 745.20mb partition with 28mb used (I dont know what its used on)
Im using RCMix3D but I installed the A2SD script and I know its working because I can use A2SD Commands!

Repsys7 said:
Ok I have an Ext4 745.20mb partition with 28mb used (I dont know what its used on)!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, you have an SD card with a single 745MB ext4 partition?
Can you post your exact SD card partition info - all partition sizes, file systems, and in what order they are partitioned.
Also, your ROM - have you asked this question in the relevant thread?

Daz555 said:
Sorry, you have an SD card with a single 745MB ext4 partition?
Can you post your exact SD card partition info - all partition sizes, file systems, and in what order they are partitioned.
Also, your ROM - have you asked this question in the relevant thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry what I meant was my first partition was 6.69gb and Fat32, Then I partitioned 750mb off as Ext4.

Data first and then A2SD partition second is usually the right way around but I am not familiar with your ROM. For example, does it support EXT4?
Might be worthing popping over to the thread for your ROM in the Development forum and asking around there.

Daz555 said:
Data first and then A2SD partition second is usually the right way around but I am not familiar with your ROM. For example, does it support EXT4?
Might be worthing popping over to the thread for your ROM in the Development forum and asking around there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I did data first, and yeah it does support EXT4.
The rom doesnt actually have A2SD in it, but I put it in myself so its probably no use asking in the rom thread.
I've tried everything, I've partitioned it on linux, gparted, minitool partion on windows, Clockwork recovery, none work.
Thanks for your help anyway!

[GUIDE][07/07/11]How to Partition your SD Card

With the GingerSense ROM’s being the new hotness right now, there is a overwhelming amount of questions about partitioning. This guide is intended to help anyone that may want to partition their SD and not sure where to start. This information was gathered from The Mynions and posted several times in Myn’s Warm2p2 and Project Synergy threads. This guide was created while using Project Synergy RC1, which runs a CM script that has been modified. Come get assimilated!
Please, READ first before attempting if you are a noob, it’ll save you some gray(grey) hair. I am in no way responsible for any issues you have for following this guide, use at your own risk.
WARNING: This will erase EVERYTHING on your SD card so please transfer the contents of your SD card to a computer or external hard drive PRIOR TO starting this procedure.
1. Boot into recovery (hopefully you have amonRA v2.3)
2. Select "Partition SD Card". You will be prompted to set an amount for the SWAP, ext2 and FAT.
3. Enter zero for the SWAP size, 1024 or 2048 for ext2 and the rest for FAT*
4. After the process finishes, select "Upgrade ext2 to ext3"
5. When the process is complete, go to the wipe menu and wipe EVERYTHING in it.
6. From the main menu, select USB-MS (your phone should be connected to your PC) and copy the Synergy ROM(or your ROM of choice) to the root of your SD Card.**
7. Flash Synergy(or your ROM of choice)
8. Be patient at initial bootup because it can be quite long.
9. I recommend that your 3rd party apps be installed freshly from the market initially. They will automatically be place in the ext3 partition. You can verify it by checking to see that they are listed in the /system/sd/ folder which itself contains 3 folders: app, app-private & dalvik-cache.
After you have followed the directions to partition your card, followed by a flash of the rom and installation of your 3rd party apps & games, go to Menu-Settings-SD & phone storage and check your available internal storage space. If it is 300+, it is safe to assume that the built-in a2sd is working. Furthermore you will need a system level file manager to see the /system/sd/ folder. The Astro File Manager cannot see it.
*These sizes are only used for reference, but excellent choices. You may want to consider a swap partition, even though the stock HTC kernel does not support it. Future kernel development may take advantage of swap and doing so now can save the hassle of re-partitioning later. Food for thought.
**This guide was done while using THE Project Synergy ROM, however it should work across the board.
Hope this helps.
Special thanks to dougjamal, lowetax and all the Mynions helping out around the world (We Global!)

F.A.Q.
Q: Do I have to partition my card?
A: No. The main reason people partition is to take advantage of Apps2SD script. This allows for more internal memory and, depending on which version, control over various system settings (Ex.: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7021317&postcount=1).
Q: Do I need to format my SD Card after partition?
A: Actually, no. Will it hurt if you do? No. Creating partitions wipes the SD Card, sets up logical drives(partitions) and formats the space(or you couldn’t write to it). The time consuming part of partitioning is the Card formatting.
Q: Can I run the stock/android A2SD after partitioning?
A: No. The Apps2SD script is different from stock. Using the stock A2SD will give you problems.
Q: Can I do a nand restore after I partition?
A: No. Your SD card's file system has changed and you may experience unfavorable results.

Since there is no "thanks" on the mobile app. Nice guide.
EVO4G SALVAGEMOD TIAMAT YES

Do you need to do this every time you flash a rom?

Chris 2155 said:
Do you need to do this every time you flash a rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.. it's just like windows partitions.. Once they are setup you don't have to redo them. Just wipe the data and reinstall...

interloper said:
Since there is no "thanks" on the mobile app. Nice guide.
EVO4G SALVAGEMOD TIAMAT YES
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I appreciate it.

Since the stock Kernel doesn't support Swap, after first boot, go to terminal, type Su then enter, then type a2sd check.
It will probably say swap not running at boot. It should say that the partition is present and a bunch of other things.
Next type a2sd swappy10 then enter.
Now type a2sd reswap.
If you get an error, you can run a2sd reinstall which will reboot your phone.
Go back to terminal and type Su and then a2sd reswap.
Should be good to go, but you have to run the reswap after every boot til we get custom kernels.
Swyped From The Hippest Phone Using XDA Premium

Chris 2155 said:
Do you need to do this every time you flash a rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As answered, no. Remember however, when you do a wipe now, include SDEXT if you don't already.

Also might want to add in there to backup your SD to your computer so you won't lose any important files, music, or backups.
And after using cm or darktremmors a2sd do not use the Android a2sd or you will have problems.

HipKat said:
Since the stock Kernel doesn't support Swap, after first boot, go to terminal, type Su then enter, then type a2sd check.
It will probably say swap not running at boot. It should say that the partition is present and a bunch of other things.
Next type a2sd swappy10 then enter.
Now type a2sd reswap.
If you get an error, you can run a2sd reinstall which will reboot your phone.
Go back to terminal and type Su and then a2sd reswap.
Should be good to go, but you have to run the reswap after every boot til we get custom kernels.
Swyped From The Hippest Phone Using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the added info HipKat! When we get custom kernels for GingerSense, I'm going to update the OP with swap instructions. I will use your info provided with it.

androidsupra said:
Also might want to add in there to backup your SD to your computer so you won't lose any important files, music, or backups.
And after using cm or darktremmors a2sd do not use the Android a2sd or you will have problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The warning was already there, i just put it in bold to stick out. I will add the stock A2SD info to the faq.
Thanks.

If I am already running Synergy but have not done this, can I just follow the steps and reboot phone or do I need to reflash the ROM to take advantage of the benefit? And if I need to reflash, can I just wipe cache and dalvik or is a total wipe required.
Thanks for the instructions.

Dredz said:
*These sizes are only used for reference, but excellent choices. You may want to consider a swap partition, even though the stock HTC kernel does not support it. Future kernel development may take advantage of swap and doing so now can save the hassle of re-partitioning later. Food for thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn.. i wish i would have known this last night.. I would have added this part..lol

derrickj said:
If I am already running Synergy but have not done this, can I just follow the steps and reboot phone or do I need to reflash the ROM to take advantage of the benefit? And if I need to reflash, can I just wipe cache and dalvik or is a total wipe required.
Thanks for the instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have to reflash the rom, this WILL erase your entire SD Card. Total wipe required for best results.

one last question... after doing this.. when installing apps from market or whatever... you don't have to run an apps2sd app??? They just automatically install to the sd card???

yznhmr said:
Damn.. i wish i would have known this last night.. I would have added this part..lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm running a 2GB part on the OG 8GB card w/no swap. I always wipe everything when I flash a ROM. When we get custom kernels, i will flash the ROM with at the same time. Then I will get SWAP.

Chris 2155 said:
one last question... after doing this.. when installing apps from market or whatever... you don't have to run an apps2sd app??? They just automatically install to the sd card???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, as long as the ROM you are flashing supports it.

Dredz said:
When we get custom kernels, i will flash the ROM with at the same time. Then I will get SWAP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh??

Dredz said:
Yes, as long as the ROM you are flashing supports it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so what if it doesn't? Do you use the apps2sd app?

yznhmr said:
Huh??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bag. I will flash the ROM and The kernel at the same time. Since this requires a full wipe(by my standards anyway) I will re-partition then and designate a swap size.