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I rooted my nook today and no matter what I try, using Opera Mini, I cannot get any google apps to install. I also cant figure out how to add a device to google apps. Since the Market app never works for anyone this seems to be the only way to install anything but there are no forums mentioning how to install it. I would appreciate some assistance. Thanks.
no one here knows the answer to this? i'm shocked no replies yet.
download gapps.zip and flash it.
Sent from my MT11i using XDA
Just hit thanks if I helped.
Guyman2,
Depending on the rooting method you used, there is way to install gapps, which includes market (google play - they are compatible in use, nothing being left). Check it on the proper post here in the development forum!
Earayil said:
download gapps.zip and flash it.
Sent from my MT11i using XDA
Just hit thanks if I helped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used Touchnooter. What do you mean by "flash it"?
Guyman2 said:
I used Touchnooter. What do you mean by "flash it"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Similar to how you flash the rom. Check the forums you will get the answer. Sorry I coudnt give the link. My data plan is slow.
Sent from my MT11i using XDA
To more succinctly state the problem:
How can you get APKs out of Google Play without loading your personal device with a load of junk from Google?
I've got Google Maps on my Nook right now and every time I turn my back it's trying to do something (when not running).
Renate,
Gotta live with that. That's the price of having market (gmail always on the background, etc), but it helps the system runs a little bit better (apps upgrade!).
Guyman,
Look on the thread related to touchnooter, and probably there will be an option to add gapps to your system. Usually the 1st post show you all the options.
Have the same problem - is there a way to install market only?
What I'm going to do is install on my phone, extract it from the phone, then load onto the Nook and delete what's left over! Madness, I know.
A nicer way for me would be to install into a virtual machine and do that. Anyone know if that's possible? Possibly even with Android-x86??
I don't like market in this sense. It's a problem with all Android devices as far as I can see. Market is a bit of a problem in this regard.
I'm not sure about the problem here, but, I can confirm that, I rooted my NST with Touchnooter and market is working fine, I downloaded several apps from market and, I also installed some apps trough Google Play Store from my PC directly to the NST.
For me Market search didn't work after following MinimalTouch so I had to use the SearchMarket app from Appbrain. After this now I can search and install anything but still can't click the notifcations, OperaMini crashes back to the ADW desktop, same for Browser too after clicking a link in Google.
edit:
for Renate re: Maps out of control. Yes, I noticed too that it comes out of the background and wastes battery. 2 ideas: 1) Freeze it when not in use. You can use a Widget from Titanium or AppQuarantine for quicker launch 2) use something 3rd party
I also suggest using a different account for the Nook to any other Android devices you have to keep things separate and clear since the NST is not recognised by Play.
For a bare-bones root with an appstore, tinynoot ought to work.
I cobbled it together for the glowlight but all the parts are from the established NST environment - clockwork, su, busybox, adw, button savior, nook touch and nook color tools.
I include the Amazon appstore, which of course is also an app that likes to be always on, but none of the gapps because the framework for the glowlight stuff hasn't been looked at yet.
The install scripts are based on minimal nooter, which is CWR based file and directory creation.
I didn't include a modded uRamdisk because I find that adb wireless is enough on its own to let me use wifi adb (dont' recall if I've used usb ADB but I suspect it would work, in assocation with nook color tools) - I can shell in via ADB and just need to type su to get superuser.
Downloads and longwinded instructions are up at
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1650593
Renate NST said:
To more succinctly state the problem:
How can you get APKs out of Google Play without loading your personal device with a load of junk from Google?
I've got Google Maps on my Nook right now and every time I turn my back it's trying to do something (when not running).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could format and use one of my minimal zips instead of the full ones, they had only the neccesary apps and libs for Gmail (manual sync) and "Market" to work correctly, nothing more, nothing less, no maps, etc.
Now everything is a bit outdated, as I said, I'll work on this again and update the zips etc.
After many hours of reading and searching these forums for answers to various questions I had when rooting my new nook, I decided to write out all the answers the average user (like me) will wish he had known before he started. So here you go, I present all you need to know about rooting and configuring your nook from the box to the promised land of awesomeness.
This is for the Nook Simple Touch (also called NST, N2E) non-glowlight version. After you root your nook, the software advice should be the same, but if you have a glowlight version, see the post by ladykayaker below. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=36035695&postcount=2
A. Rooting
1) Backing up
--- noogie.img
--- nookmanager
--- reclaiming and reformatting your micro sd after using winimage.
2) Firmware version
--- does version matter?
--- updates
3) Touchnooter
B. First Configuration
--- what to expect
--- getting google play and web browsing to work.
--- installing apps from micro sd
C. Make it awesome
--- apps you'll need to patch missing nook functions
--- Multi-touch, fast ink modes, and kernal mods
--- Battery
D. Phone specific apps
--- whatsapp, and getting an IMEI on your nook
--- Phone contacts
E. List of current unsolved problems
--- Media scanner
--- scrolling
--- keyboards
--- video support in certain apps
--- audio
A. Rooting
Part 1. Backing up.
Q: Can I get my device back to stock?
A: Yes, if you take backups before you start.
Step 1. Take your nook out of the box
Step 2. Register for a barnes and noble account
Step 3. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1142983
--- Noogie.img full partition backups ---
In English, this means you have to download noogie.img, and download winimage and use it to (CAREFULLY) write the image to a micro sd card. Boot your nook with the micro sd card. Then use winimage again to copy the physical disk (1.8gb) to a file. Now you can always go back to your stock nook, apparently.
--- Easy Backups and Restoring with Nook Manager ---
You can never be too safe. I suggest you backup with 2 methods.
Search "nookmanager for 1.21 and beyond".
Download nookmanager and write it to a micro sd card just like you did for noogie. Nook manager has a brilliant backup and restore feature and works on all versions, so boot into it and follow the menu to take a backup, it creates a second backup partition on your micro sd. So when you're done, plug in your nook and copy the backup file off and the md5 hash. Follow the previous step to reclaim your micro sd.
--- Reclaiming Your Micro SD ---
To reclaim your micro sd, on windows click start menu, search partition, and open the partition manager. Find your micro sd card which now has a small partition on it, select the partition, and delete it. Right click >> create simple partition >> fat32
Backup(s) finished.
2. Firmware
--- Firmware Version ---
Q: Does firmware version matter?
A: Yes it does, make sure you search for 1.1 update and update your version to 1.1 before rooting with touchnooter. Don't bother with 1.21 yet because all the cool things you've seen and want are done with 1.1 and 1.21 root needs more time to mature and become more user friendly (noob friendly).
To check your firmware version go into settings > device info.
--- updates ---
Q: How do I update to 1.1?
First check your firmware version, if it's 1.0.1, update to 1.1 by downloading the 1.1 firmware (it's a zip file) and moving it into the nook drive on your computer. It will update automatically. Don't wait too long to backup or move to 1.1 because it might automatically update to 1.21. You should update to 1.1 and root immediately. If your device came with 1.2, try this to flash and install 1.1: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1475613
--- touchnooter ----
Once you're on 1.1, download touchnooter and like noogie and nookmanager, make an image on your microsd with winimage and boot the device. the screen will turn black, and then you can take the card out and reboot. However, I found that after running the root once, many /most of the applications didn't function, I had to boot three times with touchnooter for most apps to work. It doesn't hurt so just do it if you have any problems.
B. First Configurations
--- What To Expect ---
Now that you're rooted and running in android, you're probably thinking, "well this sucks, the web browsers don't work and neither do the app stores...."
Calm yourself, it will get better.
--- Getting GAPPS and web browsing ---
Add a google account in gmail, sync it, sign into the same google account with youtube (nobody knows why). Then you will have to "wait a day" for it to work...
Q: Wait a day? FUUUUUU
A: Just joking, you can add another google mail account and sync that, your google play will now work without the wait, but it can be a bit tricky to hit the agree to tos button.
Reclaim your micro sd, you'll need it to install apps if your Opera Mini isn't working.
Search google for opera mobile, download the apk onto your micro sd, it's on opera's website, you should also download opera mini so you can re-install the one that comes loaded if it doesn't work. Rooting several times fixed my opera mini, but if yours is broken re-installing should fix it.
--- installing apps from micro sd ---
Q: How to install apps from micro sd?
A: Find the super manager, open it up, click the button to grant super user privileges, on the second or third tab from the left there is a file manager. Go into it, click the apk, click install.
C. MAKE IT AWESOME
Now that you have opera mini/mobile, can browse the web and google play works, what next?
--- apps you'll need to patch NST broken functions ---
1. Google play search function is broken, before you can start installing apps quickly, use opera mini to search for "search market" , you'll find the google play link, click it, install it.
2. default android home screen looks bad and custom wallpaper support is broken.
Now you probably want a decent looking home screen because face it, adk looks like crap, and you probably noticed you can't set the wallpaper because the media scanner doesn't detect any media = empty gallery = can't select a wallpaper.
use search market to find legacy launcher, install it
search for "wallpaper changer" and "es file explorer", install them. You can now set the wallpaper to any file on your sd card, and your android launcher looks great. Try adusting the font size in settings and adding widgets later.
3. Gallery doesn't work because media scanner is broken.
Some apps require the gallery to work to select images.
Your solution is to download the app "Quickpic" - it will allow you to choose pictures in apps that need a gallery.
4. The default keyboard is not very good, and the nook disables all spelling suggestion bars from keyboards. This makes t9 and chinese input impossible, and can make typing a pain in any language. The solution is to download a back-port keyboard.
Jellybean keyboard is a good back-port, search and install it, it's fully functional with lots of languages. No t9 though
1/2 OF GUIDE. CONTINUED IN MY NEXT POST
notes for Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight
If you have the US Nook with glowlight, firmware version 1.1.5, then follow these instructions :
backup
http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/20...-and-restore-nook-glow-and-nook-simple-touch/
root
http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/20...using-glownooter-includes-googles-app-market/
2/2 OF GUIDE.
--- Kernel, fast ink modes, and multitouch---
If you want multi touch and fast ink, search for oc kernel 1.66 with fastmode. it includes all you need for multitouch and overclocks the cpu. slightly.
FYI: You will need something called "Clockwork mod" or CWM to install the kernel. Google it, you'll need to image it to your micro sd just like you did for noogie.img. After you're done, copy the oc kernel zip file into the root directory, boot up your nook with the CWM sd inserted and follow the instructions to install package from zip.
Fast ink options:
Fast mode vs no refresh
fast mode is highly dithered, and as a result small text is unreadable. however it affects the system wide and it doesn't have any compatibility issues. No refresh is high contrast, low dithering means low dynamic range but text is very readable and sharp. The disadvantage is it seemed very buggy and it's application specific, ie- you have to enable it in each application and it gets a bit buggy or laggy when it switches on and off. It has a lot more configuration potential than fast mode though. I prefer fast mode because it's simple, and very fast. It just works.
--- Battery ---
You'll notice your battery suck as soon as you root. This isn't widely discussed, but it turns out it's do to certain phone system resources being active. This can eat up 10 times more battery than your screen, and a hundred times more than anything else, even using fast mode liberally. Go into file manager and rename /system/app/phone.apk and telephonyprovider.apk. Reboot immediately.
I suggest you also download the app "deep sleep" as well. Battery manager plus is also a good application to keep track of applications individual battery useage.
D. Phone Specific APPS
Q: I want whatsapp
You need to install a static IMEI, google imei nook touch xda and you'll find the thread. Download the exe, install it.
On your phone use search market to install "wifi adb" in wifi adb select on, note the ip address.
Run the imei app you got from xda dev and it will give you a static imei.
install the latest version of whatsapp. You'll notice you can't message anyone or add contacts because nook contacts doesn't work.
download go contacts ex and it will be ok.
E. Current major issues to consider and how to fix them:
--- Scrolling: ---
problem: Scrolling does not work properly, if you use chat programs, or google voice etc. you'll find yourself scrolling through the conversation manually every time. Some apps have difficulty scrolling at all.
Solution: No known fix at this time
--- Media scanner (media storage) ---
Problem: Media scanner fails to add media files from sd card into the media database. This means the default gallery and music applications won't detect any media.
Solution: No known direct solution, although you can edit the db manually using sql.
A better solution is to download an application which includes it's own embedded media search function. An example being quickpic as a gallery replacement.
--- Keyboards ---
problem: Keyboards are missing the text suggestion bar, this means that t9 input and language input like chinese are difficult/impossible.
Solution: Download a back-ported keyboard. Jellybean keyboard is by far the best, have extensive mutli-language support, and the text suggestion bars displays properly. The only downside is it does not have a t9 layout. Baidu, sougou, or any chinese t9 keyboard software will not work on the nook until the proper dependencies/support is patched somehow.
---video support ---
Q: Can I play video?
You can, but you'll be limited to about 10-15 fps with no audio and it will be 1 bit dithered. Download rockplayer to play various video formats. There appears to be a problem with hardware video decoding and only software video players work at the moment. If I discover a fix for broader video support I'll update this.
--- audio ---
Q: Can I play audio?
A: There are some people working on audio implementation through usb host and a cheap 2 or 3 dollar dongle. However, it seems like it's very 'alpha' at the moment, until someone writes an app to automatically configure audio through usb hosts, you can probably forget about it unfortunately.
I'll update this later.
Hi nice so far
You say " make sure you search for 1.1 update and update your version to 1.1 before rooting with touchnooter. Don't bother with 1.21 yet because all the cool things you've seen and want are done with 1.1"
But what if you bought your device lately and it already came with FW 1.2.0 then what do you do?
180 people read this thread and only 6 bothered to click on thanks?? Come on guys!
bentwand said:
But what if you bought your device lately and it already came with FW 1.2.0 then what do you do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
apap said:
+1
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used this
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1475613
fosselman said:
I used this
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1475613
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input, did your device come loaded with 1.2 or was it the result of an automatic update? I updated my guide with a link to touch-formatter.
jun127 said:
Thanks for the input, did your device come loaded with 1.2 or was it the result of an automatic update? I updated my guide with a link to touch-formatter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was on 1.0.x and I manually updated to 1.2.0 and then found out about rooting and wanted gapps so I downgraded to 1.1.0.
bentwand said:
But what if you bought your device lately and it already came with FW 1.2.0 then what do you do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fosselman said:
I used this
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1475613
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bricked my new 1.2.0 device and the thread in the link above saved my butt. That said, it convinced my NSTG that it was a standard Simple Touch (no more glowlight function). I've been looking around for an update to NSTG 1.5 firmware to start over with, hoping the light features will come back. If any of you old salts can let me know if that's even possible I'd appreciate it.
If you're still at 1.2, this thread looks promising: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1675706&highlight=nstg&page=12
Looking at the ;ast pages of the NookManager rooting process it appears that the Amazon App store is US based and doesn't work for UK users (for example). Is there any simple method to fix that so it works outside of the US?
(Post i'm referring to - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=36210882&postcount=110)
Thanks for clearing up the fastMode/noRefresh situation!
I have rooted NST by NookManager. The first step after that was to register device in DeviceRegistrator.apk. Next I installed ale stuff (gapps, amazon ect.) If I decide to flash kernel, it will be necessary to do it again?
Thanks, very in-dept
Renaming Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk to avoid battery drain didn't work for me. I had to delete both and reboot. Now I can use my nook without losing too much battery
Used Total Commander app as my file manager to access /system/app/
Do you have a recommendation for a launcher other than ReLaunch?
dalovar said:
Renaming Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk to avoid battery drain didn't work. I had to delete both and reboot. Now I can use my nook without losing too much battery
Used Total Commander app as my file manager to access /system/app/
Do you have a recommendation for a launcher other than ReLaunch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use lightning launcher it is lite weight and works well for me.
dalovar said:
Renaming Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk to avoid battery drain didn't work for me. I had to delete both and reboot. Now I can use my nook without losing too much battery
Used Total Commander app as my file manager to access /system/app/
Do you have a recommendation for a launcher other than ReLaunch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used ADW Launcher EX for years, and still loving it. Best customizability on any Nook Touch-compatible launcher, at least in my opinion.
Guys after successfully rooting my device and using it for some time it occurred to me that I would spend the $5 gift that comes with every NST. After buying books on B&N and turning on my nook I realized that nook's original software can't connect to the internet even when connected to my home's wifi connection.
I get the error: "Sorry, a problem has occurred. Please try again" in both the B&N library or B&N's shop.
Has anyone been able to download/sync books from B&N AFTER rooting your device?
Is this just a problem that I'm experiencing?
Thank you
dalovar said:
Guys after successfully rooting my device and using it for some time it occurred to me that I would spend the $5 gift that comes with every NST. After buying books on B&N and turning on my nook I realized that nook's original software can't connect to the internet even when connected to my home's wifi connection.
I get the error: "Sorry, a problem has occurred. Please try again" in both the B&N library or B&N's shop.
Has anyone been able to download/sync books from B&N AFTER rooting your device?
Is this just a problem that I'm experiencing?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Can't connect to the internet" at all or just to the B&N sites? If you've disabled/deleted some of the B&N apps you could have problems of this sort. There are all kinds of unlikely dependencies in the B&N system that can break functionality if something is missing.
I'm working with a rooted and modified NST running FW 1.21 and the only limitation I've seen so far is not being able to connect in-store (but I intentionally altered the QuickNav buttons to eliminate "Shop"). I haven't purchased books from B&N but have selected "Free Friday" offerings from the website and they come right down to my NST when it's online, no problem.
I assume you had no problem registering your device, otherwise I would suggest that maybe that error was due to B&N blacklisting the serial number. That's happened before with used/refurbished devices. Then a phone call is in order to B&N to get them to reverse that.
nmyshkin said:
"Can't connect to the internet" at all or just to the B&N sites? If you've disabled/deleted some of the B&N apps you could have problems of this sort. There are all kinds of unlikely dependencies in the B&N system that can break functionality if something is missing.
I'm working with a rooted and modified NST running FW 1.21 and the only limitation I've seen so far is not being able to connect in-store (but I intentionally altered the QuickNav buttons to eliminate "Shop"). I haven't purchased books from B&N but have selected "Free Friday" offerings from the website and they come right down to my NST when it's online, no problem.
I assume you had no problem registering your device, otherwise I would suggest that maybe that error was due to B&N blacklisting the serial number. That's happened before with used/refurbished devices. Then a phone call is in order to B&N to get them to reverse that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't connect to B&N only. The rest of the internet is accessible. I can install apps from Google play from my computer to my device without problem too. The only system apps that i remember deleting are android apps (Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk).
I don't think my serial number is black listed, because I was able to register my nook without problem. But is there any tool online where I could check my serial # statues that would be nice. I'm thinking of resetting to factory settings and rooting again if necessary. thanks for your help
dalovar said:
Can't connect to B&N only. The rest of the internet is accessible. I can install apps from Google play from my computer to my device without problem too. The only system apps that i remember deleting are android apps (Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk).
I don't think my serial number is black listed, because I was able to register my nook without problem. But is there any tool online where I could check my serial # statues that would be nice. I'm thinking of resetting to factory settings and rooting again if necessary. thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both of those apps disabled (.apk --> .OLD) so that's probably not it. To my knowledge there is no on-line way to check on the status of your serial number and now that I come to think of it, if you had no problem registering when you set up your Nook before rooting, there should be no problem with the serial number.
Seems like there was a post similar to yours not too long ago and going back to factory and rooting again fixed the problem, as much of a nuisance as that is. The only other thing that comes to mind is: you're not in the UK are you? Someone else posted a similar problem and it turned out that he needed a UK firmware update to account for changing B&N-UK URLs before he could connect.
If you get the problem sorted, I can't emphasize enough the importance--and convenience--of making a backup with NM. Backup early and often, especially when trying out something new. It saves so much time and hassle in the long run. But first....you need to get it in working condition
Sorry for the total noob question, but here goes. I have rooted my NST, using the following instructions: http://tinymicros.com/wiki/NOOK_Simple_Touch_%28NST%29_Rooting_For_Practiscore Forgive the external link, I just wanted to be clear on where I am at.
If this isn't acceptable, apparently the source of the info is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1346748 and I used the "the 'Normal + Xorzone's mods + adb Wifi' build "
Practiscore works flawlessly and my nook does what I need it to do. Now I have been thinking that it would be cool to be able to surf the web or at least be able to use the internet over wifi to load apps without having to load it on the SD card manually.
Right now, when I open the browser, it will actually open www.google.com when I set it to the home page but then crash whenever I try to do anything - even just clicking on the search box. The fact that it will actually open google, tells me my connection is working, but either the root process broke the browser, or something else is wrong. I can also open the market and get it to show me some apps, but it won't let me search or surf to any app. Searching just hangs and displays nothing.
I've tried searching but I haven't had any luck in picking the proper search terms to get an answer, and for some reason there is a script running wild on this page that refreshes it every 2 seconds interrupting what I am doing. That problem is probably on my PC, but firefox is what I have.
Ok, I got some things to install by d/l'ing the APK's directly to the SD card on a PC. I still haven't gotten the app store to work, or google.
The app store search will not work on your nook touch, the only way to install apps are either sideloading them or installing them wirelessly using google play on your computer.
You may want to use Opera Mobile instead of the basic browser, it would be easier than getting the stock one working.
dombeef said:
The app store search will not work on your nook touch, the only way to install apps are either sideloading them or installing them wirelessly using google play on your computer.
You may want to use Opera Mobile instead of the basic browser, it would be easier than getting the stock one working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, this thing is just not working, everything I try in the market or using the browser just crashes. I downloaded the opera mini, but I didn't get an apk, so I have no idea how to install the extracted files. Most of the apk's I have found to put on here don't work either and just crash. I cant even get hangman or a crossword to load for pete's sake...
Did you root it to run Practiscore on?
If not, I'd suggest restoring your backup, upgrading to 1.2.1 firmware, then using NookManager with NTGAppsAttack (see the Nook Touch Android Development Forum here on xda). That worked just fine for me. But I don't need to run Practiscore.
cowbutt said:
Did you root it to run Practiscore on?
If not, I'd suggest restoring your backup, upgrading to 1.2.1 firmware, then using NookManager with NTGAppsAttack (see the Nook Touch Android Development Forum here on xda). That worked just fine for me. But I don't need to run Practiscore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the link in the OP was what I used.
1. NTGAppsAttack - working google play
2. use SeachMarket.apk to look for APK's in Google play.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=38323047&postcount=6
3. Use Opera Mobile instead of Mini.
4. To manually install .apk (without using ADB)
- put it on your uSD.
- open it using Relaunch or any other file browser that you use.
osowiecki said:
1. NTGAppsAttack - working google play
2. use SeachMarket.apk to look for APK's in Google play.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=38323047&postcount=6
3. Use Opera Mobile instead of Mini.
4. To manually install .apk (without using ADB)
- put it on your uSD.
- open it using Relaunch or any other file browser that you use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sir are a genius. The searchmarket and Opera mobile WORK!!
Now all I have to figure out is how to get rid of those extra apps [that suck and don't work]
Oh and maybe a pdf reader that works...
..and is the screen supposed to go all wonky for a second whenever I do anything? Or is there a new video driver?
Sorry, this might be a question that has been answered many times but I can't find an answer. A number of titles which I downloaded via wireless when Nook supported the device in the UK appear on my Nook Simple Touch but I cannot delete them. I assume they're on a hidden drive or folder. Do I need to root my device in order to see them and/or delete them?
Thanks for any help.
Paul.
PaulVernon said:
Sorry, this might be a question that has been answered many times but I can't find an answer. A number of titles which I downloaded via wireless when Nook supported the device in the UK appear on my Nook Simple Touch but I cannot delete them. I assume they're on a hidden drive or folder. Do I need to root my device in order to see them and/or delete them?
Thanks for any help.
Paul.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloads from B&N are stored in /data/media/B&N Downloads. I'm afraid you will need to at least root to remove the old books. The easiest way to do this is with NookManager, although it is a little outdated and will add a few things you probably don't want (which you can then remove). A good file manager would also be helpful as Relaunch is kind of difficult to work with in that manner.
Anyway, once you get into the correct directory, just delete the book files from the "Books" folder and also the little "book" file from the Downloads directory.
I've attached a good file manager app which you can side load from your SD card once you get rooted with NookManager. Any questions, just ask. I've been meaning to get around to updating Nook Manager but have been distracted by other projects.
Oh, just in case things go south, the first thing you should do with NookManager once it boots up is to back up your current system, B&N books and all. At least you will be able to return to square one that way if needed.
Edit: as an alternative approach, since you're apparently not rooted and don't want to retain your B&N content, you could just reflash the system to change it over to US firmware (1.2.1) and then update to 1.2.2 (current) in the usual manner. You will be able to register an account with B&N US, if you wish, and your old books will go away in the process. You'll have "brand new" device.
Many thanks
Many thanks for taking the time to give me such a comprehensive and easy to understand answer.
I haven't rooted any device before but have sideloaded onto a Amazon Firestick so should be able to follow instructions to root from the internet.
Thanks again.
Paul.
sideload file explorer
Hi. I have installed NookManager, backed up and rooted the device. I copied the file explorer apk file onto the SD card and thought I would need to click / touch it to sideload it but I get a parse error. Can you give me any advice? Thanks.
PaulVernon said:
Hi. I have installed NookManager, backed up and rooted the device. I copied the file explorer apk file onto the SD card and thought I would need to click / touch it to sideload it but I get a parse error. Can you give me any advice? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mmm......it's that $%*# Relaunch. I just don't get that app and never could figure out how to make it do simple housekeeping tasks. Ugly, too, IMHO
So, originally ES File Explorer was included with NookManager and then it was removed because Relaunch could supposedly manage files, etc. And maybe it can. Perhaps you have to hop on one foot while swinging a dead chicken around your head to get it to perform. Why bother?
Here's where it gets interesting--two options :
1. If you just want your NST to function as it did before, without the books you want to delete, you can go here: https://sites.google.com/site/xcdguides/nook/nookregion and follow the instructions to flash your firmware to US. That will be 1.2.1. You can register that with B&N and then go here: https://help.barnesandnoble.com/app...tware-updates-for-tls-1.2-compliance#ManualDL and follow the directions for manual download of the update for firmware 1.2.2--or maybe it will automatically update when you try to register 1.2.1. Anyway, that will get you back to the functioning e-reader that you know, minus the books from your defunct UK account.
2. If you want to fiddle with more of the Android side of the NST while still retaining the e-reader function minus the old books, then you do need to root, etc. I've assembled an update package for NookManager (attached below) which deals with the issue you were having. You can download the package, unzip it, and apply the changes to the card you prepared with NookManager using your PC.
Specifically:
a. replace the contents of files/data/app with the apps in my update package. Relaunch and Amazon app store will be gone. The first is problematic, as you found, and the second does not work any longer. In their place you will get a real launcher (ADW) and a real file manager (ES) preinstalled.
b. copy the contents of the scripts folder from my update package into the scripts folder of the NookManager card, overwriting where needed. This updates the software so it can also root FW 1.2.2, and adds the installation instructions for ADWLauncher and ES File Explorer. You need to remove from the card the "install_x" files for Relaunch and Amazon app store (the latter might be called something like Venezia if you don't see an entry for Amazon app store).
Once you've made those changes, power down your NST and insert the NookManager card. If you made a backup before rooting (I hope you did), restore it, reboot, and then run NookManager again, this time to root the device.
That should do it. Be aware that when you have an alternate launcher installed, you are given a choice each time you boot. If you choose the Nook Home and make that the default (by checking the little box) there will be no way to get to any of the stuff you just did. And, if you use the QuickNav buttons to go "Home", there will be no way to return to ADW launcher. How to solve this?
Do not check the little box! At least not the first time. Choose ADW Launcher, go to the app drawer and run NookTouch ModManager. There you can assign functions to the various hardware buttons and QuickNav buttons. You might start with the "n" button as whichever home screen you would prefer by default. Then perhaps a long press of the "n" button for the alternate launcher. Anyway, once you've made a way to be able to get back to ADW in some manner, then the next time you reboot or are asked about which launcher to use, you can check the little box for "default" and then make your selection.
Those books you want to get rid of? ES File Explorer can do a lot of things, but it can't get root access without going into its "Settings" (access with the "Menu" button in the status bar at the top of the NST). Somewhere in those settings (under Security?) is a place to check for Root access. When you do this you'll get a Superuser prompt which you should approve. Then also check the "up to root" selection. If you want to do any mucking around in root, you will also need to check the third option to mount the system as r/w. You can return to that when you are done and uncheck it just so you don't accidentally wreak some havoc.
Lots of other settings and capabilities for ES File Explorer, including ways to pretty it up, but that's your call. Ditto for ADW.
Those annoying toasts from Superuser can be turned off. Go into its settings and uncheck the notify on access. You'll still get a prompt for a new request, but you won't get a message every time you access root.
OK, wow. That's a lot.
As always, ask any questions.
A lot! That's a bit of an understatement. That's astonishingly detailed information; it's so good of you to spend the time. I'm really very grateful.
Hi anyone
Please help me with my questions below, I picked up a Nook for predominantly reading only but wanted one or two apps to be installed from play store.
1. How to sideload books onto the Nook simple touch. I have loads of PDF on my hard drive and epub books. For this do I need to root at all?
2. I see that the rooting solutions on youtube all show 'android market' instead of 'Play store' - but also see these videos are several years old. So are there any new ways to root and get 'play store'.
3. How to sideload APKs not from Play store?
4. I am mainly looking to use Bible app like Quick Bible from the Play Store if not I would have to go and find the APK to side load it.
5. If something goes wrong can I get back to the factory setting of original Nook.
I like in some of the videos that the rooting still retained the original Nook screens and additionally there were options to go and select the apps from the side. Is this how all the rooted Nooks work?
Please suggest a more recent easier thread that can support all of my above queries.
thanks
S
sany said:
1. How to sideload books onto the Nook simple touch. I have loads of PDF on my hard drive and epub books. For this do I need to root at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You can copy epubs and PDFs directly onto the NST internal memory or onto an installed SD card.
2. I see that the rooting solutions on youtube all show 'android market' instead of 'Play store' - but also see these videos are several years old. So are there any new ways to root and get 'play store'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct in that those are all out-of-date. No PlayStore access via Google Apps since 2017. Google apps themselves are available only in a limited form. See the post on updating NTGAppsAttack. The Yalp Store app, however, can access the PlayStore without Google Apps and can be installed by NookManager (see the post on updating NookManager)
3. How to sideload APKs not from Play store?
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Click to collapse
Copy the apk files from your PC to the NST via USB and install via a file manager, or install via ADB.
4. I am mainly looking to use Bible app like Quick Bible from the Play Store if not I would have to go and find the APK to side load it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that part is always interesting. Not many apps in the PlayStore work for Android 2.1 and even those that theoretically do sometimes decline to run on the NST. I've seen mention of Bible apps on the forum so your best bet may be to search for that and see what worked for others.
5. If something goes wrong can I get back to the factory setting of original Nook.
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Click to collapse
Yes, unless you wipe out the factory recovery (not recommended by me).
I like in some of the videos that the rooting still retained the original Nook screens and additionally there were options to go and select the apps from the side. Is this how all the rooted Nooks work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sort of. NookManager is not very invasive and you can--to some extent--tailor the few apps it installs to suit your wants. After that, it's sort of up to you. Some people want to wipe out all the B&N stuff (not my choice), others not so much. Depends on how you use your device--and that can evolve.
Please suggest a more recent easier thread that can support all of my above queries.
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Click to collapse
Seems like you just started one.
nmyshkin said:
Yes, unless you wipe out the factory recovery (not recommended by me).
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Click to collapse
Hi Thanks.
Just another clarification. So after I install Nook Manager - irrespective of whether I make a backup or not, by default there will be a factory recovery already in the device, correct?
I read somewhere in the thread that we make a backup and keep the SD card saved in a safe place additionally to saving the backup image as an additional backup. Can you please explain this further.
Say for example, I use the SD card image to install nook manager - do i use the same card as is to create a backup? Sorry I am asking for too many information!
thanks again
S
sany said:
Hi Thanks.
Just another clarification. So after I install Nook Manager - irrespective of whether I make a backup or not, by default there will be a factory recovery already in the device, correct?
I read somewhere in the thread that we make a backup and keep the SD card saved in a safe place additionally to saving the backup image as an additional backup. Can you please explain this further.
Say for example, I use the SD card image to install nook manager - do i use the same card as is to create a backup? Sorry I am asking for too many information!
thanks again
S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you intentionally replace or delete the factory recovery image, you can return to an out-of-the-box state by powering down, then powering up and holding the two lower hardware buttons at the first sign of the "your Nook is starting up" screen until a screen prompt appears. In fact, it would probably be a good idea to do that when you first get the device. You never know what has been done to it by the previous owner.
NookManager is a utility, not an installation. It resides on the SD card you prepare and can be used, as you say, to make backups of "work-in-progress" as well as an out-of-the-box backup, if you wish. The backups are stored by default on the NookManager SD card itself, but there is only provision for one. A new one will overwrite the old one. If you want to keep a few backups as you make changes to your NST, you can copy the backups to your PC if you connect your NST with the USB cable while NookManager is running. This condition makes the otherwise invisible backup partition on the card visible to your PC.
Thank you!
S