No browser in rooted Nook - Nook Touch General

Hello, I've rooted my Nook Simple Touch using NookManager. It seems to be fine except that I have no browser, so cannot get on line. (I can't even access the Nook store because Barnes & Noble have dumped UK users like me.) I want to install NTGAppsAttack but since I can't go on line I presume that Google Market won't load unless NTGAppsAttack fixes the problem.
I'd be very grateful for help with this. Best regards, Caromcm

caromcm said:
Hello, I've rooted my Nook Simple Touch using NookManager. It seems to be fine except that I have no browser, so cannot get on line. (I can't even access the Nook store because Barnes & Noble have dumped UK users like me.) I want to install NTGAppsAttack but since I can't go on line I presume that Google Market won't load unless NTGAppsAttack fixes the problem.
I'd be very grateful for help with this. Best regards, Caromcm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Searching these forums will yield several suggestions for multiple browsers that "work" (note quotes) on the Nook. If you download the apk for one of these, you should be able to install it with adb.

David0226 said:
Searching these forums will yield several suggestions for multiple browsers that "work" (note quotes) on the Nook. If you download the apk for one of these, you should be able to install it with adb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 120%; } Thanks for the advice, David. I've downloaded Opera Mobile onto my PC, to transfer onto the Nook (tho' not sure where). But on going back to the Nook I did manage to get into a browser. It may be the original Nook browser as there's a lot of Nook stuff in the history and the keyboard has no full stop - so it's impossible to type in any website address. A different keyboard, with full stop, appeared first (and I got into Ebay as an experiment) but I can't get back to this keyboard. I got onto Google, but couldn't sign in because I couldn't type the '.com'. There are all sorts of symbols, but no stop!
I think there must be some sort of conflict here which needs to be sorted out first. I'd be very grateful for a steer as I'm a complete novice in the Android world. I have a Android smartphone but only downloaded a couple of Google apps when I first got it and then just poked around and got things to work. - Caromcm

caromcm said:
p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 120%; } Thanks for the advice, David. I've downloaded Opera Mobile onto my PC, to transfer onto the Nook (tho' not sure where). But on going back to the Nook I did manage to get into a browser. It may be the original Nook browser as there's a lot of Nook stuff in the history and the keyboard has no full stop - so it's impossible to type in any website address. A different keyboard, with full stop, appeared first (and I got into Ebay as an experiment) but I can't get back to this keyboard. I got onto Google, but couldn't sign in because I couldn't type the '.com'. There are all sorts of symbols, but no stop!
I think there must be some sort of conflict here which needs to be sorted out first. I'd be very grateful for a steer as I'm a complete novice in the Android world. I have a Android smartphone but only downloaded a couple of Google apps when I first got it and then just poked around and got things to work. - Caromcm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, you can uninstall the old B&N browser. Locate the app in the system/app folder (you may need to set ReLaunch to see root folders). Or, you can just ignore it.
To sideload apps using ReLaunch (or a file manager app), drag the apk file via USB into a folder you have created on your SD card that you're using for storage. Then after disconnecting the USB, navigate to the folder from the file manager section of ReLaunch. Touch the apk and you should get a dialog that includes "install". I'm not too familiar with ReLaunch, but I believe you can uninstall by touching and holding on an apk file.
If you want GApps, of course, you need to run the package install you mentioned. Just a warning: a number of people have been having trouble with the sign-in process lately. Maybe they've been a little confused or maybe (more likely) Google is not too fond of dealing with these old devices. There is an older method for sign-in (and eventual Market access) that apparently does still work, but you can try what's described in the GAppsAttack posting and then if that doesn't work, try the older method [the method itself is a little ways down in the post I linked]
Also, based on my observations, you can no longer successfully select an app on your PC and expect to see it show up on your "phone" (which is how Google sees the NST). That used to work, but doesn't seem to any longer. So you really need to get Market working on the NST if that's how you intend to get apps. Otherwise, sideload.

nmyshkin said:
First, you can uninstall the old B&N browser. Locate the app in the system/app folder (you may need to set ReLaunch to see root folders). Or, you can just ignore it.
To sideload apps using ReLaunch (or a file manager app), drag the apk file via USB into a folder you have created on your SD card that you're using for storage. Then after disconnecting the USB, navigate to the folder from the file manager section of ReLaunch. Touch the apk and you should get a dialog that includes "install". I'm not too familiar with ReLaunch, but I believe you can uninstall by touching and holding on an apk file.
If you want GApps, of course, you need to run the package install you mentioned. Just a warning: a number of people have been having trouble with the sign-in process lately. Maybe they've been a little confused or maybe (more likely) Google is not too fond of dealing with these old devices. There is an older method for sign-in (and eventual Market access) that apparently does still work, but you can try what's described in the GAppsAttack posting and then if that doesn't work, try the older method [the method itself is a little ways down in the post I linked]
Also, based on my observations, you can no longer successfully select an app on your PC and expect to see it show up on your "phone" (which is how Google sees the NST). That used to work, but doesn't seem to any longer. So you really need to get Market working on the NST if that's how you intend to get apps. Otherwise, sideload.
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Click to collapse
p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 120%; } Thank you for this very helpful reply, Nmyshkin. With regard to GoogleApps, all I want is a way to download DRM books without tangling with ADE, which will not run on my Linux laptop. Google Market seems to be the answer. Last night I succeeded in getting into Google and registering with my gmail address, so this may help?
This morning in System/App I found HTMLViewer.apk and Browser.apk, hence the conflict and the 2 input screens. On the All Applications screen the browser is just called 'Browser', so perhaps this is the obstructive B&N one?
I did not find ReLaunch in System/App so I expect that I need to load it, or another file manager app. I did find some other apps which might be relevant: GoogleSearch.apk, GlobalSearch.apk, AffileDownloadService.apk, DownloadAdmin.apk, ApplicationProvider.apk, Packageinstaller.apk.orig. Is that last one disabled​?
I cannot get into Root, and I'm not a Superuser, so these problems presumably need to be tackled.
I tried clicking on Amazon Appstore to see what I could download, but I got the message that it could not download 'because of a network connectivity error'.
My Nook now seems to have become unstable - when I close it I always find a different screen when I open it again, except when I close it on a book page.
I'd be very grateful for any suggestions. Meanwhile I'll look into downloading ReLaunch, or similar, onto my laptop. Best regards, Caromcm
p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 120%; }

caromcm said:
Thank you for this very helpful reply, Nmyshkin. With regard to GoogleApps, all I want is a way to download DRM books without tangling with ADE, which will not run on my Linux laptop. Google Market seems to be the answer. Last night I succeeded in getting into Google and registering with my gmail address, so this may help?
This morning in System/App I found HTMLViewer.apk and Browser.apk, hence the conflict and the 2 input screens. On the All Applications screen the browser is just called 'Browser', so perhaps this is the obstructive B&N one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You want to get rid of Browser.apk, but there should not be a conflict with HTMLViewer.apk.
I did not find ReLaunch in System/App so I expect that I need to load it, or another file manager app. I did find some other apps which might be relevant: GoogleSearch.apk, GlobalSearch.apk, AffileDownloadService.apk, DownloadAdmin.apk, ApplicationProvider.apk, Packageinstaller.apk.orig. Is that last one disabled​?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, did you say you rooted with NookManager? That should install ReLaunch by default so if you hit the "Home" quicknav "button" you should get a dialog for whether you want the B&N Home or ReLaunch. Or, install some other launcher if you have a preference and you'll get the dialog to select it. The problem with no launcher is that even installing a file manager won't do you any good because you will have no way to access the app without a launcher! That's why ReLaunch is included with NookManager.
I cannot get into Root, and I'm not a Superuser, so these problems presumably need to be tackled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, now we have an issue. Both should be taken care of with NookManager. It installs a copy of SU as well as enables side-loading. How are you looking at the files in system/app if you don't have root access??
So it sounds like the real problem is that you have not yet figured out how to launch ReLaunch (it's maybe not a system app? did you look in data/app?) so none of the rest of it is going to work for you.
I tried clicking on Amazon Appstore to see what I could download, but I got the message that it could not download 'because of a network connectivity error'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aha! So you have found the app drawer!!!!! That is part of ReLaunch Whew..... Alas, the Amazon App Store is dead on the NST and should be uninstalled. It always caused instability on my NST (see your remark below). So now your task to to figure out how to find the file or folder manager in ReLaunch. There I cannot help you. I know it's there because I've seen screen images. Try the menu button when on the app drawer. Perhaps something will show up. There has to be a way to navigate to the folder screen and to access settings so you can enable viewing of the root folders as well.
My Nook now seems to have become unstable - when I close it I always find a different screen when I open it again, except when I close it on a book page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That should not happen, obviously. Since you haven't gone very far at this point you might just want to use NookManager to do a factory reset and try the whole process over again.

nmyshkin said:
You want to get rid of Browser.apk, but there should not be a conflict with HTMLViewer.apk.
Wait, did you say you rooted with NookManager? That should install ReLaunch by default so if you hit the "Home" quicknav "button" you should get a dialog for whether you want the B&N Home or ReLaunch. Or, install some other launcher if you have a preference and you'll get the dialog to select it. The problem with no launcher is that even installing a file manager won't do you any good because you will have no way to access the app without a launcher! That's why ReLaunch is included with NookManager.
OK, now we have an issue. Both should be taken care of with NookManager. It installs a copy of SU as well as enables side-loading. How are you looking at the files in system/app if you don't have root access??
So it sounds like the real problem is that you have not yet figured out how to launch ReLaunch (it's maybe not a system app? did you look in data/app?) so none of the rest of it is going to work for you.
Aha! So you have found the app drawer!!!!! That is part of ReLaunch Whew..... Alas, the Amazon App Store is dead on the NST and should be uninstalled. It always caused instability on my NST (see your remark below). So now your task to to figure out how to find the file or folder manager in ReLaunch. There I cannot help you. I know it's there because I've seen screen images. Try the menu button when on the app drawer. Perhaps something will show up. There has to be a way to navigate to the folder screen and to access settings so you can enable viewing of the root folders as well.
That should not happen, obviously. Since you haven't gone very far at this point you might just want to use NookManager to do a factory reset and try the whole process over again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 120%; } Many thanks, again. I really don't have ReLaunch, I have Launcher (Launcher.apk in System/App). I've been using the Launcher file menu system. I've also been using the app drawer - didn't know that's what it's called. I've now deleted the Amazon App Store.
I've also deleted browser.apk and discovered that the input screen which actually had a full stop in fact belonged to that. HTMLViewer is just that, not a browser - should have realised. I need to get a browser installer into the right place. Should I drag the Opera Mobile installer from my laptop into the Root folder which is one of 14 folders at the top file level? I can open this, but it appears to be empty, which I interpreted as inaccessible except to superuser. Or should I put the installer into the top file level along with various init files?
When I click Superuser in the app drawer the screen just re-writes. No message.
How would I do a factory reset? Also, I have Calibre on this Nook and my laptop. Is it possible that Calibre has upset the applecart?

caromcm said:
p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 120%; } Many thanks, again. I really don't have ReLaunch, I have Launcher (Launcher.apk in System/App). I've been using the Launcher file menu system. I've also been using the app drawer - didn't know that's what it's called. I've now deleted the Amazon App Store.
I've also deleted browser.apk and discovered that the input screen which actually had a full stop in fact belonged to that. HTMLViewer is just that, not a browser - should have realised. I need to get a browser installer into the right place. Should I drag the Opera Mobile installer from my laptop into the Root folder which is one of 14 folders at the top file level? I can open this, but it appears to be empty, which I interpreted as inaccessible except to superuser. Or should I put the installer into the top file level along with various init files?
When I click Superuser in the app drawer the screen just re-writes. No message.
How would I do a factory reset? Also, I have Calibre on this Nook and my laptop. Is it possible that Calibre has upset the applecart?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow...it's like we're not even talking about the same device. If you do not have Relaunch how can you have an app drawer? How can you see any folders except for B&N user folders? When I connect my NST via USB to my PC all I can see in the "Nook" directory is what B&N intended for me to see, despite the fact that the device is rooted. That's the way the USB interface is designed to work. How are you even running Launcher.apk? That old, primitive launcher that B&N left on there is useless.
So here's what is says in the original NookManager post:
Technical stuff:
The actual rooting function is minimal and as non-invasive as possible:
uRamdisk is patched to enable ADB
the internal database setting is changed to allow installation of non-market apps
the DroidSansFallback font is replaced with the updated font from jellybean to add support for extended characters
the su/Superuser binary/package is installed
Relaunch is installed
ADB Konnect is installed for enabling/disabling ADB over wireless
on systems running firmware 1.2+, the ModManager jars and package are installed
on 1.2+ systems, the PackageInstaller.apk from the 1.1.2 firmware is installed to resolve issues with package installers
and, finally, the Amazon appstore is installed just to have some easy way of downloading new apps. You can uninstall it using ReLaunch if you don't use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Relaunch, as little as I know about it, has a few screens. One of them is a folder browser, like a file manager. It can see the SD card if you have one inserted, as well as the actual Nook "hard drive"--but not at the root level unless you have enabled that in the settings for Relaunch.
System apps can be installed as you have described: just drag the apk file into the system/app folder and reboot. But you can't install other apps that way. The apk file needs to be processed via the package installer (or through ADB....another story). Hence the need for a folder browser of some sort such as is part of Relaunch.
I repeat, if you have an app drawer, that is, a screen with a bunch of icons on it that represent and will start apps when you touch them, then you have Relaunch. If so, then you need to find the other screen with the folders, because that's how you are going to install, for example, Opera Mobile, by placing the apk file in some folder or another (create one called "Downloads" or something) and then touching on the apk file to bring up the installer. Again, while looking at the app drawer try the "menu" button--that's the little soft "button" at the top of the screen next to the "back" button.
If you are convinced that there is no Relaunch (I still don't understand how you can see any folders?!), then you MUST do a factory reset and try the process again because anything else is just piling problems on top of problems.
I'm not going to ask how you got Calibre onto your NST because you should not have been able to do so with all the issues you are having.
The presence or absence of Browser.apk has nothing to do with the system default keyboard, which certainly contains a period.
To do a factory reset: turn off the Nook and insert the NookManager card you made. Turn the Nook back on and wait for NookManager to load up. Factory reset is either an option on the first screen (after the dialog about Wi-Fi) or is found under "Rescue".
Before you try again, check your software version number (or just look at what NookManager says at the top of the screen when it is loaded. You should have 1.2.1

nmyshkin said:
Wow...it's like we're not even talking about the same device. If you do not have Relaunch how can you have an app drawer? How can you see any folders except for B&N user folders? When I connect my NST via USB to my PC all I can see in the "Nook" directory is what B&N intended for me to see, despite the fact that the device is rooted. That's the way the USB interface is designed to work. How are you even running Launcher.apk? That old, primitive launcher that B&N left on there is useless.
So here's what is says in the original NookManager post:
Relaunch, as little as I know about it, has a few screens. One of them is a folder browser, like a file manager. It can see the SD card if you have one inserted, as well as the actual Nook "hard drive"--but not at the root level unless you have enabled that in the settings for Relaunch.
System apps can be installed as you have described: just drag the apk file into the system/app folder and reboot. But you can't install other apps that way. The apk file needs to be processed via the package installer (or through ADB....another story). Hence the need for a folder browser of some sort such as is part of Relaunch.
I repeat, if you have an app drawer, that is, a screen with a bunch of icons on it that represent and will start apps when you touch them, then you have Relaunch. If so, then you need to find the other screen with the folders, because that's how you are going to install, for example, Opera Mobile, by placing the apk file in some folder or another (create one called "Downloads" or something) and then touching on the apk file to bring up the installer. Again, while looking at the app drawer try the "menu" button--that's the little soft "button" at the top of the screen next to the "back" button.
If you are convinced that there is no Relaunch (I still don't understand how you can see any folders?!), then you MUST do a factory reset and try the process again because anything else is just piling problems on top of problems.
I'm not going to ask how you got Calibre onto your NST because you should not have been able to do so with all the issues you are having.
The presence or absence of Browser.apk has nothing to do with the system default keyboard, which certainly contains a period.
To do a factory reset: turn off the Nook and insert the NookManager card you made. Turn the Nook back on and wait for NookManager to load up. Factory reset is either an option on the first screen (after the dialog about Wi-Fi) or is found under "Rescue".
Before you try again, check your software version number (or just look at what NookManager says at the top of the screen when it is loaded. You should have 1.2.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thank for the valuable info. Yes, I do seem to have tripped into a parallel universe. Perhaps I now have a quantum Nook - complete with wormholes in the operating system!
The menu button in the app drawer doesn’t work. I get to the folder browser via the library button: this opens the SD card (I think I set it to do this) and I go up through the folder levels. I'm not exploring the file system via USB/laptop, I'm doing it direct on the Nook. I should be able to transfer the Opera Mobile apk file to the Nook SD card and thence to an appropriate folder on the Nook itself. It might be better to do a factory reset - but wouldn't I have to re-register? I don't think that would be possible now that B&N no longer support the Nook in the UK. My Nook is v1.2. I was using Calibre before I rooted.
Re ReLaunch - I've now set the right-hand physical buttons to go to the menu. This works as expected now, but originally I was in file manager mode and every time I tried out my change the word 'ReLaunch' popped up - first time I've seen it on the Nook. It wasn't a menu, just 'Relaunch' and two buttons, Information and OK. 'Information' just gave me a version number - v.1.38 - and OK just took me back to the previous screen. With hindsight I think Relaunch was asking me to OK the change. NB Now I've gone back to read mode the Nook seems to have stabilized.
When I deleted the Amazon Appstore and the browser, I just did a long press (I think) and got a menu including Delete. I didn't use ReLaunch because I couldn't access it. Can it only be accessed via System/Apps? I don't seem to have a facility to do a search through the file system.

caromcm said:
The menu button in the app drawer doesn’t work. I get to the folder browser via the library button: this opens the SD card (I think I set it to do this) and I go up through the folder levels. I'm not exploring the file system via USB/laptop, I'm doing it direct on the Nook. I should be able to transfer the Opera Mobile apk file to the Nook SD card and thence to an appropriate folder on the Nook itself. It might be better to do a factory reset - but wouldn't I have to re-register? I don't think that would be possible now that B&N no longer support the Nook in the UK. My Nook is v1.2. I was using Calibre before I rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not going to ask how you got a Calibre app onto your Nook before rooting. Yes, you can copy the Opera Mobile apk file to the SD card and then use any sort of file manager/explorer to install it. If you want an ordinary file manager (since you have a sort of app drawer you should be able to launch it), I recommend an old version of ES File Explorer. It is among the apps I have bundled together that are hard to find which I have found useful on my NST. You can download the package here. In the settings for the app you can enable access to root folders.
Re ReLaunch - I've now set the right-hand physical buttons to go to the menu. This works as expected now, but originally I was in file manager mode and every time I tried out my change the word 'ReLaunch' popped up - first time I've seen it on the Nook. It wasn't a menu, just 'Relaunch' and two buttons, Information and OK. 'Information' just gave me a version number - v.1.38 - and OK just took me back to the previous screen. With hindsight I think Relaunch was asking me to OK the change. NB Now I've gone back to read mode the Nook seems to have stabilized.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you really need a good launcher. The hidden one that's on the NST is pretty crippled. Many people like Relaunch because basically they use their Nooks to read and do little else. Relaunch was designed for that. If that sounds like you, one option to get a functioning/updated copy is to install Opera Mobile and use it to download/install Relaunch. Here's a link. Or you can download on a PC and transfer to the Nook to install.
When you install any new launcher you will get a dialog when you touch the "Home" quicknav "button" asking what you want to do. It's possible that in the past you had that for Relaunch and answered something different with the "always do this" checked and then it's nearly impossible to find the launcher again--unless you install a new one. I personally prefer a more traditional tablet approach and use ADW Launcher, but there are many other options. Almost anything has got to be better than what was hidden on the NST when B&N shipped it out (of course they never expected anyone would access it). I do not think launchers, in general, are system apps. My ADW is in data/app along with most installed apps. BUT, launchers do not typically appear in the app drawer (why would they?) so there is no way to start one except at the initial dialog when you try to access "Home" after installing a new launcher (or each time you access "Home" if you do not tick the "always do this").
I can understand now why you do not want to do a factory reset, seeing as how you are in the UK. It has been reported that running the NST without registering results in abnormal battery drain. I don't know whether that is correct, and there might be more than one way to set it up without registering, but it's a risk. That being the case, I can't stress enough how important it is to make backups frequently as you try to sort things out. Making a backup with NookManager is easy, but only one backup can exist on the SD card at a time. You can transfer backups to your PC when NookManager is running. So, for example, if you plug the USB cable in before you exit NookManager, you will actually be able to see the otherwise hidden backup folder and can copy the files to your PC. I usually make a folder with the date and include a small text file that describes what has been done since the previous backup. Keeping two or three backups on your PC can be a lifesaver if something that you try goes really wrong.

nmyshkin said:
I'm not going to ask how you got a Calibre app onto your Nook before rooting. Yes, you can copy the Opera Mobile apk file to the SD card and then use any sort of file manager/explorer to install it. If you want an ordinary file manager (since you have a sort of app drawer you should be able to launch it), I recommend an old version of ES File Explorer. It is among the apps I have bundled together that are hard to find which I have found useful on my NST. You can download the package here. In the settings for the app you can enable access to root folders.
It sounds like you really need a good launcher. The hidden one that's on the NST is pretty crippled. Many people like Relaunch because basically they use their Nooks to read and do little else. Relaunch was designed for that. If that sounds like you, one option to get a functioning/updated copy is to install Opera Mobile and use it to download/install Relaunch. Here's a link. Or you can download on a PC and transfer to the Nook to install.
When you install any new launcher you will get a dialog when you touch the "Home" quicknav "button" asking what you want to do. It's possible that in the past you had that for Relaunch and answered something different with the "always do this" checked and then it's nearly impossible to find the launcher again--unless you install a new one. I personally prefer a more traditional tablet approach and use ADW Launcher, but there are many other options. Almost anything has got to be better than what was hidden on the NST when B&N shipped it out (of course they never expected anyone would access it). I do not think launchers, in general, are system apps. My ADW is in data/app along with most installed apps. BUT, launchers do not typically appear in the app drawer (why would they?) so there is no way to start one except at the initial dialog when you try to access "Home" after installing a new launcher (or each time you access "Home" if you do not tick the "always do this").
I can understand now why you do not want to do a factory reset, seeing as how you are in the UK. It has been reported that running the NST without registering results in abnormal battery drain. I don't know whether that is correct, and there might be more than one way to set it up without registering, but it's a risk. That being the case, I can't stress enough how important it is to make backups frequently as you try to sort things out. Making a backup with NookManager is easy, but only one backup can exist on the SD card at a time. You can transfer backups to your PC when NookManager is running. So, for example, if you plug the USB cable in before you exit NookManager, you will actually be able to see the otherwise hidden backup folder and can copy the files to your PC. I usually make a folder with the date and include a small text file that describes what has been done since the previous backup. Keeping two or three backups on your PC can be a lifesaver if something that you try goes really wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I've misled you about Calibre. I meant that I run Calibre on the laptop and had noticed a couple of Calibre files in the Nook filing system. I've just checked and found the're on the SD card.
Progress in understanding here, but no practical progress.
I put the Opera Mobile apk file on the Nook SD, but then found it couldn't be moved/copied onto the Nook itself. Do you think I could install direct from the SD - B&N seem to have set up a barrier. I also emailed various links to the gmail address I put onto the Nook, but the emails refuse to open. I think the Google stuff needs updating.
I re-enabled the B&N browser, but it keeps warning me that site certificates are out of date, even when I use addresses which work on my laptop. Occasionally something works.
Amongst t[/QUOTE]he galaxy of menus I found an option to 'Show all apps including this one'. I clicked and ReLaunch appeared in my apps drawer!
nmyshkin said:
When you install any new launcher you will get a dialog when you touch the "Home" quicknav "button" asking what you want to do. It's possible that in the past you had that for Relaunch and answered something different with the "always do this" checked and then it's nearly impossible to find the launcher again--unless you install a new one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's what I did - it was supposed to be reversible, but the trick didn't work.
I think I'll make another backup and try NTGAppsAttack. Might free up the email. Then I'll have a think about launchers.
Many thanks for all the useful suggestions. Will let you know how things go, but not tomorrow as I have other things I have to do.

caromcm said:
I think I've misled you about Calibre. I meant that I run Calibre on the laptop and had noticed a couple of Calibre files in the Nook filing system. I've just checked and found the're on the SD card.
Progress in understanding here, but no practical progress.
I put the Opera Mobile apk file on the Nook SD, but then found it couldn't be moved/copied onto the Nook itself. Do you think I could install direct from the SD - B&N seem to have set up a barrier. I also emailed various links to the gmail address I put onto the Nook, but the emails refuse to open. I think the Google stuff needs updating.
I re-enabled the B&N browser, but it keeps warning me that site certificates are out of date, even when I use addresses which work on my laptop. Occasionally something works.
Amongst the galaxy of menus I found an option to 'Show all apps including this one'. I clicked and ReLaunch appeared in my apps drawer!
Yes, that's what I did - it was supposed to be reversible, but the trick didn't work.
I think I'll make another backup and try NTGAppsAttack. Might free up the email. Then I'll have a think about launchers.
Many thanks for all the useful suggestions. Will let you know how things go, but not tomorrow as I have other things I have to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Calibre stores little files on the SD card if you use it to move over books. I might add that simply dragging over the epub files seems to result in a smaller chunk of memory storage. Perhaps those Calibre files don't get updated (and larger) when you do that. At least that was my experience. And the NST can't use the Calibre information, in any case.
I install all my side-loaded apps from a folder I have on my SD card called "Downloads", so yes you can install an app from SD card--or should be able to do so.
If there was already a resident Gmail app in system/app it is probably useless. Even the one in GAppsAttack only functions for awhile and then you have to reinstall it to get it going again (and again....). Apparently a known issue but "fixed" versions do not run on the NST. You can try the small and simple e-mail app that is linked from here. That's what I use. It works simply and reliably with imap e-mail and functions just like you would expect Gmail to.
The problem with certificates has recently been addressed and is not a problem of the old (albeit largely useless) browser, but of the device itself and it can limit its access to, for example, Kindle books as well as various websites. When you get to the point where you want to deal with it, read the thread here (and the next few entries for some simplification).

nmyshkin said:
Yes, Calibre stores little files on the SD card if you use it to move over books. I might add that simply dragging over the epub files seems to result in a smaller chunk of memory storage. Perhaps those Calibre files don't get updated (and larger) when you do that. At least that was my experience. And the NST can't use the Calibre information, in any case.
I install all my side-loaded apps from a folder I have on my SD card called "Downloads", so yes you can install an app from SD card--or should be able to do so.
If there was already a resident Gmail app in system/app it is probably useless. Even the one in GAppsAttack only functions for awhile and then you have to reinstall it to get it going again (and again....). Apparently a known issue but "fixed" versions do not run on the NST. You can try the small and simple e-mail app that is linked from here. That's what I use. It works simply and reliably with imap e-mail and functions just like you would expect Gmail to.
The problem with certificates has recently been addressed and is not a problem of the old (albeit largely useless) browser, but of the device itself and it can limit its access to, for example, Kindle books as well as various websites. When you get to the point where you want to deal with it, read the thread here (and the next few entries for some simplification).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! You're a mine of useful info - and, belatedly, I've just found the Thanks Button. I've also loaded Opera Mobile, which is working fine. In the process the email has been fixed too. I've copied all your links onto my Nook for future investigation. When I have time (next week) I'll run NGAppsAttack (making a backup first) and then I should be able to download books.
For clarification, it was Loader, not ReLoad which offered me the load options and an "Always do this" tick box after rooting. The action of the tick box was supposed to be reversible, but that trick didn't work. I still don't know where Loader fits in. Part of the Nook software? Part of ReLaunch? However, all works now, so I won't post any more into this thread as it's really about my browser problem. May thanks Nmyshkin.

caromcm said:
Great! You're a mine of useful info - and, belatedly, I've just found the Thanks Button. I've also loaded Opera Mobile, which is working fine. In the process the email has been fixed too. I've copied all your links onto my Nook for future investigation. When I have time (next week) I'll run NGAppsAttack (making a backup first) and then I should be able to download books.
For clarification, it was Loader, not ReLoad which offered me the load options and an "Always do this" tick box after rooting. The action of the tick box was supposed to be reversible, but that trick didn't work. I still don't know where Loader fits in. Part of the Nook software? Part of ReLaunch? However, all works now, so I won't post any more into this thread as it's really about my browser problem. May thanks Nmyshkin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad we got some things squared away. If you install the ES File Explorer I directed you to, it comes with an app manager. You can find the Loader, or Launcher or whatever (more likely, "Home") and cancel the default behavior from your "always do this" mishap.
Good luck.

Related

[Q] Need some questions answered before I root my nook

Just got a nook color last night and been looking at websites and downloading books with no sleep so bear with me.
I found this screenshot and would love to get my nook to look kind of like it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=860404&page=39
(msgnyc picture "Do Not Panic")
My main areas of interest in rooting is 2 major things
1. What size SD card do I need to root, jailbreak or whatever the hell you want to call it. I currently have a 4GB in, but everyone I see says they are using 8+.
2. I really want this feature and is the main selling point of me rooting. I want to be able to create folders on my main screen with an authors name and possibly a picture that will open up to all my books from that author. I have downloaded almost all my books that I currently own in epub format so I want to make sure I have access to them.
If anyone can help answer these questions it would be very helpful, and also point to the simplest (and I mean books for dummies guide) on how to get my nook to look like that picture would be greatly appreciated. I'm going to sleep now.
Well found this forum post
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1030227
Would this be my best bet for rooting a nook color version 1.4.1?
If so, then I just need help with my main questions and where to get those apps and how to put them on my nook.
Thanks again
That's an ok place to start. All of the information and files you need to do this are either in the thread already or it will link to other threads or posts that have what you need.
Basically, you just got a LOT of reading to do before you will get to where you want. It's really worth it IMO. You will learn alot that you may use later while trying to get started, but it's a great time.
I have read hundreds of posts and learn quite a bit I didn't know while only trying to figure out one thing to do. I love it.
Best regards.
Benzoman said:
That's an ok place to start. All of the information and files you need to do this are either in the thread already or it will link to other threads or posts that have what you need.
Basically, you just got a LOT of reading to do before you will get to where you want. It's really worth it IMO. You will learn alot that you may use later while trying to get started, but it's a great time.
I have read hundreds of posts and learn quite a bit I didn't know while only trying to figure out one thing to do. I love it.
Best regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give it a go when I have more sleep, I'm just afraid I'll totally ruin this new toy and just wish companies would stop putting limitations on their hardware.
If you root and use cm7 off an sd card you have no worries. You can take out the card and go back to normal.
Search bootable sd card in here. Pretty simple, although you may not go back. I did that for a while, then just did it to the internal memory as I have no plans to go back to stock, even then it's not too hard if I really needed to.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App
No worries even if you decide to root your Nook w CM7 and use the card for storage. There are several locations here that will tell you how to get back to stock. You can not brick your new Nook.
Several good ereader apps available. I suggest either Alkido or the Nook app. Both work great for me.
Running Nook Color CM7 Nightly 253m on either root or SDcard, depending on the day and my mood.
If you just want to create a bootable uSD so that you can root your NC, 1GB card is enough.
If you want to install new ROM and running it from the uSD card, then 32GB is max, normally minus 2GB (reserved for system and data), the rest is for your own use.
I have never rooted my NC so I can't help.
I only played the NC with stock ROM for 2 days after I bought it then installing CM7 ROM on, so I don't remember anything about stock ROM and what it offers you.
As for creating a folder with possible picture on the main screen, I don't know it can be done or not.
It's always good to read as many posts as you can, but sometimes it feels like established users aren't just sending you looking for a needle in a haystack, they're actually holding the needle and telling you to look in the haystack anyway. I'll tell you what worked for me. It turns out to be a 10 minute process (at most) once you know the steps. I started with a Nook Color running stock 1.4.1.
1. Get an SD card 1GB or greater.
2. Install Image Writer for Windows (https://launchpad.net/win32-image-writer)
3. Install CWM (Clockwork Mod) image to your SD card using Image Writer for Windows, per the instructions in this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=987735
4. Copy the Manual Nooter version 5.12.20 zip file to the SD card, obtain the zip from this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20456719&postcount=1631 that is on page 164 from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20456719
5. Shut your Nook Color off by holding the power button until the screen asks if you want to power it off.
6. Insert your CWM SD card into your Nook Color.
7. Hold the power button until the Nook Color starts to boot. (screen flashes)
8. Nook Color will boot into CWM. Use the volume keys to move down to "Install zip" (or something close to that) Press the "N" key on the Nook Color to select the option.
9. Select the option to "Choose zip", then select the MN 5.12.20 zip that you got from the Manual Nooter thread.
10. CWM does it's thing. Turn off when done. Remove SDcard. Boot. Done!
Obviously, this is just what worked for me. If it doesn't work, you'll have to go further down the rabbit hole to find out why. (read more of the linked threads)
I hope that makes the decision to root a little easier.
Reige1 said:
[...] I found this screenshot and would love to get my nook to look kind of like it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=860404&page=39
(msgnyc picture "Do Not Panic")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You clearly have good taste in books. That looks like a rooted B&N pre-1.4.1 install running an alternate launcher with a pretty wallpaper applied.
My main areas of interest in rooting is 2 major things
1. What size SD card do I need to root, jailbreak or whatever the hell you want to call it. I currently have a 4GB in, but everyone I see says they are using 8+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To actually root, you don't need anything larger. However, you might want a larger SD for other functions (more below).
2. I really want this feature and is the main selling point of me rooting. I want to be able to create folders on my main screen with an authors name and possibly a picture that will open up to all my books from that author. I have downloaded almost all my books that I currently own in epub format so I want to make sure I have access to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is likely to be a challenge. I'm not aware of anything that will put this on your homescreen. The B&N launcher on the B&N firmware will let you put books on your homescreen, but nothing sorted like you're talking about. B&N firmware does have the shelves feature, and the Library will sort by author, but it doesn't show on your home screen. Other readers such as Aldiko do have a nice shelf display that you can sort various ways, but in my testing, the closest you can get is to use Aldiko or Mantano reader to put a shortcut to a single book on your homescreen. Unfortunately, it's very very tiny. You'll also only be able to do this on a non-B&N launcher home screen, so you lose the Today bar and pretty book covers all over the screen that B&N provides.
I've done a brain dump on my experiences with rooting B&N 1.4.1 that might help with some other decision points. Rooting is only the start of the adventure. There are a lot of customization options you'll want to consider as well.
BE AWARE that rooting B&N firmware is altogether different than installing CyanogenMod to eMMC. The "[GUIDE] Install CM7.1 or 7.2 + Clockworkmod to EMMC - ALL NOOKS! (Updated:1/5/12" guide you linked to is excellent, but will OVERWRITE your B&N firmware with alternate firmware (CyanogenMod). Not a bad thing, but it may not be what you want. Before doing that, I'd suggest creating a bootable SD card with CyanogenMod that you can use for a test drive before committing to getting rid of the B&N firmware. This way, you can test out CM to your heart's content, but still leave the B&N firmware on internal eMMC memory. THIS is why you might want a larger SD card. It will be used by the CM when you boot it.
As other have noted, even if you zap the B&N firmware, you can get back, so don't panic. Just be aware of the differences between B&N firmware and whatever else you load up. I tried to highlight those in my summary, so I hope it's useful.
bobstro said:
You clearly have good taste in books. That looks like a rooted B&N pre-1.4.1 install running an alternate launcher with a pretty wallpaper applied.To actually root, you don't need anything larger. However, you might want a larger SD for other functions (more below).That is likely to be a challenge. I'm not aware of anything that will put this on your homescreen. The B&N launcher on the B&N firmware will let you put books on your homescreen, but nothing sorted like you're talking about. B&N firmware does have the shelves feature, and the Library will sort by author, but it doesn't show on your home screen. Other readers such as Aldiko do have a nice shelf display that you can sort various ways, but in my testing, the closest you can get is to use Aldiko or Mantano reader to put a shortcut to a single book on your homescreen. Unfortunately, it's very very tiny. You'll also only be able to do this on a non-B&N launcher home screen, so you lose the Today bar and pretty book covers all over the screen that B&N provides.
I've done a brain dump on my experiences with rooting B&N 1.4.1 that might help with some other decision points. Rooting is only the start of the adventure. There are a lot of customization options you'll want to consider as well.
BE AWARE that rooting B&N firmware is altogether different than installing CyanogenMod to eMMC. The "[GUIDE] Install CM7.1 or 7.2 + Clockworkmod to EMMC - ALL NOOKS! (Updated:1/5/12" guide you linked to is excellent, but will OVERWRITE your B&N firmware with alternate firmware (CyanogenMod). Not a bad thing, but it may not be what you want. Before doing that, I'd suggest creating a bootable SD card with CyanogenMod that you can use for a test drive before committing to getting rid of the B&N firmware. This way, you can test out CM to your heart's content, but still leave the B&N firmware on internal eMMC memory. THIS is why you might want a larger SD card. It will be used by the CM when you boot it.
As other have noted, even if you zap the B&N firmware, you can get back, so don't panic. Just be aware of the differences between B&N firmware and whatever else you load up. I tried to highlight those in my summary, so I hope it's useful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, I could care less about the today bar or anything else that comes stock with the Nook. I just want to be able to read my books that are in a nice organized fashion (which I found out you can't do with stock), play on the internet and use netflix. I also want the WiFi, screen brightness and battery indicator.
Another thing that pissed me off was I updated to 1.4.1 and it added the white bar at the bottom of the screen and you can not remove it (today bar I think?) I WANT THAT GONE!!!!
>>>>>>> +1 Aldiko
Reige1 said:
To be honest, I could care less about the today bar or anything else that comes stock with the Nook. I just want to be able to read my books that are in a nice organized fashion (which I found out you can't do with stock), play on the internet and use netflix. I also want the WiFi, screen brightness and battery indicator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case, rooting 1.4.1 is just extra effort. Proceed with the instructions to run CyanogenMod (recommend the CM 7.2 RC0 Mirage build found here on XDA.
Another thing that pissed me off was I updated to 1.4.1 and it added the white bar at the bottom of the screen and you can not remove it (today bar I think?) I WANT THAT GONE!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That white bar fills in with cover images from recent book you read from your library, and new issues of magazines and newspapers you subscribe to. If you don't subscribe to anything and generally don't care about B&N, just flash over it all.
As mentioned, Aldiko is a great reader. I'd suggest also checking out Mantano ($) if you don't mind spending a few bucks for a better PDF reader (IMO). Mantano provides more options for cataloging your books. I have had it crash the database with 500+ books, though, so do regular backups.
Unfortunately, I've yet to find anything that focuses on books for the home screen, other than the shortcut-to-single-book I mentioned before.
I've got an answer for the problem of creating author folders on the desktop. First you need to install ADW EX Launcher ($$). I don't know if you can do it in ADW free. Anyway, long-press on the desktop and select Shortcuts. Then choose your file manager. Now navigate to your books and select one. This should put a shortcut to that book on your desktop. Repeat as needed until you have all the books from one author. Now drag them into a stack, one on top of another. ADW will automatically create a folder that contains all the shortcuts in the stack. Now long-press on the folder/pile and select Edit. This will give you the option to rename the folder and if you touch the folder icon to the left of the label entry line it will let you add a custom icon for the folder.
There's also a free app called Folder Organizer that can do something like this. If you don't want to buy ADW EX and can't get ADW free to work you might give it a try. Just remember that you create shortcuts to your books by creating a shortcut to the file manager and going from there. Good luck!
And since everyone else is giving their favorite reader, Cool Reader FTW!
CobyHoff said:
It's always good to read as many posts as you can, but sometimes it feels like established users aren't just sending you looking for a needle in a haystack, they're actually holding the needle and telling you to look in the haystack anyway. I'll tell you what worked for me. It turns out to be a 10 minute process (at most) once you know the steps. I started with a Nook Color running stock 1.4.1.
1. Get an SD card 1GB or greater.
2. Install Image Writer for Windows (https://launchpad.net/win32-image-writer)
3. Install CWM (Clockwork Mod) image to your SD card using Image Writer for Windows, per the instructions in this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=987735
4. Copy the Manual Nooter version 5.12.20 zip file to the SD card, obtain the zip from this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20456719&postcount=1631 that is on page 164 from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20456719
5. Shut your Nook Color off by holding the power button until the screen asks if you want to power it off.
6. Insert your CWM SD card into your Nook Color.
7. Hold the power button until the Nook Color starts to boot. (screen flashes)
8. Nook Color will boot into CWM. Use the volume keys to move down to "Install zip" (or something close to that) Press the "N" key on the Nook Color to select the option.
9. Select the option to "Choose zip", then select the MN 5.12.20 zip that you got from the Manual Nooter thread.
10. CWM does it's thing. Turn off when done. Remove SDcard. Boot. Done!
Obviously, this is just what worked for me. If it doesn't work, you'll have to go further down the rabbit hole to find out why. (read more of the linked threads)
I hope that makes the decision to root a little easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are a godsend for making this so easy. Was actually gonna buy an SD card off amazon that was already preloaded but decided to give it a try before spending money. Worked like a charm and got everything I need so far.
Glad to hear you got everything going. I'm sure you'll love it.
Reige1 said:
You are a godsend for making this so easy. Was actually gonna buy an SD card off amazon that was already preloaded but decided to give it a try before spending money. Worked like a charm and got everything I need so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're going to stay on the rooted B&N firmware?
Don't bother with paying that premium for cards. You can roll your own in 10 minutes with the guidance here on XDA, and better learn how to maintain it as you do.
Ok, I have a problem and have spent several hours trying to figure this out. If you look at the screenshot I linked, at the very bottom (status bar?) you see an arrow in the middle that brings up a menu. After updating to 1.4.1 it is no longer there and even after rooting I can't figure out how to get it back. I got AWD but that is not the same. Is it possible to get that feature back?
And do I need to put my epub books on my SD card for me to be able to see them in Aldiko? I currently have them saved on the nook itself.
Don't see a screenshot, but do you mean the B&N shortcut bar that lets you select store,browser,library,etc.? If so, pressing the 'n' button brings that up on stock 1.4.1. Did you over-ride that with HomeCatcher by any chance?
bobstro said:
Don't see a screenshot, but do you mean the B&N shortcut bar that lets you select store,browser,library,etc.? If so, pressing the 'n' button brings that up on stock 1.4.1. Did you over-ride that with HomeCatcher by any chance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The screenshot was at the first page in my original post, sorry. And yes, that is what I mean, and I don't want to have to press the "n" button to do it, I want the old way back if possible.
Reige1 said:
I don't want to have to press the "n" button to do it, I want the old way back if possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have to restore back to 1.3.... 1.4.1 changes it.
Somebody may have a fix though I've not seen it.

Can't read library books (OverDrive) with 1.2.1?

I haven't heard that anyone has had a problem borrowing library books (with OverDrive) with the Nook 1.2.1?
I've not been able to open library books for a while.
The error message was "User not activated".
Re-activation with the Adobe Digital Editions on the PC proceeded fine but did not fix it.
Now I've got a fix that works fine. (No, stripping the DRM externally was not my solution).
Before I let the cat out of the bag, I'd like to know if this affected others and how they dealt with it.
I'm interested to know this all in depth because some of this might affect how many Adobe licenses you use up.
Maybe this thread would have generated more interest if I had named it "Hacking Angry Birds". :silly:
The stock Nook Reader uses two different kinds of DRM (Digital Rights Management a/k/a encryption).
One variant is for Barnes & Noble purchased books.
The other is the standard Adobe Adept DRM used for borrowing library books with OverDrive.
This is only about the Adobe Adept DRM.
It's not about defeating or stripping the DRM, only on getting it to work properly
One of the critical things on DRM is to identify the device.
In the file /media/.adobe-digital-editions/device.xml is such identification.
It is contained in a XML entry called "fingerprint".
Up to Nook version 1.1.5 this was:
fingerprint=Base64Encode(SHA-1Hash(<16 ASCII chars of /rom/devconf/DeviceId>)).
In Nook version 1.2.1 this is now:
fingerprint=Base64Encode(SHA-1Hash(<16 bytes of /media/.devicesalt>, <16 ASCII chars of /rom/devconf/DeviceId>)).
/rom/devconf/DeviceId is the serial number, something like "3000111122223333".
/media/.devicesalt is a random 16 bytes.
Exactly what it was put in to address is another question.
Who creates this snippet and when is not yet clear.
If you do an update from Nook1.1.5 to 1.2.1 and don't re-register anything you may still download books over USB and the desktop Adobe Digital Editions but they will not load.
Internally they will generate a mismatched fingerprint error and externally a "user not activated" on the screen.
Of course, if you re-register and perform whatever rewrites device.xml to agree with the new fingerprint, that will work.
The question remains, does this new fingerprint use up one of your allowed Adobe Adept device licenses?
This also ties into the Android app OverDrive Media Console.
That also uses a different fingerprint.
Besides the question of whether that uses two licenses for a single device, it also make it impossible to download a file using OMC and then read it on the Nook stock reader instead of the horrible OMC reader.
Questions, comments, answers?
Implemented & tested: A simple way to keep the same fingerprint after an upgrade.
Note: Yes, I know about Calibre and plug-ins, but that's not at all what I want to do.
Renate NST said:
Of course, if you re-register and perform whatever rewrites device.xml to agree with the new fingerprint, that will work.
The question remains, does this new fingerprint use up one of your allowed Adobe Adept device licenses?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will, but I've also seen credible reports that Adobe silently expand your activated device allowance to deal with lost/sold devices. Only if you register a number of devices in quick succession will you hit the limit. Even then, people have managed to get in touch with Adobe by phone or email and have their accounts reset/manually edited. I've re-registered my Adobe DRM devices a number of times and haven't yet hit the limit.
Besides the question of whether that uses two licenses for a single device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will do.
it also make it impossible to download a file using OMC and then read it on the Nook stock reader instead of the horrible OMC reader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite so. OMC and your Nook are two different devices as far as Adobe is concerned, along with whatever Adobe DRM-enabled readers you've activated on different devices.
So, to cut to the chase...
ReaderRMSDK.apk 1.2.1 is tied to Nook 1.2.1 and libpdfhost.so 1.2.1
You can't use mixed versions of these three things.
As stated, 1.2.1 uses .devicesalt which 1.1.5 doesn't use.
To patch libpdfhost to totally ignore .devicesalt:
Code:
/system/lib/libpdfhost.so 9,695,904
[002b647c] E593F018 => EAFFFFFF (little-endian)
You will have to (and want to) use the same fingerprint as before.
This appears in device.xml and activation.xml
I don't understand all of the tech notes in the thread, but back to the original question:
I have installed the Overdrive app on my rooted nook (1.2.1) and am able to download and read books in the Overdrive app itself.
However, I am unable to use the stock reader (which I would rather use) with books that I've downloaded (i.e., go out and find the EPUB file using a file manager on the device and launch from there). That would be a bonus if I could get that to work.
I haven't tried the "old" way of sideloading books from the Adobe application on my PC since I re-rooted my device.
Getting rid of UMS
I've kept to the standard and legit way of borrowing library books using Adobe Digital Editions on my desktop which links over USB to my Nook.
It uses UMS (USB Mass Storage).
UMS is pretty stupid. It shares computer volumes by just presenting the raw disk blocks over USB.
I have been using ADB (and particularly my utility adbsync.exe) for all my synchronizing.
The only holdout of why I still had UMS was for library books using ADE.
Here is how you keep semi-legit, use ADE and just do the connection to your Nook over ADB with WiFi or USB.
Take one of those too small USB flash drives that you have collecting dust, maybe a 256M.
Plug it in the back of your computer, out of the way.
Assign it a drive letter conveniently out of the way.
Create directory .adobe-digital-editions
Copy /media/.adobe-digital-editions/device.xml, /media/.adobe-digital-editions/activation.xml to the flash.
Run ADE, it should recognize your flash as a portable reading device.
Transfer your borrowed book to the flash.
Sync the flash to your Nook.
Read.
Oh, and disable UMS so you can use ADB over USB without disabling your Nook.
Code:
echo -n 0 > /data/property/persist.service.mount.umsauto
Renate NST said:
One of the critical things on DRM is to identify the device.
In the file /media/.adobe-digital-editions/device.xml is such identification.
It is contained in a XML entry called "fingerprint".
Up to Nook version 1.1.5 this was:
fingerprint=Base64Encode(SHA-1Hash(<16 ASCII chars of /rom/devconf/DeviceId>)).
In Nook version 1.2.1 this is now:
fingerprint=Base64Encode(SHA-1Hash(<16 bytes of /media/.devicesalt>, <16 ASCII chars of /rom/devconf/DeviceId>)).
/rom/devconf/DeviceId is the serial number, something like "3000111122223333".
/media/.devicesalt is a random 16 bytes.
Exactly what it was put in to address is another question.
Who creates this snippet and when is not yet clear.
If you do an update from Nook1.1.5 to 1.2.1 and don't re-register anything you may still download books over USB and the desktop Adobe Digital Editions but they will not load.
Internally they will generate a mismatched fingerprint error and externally a "user not activated"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am just finding this thread and am wondering if this may provide a fix for my vexing situation.
I am trying to run Mantano with my drmed books (both band n books, and overdrive). The DRM works the same as my normal android devices (nexus 7, Nook color, eris, and rezound).
However, when the app closes, the DRM resets. Oddly enough, Aldiko works fine.
I really like mantano's way of displaying the books accurately and the way it syncs notes and highlights, so I am kind of married to this app. So, I know I have asked before, but does anyone have any thoughts? This could be the beginning to figuring this out yes?
~Leko
lekofraggle said:
However, when the app closes, the DRM resets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea what you mean by that.
Renate NST said:
I have no idea what you mean by that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Renate,
Thanks for responding. This is driving me crazy.
What happens is that after I open the app, I can register it with adobe and read my overdrive books. I can also read my Barnes and Noble books by entering my login and credit card number (what they use as a password). This is the way they use adobe DRM.
But, when I close the app, it seems to unregister itself. After closing the app. (Forcing it to quit, waiting a long time, or rebooting the nst), I have to reenter my adobe or Barnes and Noble credentials in the app. With adobe, this does count as a new device each time.
Aldiko does not seem to have the problem.
I have taken decompiled Mantano and tried to figure out how to fix it, but cannot. I have also reached out to the company, they have not helped too much either.
I use mantano as my everyday reading app on my nexus, and want to sync my notes and reading position (which it does well).
Sincerely,
Leko
I don't know Mantano at all.
It has to save the credentials somewhere, apparently it's not.
Explore around
/data/data/com.mantano.whatever/databases
/data/data/com.mantano.whatever/files
using ADB shell
Is there something there before you shut Mantano down?
Is it still there later?
Is it wiped out on restart?
Renate NST said:
I don't know Mantano at all.
It has to save the credentials somewhere, apparently it's not.
Explore around
/data/data/com.mantano.whatever/databases
/data/data/com.mantano.whatever/files
using ADB shell
Is there something there before you shut Mantano down?
Is it still there later?
Is it wiped out on restart?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Renate,
Thanks a lot. There are some weird happenings indeed.
So, I browsed the folders, and did not get too far. Here is what I did...
adb shell ls data/data/com.mantano.reader.android
the folders were
shared_prefs
cache
databases
lib
files
In the cache folder was one file
WebviewCache
In the databases folder were three files
webviewCache.db
google_analytics.db
webview.db
In the files folder
licence
.salt
.mno002
.mno001
mantano
I tried to poke around with a database viewer but did not get too far. most of the databases were empty (I have not done much with this app since trying different versions. The only database that seemed to have data was the google_analytics, and none of that looked like password data.
Two more odd things.
There is a .adobe-digital-editions folder on the sd card. Mantano writes to it, because if I delete the folder, it is respawned with mantano mentioned in device.xml.
And, if I run aldiko, its registration seems to overwrite device.xml, but it can read from it (the source of the two reading apps are completely different.)
I wonder if it is a permissions error. The permissions on the .adobe editions folder are ---rwxr-x I tried to find a way to change that, but they do not stick because it is an sd card. 16 gig class 4.
Mantano also has a folder on the sd card with a database, but I am not sure that is where we need to be.
Thanks again for your help.
~Leko
Your SD card is probably FAT, which is why permissions are not really serious.
I think that you are getting all confused by alternating between Mantano & Aldiko.
(I've not even seen either of these.)
I think that they are both trying to store conflicting credentials in the same place.
The stock ReaderRMSDK.apk uses libpdfhost.so
libpdfhost.so has hard-coded paths in it for .devicesalt, .adobe-digital-editions/device.xml, .adobe-digital-editions/activation.xml on /media
See the start of this thread for "un-salting" the stock ReaderRMSDK.
Renate NST said:
Your SD card is probably FAT, which is why permissions are not really serious.
I think that you are getting all confused by alternating between Mantano & Aldiko.
(I've not even seen either of these.)
I think that they are both trying to store conflicting credentials in the same place.
The stock ReaderRMSDK.apk uses libpdfhost.so
libpdfhost.so has hard-coded paths in it for .devicesalt, .adobe-digital-editions/device.xml, .adobe-digital-editions/activation.xml on /media
See the start of this thread for "un-salting" the stock ReaderRMSDK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Renate, I actually am not as confused between the two as it seems. I only installed Aldiko after I discovered the DRM issue with Mantano.
Beyond wiping my device, is the other fix for un-salting deregistering the nook? If so, I will try that next.
I think the sdcard is fat, but Mantano does not seem to acknowledge the /media partition. I wonder if that has something to do with the issue.
~Leko
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Well then just stick to Mantano.
See when the stuff in .adobe-digital-editions appears.
Back it up somewhere.
Close Mantano and open it.
See if the stuff is still there.
activation.xml has to be writable to add new books.
Renate NST said:
Well then just stick to Mantano.
See when the stuff in .adobe-digital-editions appears.
Back it up somewhere.
Close Mantano and open it.
See if the stuff is still there.
activation.xml has to be writable to add new books.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I deregistered my nook, and rerooted it. I installed es file explorer and mantano (nothing else).
If In delete the folder or the stuff in it, Mantano recreates it on launch (on the SD card). If I open a book, I have to register. Once I do, it works for a while (an hour or so it seems), but then asks me to re register.
If I move the folder while the app or books are open, it immediately recreates the folder and the three files, but the book needs to be re registered. I seem to get the same result if I move just the files.
I also tried disabling all of the bn apps in the nook manager with the same result.
I am at a loss.
~Leko
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Point #1: Don't deregister your device ever.
When stuff is working, backup the relevant directories.
When stuff stops working copy that back to where it was.
Using ADB stop or reboot is the safest/cleanest way to restart apps.
Every time you re-register it (probably) generates new salt.
Renate NST said:
Point #1: Don't deregister your device ever.
When stuff is working, backup the relevant directories.
When stuff stops working copy that back to where it was.
Using ADB stop or reboot is the safest/cleanest way to restart apps.
Every time you re-register it (probably) generates new salt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Renate,
Thanks for the advice. I am trying to figure out how to desalt. Moving the relevant files do not seem to work. I get the same result as if the original ones stayed in one spot.
~Leko
New Nook goes backwards a version
With the new NG2 (the new white Nook) came a surprise.
/system/lib/libpdfhost.so (which is the driving force on the Reader) went backwards a version.
1.0, 1.1 and now the 1.3 has RMSDK9.2.1+/NDKr5 libpdfhost.so
1.2.1 has RMSDK9.3.1/NDKr7b
I wonder why they did that?
Hi
Sorry to post in an old thread, but this does seem most relevent to what I want to achieve.
I am struggling to read borrowed library books in Aldiko or Mantano readers on my NSTG rooted v1.2.1. I cannot login to my library using Aldiko, it just hangs - either a cookie or security certificate problem, I've tried workarounds listed on other forums without success. So I figure importing the acsm or epub downloaded using overdrive might be the answer.
I can checkout books in overdrive, open the .acsm file and read them in overdrive. But I cannot then open the epub using Aldiko/Mantano, nor can I open a brand new (different book) acsm file using Aldiko to generate the epub.
I don't have access to ADE on a PC so cannot transfer onto my Nook that way.
So ideally, I'd like to be able to simply open the epub that is generated when Overdrive on the NSTG reads the acsm file - or to fix the "hanging" in Aldiko when logging into the library website.
Is there any way of doing this? I've tried lots of versions of Aldiko and Mantano, old and new, without success.
Thanks!
gwapenut said:
[…]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, so here's the deal, gwapenut. (Love your username, by the way - #GrapenutsFTW!)
The Aldiko login bug has been present since Aldiko first was installed on the Nook - it's basically an issue no one's been able to fix. (As you suspected, it's a security certificate invalidity) So, that option's out.
From my personal experience, you can only open borrowed OverDrive books with Aldiko/Mantano if you borrow them using ADE on a PC and then sideloading them onto your Nook - they don't open properly if you borrow them straight from your Nook.
TL; DR - If you don't have PC ADE access, you cannot accomplish what you are asking for.
Sorry about that.

[Q] NSTG Want B&N Reader to for their books and cool reader for .epub possible?

Hello,
I am having trouble get took setup in manner I want for my family.
I would like option to access B&N books on the device so I need to use default reader however for all other books .mobi/,epub I much prefer to use cool reader as I can adjust the margin to avoid the light bloom at the top as well as various spacings to my preference.
Using nookmanager/relaunch, Renate's Simple Library.
If I chose a default app for .epub B&N are treated the same way. Is this possible to sort in manner I'm after by perhaps hacking around with /data/system/packages.xml?
Thanks
Crispy
Crispy3000 said:
Hello,
I am having trouble get took setup in manner I want for my family.
I would like option to access B&N books on the device so I need to use default reader however for all other books .mobi/,epub I much prefer to use cool reader as I can adjust the margin to avoid the light bloom at the top as well as various spacings to my preference.
Using nookmanager/relaunch, Renate's Simple Library.
If I chose a default app for .epub B&N are treated the same way. Is this possible to sort in manner I'm after by perhaps hacking around with /data/system/packages.xml?
Thanks
Crispy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BN books are epub, but they are protected epubs (they use adobe drm). I think cool reader may be able to open them too, but the Nook stores them in a place the reader has trouble finding them. Because they are epubs, setting the default would be tricky (one app for downloaded epub, and another for purchased from BN, how would the app know).
I think your best bet would be to use Mantno or Aldiko which can handle all of your epubs because they support drm. Then,all the epubs are handled by one app, and all the mobis by cool reader. That is as simple as clicking the always do this checkbox you open the book from a file manager.
The alternative is to set defaults based on file location, but I think you will need another app running like tasker. Then, you can create shortcuts with a launcher and have the shortcut open the assigned book. The later is much more complicated.
Good luck,
Leko
Thanks for that.
I did try downloading the books from the website to PC to have a look at what format they were etc but could not find a way.
It is indeed the path screwing things up. They live it seems in /data/media/B&N Downloads/Books/ a directory only accesable to system apps.
Copying them to sdcard coolreader had no problem what so ever reading them.
I guess setting up a script to copy the books to another nonroot location would be easiest solution.
Crispy3000 said:
Thanks for that.
I did try downloading the books from the website to PC to have a look at what format they were etc but could not find a way.
It is indeed the path screwing things up. They live it seems in /data/media/B&N Downloads/Books/ a directory only accesable to system apps.
Copying them to sdcard coolreader had no problem what so ever reading them.
I guess setting up a script to copy the books to another nonroot location would be easiest solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not know if this would mess everything up, but what if you changed the permissions on that folder?
It may well do messing with those permissions or at least cause the nook to reset to factory. Not something I am going to consider
I want to remove all the B&N crap stealing battery anyway so side loading the books to my sdcard is way to go and thats fine.
What I need to know now is how to get the books I've paid for in .epub format from B&N when the nst does not download them.
Part of my brain remember Renate does something like this using an Adobe product?
I will google abit after coffee and some Jelly Defense. If someone knows good method please chime in.
Crispy3000 said:
It may well do messing with those permissions or at least cause the nook to reset to factory. Not something I am going to consider
I want to remove all the B&N crap stealing battery anyway so side loading the books to my sdcard is way to go and thats fine.
What I need to know now is how to get the books I've paid for in .epub format from B&N when the nst does not download them.
Part of my brain remember Renate does something like this using an Adobe product?
I will google abit after coffee and some Jelly Defense. If someone knows good method please chime in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point. I did that with Nook color tools. Not fun.
To get the books...
Go on a browser (this may work on opera on the device, I am not sure).
Got to bn.com
sign in and go to your nook library.
right click on a book and download it.
Save it to disk. If you have A.D.E. installed it will want to open it.
Move it to your device.
Open the book in a reader which supports A.D.E.
Enter your login in password which is your full name (As they have it on file, spaces count but I do not know about middle names)and credit card you used to purchase the book.
Enjoy.
You should only need to enter the credit card once.
Good luck.
~Leko
Now, I just need to find the full screen version of Mantano. Grrr.
lekofraggle said:
Good point. I did that with Nook color tools. Not fun.
To get the books...
Go on a browser (this may work on opera on the device, I am not sure).
Got to bn.com
sign in and go to your nook library.
right click on a book and download it.
Save it to disk. If you have A.D.E. installed it will want to open it.
Move it to your device.
Open the book in a reader which supports A.D.E.
Enter your login in password which is your full name (As they have it on file, spaces count but I do not know about middle names)and credit card you used to purchase the book.
Enjoy.
You should only need to enter the credit card once.
Good luck.
~Leko
Now, I just need to find the full screen version of Mantano. Grrr.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
# right click on a book and download it.
This is the bit I was having trouble with. I see now its the difference between the UK and USA site. UK one only gives archive and delete where USA gives the additional option of download. Luckily USA site seems to honor my UK purchases now. It did not when I tried it long time ago I suspect they synced them because they accidentally sent a load USA nst to uk to meet demand.
EDIT: Works great. Downloaded, ADBed across (will setup Renate's adbsync for automation later), Renate's simply library app, opens with cool reader ^_^. Thanks
Only other thing to do on my todo list in this particular process is to change screensaver timeout on command line as I usually keep the 2min but if ADBing going into screensaver mode disrupts the connection either to sleep or wireless turning off.
You could try dropbox, then there is no need for adb. The current apk does not work. I found an old xparent version which does, but as you could imagine xparent is not so good on the nst. Let me know if you want it.
As for screensaver timeout, it is one of the options in settings.
~Leko
Go forth and work toward your salvation with diligence.
It may also be possible to put a link in the default directory for coolreader and point it to the location of the books downloaded from B&N.
David0226 said:
It may also be possible to put a link in the default directory for coolreader and point it to the location of the books downloaded from B&N.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link would inherit the permissions. I prefer ADB / adb sync for large merging of files as it can be done over my LAN not my very tiny pipe to the internet. I do use dropbox for other stuff.

NST is it possible to use a phone/tablet to sideload books?

Hi,
Is it possible to use a phone or tablet as GUI to manage a NST to load, delete, organize the library?
I think not but thought I could ask, who knows?
d8v8n8 said:
Hi,
Is it possible to use a phone or tablet as GUI to manage a NST to load, delete, organize the library?
I think not but thought I could ask, who knows?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used an app called WiFi File Transfer. It works through a browser page, allowing you to manipulate both folders and files. The free version is limited to 5 MB max. for a file, not typically a problem with e-books. On my Nook Tablet screen it is doable. I can always zoom in. On a little phone it would be difficult I think.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.smarterdroid.wififiletransfer
Edit: I thought of another possibility but had to do some struggling to make it work. This website helped me iron out the kinks.
ES File Explorer includes both an FTP server and FTP client option. The server option is hidden in the Settings section for the old version I prefer on the NST (1.6.2.3) but there is an option to add a shortcut to the home screen. You turn on WiFi and tap the shortcut and the FTP address appears in the notification area. Tapping on the notification brings up the option to exit. Very neat.
The tricky part (here the website is really helpful) is setting up the client part on a tablet or phone. I run a newer but still old version of ES on my Nook Tablet because I think the current market version is way too bloated and complex. But the FTP option is there (not the same as Remote Manager, which is the server) under "Network". Follow the instructions from the website and you can easily connect to the NST, move and manipulate files, etc. I just tried it with an ebook I downloaded on my tablet yesterday. The only fly in the ointment is that I had to restart my NST before the book would appear in the Library. That is not typical for transferring via WiFi File Transfer or even USB. Perhaps if the book was transferred to a holding folder (like Downloads) and then moved locally via ES File Explorer into your book folder it would show up without a restart. Worth a try!

Where is the Nook Simple Touch Media Store

Does anyone know where the Nook Simple Touch store it's media files? Meaning, I downloaded my books from B&N but I can't seem to find them. I have Nook Manager installed but a search from / took a long time and when it finished, it found many but didn't display any.
Thanks.
dlong said:
Does anyone know where the Nook Simple Touch store it's media files? Meaning, I downloaded my books from B&N but I can't seem to find them. I have Nook Manager installed but a search from / took a long time and when it finished, it found many but didn't display any.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
/data/media/B&N Downloads
nmyshkin said:
/data/media/B&N Downloads
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I am not seeing anything. Using the built-in ReLaunch search, set my path to /data and no string, it yields nothing. Just using ReLaunch's file browser of /data shows no other directories or files. I looked through ReLaunch's settings and have show all files and hidden files. Not hide known directories...etc. Even try adding regex of ".*" nothing....
There also seems to be a bug in ReLaunch? When I browse down.... I can't seem to browse back up via "Up one level". The only way seems to either be reboot the nook or "reset settings to default values" for ReLaunch and then it works again.... but at some point it loses the Up one level ability again.
dlong said:
Hmm, I am not seeing anything. Using the built-in ReLaunch search, set my path to /data and no string, it yields nothing. Just using ReLaunch's file browser of /data shows no other directories or files. I looked through ReLaunch's settings and have show all files and hidden files. Not hide known directories...etc. Even try adding regex of ".*" nothing....
There also seems to be a bug in ReLaunch? When I browse down.... I can't seem to browse back up via "Up one level". The only way seems to either be reboot the nook or "reset settings to default values" for ReLaunch and then it works again.... but at some point it loses the Up one level ability again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah....I am no fan of ReLaunch, and you've just pointed out one of the reasons. There may be a way to convince it to show root directories and their content, but if so, it's not obvious.
I'm pretty sure the information I gave you is correct because I had to figure it out to create the "Set Cover" app and that's what I went back to in order to find the answer.

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