Database Users

[Q] Is it spossible to chnge the system.ext2 file?

Hi,
I really like all the Android builds that use the Desire ROM as I really like the HTC Sense. However, my language isn't really supported there (The fonts exist but the formatting is bad).
I have some files that should fix the formatting, but they are meant for the original HTC Desire and are installed by going to the ROM Manager/Recovery Mode and then choosing an option called: "Install Zip from SD Card".
Since I can't go to this ROM Manager nor get into Recovery mode with the HD2 Builds I am looking for an alternate way to change the system files on the Android build I am using.
The thing is that I am having difficulties doing so.
At first I tried using EStrongs File Explorer to get root access and copy over the new files I want to change but it gave me an error that it failed.
After I couldn't make it work I started looking for ways to open and edit the system.ext2 file in Windows.
I couldn't find any program or driver that would let me change the files, but only view them so I decided to install Linux and do it from there.
I used VMware workstation to install Ubuntu on my system.
On Ubuntu I mounted the system.ext2 following the mentioned instructions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=8001443&postcount=8
It mounted okay but it said there was 0 bytes free when I tried to overwrite the files I wanted to change.
In addition it gave me permission errors, the error was that I did not have permission to copy the files.
I am not that familiar with Linux and I tired googling for answers but couldn't find anything useful.
I would appreciate if anyone can explain how to do it, or direct me to somewhere with more details as I'm kinda stuck at the moment.
The files I wanna change are:
/framework/framework.jar
/app/.DS_Store
/app/Gallery3D.apk
/app/Mms.apk
And a few font files to /fonts
Thanks a lot!

It is best to mount the ext2 file as you suggest but instead of trying to modify the file, copy the contents into a new folder and use the genext2fs command to recreate the system.ext2 file!

Hey man, it worked perfectly.
Thanks a lot!!
By the way, is there a recommended file size for the system.ext2? Or should I just keep the original size?
Is it worth setting it bigger? Will it benefit somehow?

[Q] How to load system.img?

I've compiled and installed a modded kernel. I'm trying to figure out how to load AOSP compiled binaries. I've tried using adb flash_image system /sdcard/system.img, but I get "failed with error: 6." Does anyone know what this means or how to load system.img on a Galaxy Tab from VZW? I'm working on reactivating the phone dialer...

the galaxy tab has nothing like fastboot, so its pretty hard to flash it! but u can try to overwrite a stock factory.rfs with the files from ur system.img and flash via odin!

That sounds like a great idea. However, I'm trying to figure out how to put the vendor specific drivers in the system.img, which is mountable and editable. If I could get my hands on an original stock system.img, that'd be awesome.
Sent from my SCH-I800 using XDA App

As far as I know, the Tab doesn't use mtd file system, so I don't think it uses .img extensions.
Not positive though. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

I know for a fact that img files are created as the output of an Android system build. This img can be broken apart with standard Linux tools. I've already done this. I've also mounted factoryfs.rfs to a local directory, which allows me to move apps to and from the file system.
Sent from my SCH-I800 using XDA App

If you have a md5 of it too, you should be able to flash it via an advanced restore in CWM recovery. That is if it is only the data that is flashed to /system. otherwise I would suggest converting it to a .fs or .tar and flash via heimdall or Odin (respectively).

What PC tools can I use to open .img files in a nandroid/CWM backup set?
Must I set up an Android ROM cooking kitchen using Virtual Box + Ubuntu, or is there another way?

zyborg said:
What PC tools can I use to open .img files in a nandroid/CWM backup set?
Must I set up an Android ROM cooking kitchen using Virtual Box + Ubuntu, or is there another way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use the attached unyaffs.exe to extract a system.img! simply drag the created system.img onto unyaffs.exe and it will extract alle the files in the same directory!
to rebuild, i think it might be able to create a image file in magic disk maker but im not sure

zyborg said:
What PC tools can I use to open .img files in a nandroid/CWM backup set?
Must I set up an Android ROM cooking kitchen using Virtual Box + Ubuntu, or is there another way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://android-dls.com/wiki/index.p...cking.2C_Editing.2C_and_Re-Packing_the_images

Landroid said:
use the attached unyaffs.exe to extract a system.img! simply drag the created system.img onto unyaffs.exe and it will extract alle the files in the same directory!
to rebuild, i think it might be able to create a image file in magic disk maker but im not sure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks! this was very easy to use

Looking for a tutorial: how to cook a ROM?

I'm looking for a guide which tells how to make a own custom ROM from another one
I mean:
1. How to add/replace/remove apps in /system/app/?
1. a) Do they need to have special permission?
2. How to replace boot screen?
3. How to add custom kernel?
4. How to add Desire lockscreen/flip clock?
5. How to add transparent notofication area?
6. How to add Power menu?
I've been serching forum, but didn't find such tutorial. Would be very thanful to get this knowledge.
I think that will be very useful for maaaany android maniacs

1. Simple delete/copy apks in .zip file using 7-Zip or any other.
2. I belive you need to put bootanimation.zip in /data/local/ folder.
3. Idk
4. For Desire lockscreen you need edited HtcLockScreen.apk; for flip clock - HtcClockWidget.apk
5. Edited /system/framework-res.apk or /system/framework/com.htc.resources.apk. I'm not sure
6. You need edited /system/framework/android.policy.jar
69. Resign your zip file using Auto Sign

Attachment doesn't load, but I know about resigning ROM after everything is done
Ad. 1. As I thought, but do the need special permissions? And I also wonder one thing. Are they installed while flashing? Cuz they need to be in system registry, I think...

I have found this: http://wiki.android.com.pl/wiki/Kon...iana_instalowanych_aplikacji_razem_z_systemem
No any permissions etc.

Found this, too. Thanks.

to add a custom kernel you have to unpack the boot image and edit the ramdisk manually, although i think there is an option in dsixda's kitchen to unpack and repack the boot.img

I've got two more questions:
1. When signing, three files are created in folder META-INF: CERT.RSA, CERT.SF, MANIFEST.SF. But in other packages I see also com/google/android/update-script in META-INF. How to make it? Is it necessary?
2. If I want to make only flashable update file which changes one app or another file, eg. framework-res.apk, I have to create folder structure: system/framework/framework-res.apk, add it to zip archive (no compression?) and sing using Auto-sing. Am I right?
Edit:
Found nice guide there: update-script syntax

tomekk_nt said:
I've got two more questions:
1. When signing, three files are created in folder META-INF: CERT.RSA, CERT.SF, MANIFEST.SF. But in other packages I see also com/google/android/update-script in META-INF. How to make it? Is it necessary?
2. If I want to make only flashable update file which changes one app or another file, eg. framework-res.apk, I have to create folder structure: system/framework/framework-res.apk, add it to zip archive (no compression?) and sing using Auto-sing. Am I right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The most important part of a recovery update zip is the update script. It will tell the recovery what to do. If you want an example of a basic update package, which replaces one file in the /system/framework (although a different one) can found here. Open this and read the META-INF/com/google/android/updater-script (or whatever its called). The syntax is pretty straight forward and I think its easiest to learn from the examples of updater scripts found here on XDA. For the simple case, of only replacing/adding files to the /system partition you can leave the updater script from the above example as is and only change the files under the /system directory in the zip.
Note, that the above example uses the newer upader-script (I hope I am writing this correctly, I am writing from memory) which also has a binary file in the same directory. Some update zips use the older "update-script" lone text script. For these kind of scripts, you can find a guide here.
Personally, I use RA recovery, and for this recovery you need to sign the update zips (last thing you do of course). At least for RA recovery, both the older "update-script" and the newer "updater-script" work fine, so its up to your personal preference which do you prefer.

Thanks. Found a guide you mentioned a couple of minutes ago and read it.
The more I know, the more questions it brings So one more thing. If I'd like to use the newer version of syntax: "updater-script", I need also to put this binary file in this folder. But I create/edit only "updater-script", binary file is the same for all packages, or do I need to edit it, too?

I built a kernel tool long time ago, very easy to use (only for linux)
1: unzip the file, place it where you want it eg your desktop
2: place boot.img in the working directory
3: double-click the menu icon or launch from terminal
4: it creates a new directory named BOOT-EXTRACT,edit what you want in there or change the kernel etc.. and repack it again via the kernel tool
see screenshot. here for those how want the tool >>> http://www.elelinux.se/tools/kernel_tool.zip
Edit: Only for Hero

tomekk_nt said:
Thanks. Found a guide you mentioned a couple of minutes ago and read it.
The more I know, the more questions it brings So one more thing. If I'd like to use the newer version of syntax: "updater-script", I need also to put this binary file in this folder. But I create/edit only "updater-script", binary file is the same for all packages, or do I need to edit it, too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only the updater-script. The binary is a replacement of the script-interpreter I think, but thats just an assumption.

elelinux said:
I built a kernel tool long time ago, very easy to use (only for linux)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that's a good reason to install newest Ubuntu Thanks!
riemervdzee said:
Only the updater-script. The binary is a replacement of the script-interpreter I think, but thats just an assumption.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's mine assuption, too, but would like to know it for 100%
Edit: I see you use it in your kernel update package. So you write only updater-script and place also update-binary next to it?

LOL, you've got help from every well known hero dev on xda, I'm sure you'll have all the info you need now to start building rom's. Good Luck!

Found an app called Easy Flashable zip Builder on this thread. Will test it soon.

tomekk_nt said:
Found an app called Easy Flashable zip Builder on this thread. Will test it soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it is for MS Windows, or saw I wrong ? I have also built a tool to javasign files,but should probably write a manual first,it is easy to use but some dependencies maybe not so easy for a beginner with Linux.

tomekk_nt said:
That's mine assuption, too, but would like to know it for 100%
Edit: I see you use it in your kernel update package. So you write only updater-script and place also update-binary next to it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correcto

[Q] How do you change Kernel on SD ROM?

in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1058809
It says: "Download, unzip to your rom folder, restart twice.."
Is this just for that ROM or will it work for all?
What exactly do I do?
After unzipping, there are several levels of folders. which level goes where and does "rom folder" mean "Android" folder?

Download, unzip, copy "root" & "update" & "zImage" to your Android folder, reboot twice, have fun !
ROM folder = "Android" (or whatever your ROM's folder is called)
Just copy the folders and the file to the top level of your folder .
And a Kernel (technically) should work with all ROMs.
Your sd card should look like this:
G:/SDCARD/Android/root/
G:/SDCARD/Android/update/
G:/SDCARD/Android/zImage

Well it depends on your build, what build are you using?
because some builds have different path than Android, and others don't support putting new files in the folder build as far as I can remember.
so some require you to put these files manually using ADB push commands, or root explorer and apps of the like.
Not all builds support different kernels, so make sure you check if the kernel you want is compatible with the build you have.
and make a backup before you do anything or you might regret it.
manual kernel installation means:
copying the zImage to the build folder to replace the original, run android then push/copy-paste kernel files each to it's respective folder on the device. it's not that hard to be done.

How do I completely change the icons in the Samsung Galaxy young GT-S5360

Dear brothers :
I installed a custom ROM for my phone samsung Galaxy young GT-S5360
Dedicated Roman Information :
ROM Name:
Hyperion - Titan of the East
Build number:
Hyperion.DXLF2
I did not like the icons
How do I change the entire Icons
You experience a number of applications such as :
ICON CHANGER PRO
Did not do any good
Mentioned application does change the icons and put a shortcut on the desktop
I do not want this
I want to change application icons on the home screen
How so .?

Decompile the application you want to change the icon of with apk tool
You can see what the icon name is in the Android manifest
The icon itself will be located in res/drawable-ldpi
An easier way might be to download an icon pack (search the theme section)
Then open the Flashable zip & find the app name you are looking for - open that folder & put the image you want in there replacing the image in the folder (rename your image to match the one you are replacing)
Then flash it in cwm with system mounted

marcussmith2626 said:
Decompile the application you want to change the icon of with apk tool
You can see what the icon name is in the Android manifest
The icon itself will be located in res/drawable-ldpi
An easier way might be to download an icon pack (search the theme section)
Then open the Flashable zip & find the app name you are looking for - open that folder & put the image you want in there replacing the image in the folder (rename your image to match the one you are replacing)
Then flash it in cwm with system mounted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me, my brother I do not
speak English fluently And it will
help me in the search within the
site I hope you can explain to me
way more steps And a civilian, if
possible, the programs needed

Excuse me, my brothers again
Google to invoke the interpreter
brought to you my problem Found
in another section of this issue :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1699249
Is this Cevedna.? I want to install the
original Android Icons The
Samsung Galaxy S3 Icons How do
I install it.?

abdoosman said:
Excuse me, my brothers again
Google to invoke the interpreter
brought to you my problem Found
in another section of this issue :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1699249
Is this Cevedna.? I want to install the
original Android Icons The
Samsung Galaxy S3 Icons How do
I install it.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
download that icon pack
open it with winrar or any other unzipper
goto the unpack folder
in there you will find a list of folders that relate to the applications - eg Calendar
open the res folder and replace the image in there with the one you want making sure your image has the same file name as the one you are replacing
once done delete any folders to apps you dont want to replace
flash the zip in cwm with system mounted

marcussmith2626 said:
download that icon pack
open it with winrar or any other unzipper
goto the unpack folder
in there you will find a list of folders that relate to the applications - eg Calendar
open the res folder and replace the image in there with the one you want making sure your image has the same file name as the one you are replacing
once done delete any folders to apps you dont want to replace
flash the zip in cwm with system mounted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My brother Before this I did the
following: You download the file
icons You are logged on a recovery
mode You have downloaded or so
to flashing Profile Icons have not
changed I noticed something:
Download file icons by recovery is
not complete Viz: The phone
automatically reboots itself does
not go to me after the download
screen recovery and which ones I
choose reboot system now What is
the problem.?

Do you have a video explaining the
way.?

abdoosman said:
Do you have a video explaining the
way.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No - its pretty self explainitory
Unzip & replace images in the zip within the folder relating to the app
I'm sure you could search YouTube yourself for videos

marcussmith2626 said:
No - its pretty self explainitory
Unzip & replace images in the zip within the folder relating to the app
I'm sure you could search YouTube yourself for videos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I do that by applying Root
xplor.? You unzip the file icons by
applying x-plore And I saw the
images inside folders icons which I
want Question: Are these icons
suitable for all Romat or only
official ROMs.?

abdoosman said:
Can I do that by applying Root
xplor.? You unzip the file icons by
applying x-plore And I saw the
images inside folders icons which I
want Question: Are these icons
suitable for all Romat or only
official ROMs.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you will need to be rooted
you can unzip the zip with any unzipper and rezip once done
you then flash the zip in cwm with system mounted
the rom will need to be de-odexed

marcussmith2626 said:
you will need to be rooted
you can unzip the zip with any unzipper and rezip once done
you then flash the zip in cwm with system mounted
the rom will need to be de-odexed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could not do anything
Down the phone
You go to recovery
You run CWM
I installed icons file
Returned the phone automatically
Icons have not changed Is this correct way.?
Excuse me, my brother That were
not correct,
please media the right
steps to be numbered 1, 2, 3 .....
And the extent of links to software
do I need
Thank you

abdoosman said:
I could not do anything
Down the phone
You go to recovery
You run CWM
I installed icons file
Returned the phone automatically
Icons have not changed Is this correct way.?
Excuse me, my brother That were
not correct,
please media the right
steps to be numbered 1, 2, 3 .....
And the extent of links to software
do I need
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing you didn't mount system before flashing the zip
Remember you also need to be rooted & most likely need to be deodexed (most custom roms are already)

marcussmith2626 said:
I'm guessing you didn't mount system before flashing the zip
Remember you also need to be rooted & most likely need to be deodexed (most custom roms are already)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me, my brother
You multiplied
Phone by Root
Question:
Is it when I Btflish icons of file
recovery and lift off the phone will
change the icons directly or are
there other steps need to be
made.?

abdoosman said:
Excuse me, my brother
You multiplied
Phone by Root
Question:
Is it when I Btflish icons of file
recovery and lift off the phone will
change the icons directly or are
there other steps need to be
made.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read all my previous posts - I can't make it clear other than to say root - mount system in cwm - then flash zip
Change what ever images you want inside the zip keeping file names the same
If you can't understand - I'm sorry I cannot help you

marcussmith2626 said:
Read all my previous posts - I can't make it clear other than to say root - mount system in cwm - then flash zip
Change what ever images you want inside the zip keeping file names the same
If you can't understand - I'm sorry I cannot help you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you brother
Finally able to
be installed
Thank you
Excuse me
if you multiplied So if science
student
Thank you