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[Q] Restoring stock Lenovo apps for TPT?

Hi all,
I recently flashed Koshu's unbelievable ROM which brought JB to the TPT. I am using v. 0.8.1 at the time of writing.
Naturally, I lost all the Lenovo stock applications which came with the TPT. I especially miss the USB transfer app which would allow for transferring documents between a USB drive and the TPT
[The question]: Is there any way to restore the stock lenovo applications to the tablet? I know that the original image must be on the TPT SOMEWHERE seeing as doing a factory reset will re-load all apps.
Any help would be much appreciated!

Some of these preinstalling and normally free to find in PlayStore APKs are even still on your TPT, because they are seperated into two locations:
1. The preinstall APK files you metioned and you and everyone else should still have are in /mnt/pia/. like the preinstalled games, media players, readers and business thingies.
2. The System APK files which were in /system/app/. like NotesMobile, all those Lenovo Widgets, USB FileCopyUtility etc
system
I will upload the latter one first. Copy what you want to /system/app/. and be sure that all permissions are the same as the ones of all other system APKs already being there and have fun. If someone deleted the ones in /mnt/pia/. out of whatever reason I upload them if asked for, too.

Shawnki91 said:
I especially miss the USB transfer app which would allow for transferring documents between a USB drive and the TPT
Is there any way to restore the stock lenovo applications to the tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the USB-transfer-utility can (most likely but not definitely) be installed onto a 3rd-party ROM.
The question is do you need to? Any decent "explorer" app (e.g: Root Explorer) can see the contents of a connected USB (look in /mnt/usbdrive) and copy files on/off it.
Most of the Lenovo stock apps are clunky bloatware. Plenty of far more functional apps are available on Play.

Emuancando you are the best mate, thank you so much! In my experience with Android forums, some posts take weeks for a reply--really goes to show how this community is very active. I will be unzipping the file uploaded in no time! Thank you again

Shawnki91 said:
Emuancando you are the best mate, thank you so much! In my experience with Android forums, some posts take weeks for a reply--really goes to show how this community is very active. I will be unzipping the file uploaded in no time! Thank you again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
youre welcome. the tpt community needs every helping hand. we are not that big.
one thing more. there are rumors that the tool won't find the usb device. keep me updated. maybe we find a solution for that too.

Ok, so a few observations here:
1) The USB transfer tool will only disaply /sdcard, and none of the other mounts. So to say, that the full size sd-card reader does not appear in the app, nor does media attached to the full sized USB port. Both drives however can be found using ES-FIle explorer
2) Any idea where that launcher widget is? I have searched EVERYWHERE for it. I am talking about the stock widget that has links for movies, music, books, browser etc. I miss this widget above all else.
Any help would be really appreciated! Thank you again!

NotesMobile
NotesMobile says "This version of NotesMobile is not compatible with this device"
I am running v0.8.1

jakymiwm said:
NotesMobile says "This version of NotesMobile is not compatible with this device"
I am running v0.8.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A few suggestions:
1) Wipe your "Play Store" cache
2) Which version did you install? Maybe try one of the other files in the linked file.
3) Download "Papyrus Beta" from the Play Store--it has Lenovo digitizer support for the TPT and is an amazing application. Optimized for ICS and JB (I believe)

Shawnki91 said:
A few suggestions:
1) Wipe your "Play Store" cache
2) Which version did you install? Maybe try one of the other files in the linked file.
3) Download "Papyrus Beta" from the Play Store--it has Lenovo digitizer support for the TPT and is an amazing application. Optimized for ICS and JB (I believe)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to wipe the "Play Store" cache with no luck.
I am using the stock version.
I really like how NotesMobile translates the writing into text.

jakymiwm said:
I tried to wipe the "Play Store" cache with no luck.
I am using the stock version.
I really like how NotesMobile translates the writing into text.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My mistake, it seems as if it is truly not compatible with JB

Shawnki91 said:
My mistake, it seems as if it is truly not compatible with JB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep

Shawnki91 said:
My mistake, it seems as if it is truly not compatible with JB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It could that NotesMobile is in some way locked to the Lenovo ROMs. It makes sense that they would do this since its an OEM app and not available elsewhere.
NotesMobile has a large number of language-specific data files associated with it (also found in that file emuandco linked to here). It's worth copying all of these across to /system/apps too before writing this off.
@jakymiwm: NotesMobile isn't the only "Notes" app with handwriting recognition. WritePad can do this too ... albeit in a different manner.

rickinoz said:
It could that NotesMobile is in some way locked to the Lenovo ROMs. It makes sense that they would do this since its an OEM app and not available elsewhere.
NotesMobile has a large number of language-specific data files associated with it (also found in that file emuandco linked to here). It's worth copying all of these across to /system/apps too before writing this off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may very well be dependant on the Lenovo ROM. Write pad is good. The only issue I have with it, is the interface. Actual functionality is great though!

rickinoz said:
It could that NotesMobile is in some way locked to the Lenovo ROMs. It makes sense that they would do this since its an OEM app and not available elsewhere.
NotesMobile has a large number of language-specific data files associated with it (also found in that file emuandco linked to here). It's worth copying all of these across to /system/apps too before writing this off.
@jakymiwm: NotesMobile isn't the only "Notes" app with handwriting recognition. WritePad can do this too ... albeit in a different manner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did move all the files over. The only thing I didn't do is change all of the permissions. I made sure I changed the main app and the en_.. apps.
I also tried to change the build.props to see if that could help. It did not. It must be looking at the SDK version. I can't change that without getting into a boot loop.

jakymiwm said:
I did move all the files over. The only thing I didn't do is change all of the permissions. I made sure I changed the main app and the en_.. apps.
I also tried to change the build.props to see if that could help. It did not. It must be looking at the SDK version. I can't change that without getting into a boot loop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say you changed the 'build.prop' file, did you modify the string which sets the OS version? I feel like this is a framework issue....

I changed everything in the build and product area except for the SDK version. If I change the SDK version the tablet will boot loop.

Going back to my original question: any ideas on how i can restore the stock lenovo homescreen widget? i am talking about the one which looks like a flower, and contains shortcuts for music, books, photos and browser. if not, does anykne know of a decent alternative????

Shawnki91 said:
Going back to my original question: any ideas on how i can restore the stock lenovo homescreen widget? i am talking about the one which looks like a flower, and contains shortcuts for music, books, photos and browser. if not, does anykne know of a decent alternative????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a good question. It should be /system/app as that's where the all other widgets are (Lenovo Bookmarks / Lenovo Mail / etc). But I can't see anything that stands out obviously. The official name is "Lenovo Launch Zone" if that helps.
It might be that Lenovo shoehorned it into the default ICS launcher (Launcher2.apk). Or perhaps it's in one of the preinstall apks. You could try them one by one until it appears.

rickinoz said:
That's a good question. It should be /system/app as that's where the all other widgets are (Lenovo Bookmarks / Lenovo Mail / etc). But I can't see anything that stands out obviously. The official name is "Lenovo Launch Zone" if that helps.
It might be that Lenovo shoehorned it into the default ICS launcher (Launcher2.apk). Or perhaps it's in one of the preinstall apks. You could try them one by one until it appears.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much! Any idea where I can find the "launcher2.apk"?

Shawnki91 said:
Thank you so much! Any idea where I can find the "launcher2.apk"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the one from my /system/app (stock ROW OTA3.5).
I suspect this isn't it but you're welcome to try anyway.
EDIT:Having a look through the graphics elements within Launcher2, it appears that it may actually be the location of that widget. I don't know how it will play in CM10 as I think that uses Trebuchet as it's launcher. Using Lenovo's launcher may break things.
Uploaded as a .zip (to get round attachment file size restrictions).

[Q] Help! Note 3 kitkat update sd card support question.

Hey I have a question thought maybe you might be able to help. I just updated my samsung galaxy note 3 and its with wind mobile and it's sm-n900w8 modle. Anyways I keep hearing about this sd card thing being removed on the web today and how everybody is pissed about it. I tried reading about it but don't understand. Is there anyway it could be super simplified for me? Any help would be great thanks.

MiltonOntario said:
Hey I have a question thought maybe you might be able to help. I just updated my samsung galaxy note 3 and its with wind mobile and it's sm-n900w8 modle. Anyways I keep hearing about this sd card thing being removed on the web today and how everybody is pissed about it. I tried reading about it but don't understand. Is there anyway it could be super simplified for me? Any help would be great thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A simplified answer:
Google changed the permissions of third party apps regarding external storage due to security concerns.
In KitKat third part apps aren't able to read/write to sdcard unless the apps are updated and they generate a folder separately for that app. Even then they only have access to that folder and no other. System apps will still be able to read and write so stuff like My Files from Samsung still has full control.
This is what it means in a nutshell.

akselic said:
A simplified answer:
Google changed the permissions of third party apps regarding external storage due to security concerns.
In KitKat third part apps aren't able to read/write to sdcard unless the apps are updated and they generate a folder separately for that app. Even then they only have access to that folder and no other. System apps will still be able to read and write so stuff like My Files from Samsung still has full control.
This is what it means in a nutshell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So things like downloading a ringtone from the web browser or using my otg cable or using a torrent client will not be affected? I also noticed that in application manager if I click on some of the apps it shows the move to sd card as greyed out and others it shows it as highlighted is this normal? And also I noticed that when I go into my sd card the folders for a lot of my apps are there but the size of my card for storage amount has not dropped is this normal and does it really affect the average joe who's not big into tinkering with Android os?

MiltonOntario said:
So things like downloading a ringtone from the web browser or using my otg cable or using a torrent client will not be affected?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The torrent client and browser will need to be updated if they aren't already or you can use the stock (system app) browser. But no, basically those things will not be affected and should work just fine.

akselic said:
The torrent client and browser will need to be updated if they aren't already or you can use the stock (system app) browser. But no, basically those things will not be affected and should work just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok dudes I will just go about using it like as per usual. Thanks for the help guys!

If you have rooted your note 3 then it is possible to modify a system file to give all non system apps that for example you have downloaded from play store to behave as they would before kit kat changed write permission.
See this post for details of how to edit the file to allow apps to be able to write to your sd card.
Fairly easy to do, just have to use any file editor to add a single line in a system file.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51036231&postcount=482
Alternatively someone has posted that they have written an app to do this on play store.
I can't find link to this at the moment.
Will edit this post If I find the post.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app

Can I get no ads on the youtube app without xposed?

My phone is on 7.0 and it's rooted but there's no Xposed support yet and it was the only way I knew how to block out youtube ads on the app. Has anyone discovered a way to successfully block them out? Bonus points if it can also allow for background play if I back out from it.

Youtube Red answer all your question including bonus.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

RemixDeluxe said:
My phone is on 7.0 and it's rooted but there's no Xposed support yet and it was the only way I knew how to block out youtube ads on the app. Has anyone discovered a way to successfully block them out? Bonus points if it can also allow for background play if I back out from it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try here: Patched ad-free YouTube APKs

I have 2 more questions.
1. Is there an app to check what CPU architecture you are running? (arm32, arm64, x86) Its a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge from AT&T but I'd like to know how to check if I use other Android phones.
2. How can I check if the bootloader on my phone is locked? It has nothing to do with this but I'd like to know how to check this too.

Everytime I attempt to install a .zip from recovery it formats my phone. Is there any other way to avoid this?

RemixDeluxe said:
Everytime I attempt to install a .zip from recovery it formats my phone. Is there any other way to avoid this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you are using AT&T I will assume you have a Qualcomm device. You cannot flash zips from the stock recovery, you will need to use an app such as Flashfire to flash zips.

RemixDeluxe said:
I have 2 more questions.
1. Is there an app to check what CPU architecture you are running? (arm32, arm64, x86) Its a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge from AT&T but I'd like to know how to check if I use other Android phones.
2. How can I check if the bootloader on my phone is locked? It has nothing to do with this but I'd like to know how to check this too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is ARM64 ~ See Here
2. Go Here ~ How to check if your bootloader is locked or unlocked?

_dvn said:
1. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is ARM64 ~ See Here
2. Go Here ~ How to check if your bootloader is locked or unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This information is very valuable and I thank you greatly for sharing.
I finally installed that ad-free youtube. The hardest part of that guide was where to place the apk, I had no idea that the internal storage is also treated as the "sd card" so it really threw me for a loop on the correct file path placement.
Thanks for everything.

RemixDeluxe said:
This information is very valuable and I thank you greatly for sharing.
I finally installed that ad-free youtube. The hardest part of that guide was where to place the apk, I had no idea that the internal storage is also treated as the "sd card" so it really threw me for a loop on the correct file path placement.
Thanks for everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend to put the installed APK on internal memory.

Knox Discontinuing and replaced with Secure Folder soon, Root still a risk?

Hey all,
I upgraded my ZTE Axon 7 rooted and whatnot to a Samsung Galaxy S8+ about 4 months ago but have really missed being rooted at times. I have gotten a few warning emails from Samsung stating that Knox will be discontinued and replaced with Secure Folder soon, and I was wondering, if Knox ceases to exist, will there still be a reason not to root?
I use Secure Folder quite a lot, but my country doesn't support Samsung Pay yet so the main reason I'm asking is, when Secure Folder replaces Knox - will it still have some issues with rooting? Outside of Samsung Pay and Warranty void etc. I don't wanna lose access to Secure Folder but some of the things I wanna be able to do with my phone require root access :/
Thanks for any input and happy new year to you all!
- TriixstaR

What should start requiring root access that doesn't now? You don't come clear here. Maybe at some point someone manages to make secure folder working while rooted, But there are alternatives if thats what you are asking.

Augustin.2 said:
What should start requiring root access that doesn't now? You don't come clear here. Maybe at some point someone manages to make secure folder working while rooted, But there are alternatives if thats what you are asking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, perhaps I should have been more clear: I haven't rooted yet because of the fact that rooting trips Knox but I'm more thinking if Knox is no more, would there then be this same sort of system just with Secure Folder instead?
Things like Pokemon Go spoofing and modifying APK files are things I've dabbled with in the past and have missed doing so with my S8+ hence the question if it will be "safe" to root as far as Knox/Secure Folder goes when we get to a point where Knox is no more.
Just out of interest, what kinds of apps work the same as Secure Folder? I have never really needed to find alternatives as I've always just used Secure Folder, but would be interesting to know any experience you have with other similar apps?

Knox will continue to exist. Only the MyKnox app is being replaced with secure folder.
Sent from my SM-T820 using Tapatalk

CASz said:
Knox will continue to exist. Only the MyKnox app is being replaced with secure folder.
Sent from my SM-T820 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, okay well thanks for clearing that up!

TriixstaR said:
Damn, okay well thanks for clearing that up!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. Knox is their security system that allows them to compete in thee corporate world. If you don't care about thaat, go ahead and root. If you have a physical warranty problem it won't be apparent and if you have a software prooblemm, you should be able to resolve it using Odin and community support.
Sent from my SM-T820 using Tapatalk

TriixstaR said:
Sorry, perhaps I should have been more clear: I haven't rooted yet because of the fact that rooting trips Knox but I'm more thinking if Knox is no more, would there then be this same sort of system just with Secure Folder instead?
Things like Pokemon Go spoofing and modifying APK files are things I've dabbled with in the past and have missed doing so with my S8+ hence the question if it will be "safe" to root as far as Knox/Secure Folder goes when we get to a point where Knox is no more.
Just out of interest, what kinds of apps work the same as Secure Folder? I have never really needed to find alternatives as I've always just used Secure Folder, but would be interesting to know any experience you have with other similar apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, Parallels space is the one I feel works the best.

Android 12 One Ui 4 can't access data folder...again

Well....Here we go again...
Why Google do this ? Why that " privacy schizophrenic paranoia" ?
I tried zillion methods without success....How to enable folder access ?
I am seriously considering avoiding Google powered devices.

tin2404 said:
Well....Here we go again...
Why Google do this ? Why that " privacy schizophrenic paranoia" ?
I tried zillion methods without success....How to enable folder access ?
I am seriously considering avoiding Google powered devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi
install " Z Archiver Pro " , navigate to android /data and Obb , it will ask you for permisson

Actually, I am looking for system solution rather then installing various apps for granted permissions...Anyway, thank you for your suggestion.

Did this work/ Did you ever find a solution to this? I am finding the same problem
I need write access to the data folder.
tin2404 said:
Actually, I am looking for system solution rather then installing various apps for granted permissions...Anyway, thank you for your suggestion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse