Database Users

[Q] How do I prevent a B&N OTA update?

OK, I thought I saw this mentioned -somewhere- on this forum, but I've tried searching in vain.... Most likely I just can't put together the correct search phrase.
I'm currently running ManualNootered B&N 1.3. I've read very conflicting info as to whether B&N can or will update a rooted OS, but is there a way that I can prevent it? I vaguely remember someone mentioning that they had a rooted 1.2 and woke up one morning to a screwed up 1.3. My biggest concern, of course, is the upcoming 1.4. Don't want to try that until someone figures out what might be needed to apply ManualNooter.

That happened to me. I had nootered a 1.2 and it was working beautifully!
Then I turned on wifi, checked my email and got force fed the update to 1.3.
I've just found an old text file on my PC that had directions to block the update though so I tried it out, it requires that you buy the SQlite editor from the market.
It is priced a $2.99 but I feel it was worth it if it works!!
You can still side load the updates if and when you choose to also!
So I bought the editor and followed these directions:
*Open SQLite. It will scan your entire Nook and find every SQL database file there. Even the hidden ones. It only takes ~10 seconds. (You may see a message about granting super-user permissions, which is normal.)
*Scroll down to DeviceManagerService, and tap on it. Then tap on devicemanager.db.
*Tap on the "registry" entry. It's easier now if you rotate to landscape, so you can see more of the fields in each entry.
*All the entries in this table start with "com.bn.device....". Look for the one that's labeled '...fota.mode" at the end.
*In the far right Value column, you'll see "Auto". Tap on that to select it. Then go down to the Status Bar at the bottom, and tap the Menu button (3 horizontal lines), and pick Edit Field.
*You'll then see a black screen with one entry, the field editing form. You should see the field name of "value" there, and its contents will be "auto". If it turned out that your selection picked some other field (they are pretty small!), don't panic! :smileywink: Just go back and retry until you get the right one.
*Tap on "auto" and the keyboard will come up. Backspace to delete the current contents, and enter "manual" in its place. Then tap Done. Then tap Save. Until you tap Save, you've changed nothing, so poking about is fairly safe.
*You can now exit out of SQLite if you like (it's not necessary), but you're not quite done yet, so don't enable WiFi immediately. To make sure that the system is using the settings you just modified, you need to force it to reload and "see" them. So just power your Nook off and back on. After it reboots, it will use your new settings from then on. That's it.
This file was signed ~Mark, and unfortunately I didn't add the username or anything, so Thanks go to "Mark"

Another method?
I found this over on the B&N forum. I don't know if it is more or less effective than the method above. Perhaps a belt-and-suspenders approach would be best - do both.
Link:
http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com...be-possible/m-p/1220616/highlight/true#M68396
And the complete OP:
Title:
Declining the 1.4 update should be possible
Text:
I am looking at build.prop from the 1.4 OS released with the Nook Tablet, with an eye to testing an edit of a system file, build.prop, to update the file and make a Nook Color look as if it is already on 1.4. So far, I'm not seeing anything which looks like a showstopper in the new build.prop for drawing elements out of it for a modded build.prop.
Once the actual update is out, I think I should be able to create a modified file very quickly that will tell the BN servers a device does not need the update as it is already running 1.4.
This is the technique I've used successfully to keep my device at 1.2, which I prefer to 1.3.
If my experiments work, I'll post both the raw build.prop, for folks with root who know how to mount /system as rw to simply copy in (after backing up their original build.prop) and as a set of Clockwork installable files. These will need to be run from a Clockwork disk but will not require rooting the device. One script will move your current build.prop and put in an edited one; a second script would remove the modified build.prop and restore your original so you can receive the update if you choose.

If you have a custom recovery in place, ie clockworkmod, it will prevent installation of the update. Your device will still download the update, but when it boots into recovery for install, it will fail. Reboot and you are back to normal. This has worked for me twice.

For the complete noobs

I have been working on changing the Operating system on my A500 for the past 3 days. I'm retired and it really has been three 12 hour days. The forum has been a font of information but it is scattered and confusing to someone new like me. I have been writing what I did and wanted to share it with the other noobs. Of course I had to register on the forum first. So today is my first day registered and here is my first post.
A procedure for changing the ROM in an A500
This procedure is for Windows. It can be done on Mac and Linux but we're not going there. It uses Afterota v1.09 by gersma. Although the program is great, there is really no explanation of how it works or how to use it. I hope this procedure helps the noobs like me.
You can install Honeycomb (HC), Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) or Jelly Bean (JB). I'm not giving links because they change, are unavailable or otherwise wrong. Plus this is written to be printed and followed on paper because there is a PC restart involved; also I sometimes lose my place while online. If you can keep it straight, more power to you. I'm writing this for complete noobs. Admit it, we were not born knowing this stuff. As a complete noob I am also assuming you and I have not changed our A500 in any way other than the normal updates from Acer and Google.
Now for the disclaimer:
You do this at your own risk. If you point a finger at me and start yelling, I will hold up a mirror facing you so you can see who is to blame.
Prep your A500 for the procedure
For safety sake, remove the micro SD card if you have one installed.
Plug the A500 in to AC power, power it ON and ensure it is fully charged. Keep the tablet powered from AC. Ensuring it is fully charged is insurance against accidental power loss. You don't want to loose power while doing this procedure or your tablet could become a paperweight. Place the tablet close to the PC (notebook or desktop) you will be using for the procedure. You're going to connect the tablet and PC together with a USB cable later. The best cable is the one that came with the A500, the one with the micro USB end and regular USB at the other. If you use something different, make sure it is a good quality cable.
The next step is to set the tablet to accept changes. Tap Apps → Settings → Developer options → USB Debugging.
If your tablet is password protected, disable it now. You'll have to set it up again anyway after the change.
Prep your PC for the procedure
Download and install the USB drivers for the A500 from acer.com.
Go to the xda-developers.com forum and download Afterota. You can search for the program. It doesn't require installation, it just runs as is.
Another thing to look up is recovery apps. There are a number of them and they all do the same thing in slightly different ways. Afterota v1.09 offers four, Thor 1.7.3 (touch screen), TWRP 2.1.3-ICS (touch screen), Ra v3.1.7 (touch screen) and Pub v0.2 (Vol and power button). I discuss recovery later.
Next we need a ROM to load. Again, go to xda-developers.com and search for one that interests you. They are under the Iconia A500 Development section. When this was written, I installed JB 4.1.2. I highly suggest you read up on the ROM you want. Check for status, useability, included apps, excluded apps, bootloader requirement (for this procedure ICS), etc. When you finally download your preferred ROM, do not extract it. You will be using it in the zipped form.
I have seen a zip file called gapps (Google apps) on xda-developers.com. It appears to be needed for some ROMs. Again, download it if necessary but do not unzip it. The JB ROM I used specifically stated the gapps were included.
The next step is to disable User Account Control (UAC) in Windows. Go to Control Panel → User Accounts → Change User Account Control settings and drag the slider to the bottom. You will have to restart the PC for changes to take effect.
The procedure
Install bootloader and recovery
It looks like you're ready to proceed.
Connect the PC and tablet together with the USB cable. Place the small end into the tablet and the larger end in a PC USB port. You will see the device drivers load and Windows Explorer will ask what to do. Click on Open device to view files.
At this time, you can browse the tablet using Windows Explorer. Most everything you want to see is on the Internal storage partition. If you have a micro SD card inserted, it will show as SD card. I strongly suggest you check through the folders for any data, documents, music, videos, etc that you may want to safeguard. Copy the folders and/or files to the PC. If they get destroyed on the tablet, you can copy them back later.
Run Afterota. The first thing Afterota does is collect information from your A500. It takes a few moments so be patient. When done, it will save the text file, AcerIDs, to your desktop. This file is very important. It will have the tablet's serial number, CPUID, SBK and other stuff. It is a very good idea to save it and/or print it for future use; it could get overwritten later.
There are five tabs in the Afterota window. Info – where we just collected the information, Stock – to go back to HC, Standard – where we will be going next, Advanced – unbrick and other stuff and About.
In Standard we need to choose a bootloader.
What exactly is a bootloader and why do we need it? A bootloader is akin to the starter of a vehicle. You insert your key into the ignition and turn it to start the engine. A bootloader starts the operating system (engine) of your tablet. If you change the engine in your vehicle, you need to install a compatible starter. We are going to be changing the engine of your tablet, so we need a new starter as well.
Afterota v1.09 has 2 bootloaders. One is just for HC. The other one is for ICS and presumably for JB. Make sure your ROM will use an ICS bootloader. You'll notice the Bootloader ICS options have the same bootloader version but different recovery apps.
Recovery here is and isn't the same thing as in Windows. From the factory, you use the Acer Recovery app to get your A500 back to original factory setup like in Windows. You use one of these Afterota recoveries to install a new operating system (OS). The differences in the Afterota recovery apps is the way they present options. The only one I've used is Twrp v2.1.3. It has a nice GUI. You should have read up on them all and decided for yourself which to use.
Click on the A50x box for the recovery you want and the program will do the install.
Once the program is done it will reread the tablet and generate a new AcerIDs file. Keep the original file, for some reason the second one doesn't get the tablet serial number. Of course, you can keep both. You can close Afterota now.
Install ROM
The next step is to copy your zipped ROM to the Internal storage of the A500 tablet. Do not put it in the SD card. You can also put the gapps zip file here now if you need it.
Disconnect the USB cable and power OFF the tablet.
Press and hold Volume down side of the Volume button (the side closest to the power button) while pressing power on. Wait til you see the booting recovery image message then release the buttons. You are now in the recovery app you chose earlier.
The words and menus may differ between recovery apps but the functions are the same. You will probably have to move between menus. Just take your time and think about what you are doing and you should be fine.
Wipe, Erase or Delete caches and do a Factory Reset. Next, format the system and flexrom.
Now, traverse to where you see the menu option Install Zip from SD (or something to that effect). Choose your ROM and install it. If you put the zipped gapps on the tablet, you can install that as well. If not, you can do that later.
Once successful, boot up normally to your new OS. The first boot takes a very long time. Be patient.
Time for thanks. Thanks to gersma for Afterota. Thanks to all the developers of the booloaders, recoveries and ROMs. Especially thanks for sharing your work.

Nook Simple Touch Glowlight .. Need advice before rooting.

Hello all ...
Please .. I need some advice..
This is my first post. My sister has given me her Nook Simple Touch Glowlight. I would like to root it, as I've been looking for a device to keep notes and stuff on. I went as far as booting up with noogie.img and backing up the firmware. I don't know what to do, because I read that having a certain firmware changes everything? I don't think my sister updated the nook. Here is the information from the Settings / Device Info / About Your Nook.
Software Version: 1. 1. 5
Model Number: BNRV350
I read someplace that the sizes of the firmwares are different. The simple touch is 1. 82 and the simple touch glow is 1. 86.
Mine is 1 .82, but yet it has the glowlight? It says to hold the button down for two seconds to turn it on.
I see that B&N have new firmware for the nst & nstg. 1. 3 I believe. It said on the site that this firmware would be installed when the nook is idle. (via wifi) Anyway, I'm wondering if it would be ok to go ahead and root the thing, or upgrade the firmware first to maybe - 1. 2 (if I can find it?) before I do anything else? Oh and should I stay away from B&N's new 1. 3 firmware?
Thank You Very Much !!
WillyS.......

If you indeed have the Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight (black bezel), then the most recent stock firmware is 1.2.1 which can be downloaded here. I would recommend that you update to this as the first thing you do. Next you need to decide which of the multitude of rooting methods is best for you. You need to take into account what you wish to achieve by rooting the Nook and your skill/comfort level with the processes. I have followed many of the different processes, doing a factory reset between root versions. By far the easiest is Nook Manager. I, personally, prefer the Minimal rooting - back to basics method because it allows you to install just what YOU want. However, this method requires a fair amount of command line work.
EDIT: I made the assumption that you are in the US and have a US model. I believe there is a different firmware number for the international model. In any case, you should update the Nook to the most recent firmware before rooting.

Rooting nook .. Glowlight ..
Hello David and Thank You kindly for the reply!
Yes, mine is a Canadian version and it has the black bezel.
Thank you .. for correcting me on the firmware. I was looking at the wrong Nook version. (nook.barnesandnoble.com/u/software-updates-nook-glowlight/379004086)
I downloaded the correct 1. 2. firmware for the nook and I (like you) would rather install what I want to and have more control over what gets put on it. After I update the firmware, I'll come back and follow the links you provided. If you know what threads have the latest / newest info on rooting the nstg, can you please point me to it? (If you haven't already) Thank You Very Much for your help .. David.
Cheers
WS

You're welcome. If you are comfortable with a lot of manual, command line manipulation, start with the Minimal rooting - back to basics thread. There are many more and newer rooting methods, but each of them installs a bunch of apps that the creators use, which may or may not be of importance to you. If you start with the Minimal rooting - back to basics, you can then pick and choose the apps and modifications you want to apply to give you the best experience for YOUR needs. I am attaching the document I use to keep track of what I have done for your reference. Feel free to post any questions here.

Rooting Nook STG .. Firmware 1. 2 ...
Hi David and Thank You for the reference document.
Last night I downloaded 1.2.1 firmware and dumped it on the Nook. When I got up this morning I checked and 1.2 is installed. I looked around and found a 16gb Kingston (from GPS) SD-Card. It is only class 4, but it should be usable for the time being. I'll take a look online for a class 10. I don't know if there is any size, or class limitations, or not?
I'm at the rooting - back to basics thread. I'm going to read all this stuff over and see if I can figure it all out. Thanks again for your help and the document.
WS...

WillySizard said:
...
Last night I downloaded 1.2.1 firmware and dumped it on the Nook. When I got up this morning I checked and 1.2 is installed. I looked around and found a 16gb Kingston (from GPS) SD-Card. It is only class 4, but it should be usable for the time being. I'll take a look online for a class 10. I don't know if there is any size, or class limitations, or not?
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Class 4 should work just fine. Since noogie only takes ~2GB (if I remember correctly) you don't really need a card any larger than 4GB to use this method of rooting. Having 8GB or 16GB card would be useful if down the road you will make use of the card to backup your Nook ROM & user-content for ease in recovery.

Don't really know where to go from here, or what to do ..
@ digixmax .. Thank You for the info on the SD-card. Good to know info!
@ david0226 .. I went to the page about rooting via the link and I have basic
understanding how / what needs to be done, but I'm not having much
luck finding and using the tools. I went and looked for the file used to
extract the 2 files from uRamdisk, but I couldn't find it. I did some reading
and looking around and found a program called Preboot (I think) by
Intel and it contained bootutil 32/64 and so on. I had to install preboot & then
uninstall it, to get bootutil and then install it. I tried using it to extract
the files, but I kept getting failed messages. Like invalid switch /x.
Invalid switch /v. Invalid file uRamdisk. I know I need to extract out 2
files: init.rc and default.prop. I tried to do so in the "Administrative Command
Window" on Win7_64bit, but it just wouldn't work with bootutil. Not the
one I had anyway. Any ideas? Thanks!
WillyS......

David0226 said:
...
I am attaching the document I use to keep track of what I have done for your reference. Feel free to post any questions here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What extensions does "Extended Power Menu" provide?
Also, which uImage and uRamdisk do you use as uRecImg and uRecRAM?
TIA.

Here are the links to the relevant threads.
Extended Power Menu
Clockworkmod based Recovery post #75, see the entire thread here.
If you are going to do the Extended Power Menu, be sure to do the Clockworkmod based Recovery also or you risk wiping out everything you have done by accidentally hitting recovery in the Extended Power Menu. I you have installed Clockworkmod Recovery and accidentally hit "Recovery", it will just boot to Clockworkmod and give you a chance to back out.

@willys. I will have to look up the software I use and post tomorrow. Sorry I missed your question earlier.

@willys, I believe the program you want is "bootutil" which was written and shared by Renate NST. If you find a post by her and click on the yellow box in her signature, you will find links to the many custom programs she has written for rooting and managing rooted Nook Simple Touch devices.

David0226 said:
@willys, I believe the program you want is "bootutil" which was written and shared by Renate NST. If you find a post by her and click on the yellow box in her signature, you will find links to the many custom programs she has written for rooting and managing rooted Nook Simple Touch devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I had to go to her profile and I found it there. I'll do this part first and see how it goes. After that (I think?) I need to get an android program (some kind of Installer maybe?) to do some other work with. Anyway, one step at a time. All for now. Thanks! ... WS.

digixmax said:
Class 4 should work just fine. Since noogie only takes ~2GB (if I remember correctly) you don't really need a card any larger than 4GB to use this method of rooting. Having 8GB or 16GB card would be useful if down the road you will make use of the card to backup your Nook ROM & user-content for ease in recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Class 2 and 4 will do just fine, in my case I used 520 Mb microSD card for installing various ROMs, tried quite a lot of them, always worked fine.

Almost done, but need a little more help . . .
Mnurlan said:
Class 2 and 4 will do just fine, in my case I used 520 Mb microSD card for installing various ROMs, tried quite a lot of them, always worked fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK .. Thank You Mnurlan!
@David0226 ...
Just getting to the point where I'm ready to add programs. have edited uRamdisk and re-installed the two files. I've download android-sdk package and have installed it. I have been in the nook via wifi using ndb shell as root. I am now following your notes file. I've created the archive folder on the nook - /system/archive and I've been moving files over from /system/apps folder. I got Nook Manager written to the sd-card and I have PackageInstaller.adk from it, but I I'm not sure how I get that onto the nook. When I boot with NookManager, it ask if I want to root. I have already done that and it is working. Should I let it do it anyway?
Thank You!
WillySizard . . . .

@WillySizard ...
Connect to the Nook with adb then exit the adb shell back to your Windows command prompt. Once back at the command prompt, you should be able to install any package using this command ...
adb install {package_name.apk}

Nook Simple Touch Glowlight .. Need advice before rooting ..
David0226 said:
@WillySizard ...
Connect to the Nook with adb then exit the adb shell back to your Windows command prompt. Once back at the command prompt, you should be able to install any package using this command ...
adb install {package_name.apk}
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh .. ok. Good enough then. That should get me off and running.
Thank You .. David. Sorry I'm being such a pest.

Me, also
Just paid $5 for a BNRV350 at a rummage sale.
I understand BN disabled the web browser with the current operating system.
I can get a Google search window (by repeated tapping on the "Google" or maybe the "404" or the "that's all" links that appear when I try the "connect to social" settings menu choice for Google. And "find my account" worked when given the Gmail userid (because the keypad on the Nook lacks a period for typing a proper email address, in this view).
And I can get a Twitter login page. Neither works well -- typing even a single letter into the password field resets the page, so it's letter, then tap in the field window, then another letter, then tap in the field window. Sometimes it shows a row of dots for characters already entered, other times those are invisible but the entries are still there.
Just curious to add to the above fellow's thread for anyone searching for this Nook model number, if anyone has advice or suggestions about making it useful.
Reverting to the original OS to have use of the web browser would be a welcome option, if that's possible. Pointers welcome. Right now this Nook has version 1.1.5 installed -- I gather that's one of the improved versions that killed the stock web browser.

How to force reinstall nook simple touch update 1.2.2

My nook touch (unrooted) runs 1.2.2, but it has bugs now ( the home button doesn't work most of time, screensaver goes on in several seconds during reading, etc. ). I think a reinstallation of the firmware may most likely resolve the issues. ( already tried erase and deregoster, doesn't change anything, as expected ). But the problem is after putting the update zip file into nook's root directory, nook just erases it without doing anything. So my question: any tool can be used to force nook reinstall the update zip without checking version number? Thx in advance for any help.

smjohn1 said:
My nook touch (unrooted) runs 1.2.2, but it has bugs now ( the home button doesn't work most of time, screensaver goes on in several seconds during reading, etc. ). I think a reinstallation of the firmware may most likely resolve the issues. ( already tried erase and deregoster, doesn't change anything, as expected ). But the problem is after putting the update zip file into nook's root directory, nook just erases it without doing anything. So my question: any tool can be used to force nook reinstall the update zip without checking version number? Thx in advance for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to do a factory re-image so that the onboard OS version will be older than 1.2.2.
Power down. Then restart, and as soon as the "Read Forever" screen appears, press and hold the two lower hardware buttons. Wait for the prompt. Once the Nook is re-imaged it will accept the update again.

Thank you, but by two lower hardware buttons, you mean the page turning buttons?

nmyshkin said:
You need to do a factory re-image so that the onboard OS version will be older than 1.2.2.
Power down. Then restart, and as soon as the "Read Forever" screen appears, press and hold the two lower hardware buttons. Wait for the prompt. Once the Nook is re-imaged it will accept the update again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha, I tried, but problem is the Home button doesn't work. Any other suggestions? Thanks.

smjohn1 said:
Ha, I tried, but problem is the Home button doesn't work. Any other suggestions? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the two lower "page turning" buttons. Is the "n" button used during that sequence? I didn't remember that. I guess that's in the prompts. Well, I dunno. NookManager can be used to trigger the factory image, but if you say that requires the not-working button, then you are SOL. Even CWM is going to need that button to select options.

nmyshkin said:
Yes the two lower "page turning" buttons. Is the "n" button used during that sequence? I didn't remember that. I guess that's in the prompts. Well, I dunno. NookManager can be used to trigger the factory image, but if you say that requires the not-working button, then you are SOL. Even CWM is going to need that button to select options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any tools that can be used to peek into Nook's file system through PC ( Linux ) to delete something and add something to trigger re/installation? The whole reason I am trying to reinstall is that the Home button doesn't work most of time, and I checked it is not a hardware problem.

smjohn1 said:
Any tools that can be used to peek into Nook's file system through PC ( Linux ) to delete something and add something to trigger re/installation? The whole reason I am trying to reinstall is that the Home button doesn't work most of time, and I checked it is not a hardware problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK what you want to do (if you knew exactly what) requires root access--which you don't have. There is an app that has an option which makes the NST very angry and triggers a no-escape factory reset (I've fallen victim to it once), but to install it you would need--you guessed it--root.
I honestly don't remember whether the factory reset option of NookManager is promptless or just the usual. Seems to me it just takes off once you remove the card and the device reboots, but I could be misremembering. I have another day of work on something and then I will be doing a reset on one of my devices, so I could tell you then.

nmyshkin said:
AFAIK what you want to do (if you knew exactly what) requires root access--which you don't have. There is an app that has an option which makes the NST very angry and triggers a no-escape factory reset (I've fallen victim to it once), but to install it you would need--you guessed it--root.
I honestly don't remember whether the factory reset option of NookManager is promptless or just the usual. Seems to me it just takes off once you remove the card and the device reboots, but I could be misremembering. I have another day of work on something and then I will be doing a reset on one of my devices, so I could tell you then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much. Waiting for your experiment results.
1) I can do root. But I couldn't find the package any more. Any pointers?
2) What do you by removing the card? Which card? I was planning to open the back cover and remove the battery, but then I found out you would need a T5 Torx screwdriver, which I don't have. So I gave up.

smjohn1 said:
Thank you very much. Waiting for your experiment results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this is your lucky day. Mark it on the calendar and remember it sometime when it seems to be raining excrement on you.
NookManager invokes the factory re-image without user input. All you have to do is make a NookManager card. If you're not interested in rooting, etc., you don't need to do any of the updates. The original NookManager thread is here and the files are available. You just need an SD card which you can recover later if you don't want to root, etc. If you want to play around with rooting, NookManager needs to be updated for 1.2.2. The directions are in this post. Frankly, if I were you I'd just want to get my device working properly right now and possibly think about other stuff after all the dust has settled.
To use NookManager for the factory re-image, all you have to do is boot your NST with the NookManager card inserted. The app will load and eventually you are asked about starting WiFi. Just say no (I hope your side buttons are working..........). Then you get a screen of options. You want "Rescue" (upper left). Then the lower right (Factory reset). And so on. When you are prompted to remove the SD card, do so and the device will reboot and begin the sequence, eventually delivering you to the start screen for setting up your device.
From my experience, it is possible at this point to connect your NST via USB to your PC and copy the update zip to the "Nook". If you then just let the device sit, it will go to sleep on that first screen and the update will commence. If that's not your experience then you might have to register the older firmware first and then try the update.
Two things: tell me you are not outside the US. That could change everything. And, download a fresh copy of the 1.2.2 update zip. It's possible your original is corrupted.
I hope you are right and that this is not a hardware issue.
Good luck.

nmyshkin said:
So this is your lucky day. Mark it on the calendar and remember it sometime when it seems to be raining excrement on you.
NookManager invokes the factory re-image without user input. All you have to do is make a NookManager card. If you're not interested in rooting, etc., you don't need to do any of the updates. The original NookManager thread is here and the files are available. You just need an SD card which you can recover later if you don't want to root, etc. If you want to play around with rooting, NookManager needs to be updated for 1.2.2. The directions are in this post. Frankly, if I were you I'd just want to get my device working properly right now and possibly think about other stuff after all the dust has settled.
To use NookManager for the factory re-image, all you have to do is boot your NST with the NookManager card inserted. The app will load and eventually you are asked about starting WiFi. Just say no (I hope your side buttons are working..........). Then you get a screen of options. You want "Rescue" (upper left). Then the lower right (Factory reset). And so on. When you are prompted to remove the SD card, do so and the device will reboot and begin the sequence, eventually delivering you to the start screen for setting up your device.
From my experience, it is possible at this point to connect your NST via USB to your PC and copy the update zip to the "Nook". If you then just let the device sit, it will go to sleep on that first screen and the update will commence. If that's not your experience then you might have to register the older firmware first and then try the update.
Two things: tell me you are not outside the US. That could change everything. And, download a fresh copy of the 1.2.2 update zip. It's possible your original is corrupted.
I hope you are right and that this is not a hardware issue.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot and I am in US!
Everything you said was correct with only one minor thing: NookManager doesn't have to be updated to 1.2.2. As is, it will boot. But after factory re-image, 1.2.2 has to be applied, otherwise Nook cannot register due to Nook server's TLS issue even NST says network connection problem.
Thanks again for this wonderful guide. Hope this is useful to other (unlucky) people.
As for my NST, after reinstallation, the Home button still doesn't work. So I have to believe it seems to be hardware problem and the cover has to be opened.

nmyshkin said:
So this is your lucky day. Mark it on the calendar and remember it sometime when it seems to be raining excrement on you.
NookManager invokes the factory re-image without user input. All you have to do is make a NookManager card. If you're not interested in rooting, etc., you don't need to do any of the updates. The original NookManager thread is here and the files are available. You just need an SD card which you can recover later if you don't want to root, etc. If you want to play around with rooting, NookManager needs to be updated for 1.2.2. The directions are in this post. Frankly, if I were you I'd just want to get my device working properly right now and possibly think about other stuff after all the dust has settled.
To use NookManager for the factory re-image, all you have to do is boot your NST with the NookManager card inserted. The app will load and eventually you are asked about starting WiFi. Just say no (I hope your side buttons are working..........). Then you get a screen of options. You want "Rescue" (upper left). Then the lower right (Factory reset). And so on. When you are prompted to remove the SD card, do so and the device will reboot and begin the sequence, eventually delivering you to the start screen for setting up your device.
From my experience, it is possible at this point to connect your NST via USB to your PC and copy the update zip to the "Nook". If you then just let the device sit, it will go to sleep on that first screen and the update will commence. If that's not your experience then you might have to register the older firmware first and then try the update.
Two things: tell me you are not outside the US. That could change everything. And, download a fresh copy of the 1.2.2 update zip. It's possible your original is corrupted.
I hope you are right and that this is not a hardware issue.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See the previous one.

smjohn1 said:
Thanks a lot and I am in US!
Everything you said was correct with only one minor thing: NookManager doesn't have to be updated to 1.2.2. As is, it will boot. But after factory re-image, 1.2.2 has to be applied, otherwise Nook cannot register due to Nook server's TLS issue even NST says network connection problem.
Thanks again for this wonderful guide. Hope this is useful to other (unlucky) people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the only reason to update NookManager is to root 1.2.2
I'm sorry about the apparent hardware issue. I don't know where to go with that, but just to throw this out: rooting with NM installs NookTouchMod which would allow you to reassign the "n" button function to another hardware button. Awkward and less than ideal but perhaps a way to salvage the device if all else fails.

nmyshkin said:
Yes the only reason to update NookManager is to root 1.2.2
I'm sorry about the apparent hardware issue. I don't know where to go with that, but just to throw this out: rooting with NM installs NookTouchMod which would allow you to reassign the "n" button function to another hardware button. Awkward and less than ideal but perhaps a way to salvage the device if all else fails.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wonderful and thx again!
Already rooted, and after reboot, saw "Home" and "ReLauncher", chose "ReLauncher", and then the setting icon at upper right. Lots of functions, but didn't see NookTouchMod or where can set up buttons functions. Only saw "Screen buttons behavior" in the Advanced Settings, but these are not to set hardware buttons.
The only I need is in a book reading mode, press a button to return to the library, so that can switch to another book easily. But I guess I am closer now

smjohn1 said:
Wonderful and thx again!
Already rooted, and after reboot, saw "Home" and "ReLauncher", chose "ReLauncher", and then the setting icon at upper right. Lots of functions, but didn't see NookTouchMod or where can set up buttons functions. Only saw "Screen buttons behavior" in the Advanced Settings, but these are not to set hardware buttons.
The only I need is in a book reading mode, press a button to return to the library, so that can switch to another book easily. But I guess I am closer now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mmm....Relaunch. Not my favorite, but many people like it for its "simplicity". There is a way in Relaunch to get to an "app drawer" type screen which shows all the installed apps. That's where you'll find NTM and everything else. The sad truth is, I can't tell you how to get there. For me, Relaunch is counter-intuitive and strange, but I do know that thereis an app drawer as I have seen it myself back in the day when all this was new to me. I've done a cursory forum search but come up empty. That's the other thing that always riled me up about Relaunch. It's like its operations are a secret. There must be documentation somewhere, but I don't know where. I have a vague recollection that at the center bottom of some screen or another there is an actual app drawer symbol, but getting to that magic screen is the issue.
I'll keep looking, but right now I'm coming up empty.
Edit: in the long run, once you find NTM and reassign the "n" button, you might be better served by having the standard B&N home screen as your default launcher. This would provide you with your accustomed functions, easy access to the Library via the quick-nav buttons, etc. You could assign along press of the same button to bring up Relaunch for the few times you'll want it.

nmyshkin said:
Mmm....Relaunch. Not my favorite, but many people like it for its "simplicity". There is a way in Relaunch to get to an "app drawer" type screen which shows all the installed apps. That's where you'll find NTM and everything else. The sad truth is, I can't tell you how to get there. For me, Relaunch is counter-intuitive and strange, but I do know that thereis an app drawer as I have seen it myself back in the day when all this was new to me. I've done a cursory forum search but come up empty. That's the other thing that always riled me up about Relaunch. It's like its operations are a secret. There must be documentation somewhere, but I don't know where. I have a vague recollection that at the center bottom of some screen or another there is an actual app drawer symbol, but getting to that magic screen is the issue.
I'll keep looking, but right now I'm coming up empty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right again. I do see "app drawer" at the bottom. Inside there are things like "library", "setting", "app (amazon)", "Kconnect", etc., just couldn't find NTM.
I could reboot to Home too, but I didn't find NTM either. Anyhow, I will dig and search too, and report back here.
Thx again.

smjohn1 said:
You are right again. I do see "app drawer" at the bottom. Inside there are things like "library", "setting", "app (amazon)", "Kconnect", etc., just couldn't find NTM.
I could reboot to Home too, but I didn't find NTM either. Anyhow, I will dig and search too, and report back here.
Thx again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're fast.
Info on basic ReLaunch functions here: https://github.com/yiselieren/ReLaunch. NTMM icon looks like big bold "n" with a bold little broken circle in it. Gotta be there.
Edit: ...unless....something went awry during the rooting process. You can root "again" with no harm/no foul and watch carefully this time the list of "dones" to make sure it did not throw an error for NTMM.

nmyshkin said:
You're fast.
Info on basic ReLaunch functions here: https://github.com/yiselieren/ReLaunch. NTMM icon looks like big bold "n" with a bold little broken circle in it. Gotta be there.
Edit: ...unless....something went awry during the rooting process. You can root "agai n" with no harm/no foul and watch carefully this time the list of "dones" to make sure it did not throw an error for NTMM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I think I need to go back to basics:
1. here is the NM used: http://download.doozan.com/nook/NookManager-0.5.0.zip
2. Here are some screen shots from relaunch:
1) relauncher
2) all apps installed ( from the middle icon at the bottom ): no NTMM there
3) and 4) settings ( from right icon at the top )
3. I don't see a way to install other Android apps, except from Amazon stores ( which I didn't try ) but not from Google App store. Did I install a "wrong" version of NM?
4. One more thing: I "rooted" again, finished quickly, and no changes after boot ( My guess is NM sees the same root package to decide not to do anything ).
Any advice?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After posting above, I installed NTMM-0.4.0.apk successfully, but it says it needs modified jars. From https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1991048 and https://github.com/doozan/NookTouchPatches.
So NTMM wasn't installed during root.
Now my questions:
how to install these patches? I am using Linux with no adb ( I don't want to use adb anyway ), any apk file that can be written to sdcard for quick and easy installation?
and does this patch work for 1.2.2?

smjohn1 said:
OK, I think I need to go back to basics.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I think you missed some important points from what I wrote previously. Here is the only sequence that is going to give you the desired result:
1. Factory re-image
2. Install 1.22 update
3. Register
4. Prepare NookManager card from here.
5. Update NookManager card following the directions here. You MUST do at least the update for 1.2.2 or root will not be successful and your device will be messed up. Other updates are optional, but know that some apps like Amazon App Store are dead. Other updates deal with these issues.
6. Boot with the NookManager card inserted.
*Optional* 7. Make a back-up of your registered device running 1.2.2. This can save you extra steps if you need to go back for any reason or suffer some catastrophe that seriously messes with your system.
8. Root using NookManager. Watch the screen for check for any failures.
9. Reboot, choosing ReLaunch as a launcher (but do not set as default yet).
10. Use NTMM to assign "n" button function ("Home") to some other hardware button. This is how you will get to QuickNav buttons.
11. Use NTTM to assign long-press of your reassigned "n" button to ReLaunch.
12. Reboot.
13. Select "Home" as default launcher (i.e., check the little box before choosing "Home". This choice can be changed later if you want.
Now you're back to a functioning system. Additional apps are installed by moving the apk file from your PC to a folder on your NST ("Download"?) and tapping the app icon in ReLaunch. Apps are uninstalled by long-pressing the app icon (I think).
The Amazon App Store is useless as you can read in the directions for updating NookManager.
Don't skip any steps.

nmyshkin said:
Yes, I think you missed some important points from what I wrote previously. Here is the only sequence that is going to give you the desired result:
1. Factory re-image
2. Install 1.22 update
3. Register
4. Prepare NookManager card from here.
5. Update NookManager card following the directions here. You MUST do at least the update for 1.2.2 or root will not be successful and your device will be messed up. Other updates are optional, but know that some apps like Amazon App Store are dead. Other updates deal with these issues.
6. Boot with the NookManager card inserted.
*Optional* 7. Make a back-up of your registered device running 1.2.2. This can save you extra steps if you need to go back for any reason or suffer some catastrophe that seriously messes with your system.
8. Root using NookManager. Watch the screen for check for any failures.
9. Reboot, choosing ReLaunch as a launcher (but do not set as default yet).
10. Use NTMM to assign "n" button function ("Home") to some other hardware button. This is how you will get to QuickNav buttons.
11. Use NTTM to assign long-press of your reassigned "n" button to ReLaunch.
12. Reboot.
13. Select "Home" as default launcher (i.e., check the little box before choosing "Home". This choice can be changed later if you want.
Now you're back to a functioning system. Additional apps are installed by moving the apk file from your PC to a folder on your NST ("Download"?) and tapping the app icon in ReLaunch. Apps are uninstalled by long-pressing the app icon (I think).
The Amazon App Store is useless as you can read in the directions for updating NookManager.
Don't skip any steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha, the step missed was 5, as it was difficult to change the files. But I remade an NM card ( there must be something wrong with the old one ), afterwards it was to update NM to 1.2.2.
Now buttons are reassigned and this reader is usable again ( I don't plan to make it a full android pad, as there are already too many tablets in house ). So this e-reader owes its life to you. Big thanks!
One last thing: how to reset Default back to Home instead of Relaunch? ( The re-root was quick, as it probably installed NTMM. But reboot doesn't give chance to reset default back to Home, it still goes straight to Relaunch. Of course I can live with it, but it would be nicer to configure as you suggested. )

smjohn1 said:
One last thing: how to reset Default back to Home instead of Relaunch? ( The re-root was quick, as it probably installed NTMM. But reboot doesn't give chance to reset default back to Home, it still goes straight to Relaunch. Of course I can live with it, but it would be nicer to configure as you suggested. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If there is a way to access the App Manager through ReLaunch, you can run down the list until you get to ReLaunch and there remove any default actions associated with it.
If that is not obvious then the next easiest thing is to install yet another launcher! So you could transfer a copy of ADW Launcher from the NookManager update page to your NST and install it. If you then reboot it will trigger the App Picker dialog again because now there is a new choice. Before you select "Home", be sure to tick the little check box.
Then you can uninstall ADW Launcher. It's possible that may trigger another App Picker with the remaining two choices but I don't think so.
Once that's sorted you can finish your button reassignments. I think ReLaunch actually hijacks some of the QuickNav buttons so you might have to use NTTM to return them to default or pick completely new assignments, as you like.
I'm glad you were able to get the device back in a usable state. I love my NST for reading. After all these years I think it's still a great little piece of technology.

Nook Simple Touch - Resources?

Hi!
Theres lots of different packages and resources scattered around, and theres missing instructions and unclear details.
Would it be possible to compile a list, with instructions, on modding a rooted NST (/Glowlight)?
I have seen new kernels with USB Host/OTG, multitouch, upgrades, additional launchers etc, but no real details of how to use them, whats the most up to date etc
Thanks!

alexhorner said:
Hi!
Theres lots of different packages and resources scattered around, and theres missing instructions and unclear details.
Would it be possible to compile a list, with instructions, on modding a rooted NST (/Glowlight)?
I have seen new kernels with USB Host/OTG, multitouch, upgrades, additional launchers etc, but no real details of how to use them, whats the most up to date etc
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that will take a very long time. It's something I've thought about for this year, but it's a big effort.
Suppose you list what you'd like to do, and I'll try to point you in the right directions, in some kind of logical order.

Thanks for such a fast reply!
Referencing https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/share-your-setup-app-list.3143404/
I'd like to get the best kernel I can, with USB HOST and Sound drivers if possible
From that list I can also see of interest:
Extended Power Menu
AndroNook Settings
UsbMode
TuneIn Radio
QQPlayer
FastMode2
Opera Mini
AirDroid
adbWireless
Nook Clear Screen
Terminal Emulator
Stock Settings
Would you have any developers/stock experience and performance/featureset upgrade recommendations too?
Ideally I'd love to write up a page for everything I use with downloads and instructions where applicable
Thanks!
Edit: Tools like OpenSSH and BusyBox would be handy too, though I could probably build those from older sources if I need to

alexhorner said:
Thanks for such a fast reply!
Referencing https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/share-your-setup-app-list.3143404/
I'd like to get the best kernel I can, with USB HOST and Sound drivers if possible
From that list I can also see of interest:
Extended Power Menu
AndroNook Settings
UsbMode
TuneIn Radio
QQPlayer
FastMode2
Opera Mini
AirDroid
adbWireless
Nook Clear Screen
Terminal Emulator
Stock Settings
Would you have any developers/stock experience and performance/featureset upgrade recommendations too?
Ideally I'd love to write up a page for everything I use with downloads and instructions where applicable
Thanks!
Edit: Tools like OpenSSH and BusyBox would be handy too, though I could probably build those from older sources if I need to
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of that list is apps. Give me a day to put something together.

nmyshkin said:
Most of that list is apps. Give me a day to put something together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No rush! Thank you so much for your help

[I'm going to try to address your issues in this single post, but not all at once. I'll be adding things over the next few days. Since I don't know where in the process you are currently, just skip things you have already done]
Updating to FW 1.2.2
[Note: if you have a UK device, go to: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/nst-g-dealing-with-non-us-aka-uk-devices-in-2021.4233411/ and return here to the "Kernals" section after completing option 3]
If your device is still on FW 1.2.1 you will need to do a manual update. In theory, you should be able to download the update zip from B&N (https://su.barnesandnoble.com/nook/nook2/1.2.2/351e26527e80156183e74be2da2ce89f/nook_1_2_update.zip), connect your NST/G to your PC via USB, copy the update zip to the "Nook" drive and wait. When the device sleeps, the update should be installed. If you come back later and look at the "Nook" drive and you don't see the update zip, it's done. You can check this by looking in the Settings app for the software version.
IF the theoretical procedure does not work for you, a deregistration might be in order. Since a device on FW 1.2.1 cannot deregister by contacting B&N servers (this is generally done via the Settings app), you will have to force a user data wipe. To do this, turn off the device. Power back on and as soon as you see the "Read Forever" screen, press and hold the two lower hardware buttons (page-turn buttons) until a prompt appears. Follow the on-screen directions. This will eventually leave you at the "Welcome" screen. Now attach the device to your PC via USB, drag the update zip onto the "Nook" drive and wait for the update to occur. Again, if you come back later and you don't see the update zip listed on the "Nook" drive, you're done. At this point you can continue and register your device.
IF the second method was unsuccessful, there might be something messed up with the resident FW. In that case, the best course is to initiate a factory re-write of the entire system. The eight-failed-boot attempts is painful and often very frustrating, but NookManager can do the job in the push of a button. So if you are still having issues updating, proceed to the "Rooting" section below and prepare a NookManager card. Then power down your device, insert the NookManager card and power up. Skip WiFi turn on. The "Restore Factory zip" option is found under "Rescue". Follow the directions and after a reboot you will be at the "Welcome" screen on some unknown FW. Attach the device to your PC via USB, drag the update zip to the "Nook" drive, and wait for the update to occur as described above. Once that has happened, continue on to registration.
Rooting
Go here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/nst-g-updating-nookmanager-for-fw-1-2-2.3873048/ and choose whichever version of NookManager seems like it will best meet your needs. I strongly suggest you make a FW 1.2.2 registered backup before rooting (NookManager can do this). When your device is rooted and you have done some configuration on the possible launchers and/or file managers, return here to the next section, "Kernals".
Note: regarding your question about ssh and busybox, the latter is installed during rooting with NookManager. I'm really not familiar with ssh but I note that you can supposedly use it with NookManager running. There is some info on the opening screen where the WiFi option is located.
Kernels
The first kernel modification was for multi-touch to enable pinch-zoom for those apps that would support it on the NST. Every subsequent kernel has included this change.
Now it gets a little confusing. For practical purposes, only kernels based on at least FW 1.2.1 are of use. Earlier kernels do not understand glowlight control (you can work around this, but why bother?). So there are more or less three "modern" kernels for the NST/G, one without support for USB Host and two with USB Host support.
Kernel 166 (see attachment below) does not support USB Host but it does support both augmented display modes, NoRefresh and FastMode (with the appropriate apps installed). NoRefresh is an augment for flicker-free reading when scrolling in an app (like a webpage, for example) or when moving around on a PDF image. Based on the original development thread, this appears not to require kernel modification, only the installation and configuration of an app (link below). FastMode is an augment for, well, I guess for playing with video. It presents a highly dithered image (lots of tiny dots) in an attempt to simulate greater grey-scale. Initially it seems like a good idea (impressive coding, anyway) but it's not good at all for reading and there is a lot of ghosting in video until the screen is finally filled with swirls of dots in various states of visibility. At least that was my experience. FastMode requires both kernel modification and an app (link below). Kernel 166 is the only kernel that can run both display modes. Like all kernels that support FastMode it is overclocked, supposedly up to 1100 Mz, although I never saw it indicated more than 1000 Mz. When running it you probably should have a CPU governor app installed (download below), perhaps trim the CPU down to 800 Mz to help with battery life.
NoRefresh and FastMode both require apps to activate the display augments (not simultaneously). But the point of all this (since you want USB Audio) is to try to make clear(?) that any other kernel that supports FastMode kills NoRefresh (somehow). So, if you want USB Host/Audio (and you do) then you have to choose which display augment you want because you can't have both. That is not to say it's impossible (clearly kernel 166 shows that it is) but only that there is no existing kernel that makes it possible.
The two kernels which support USB Host probably have numbers. Maybe one of them is 174. But probably nobody knows at this point. The kernel in the CWM zip for enabling USB Audio (with all the nifty drivers) is an overclocked kernel that supports FastMode. If you would prefer to have access to NoRefresh instead of FastMode, you can use the kernel attached below (can't find the original link, so...). Just open the CWM USB Audio zip in something like WinRAR and drag the new kernel into the "boot" folder, replacing the file already there. Be sure to not recompress the file. Use the "store" or similar option when dragging into the opened archive.
Kernel installation can be done via adb. The directions for that are here. But since you have the CWM zip available and want to install all the audio stuff as well, the easiest path is via CWM. That means you need a card.
Download one of the two sdcard options from here and burn a card (do NOT install CWM internally on the NSTG! It will replace the fail-safe factory image!!). Then copy the zip with the kernel and audio drivers to the card and boot your NSTG from the CWM card. Install from the zip and you're good to go after a reboot. If you change your mind later about the kernel just swap in the one you want in the zip file and flash the whole package again.
Two details on this CWM USB Audio package: microphone recording is not entirely/correctly implemented in the files as supplied. If that is not important to you, skip to the next stuff. If you want to get it done right and then forget about it, you need to replace one of the files in the zip with a corrected version and you also need to copy a patched version of framework.jar into /system/framework. The zip of patches below contains the framework.jar and a file called alsa.default.so. You can use a file manager to copy the framework.jar into /system/framework. Be sure the permissions are set the same as the original (you can rename original to framework.jar.bak first, if you want). Then reboot.
As for the little alsa file, open the CWM USBAudio zip and navigate inside to system/lib/hw. You'll see the original file there. Drag the replacement over and be sure not to recompress it (i.e., use "store" or similar). Now the zip is good to go for a complete USB Audio installation including both playback and recording. Whew!
USB Audio
Of course, it's not that simple. There's no headphone jack or speakers. How does the audio come out?! You need two pieces of hardware (three, if you count earbuds/headphones---or a cable to attach to the auxiliary jack of your sound system) and some software.
USB Host in general requires the use of an OTG cable stub. This seems to be a very critical part of the arrangement. My first cable fit poorly and I almost gave up on the whole enterprise. A second one fit in the slightly non-standard USB jack like a hand in a glove. Suddenly it all worked! I can't tell you which cable might work for you. They are cheap (that's part of the problem...) and you may need to try more than one. Amazon, ebay, etc. Some are straight-line, others 90 degrees. What's important is a good fit. I'm not saying the example in the link above is a good fit. I got mine so long ago I have no idea where it came from. Probably ebay. Long gone.
Since the NSTG has no sound hardware, you need a USB-C external sound card device (here's another link to the button/LED kind--expired, but you get the idea). These also are not very expensive and can be found on Amazon or ebay. There are two basic designs. One has a bunch of LEDs that just waste battery power. It may also have volume control and/or other buttons. The other one is more spartan, lacking LEDs and buttons. I have one of each and never use with one with the LEDs.
To initiate USB Host or Audio you need at least one app (each). @Renate has produced an app for USB Host and an additional one for USB Audio. They can be downloaded from her signature page. Both are used to activate USB Audio. They are great for diagnostics but I just never have any issues with USB Host (that perfect plug!) so I wanted something that would be simpler. Just one touch. I made two small apps, one for USB Host (does not activate audio stuff) and one for USB Audio (sets up host and activates audio). The latest version of the USB Audio app places volume control buttons on the screen when in use, so you really don't need a device with volume buttons. My apps are found here. These routines are also included as options in my QuickTiles app.
ADB
You didn't specifically mention ADB so perhaps you are already fixed for that or maybe don't think you'll want it. There are certainly some things that are really only possible with ADB when you start getting down and dirty with the device. But a good file manager and/or terminal app can also do a lot of stuff without ADB. Still, if you don't have it, the easiest way to get just ADB and not the entire Android SDK is to download and install Minimal ADB and Fastboot. This is for Windows. If you're using a Mac, you're on your own.
The apps in your list
I'm going to try not to editorialize too much here, but some things may not work as well as they sound and there might be better alternatives to others, so...based on my experiences (and prejudices...).
Extended Power Menu (caution, "reboot to recovery" option goes straight to factory re-image without any chance to say no! A possible alternative, my Alternate Power Menu app)
AndroNook Settings (I had trouble with this and the stock B&N system; some settings don't seem to work, some cause a reboot. A possible alternative my Nook Settings app--not as tidy but full-featured)
UsbMode (this is the kernal thing and/or maybe the activating app--already covered above)
TuneIn Radio (still works great, available in the package of apps linked in my signature)
QQPlayer (@pinguy1982 posted this copy--MX Player w/codec pkg also is great--again in my app pack)
FastMode2 (app already linked above; needed to activate FastMode with supporting kernel)
Opera Mini (installed with the updated NookManager packages. Direct link to Opera archive)
AirDroid (also, if you use ES File Explorer it has a "remote manager" capability. Creates an FTP address. You type in the address in the Windows Explorer address bar and voila, you can move files back and forth via WiFi. Hard to get to, though, buried in the app settings, so I made a little app to access directly. Also available as an option in my QuickTiles app.
adbWireless (ADB Konnect is installed by NookManager. One drawback: for long sessions you need to extend screen timeout since connection seems to drop when screen goes into sleep mode)
Nook Clear Screen (I found this not very useful; maybe I have a greater tolerance for little screen artifacts. Also available as an option in my QuickTiles app.
Terminal Emulator (couldn't track this one down in the forum so I uploaded a copy below)
Stock Settings (well, this is what's on the device out-of-the-box!)
I think (hope) that covers everything you mentioned. I did see a reference to an app called DroidSSH while I was tracking down some of this stuff, but no link. If that's something you might find useful, you'll need to do a lot of Googling. (or maybe it was SSHDroid?
If there is anything else, or something here is not clear, give a holler.

nmyshkin said:
[I'm going to try to address your issues in this single post, but not all at once. I'll be adding things over the next few days. Since I don't know where in the process you are currently, just skip things you have already done]
Updating to FW 1.2.2
[Note: if you have a UK device, go to: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/nst-g-dealing-with-non-us-aka-uk-devices-in-2021.4233411/ and return here to the "Kernals" section after completing option 3]
If your device is still on FW 1.2.1 you will need to do a manual update. In theory, you should be able to download the update zip from B&N (https://su.barnesandnoble.com/nook/nook2/1.2.2/351e26527e80156183e74be2da2ce89f/nook_1_2_update.zip), connect your NST/G to your PC via USB, copy the update zip to the "Nook" drive and wait. When the device sleeps, the update should be installed. If you come back later and look at the "Nook" drive and you don't see the update zip, it's done. You can check this by looking in the Settings app for the software version.
IF the theoretical procedure does not work for you, a deregistration might be in order. Since a device on FW 1.2.1 cannot deregister by contacting B&N servers (this is generally done via the Settings app), you will have to force a user data wipe. To do this, turn off the device. Power back on and as soon as you see the "Read Forever" screen, press and hold the two lower hardware buttons (page-turn buttons) until a prompt appears. Follow the on-screen directions. This will eventually leave you at the "Welcome" screen. Now attach the device to your PC via USB, drag the update zip onto the "Nook" drive and wait for the update to occur. Again, if you come back later and you don't see the update zip listed on the "Nook" drive, you're done. At this point you can continue and register your device.
IF the second method was unsuccessful, there might be something messed up with the resident FW. In that case, the best course is to initiate a factory re-write of the entire system. The eight-failed-boot attempts is painful and often very frustrating, but NookManager can do the job in the push of a button. So if you are still having issues updating, proceed to the "Rooting" section below and prepare a NookManager card. Then power down your device, insert the NookManager card and power up. Skip WiFi turn on. The "Restore Factory zip" option is found under "Rescue". Follow the directions and after a reboot you will be at the "Welcome" screen on some unknown FW. Attach the device to your PC via USB, drag the update zip to the "Nook" drive, and wait for the update to occur as described above. Once that has happened, continue on to registration.
Rooting
Go here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/nst-g-updating-nookmanager-for-fw-1-2-2.3873048/ and choose whichever version of NookManager seems like it will best meet your needs. I strongly suggest you make a FW 1.2.2 registered backup before rooting (NookManager can do this). When your device is rooted and you have done some configuration on the possible launchers and/or file managers, return here to the next section, "Kernals".
Kernals
To be continued....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see you have already written a lot on the linked UK thread too, and that unfortunately shows me it's hard to find the right resources scattered over XDA. Nevermind.
I do indeed have a UK device running 1.2.1 so I shall follow your 1.2.2 upgrade guide. I actually factory reset and deregistered my device but retained a backup which I took with NookManager of the registered version so I guess I'll keep ahold of that and watch for more information on this thread!

nmyshkin said:
[I'm going to try to address your issues in this single post, but not all at once. I'll be adding things over the next few days. Since I don't know where in the process you are currently, just skip things you have already done]
Updating to FW 1.2.2
[Note: if you have a UK device, go to: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/nst-g-dealing-with-non-us-aka-uk-devices-in-2021.4233411/ and return here to the "Kernals" section after completing option 3]
If your device is still on FW 1.2.1 you will need to do a manual update. In theory, you should be able to download the update zip from B&N (https://su.barnesandnoble.com/nook/nook2/1.2.2/351e26527e80156183e74be2da2ce89f/nook_1_2_update.zip), connect your NST/G to your PC via USB, copy the update zip to the "Nook" drive and wait. When the device sleeps, the update should be installed. If you come back later and look at the "Nook" drive and you don't see the update zip, it's done. You can check this by looking in the Settings app for the software version.
IF the theoretical procedure does not work for you, a deregistration might be in order. Since a device on FW 1.2.1 cannot deregister by contacting B&N servers (this is generally done via the Settings app), you will have to force a user data wipe. To do this, turn off the device. Power back on and as soon as you see the "Read Forever" screen, press and hold the two lower hardware buttons (page-turn buttons) until a prompt appears. Follow the on-screen directions. This will eventually leave you at the "Welcome" screen. Now attach the device to your PC via USB, drag the update zip onto the "Nook" drive and wait for the update to occur. Again, if you come back later and you don't see the update zip listed on the "Nook" drive, you're done. At this point you can continue and register your device.
IF the second method was unsuccessful, there might be something messed up with the resident FW. In that case, the best course is to initiate a factory re-write of the entire system. The eight-failed-boot attempts is painful and often very frustrating, but NookManager can do the job in the push of a button. So if you are still having issues updating, proceed to the "Rooting" section below and prepare a NookManager card. Then power down your device, insert the NookManager card and power up. Skip WiFi turn on. The "Restore Factory zip" option is found under "Rescue". Follow the directions and after a reboot you will be at the "Welcome" screen on some unknown FW. Attach the device to your PC via USB, drag the update zip to the "Nook" drive, and wait for the update to occur as described above. Once that has happened, continue on to registration.
Rooting
Go here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/nst-g-updating-nookmanager-for-fw-1-2-2.3873048/ and choose whichever version of NookManager seems like it will best meet your needs. I strongly suggest you make a FW 1.2.2 registered backup before rooting (NookManager can do this). When your device is rooted and you have done some configuration on the possible launchers and/or file managers, return here to the next section, "Kernals".
Note: regarding your question about ssh and busybox, the latter is installed during rooting with NookManager. I'm really not familiar with ssh but I note that you can supposedly use it with NookManager running. There is some info on the opening screen where the WiFi option is located.
Kernals
The first kernal modification was for multi-touch to enable pinch-zoom for those apps that would support it on the NST. Every subsequent kernal has included this change.
Now it gets a little confusing. For practical purposes, only kernals based on at least FW 1.2.1 are of use. Earlier kernals do not understand glowlight control (you can work around this, but why bother?). So there are more or less three "modern" kernals for the NST/G, one without support for USB Host and two with USB Host support.
Kernal 166 (see attachment below) does not support USB Host but it does support both augmented display modes, NoRefresh and FastMode (with the appropriate apps installed). NoRefresh is an augment for flicker-free reading when scrolling in an app (like a webpage, for example) or when moving around on a PDF image. Based on the original development thread, this appears not to require kernal modification, only the installation and configuration of an app (link below). FastMode is an augment for, well, I guess for playing with video. It presents a highly dithered image (lots of tiny dots) in an attempt to simulate greater grey-scale. Initially it seems like a good idea (impressive coding, anyway) but it's not good at all for reading and there is a lot of ghosting in video until the screen is finally filled with swirls of dots in various states of visibility. At least that was my experience. FastMode requires both kernal modification and an app (link below). Kernal 166 is the only kernal that can run both display modes. Like all kernals that support FastMode it is overclocked, supposedly up to 1100 Mz, although I never saw it indicated more than 1000 Mz. When running it you probably should have a CPU governor app installed (download below), perhaps trim the CPU down to 800 Mz to help with battery life.
NoRefresh and FastMode both require apps to activate the display augments (not simultaneously). But the point of all this (since you want USB Audio) is to try to make clear(?) that any other kernal that supports FastMode kills NoRefresh (somehow). So, if you want USB Host/Audio (and you do) then you have to choose which display augment you want because you can't have both. That is not to say it's impossible (clearly kernal 166 shows that it is) but only that there is no existing kernal that makes it possible.
The two kernals which support USB Host probably have numbers. Maybe one of them is 174. But probably nobody knows at this point. The kernal in the CWM zip for enabling USB Audio (with all the nifty drivers) is an overclocked kernal that supports FastMode. If you would prefer to have access to NoRefresh instead of FastMode, you can use the kernal attached below (can't find the original link, so...). Just open the CWM USB Audio zip in something like WinRAR and drag the new kernal into the "boot" folder, replacing the file already there. Be sure to not recompress the file. Use the "store" or similar option when dragging into the opened archive.
Kernal installation can be done via adb. The directions for that are here. But since you have the CWM zip available and want to install all the audio stuff as well, the easiest path is via CWM. That means you need a card.
Download one of the two sdcard options from here and burn a card (do NOT install CWM internally on the NSTG! It will replace the fail-safe factory image!!). Then copy the zip with the kernal and audio drivers to the card and boot your NSTG from the CWM card. Install from the zip and you're good to go after a reboot. If you change your mind later about the kernal just swap in the one you want in the zip file and flash the whole package again.
Two details on this CWM USB Audio package: microphone recording is not entirely/correctly implemented in the files as supplied. If that is not important to you, skip to the next stuff. If you want to get it done right and then forget about it, you need to replace one of the files in the zip with a corrected version and you also need to copy a patched version of framework.jar into /system/framework. The zip of patches below contains the framework.jar and a file called alsa.default.so. You can use a file manager to copy the framework.jar into /system/framework. Be sure the permissions are set the same as the original (you can rename original to framework.jar.bak first, if you want). Then reboot.
As for the little alsa file, open the CWM USBAudio zip and navigate inside to system/lib/hw. You'll see the original file there. Drag the replacement over and be sure not to recompress it (i.e., use "store" or similar). Now the zip is good to go for a complete USB Audio installation including both playback and recording. Whew!
USB Audio
Of course, it's not that simple. There's no headphone jack or speakers. How does the audio come out?! You need two pieces of hardware (three, if you count earbuds/headphones---or a cable to attach to the auxiliary jack of your sound system) and some software.
USB Host in general requires the use of an OTG cable stub. This seems to be a very critical part of the arrangement. My first cable fit poorly and I almost gave up on the whole enterprise. A second one fit in the slightly non-standard USB jack like a hand in a glove. Suddenly it all worked! I can't tell you which cable might work for you. They are cheap (that's part of the problem...) and you may need to try more than one. Amazon, ebay, etc. Some are straight-line, others 90 degrees. What's important is a good fit. I'm not saying the example in the link above is a good fit. I got mine so long ago I have no idea where it came from. Probably ebay. Long gone.
Since the NSTG has no sound hardware, you need a USB-C external sound card device (here's another link to the button/LED kind--expired, but you get the idea). These also are not very expensive and can be found on Amazon or ebay. There are two basic designs. One has a bunch of LEDs that just waste battery power. It may also have volume control and/or other buttons. The other one is more spartan, lacking LEDs and buttons. I have one of each and never use with one with the LEDs.
To initiate USB Host or Audio you need at least one app (each). @Renate has produced an app for USB Host and an additional one for USB Audio. They can be downloaded from her signature page. Both are used to activate USB Audio. They are great for diagnostics but I just never have any issues with USB Host (that perfect plug!) so I wanted something that would be simpler. Just one touch. I made two small apps, one for USB Host (does not activate audio stuff) and one for USB Audio (sets up host and activates audio). The latest version of the USB Audio app places volume control buttons on the screen when in use, so you really don't need a device with volume buttons. My apps are found here. These routines are also included as options in my QuickTiles app.
ADB
You didn't specifically mention ADB so perhaps you are already fixed for that or maybe don't think you'll want it. There are certainly some things that are really only possible with ADB when you start getting down and dirty with the device. But a good file manager and/or terminal app can also do a lot of stuff without ADB. Still, if you don't have it, the easiest way to get just ADB and not the entire Android SDK is to download and install Minimal ADB and Fastboot. This is for Windows. If you're using a Mac, you're on your own.
The apps in your list
I'm going to try not to editorialize too much here, but some things may not work as well as they sound and there might be better alternatives to others, so...based on my experiences (and prejudices...).
Extended Power Menu (caution, "reboot to recovery" option goes straight to factory re-image without any chance to say no! A possible alternative, my Alternate Power Menu app)
AndroNook Settings (I had trouble with this and the stock B&N system; some settings don't seem to work, some cause a reboot. A possible alternative my Nook Settings app--not as tidy but full-featured)
UsbMode (this is the kernal thing and/or maybe the activating app--already covered above)
TuneIn Radio (still works great, available in the package of apps linked in my signature)
QQPlayer (@pinguy1982 posted this copy--MX Player w/codec pkg also is great--again in my app pack)
FastMode2 (app already linked above; needed to activate FastMode with supporting kernal)
Opera Mini (installed with the updated NookManager packages. Direct link to Opera archive)
AirDroid (also, if you use ES File Explorer it has a "remote manager" capability. Creates an FTP address. You type in the address in the Windows Explorer address bar and voila, you can move files back and forth via WiFi. Hard to get to, though, buried in the app settings, so I made a little app to access directly. Also available as an option in my QuickTiles app.
adbWireless (ADB Konnect is installed by NookManager. One drawback: for long sessions you need to extend screen timeout since connection seems to drop when screen goes into sleep mode)
Nook Clear Screen (I found this not very useful; maybe I have a greater tolerance for little screen artifacts. Also available as an option in my QuickTiles app.
Terminal Emulator (couldn't track this one down in the forum so I uploaded a copy below)
Stock Settings (well, this is what's on the device out-of-the-box!)
I think (hope) that covers everything you mentioned. I did see a reference to an app called DroidSSH while I was tracking down some of this stuff, but no link. If that's something you might find useful, you'll need to do a lot of Googling.
If there is anything else, or something here is not clear, give a holler.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking very complete, thank you for the awesome work! I'm quite busy but I shall dedicate a couple hours before next week to go through this entire process.
I do have a questions which I think I know the answer to, but wanted to confirm: With NookManager, does it run its own OS from the SD Card, or does the normal internal Flash Storage OS load and then NookManager takes over?
Same with CWM - Does the whole device (properly) boot off of the SD card and not internal flash?
If they do boot off of the card, due to the bootloader (I assume UBoot from what I read, nice!) then that leaves a lot of custom linuxy opportunities available for a really lightweight Linux OS, though drivers might be a painpoint.
Thanks!

alexhorner said:
Looking very complete, thank you for the awesome work! I'm quite busy but I shall dedicate a couple hours before next week to go through this entire process.
I do have a questions which I think I know the answer to, but wanted to confirm: With NookManager, does it run its own OS from the SD Card, or does the normal internal Flash Storage OS load and then NookManager takes over?
Same with CWM - Does the whole device (properly) boot off of the SD card and not internal flash?
If they do boot off of the card, due to the bootloader (I assume UBoot from what I read, nice!) then that leaves a lot of custom linuxy opportunities available for a really lightweight Linux OS, though drivers might be a painpoint.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to my understanding, both NookManager and CWM boot directly from the sdcard. You can check the card contents, replete with its own uboot, mlo, etc. Similar set up as the CM 11 card.

nmyshkin said:
[I'm going to try to address your issues in this single post, but not all at once. I'll be adding things over the next few days. Since I don't know where in the process you are currently, just skip things you have already done]
Updating to FW 1.2.2
[Note: if you have a UK device, go to: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/nst-g-dealing-with-non-us-aka-uk-devices-in-2021.4233411/ and return here to the "Kernals" section after completing option 3]
If your device is still on FW 1.2.1 you will need to do a manual update. In theory, you should be able to download the update zip from B&N (https://su.barnesandnoble.com/nook/nook2/1.2.2/351e26527e80156183e74be2da2ce89f/nook_1_2_update.zip), connect your NST/G to your PC via USB, copy the update zip to the "Nook" drive and wait. When the device sleeps, the update should be installed. If you come back later and look at the "Nook" drive and you don't see the update zip, it's done. You can check this by looking in the Settings app for the software version.
IF the theoretical procedure does not work for you, a deregistration might be in order. Since a device on FW 1.2.1 cannot deregister by contacting B&N servers (this is generally done via the Settings app), you will have to force a user data wipe. To do this, turn off the device. Power back on and as soon as you see the "Read Forever" screen, press and hold the two lower hardware buttons (page-turn buttons) until a prompt appears. Follow the on-screen directions. This will eventually leave you at the "Welcome" screen. Now attach the device to your PC via USB, drag the update zip onto the "Nook" drive and wait for the update to occur. Again, if you come back later and you don't see the update zip listed on the "Nook" drive, you're done. At this point you can continue and register your device.
IF the second method was unsuccessful, there might be something messed up with the resident FW. In that case, the best course is to initiate a factory re-write of the entire system. The eight-failed-boot attempts is painful and often very frustrating, but NookManager can do the job in the push of a button. So if you are still having issues updating, proceed to the "Rooting" section below and prepare a NookManager card. Then power down your device, insert the NookManager card and power up. Skip WiFi turn on. The "Restore Factory zip" option is found under "Rescue". Follow the directions and after a reboot you will be at the "Welcome" screen on some unknown FW. Attach the device to your PC via USB, drag the update zip to the "Nook" drive, and wait for the update to occur as described above. Once that has happened, continue on to registration.
Rooting
Go here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/nst-g-updating-nookmanager-for-fw-1-2-2.3873048/ and choose whichever version of NookManager seems like it will best meet your needs. I strongly suggest you make a FW 1.2.2 registered backup before rooting (NookManager can do this). When your device is rooted and you have done some configuration on the possible launchers and/or file managers, return here to the next section, "Kernals".
Note: regarding your question about ssh and busybox, the latter is installed during rooting with NookManager. I'm really not familiar with ssh but I note that you can supposedly use it with NookManager running. There is some info on the opening screen where the WiFi option is located.
Kernals
The first kernal modification was for multi-touch to enable pinch-zoom for those apps that would support it on the NST. Every subsequent kernal has included this change.
Now it gets a little confusing. For practical purposes, only kernals based on at least FW 1.2.1 are of use. Earlier kernals do not understand glowlight control (you can work around this, but why bother?). So there are more or less three "modern" kernals for the NST/G, one without support for USB Host and two with USB Host support.
Kernal 166 (see attachment below) does not support USB Host but it does support both augmented display modes, NoRefresh and FastMode (with the appropriate apps installed). NoRefresh is an augment for flicker-free reading when scrolling in an app (like a webpage, for example) or when moving around on a PDF image. Based on the original development thread, this appears not to require kernal modification, only the installation and configuration of an app (link below). FastMode is an augment for, well, I guess for playing with video. It presents a highly dithered image (lots of tiny dots) in an attempt to simulate greater grey-scale. Initially it seems like a good idea (impressive coding, anyway) but it's not good at all for reading and there is a lot of ghosting in video until the screen is finally filled with swirls of dots in various states of visibility. At least that was my experience. FastMode requires both kernal modification and an app (link below). Kernal 166 is the only kernal that can run both display modes. Like all kernals that support FastMode it is overclocked, supposedly up to 1100 Mz, although I never saw it indicated more than 1000 Mz. When running it you probably should have a CPU governor app installed (download below), perhaps trim the CPU down to 800 Mz to help with battery life.
NoRefresh and FastMode both require apps to activate the display augments (not simultaneously). But the point of all this (since you want USB Audio) is to try to make clear(?) that any other kernal that supports FastMode kills NoRefresh (somehow). So, if you want USB Host/Audio (and you do) then you have to choose which display augment you want because you can't have both. That is not to say it's impossible (clearly kernal 166 shows that it is) but only that there is no existing kernal that makes it possible.
The two kernals which support USB Host probably have numbers. Maybe one of them is 174. But probably nobody knows at this point. The kernal in the CWM zip for enabling USB Audio (with all the nifty drivers) is an overclocked kernal that supports FastMode. If you would prefer to have access to NoRefresh instead of FastMode, you can use the kernal attached below (can't find the original link, so...). Just open the CWM USB Audio zip in something like WinRAR and drag the new kernal into the "boot" folder, replacing the file already there. Be sure to not recompress the file. Use the "store" or similar option when dragging into the opened archive.
Kernal installation can be done via adb. The directions for that are here. But since you have the CWM zip available and want to install all the audio stuff as well, the easiest path is via CWM. That means you need a card.
Download one of the two sdcard options from here and burn a card (do NOT install CWM internally on the NSTG! It will replace the fail-safe factory image!!). Then copy the zip with the kernal and audio drivers to the card and boot your NSTG from the CWM card. Install from the zip and you're good to go after a reboot. If you change your mind later about the kernal just swap in the one you want in the zip file and flash the whole package again.
Two details on this CWM USB Audio package: microphone recording is not entirely/correctly implemented in the files as supplied. If that is not important to you, skip to the next stuff. If you want to get it done right and then forget about it, you need to replace one of the files in the zip with a corrected version and you also need to copy a patched version of framework.jar into /system/framework. The zip of patches below contains the framework.jar and a file called alsa.default.so. You can use a file manager to copy the framework.jar into /system/framework. Be sure the permissions are set the same as the original (you can rename original to framework.jar.bak first, if you want). Then reboot.
As for the little alsa file, open the CWM USBAudio zip and navigate inside to system/lib/hw. You'll see the original file there. Drag the replacement over and be sure not to recompress it (i.e., use "store" or similar). Now the zip is good to go for a complete USB Audio installation including both playback and recording. Whew!
USB Audio
Of course, it's not that simple. There's no headphone jack or speakers. How does the audio come out?! You need two pieces of hardware (three, if you count earbuds/headphones---or a cable to attach to the auxiliary jack of your sound system) and some software.
USB Host in general requires the use of an OTG cable stub. This seems to be a very critical part of the arrangement. My first cable fit poorly and I almost gave up on the whole enterprise. A second one fit in the slightly non-standard USB jack like a hand in a glove. Suddenly it all worked! I can't tell you which cable might work for you. They are cheap (that's part of the problem...) and you may need to try more than one. Amazon, ebay, etc. Some are straight-line, others 90 degrees. What's important is a good fit. I'm not saying the example in the link above is a good fit. I got mine so long ago I have no idea where it came from. Probably ebay. Long gone.
Since the NSTG has no sound hardware, you need a USB-C external sound card device (here's another link to the button/LED kind--expired, but you get the idea). These also are not very expensive and can be found on Amazon or ebay. There are two basic designs. One has a bunch of LEDs that just waste battery power. It may also have volume control and/or other buttons. The other one is more spartan, lacking LEDs and buttons. I have one of each and never use with one with the LEDs.
To initiate USB Host or Audio you need at least one app (each). @Renate has produced an app for USB Host and an additional one for USB Audio. They can be downloaded from her signature page. Both are used to activate USB Audio. They are great for diagnostics but I just never have any issues with USB Host (that perfect plug!) so I wanted something that would be simpler. Just one touch. I made two small apps, one for USB Host (does not activate audio stuff) and one for USB Audio (sets up host and activates audio). The latest version of the USB Audio app places volume control buttons on the screen when in use, so you really don't need a device with volume buttons. My apps are found here. These routines are also included as options in my QuickTiles app.
ADB
You didn't specifically mention ADB so perhaps you are already fixed for that or maybe don't think you'll want it. There are certainly some things that are really only possible with ADB when you start getting down and dirty with the device. But a good file manager and/or terminal app can also do a lot of stuff without ADB. Still, if you don't have it, the easiest way to get just ADB and not the entire Android SDK is to download and install Minimal ADB and Fastboot. This is for Windows. If you're using a Mac, you're on your own.
The apps in your list
I'm going to try not to editorialize too much here, but some things may not work as well as they sound and there might be better alternatives to others, so...based on my experiences (and prejudices...).
Extended Power Menu (caution, "reboot to recovery" option goes straight to factory re-image without any chance to say no! A possible alternative, my Alternate Power Menu app)
AndroNook Settings (I had trouble with this and the stock B&N system; some settings don't seem to work, some cause a reboot. A possible alternative my Nook Settings app--not as tidy but full-featured)
UsbMode (this is the kernal thing and/or maybe the activating app--already covered above)
TuneIn Radio (still works great, available in the package of apps linked in my signature)
QQPlayer (@pinguy1982 posted this copy--MX Player w/codec pkg also is great--again in my app pack)
FastMode2 (app already linked above; needed to activate FastMode with supporting kernal)
Opera Mini (installed with the updated NookManager packages. Direct link to Opera archive)
AirDroid (also, if you use ES File Explorer it has a "remote manager" capability. Creates an FTP address. You type in the address in the Windows Explorer address bar and voila, you can move files back and forth via WiFi. Hard to get to, though, buried in the app settings, so I made a little app to access directly. Also available as an option in my QuickTiles app.
adbWireless (ADB Konnect is installed by NookManager. One drawback: for long sessions you need to extend screen timeout since connection seems to drop when screen goes into sleep mode)
Nook Clear Screen (I found this not very useful; maybe I have a greater tolerance for little screen artifacts. Also available as an option in my QuickTiles app.
Terminal Emulator (couldn't track this one down in the forum so I uploaded a copy below)
Stock Settings (well, this is what's on the device out-of-the-box!)
I think (hope) that covers everything you mentioned. I did see a reference to an app called DroidSSH while I was tracking down some of this stuff, but no link. If that's something you might find useful, you'll need to do a lot of Googling. (or maybe it was SSHDroid?
If there is anything else, or something here is not clear, give a holler.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kernel installed via CWM, USB audio working! Not a fan of FastMode and can't be bothered to mess with NoRefresh yet. Going to look at the OpenSSL stuff soon I think though.
Installing various apps from your list above and also your personal app list as linked in your signature, thank you once again!