[TUT] How to make flashable .zip and other references - Motorola Droid X2

Just got a PM about this and I figured since I spent 30 minutes typing this out I would share. Please click +thanks if this helps anyone. Enjoy
Heres a quick QUICK tutorial. Before we begin have android sdk installed to your computer in the C:/ area. You will want it there, not in the program files area. Next install both java platforms.. Android SDK Setup Tutorial. There is a tutorial on how to set it up.
SBF to stock(BARE BONES STOCK! NOTHING ELSE)>Install ROOT>Install Bootstrap>Make Nandroid Backup of STOCK system(This way you can go back if you mess up)>DEOdex system/app & system/framework(see note 1)>Put deodexed files in correct folders of a flashable .zip(see note 2)>Make/Edit an update-script(see note 3) and put file in the META-INF/com/google/android/ folder>sign the .zip(see note 4)>flash
Tools
Note 1:
Use the tool ultimatex or w/e in the tools provided to deodex your phone. It will pull the system/app and system/framework files from your phone and deodex them for you.
Note 2:
Flashable .zip tree
_Name_.zip
-----data(optional)
--------app
-----META-INF
--------com
-----------google
--------------android
-----system
--------app
--------framework
^^^these are folders in the .zip and the tree will look almost identical to this when you go to flash.
Note 3:
Amend&Edify scripting
There is a good tutorial on how to make the update-script. Make sure you download and install Notepad++ and use that as the text editor. NOT regular notepad! Not Wordpad! Example for update-script for this tutorial is:
Filename: update-script (save as any file or whatever, not RTF or anything else, click down arrow and select all or whatever doesn't have an extension(ie we don't want .rtf or .txt) If you are having trouble saving this file, download a flashable .zip and use its update-script.
Note 4:
Here is the tool I use to sign .zip files to flash, as well as a tutorial.
http://androidforums.com/developer-101/8665-how-signing-roms.html
delete_recursive SYSTEM:app
delete_recursive SYSTEM:framework
copy_dir PACKAGE:system SYSTEM:
set_perm_recursive 0 0 0755 0644 SYSTEM:app
set_perm_recursive 0 0 0755 0644 SYSTEM:framework
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
after you sign the .zip just flash and you should be set.... hope this helps.

There is some very useful stuff here. I'm glad you have the link to naven's post with android tools. That's where I got started. I have SDK and set up already but always good to check out other ways of getting things done. Thanks.

hedwig34 said:
There is some very useful stuff here. I'm glad you have the link to naven's post with android tools. That's where I got started. I have SDK and set up already but always good to check out other ways of getting things done. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no problem... Im at work with no way of deving the rom so I'm constantly searching for this or that or looking at different ways to do things. I was going to make a update-script tutorial but I found that one.. Maybe ill do one just on permissions with the provided link to get everything else you would need, maybe compile a super thread... idk im just bored haha

Peperm1nt said:
no problem... Im at work with no way of deving the rom so I'm constantly searching for this or that or looking at different ways to do things. I was going to make a update-script tutorial but I found that one.. Maybe ill do one just on permissions with the provided link to get everything else you would need, maybe compile a super thread... idk im just bored haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was a work myself when responding to your first post. I tend to look around a lot during the day too. I usually end up emailing links to tutorials or other various to myself so I can check them out later at home.
I see that you have ultimatex on your list too. I used that to deodex my stock 2.3.4. Then I saw your post where you were sharing 2.3.4 already deodex'd. If you would have posted your deodex image sooner I probably wouldn't have tried it myself and just used yours. Good thing though cause I learned to do it for myself.
I'm really starting to get into the android thing now. Keep wanting to learn more about how it runs.

hedwig34 said:
I'm really starting to get into the android thing now. Keep wanting to learn more about how it runs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've rooted/modded all kinds of other devices(non-phone), but I've never went as in depth as I have with android. I've learned a lot and these tuts/references/roms I have put up are things I was looking for in the beginning. I just would like more development on the x2 and this is, I guess, my way of getting more into it.

I'm Still Looking For The Answer To Creating The "update-binary" I Know The Syntax For Amend And Edify.

Wondering....
I have an old G4 PowerPC Mac I am wanting to repurpose. I have never been able to get the SDK installed and working on my Windows or Linux machines... I want to install Ubuntu PPC on that machine and am wondering if I will have any problems with getting the SDK working since it is not an Intel/AMD processor... Any thoughts?

you get the binary in your system folder
Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk

thanks for perfect tut.
i have some question:
1.i want to add fonts ? just adding to system/fonts ?
2.how to add update binary?
3.How To sign the zip?
thanks.

MikeJ92YJ said:
I'm Still Looking For The Answer To Creating The "update-binary" I Know The Syntax For Amend And Edify.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to see ya Mike
How's that unlock treating ya?
I decided I'm getting a computer before.a new phone. I really need one lol

How to sign .zip
http://androidforums.com/developer-101/8665-how-signing-roms.html
OP updated.
Tapin the Talk on the xSquared

Peperm1nt said:
you get the binary in your system folder
Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't find anything there. Where is it peperm1nt?

Preinstall folder...or you can grab the one out of my ROM's .zip
Tapin the Talk on the xSquared

Peperm1nt said:
Preinstall folder...or you can grab the one out of my ROM's .zip
Tapin the Talk on the xSquared
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? That is from rerecovery, no others there.

I assume they are the same that's why I suggest it....
Tapin the Talk on the xSquared

Mikey is right we are guessing. Might as well use DKs latest from his 5027 cwr or p3droids prerooted aio.

If I recall correctly, the guys at CWM made edify scripting? I could be WAY wrong on that, and there are several different versions that have different commands within them. But most are generally the same. You can use any of the update-binary files in the uploads... Eclipse doesn't use edify scripting to my knowledge, but the other uploaded ROMs and most of the mods have it... in my GB Battery fix upload, that is the Binary I use.

I am sure it is a lot more than just this but, amend = update-script and has no binary
edify = updater-script and needs a binary.

Forgive me if I'm wrong but we don't have roms or anything that use edify because our BSR will only work with amend...for now
At least that was my understanding

http://rootzwiki.com/topic/3851-cwr-errors/page__view__findpost__p__89813
Our cwr has updater-script and a binary.

Related

How to port a ROM?

I put this in the Q&A but it is really a dev question so....
No bashing please, Im just asking for help
-download dsixda's Kitchen
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=633246
-install/setup the kitchen
-cd to kitchen directory and type ./menu
-type 1 'setup working folder from ROM' and enter, choose the rom you want to port
-when you get back to the menu type 0 for advanced options and choose '19-porting tools', type a for 'port from another device, then move a rom made for the eris and the rom you want to port to the /kitchen/original_update/ directory, and follow the kitchen's prompts.
-once you completed the previous step, open up build.prop located at /kitchen/WORKING_XXXXXX_XXXXXX/system/build.prop and change the name of the device to desirec or eris (Ex. ro.product.device=desirec), and the carrier to Verizon (unless its a rom from a gsm phone, then you have more things to do). After that do the same thing for the update-script at /Kitchen/WORKING_XXXXXX_XXXXXX/META-INF/com/google/android/update-script.
-after that is done go back to the kitchen, hit 0 for advanced settings, type 20 for unpack or repack a boot.img, type w to extract ramdisk, then go to /kitchen/BOOT-EXTRACTED/boot.img-ramdisk/ and change init.heroc.rc (or whatever the devices name is) to init.desirec.rc
-finally get desirec-keypad.kcm.bin, desirec-keypad.kl, and sensors.desirec.so from an eris rom at /system/usr/keychars, /system/usr/keylayout/ and /system/lib/hw respectively, and copy them to the same location in your working folder.
-now go back to the kitchen, type 99, it will build an update.zip that you can flash of your ported rom
homewmt said:
-download dsixda's Kitchen
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=633246
-install/setup the kitchen
-cd to kitchen directory and type ./menu
-type 1 'setup working folder from ROM' and enter, choose the rom you want to port
-when you get back to the menu type 0 for advanced options and choose '19-porting tools', type a for 'port from another device, then move a rom made for the eris and the rom you want to port to the /kitchen/original_update/ directory, and follow the kitchen's prompts.
-once you completed the previous step, open up build.prop located at /kitchen/WORKING_XXXXXX_XXXXXX/system/build.prop and change the name of the device to desirec or eris (Ex. ro.product.device=desirec), and the carrier to Verizon (unless its a rom from a gsm phone, then you have more things to do). After that do the same thing for the update-script at /Kitchen/WORKING_XXXXXX_XXXXXX/META-INF/com/google/android/update-script.
-after that is done go back to the kitchen, hit 0 for advanced settings, type 20 for unpack or repack a boot.img, type w to extract ramdisk, then go to /kitchen/BOOT-EXTRACTED/boot.img-ramdisk/ and change init.heroc.rc (or whatever the devices name is) to init.desirec.rc
-finally get desirec-keypad.kcm.bin, desirec-keypad.kl, and sensors.desirec.so from an eris rom at /system/usr/keychars, /system/usr/keylayout/ and /system/lib/hw respectively, and copy them to the same location in your working folder.
-now go back to the kitchen, type 99, it will build an update.zip that you can flash of your ported rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow thank you! I have messed with the kitchen before but it all seemed kinda confusing when it came to porting
Completely off-topic but, wow, another Nikolai in this forum
NikolaiT said:
Completely off-topic but, wow, another Nikolai in this forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ten char
Look at Froyolicious and SgShultz. I laid out the steps that I took to get them to where they are. The links are in my sig.
And this one -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=723319
gnarlyc said:
Look at Froyolicious and SgShultz. I laid out the steps that I took to get them to where they are. The links are in my sig.
And this one -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=723319
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What happens if i port a rom and the wifi doesnt work?
Nikolai2.1 said:
What happens if i port a rom and the wifi doesnt work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The most common issue is that you have the wrong wlan.ko. You need to have the wlan.ko that is compiled against the kernel that you are using. You can also look in build.prop and make sure you are assigning the correct interface. There are also some wpa_* and dhcp* setting in the init.desirec.rc (in the ramdisk part of the boot.img) that might mess you up. I have had one instance where I could never get it working. Apparently, more than one of us is having the same issue right now. Hopefully, someone will figure that out.
I always use WinMerge to compare build.prop, init.devicenamehere.rc, and init.rc to stock Eris versions to try and catch settings that I would miss otherwise. And then rename init.devicenamehere.rc to init.desirec.rc.
gnarlyc said:
The most common issue is that you have the wrong wlan.ko. You need to have the wlan.ko that is compiled against the kernel that you are using. You can also look in build.prop and make sure you are assigning the correct interface. There are also some wpa_* and dhcp* setting in the init.desirec.rc (in the ramdisk part of the boot.img) that might mess you up. I have had one instance where I could never get it working. Apparently, more than one of us is having the same issue right now. Hopefully, someone will figure that out.
I always use WinMerge to compare build.prop, init.devicenamehere.rc, and init.rc to stock Eris versions to try and catch settings that I would miss otherwise. And then rename init.devicenamehere.rc to init.desirec.rc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow thanks alot! I will use all this if I ever decide to port something. Lol I was gonna try porting that 2.2 Sense Rom, but it looks like 2 people with experience beat me to it
Nikolai2.1 said:
Wow thanks alot! I will use all this if I ever decide to port something. Lol I was gonna try porting that 2.2 Sense Rom, but it looks like 2 people with experience beat me to it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should still try, even if you don't release it to the public. I have several ROMs that no one has ever seen but me. It's a good way to learn, and I find that it is easier to please me than me + other people. That's not necessarily a good thing, because I wind up not fixing things that I should.
I would like to add something that I have recently learned about the wifi issues. Apparently, in the past, some devs have had success with hex editing any references to the wifi driver that are in libhardware_legacy.so to make them point to wlan.ko instead of whatever driver the ROM has. So far, this hasn't worked with the 2.2 Sense as far as I know, but it's something else to add to the list.
Well I tried porting an Aria Rom, but when i flashed it, it failed..
I dont mean to resurrect a dead thread that i created, but i cant port anything to save my life. GSM or CDMA (in fact, how do you port a GSM rom?)
Help?

noob who wants to learn

I want to learn how to theme. I've read this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916814
I Think i understand the process of editing images, I'm not a noob when it comes to photoshop, but i get a little frustrated when it comes to the topic of signing. I have a windows vista system, and section two of this https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AcdxIJRSH9ypZGZzc2pxNDlfMjdnazk4OHNxZA&hl=en states that signing in vista causes bootloops unless you take other steps. The directions for XP seem so straight forward, is there a way to sign without all the hassle that vista seems to cause?
I've been told that if you use another theme for a base, resigning is not needed. I'm a noob at this also, really wanting to learn.
thenaut said:
I want to learn how to theme. I've read this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916814
I Think i understand the process of editing images, I'm not a noob when it comes to photoshop, but i get a little frustrated when it comes to the topic of signing. I have a windows vista system, and section two of this https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AcdxIJRSH9ypZGZzc2pxNDlfMjdnazk4OHNxZA&hl=en states that signing in vista causes bootloops unless you take other steps. The directions for XP seem so straight forward, is there a way to sign without all the hassle that vista seems to cause?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it comes to basic themeing, you don't need to sign anything....its a matter of extracting and re-zipping the apk without signing it so it keeps its original signature...then you would add all your themed apks in a CWM flashable zip(that isn't signed either).....use APK Manager....it works wonders for theme devs
Mr. Apocalypse said:
When it comes to basic themeing, you don't need to sign anything....its a matter of extracting and re-zipping the apk without signing it so it keeps its original signature...then you would add all your themed apks in a CWM flashable zip(that isn't signed either).....use APK Manager....it works wonders for theme devs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man,
If i'm understanding you correctly you are basically saying that if i take from an existing theme i don't have to sign. but i create my own theme based off of a rom i need to sign it?
EDIT: nevermind, i mixed both responses up and with my question. i'm a little off today
thenaut said:
Thanks man,
If i'm understanding you correctly you are basically saying that if i take from an existing theme i don't have to sign. but i create my own theme based off of a rom i need to sign it?
EDIT: nevermind, i mixed both responses up and with my question. i'm a little off today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok...let me try to clarify this...if you're new to theme developing, get "signing" out of your head
You would only need to sign an apk if it was being installed...
When you theme, nothing is being "installed", all of the original apks that are in your /system/ directory are replaced with your themed ones while flashing....
YOU NEVER SIGN AN APK THAT IS BEING SENT TO /system/ DIRECTORY
In reality, no themed apks are signed, because they are sent to the /system/ directory....its just a matter of extracting the stock apk, make your mods, and re-zip. As a said above, if you use Apk Manager, this will be a breeze
Mr. Apocalypse said:
Ok...let me try to clarify this...if you're new to theme developing, get "signing" out of your head
You would only need to sign an apk if it was being installed...
When you theme, nothing is being "installed", all of the original apks that are in your /system/ directory are replaced with your themed ones while flashing....
YOU NEVER SIGN AN APK THAT IS BEING SENT TO /system/ DIRECTORY
In reality, no themed apks are signed, because they are sent to the /system/ directory....its just a matter of extracting the stock apk, make your mods, and re-zip. As a said above, if you use Apk Manager, this will be a breeze
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, You've helped a lot. can't wait to start. I have to go to work though, so tomorrow, hopefully.
thenaut said:
Thanks, You've helped a lot. can't wait to start. I have to go to work though, so tomorrow, hopefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have any other questions, PM me....i'm always willing to help someone who is willing to learn.
What I do when i want to change something... example I made my own lock screen.
If it was already explained how to do this... im sorry for wasting your and mine time... I only have about 5 minutes so I cant read everything before i post this... but this is what i do when i want to edit the theme.
I put the rom on my computer and extract it... locate the files I need to edit, (they are alwas going to be in the res folder of an extracted .apk and then in a drawable folder.) I take the files i want and I edit them. put them back on my phone... copy the framework-res.apk from systems>framework>framework-res.apk and then put it in a folder i created on my sdcard.
Using Astro File Manager I select my edited files and copy them.... then click on framework-res.apk and select browse and past my edited files into the framework-res.apk then using root explorer I then copy my edited framework-res.apk and paste it back in system>framework>framework-res.apk

How to zip a ROM to be flashed

Okay so I've spent about 2 days tweaking my stock deodexed Rom to my liking and It's super fast and responsive. Faster scrolling and speed hacks. Quadrants in the 2000s. And much more. How do I take this Rom and zip it so other people can flash it if they want?
Sent from my Beastly EVO.. And did I mention it has 3D?
youngpro83 said:
Okay so I've spent about 2 days tweaking my stock deodexed Rom to my liking and It's super fast and responsive. Faster scrolling and speed hacks. Quadrants in the 2000s. And much more. How do I take this Rom and zip it so other people can flash it if they want?
Sent from my Beastly EVO.. And did I mention it has 3D?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
packaging up a ROM is fairly simple.
for a ROM .zip there are a few main components:
1) *required* /system directory (contains all your ROM files)
2) *required* META-INF/com/google/android/ with two files, updater-script and update-binary. updater-script file instructs the update-binary on how to process/install your ROM. the custom recovery will look for these two files and execute them.
3) *optional* a kernel in the .zip to be flashed
hope that helps! good luck on publishing your ROM!
joeykrim said:
packaging up a ROM is fairly simple.
for a ROM .zip there are a few main components:
1) *required* /system directory (contains all your ROM files)
2) *required* META-INF/com/google/android/ with two files, updater-script and update-binary. updater-script file instructs the update-binary on how to process/install your ROM. the custom recovery will look for these two files and execute them.
3) *optional* a kernel in the .zip to be flashed
hope that helps! good luck on publishing your ROM!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So could I just take a ROM and just change certain files and apps? And how do you make the Rom do cool stuff while flashing like spell your Rom name while it flashes? Sorry for all the questions but I appreciate ur help.
Sent from my Beastly EVO.. And did I mention it has 3D?
youngpro83 said:
So could I just take a ROM and just change certain files and apps? And how do you make the Rom do cool stuff while flashing like spell your Rom name while it flashes? Sorry for all the questions but I appreciate ur help.
Sent from my Beastly EVO.. And did I mention it has 3D?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually, at least from what I know...
The more In depth stuff is done with the ROM Kitchen through a computer!
youngpro83 said:
So could I just take a ROM and just change certain files and apps? And how do you make the Rom do cool stuff while flashing like spell your Rom name while it flashes? Sorry for all the questions but I appreciate ur help.
Sent from my Beastly EVO.. And did I mention it has 3D?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, you could take a ROM and only replace certain files / apps with the ones you've modified.
the ROM "cool stuff" while it flashes is all done in the updater-script file i mentioned in #2 of the required ROM files in my previous post above.
the ROM I maintan and publish for EVO 3D is 100% stock with root/su binary added, busybox and a bunch of linux arm developer binaries in /system/xbin.
my stock ROM would be a great base for you to start modifying and experimenting with!
1) swap out the apk/files in the .zip with the ones you've modified.
2) modify the updater-script file with your syntax
3) let us know how it goes!
[ROM] joeykrim-original-1.2.0 Odex *Stock Rooted 2.08.651.2* Aug 21st 2011
on windows, 7zip is a great GUI application for swap/editing files inside a .zip without having to extract the whole thing.
on linux, i'd just unzip the whole .zip to a directory and then swap out the files/edit the files in that directory, then zip up. also, i think ubuntu archive manager (default GUI for .zip files) lets you modify/edit files inside the .zip without having to extract the whole thing.
hope that helps!
joeykrim said:
yes, you could take a ROM and only replace certain files / apps with the ones you've modified.
the ROM "cool stuff" while it flashes is all done in the updater-script file i mentioned in #2 of the required ROM files in my previous post above.
the ROM I maintan and publish for EVO 3D is 100% stock with root/su binary added, busybox and a bunch of linux arm developer binaries in /system/xbin.
my stock ROM would be a great base for you to start modifying and experimenting with!
1) swap out the apk/files in the .zip with the ones you've modified.
2) modify the updater-script file with your syntax
3) let us know how it goes!
[ROM] joeykrim-original-1.2.0 Odex *Stock Rooted 2.08.651.2* Aug 21st 2011
on windows, 7zip is a great GUI application for swap/editing files inside a .zip without having to extract the whole thing.
on linux, i'd just unzip the whole .zip to a directory and then swap out the files/edit the files in that directory, then zip up. also, i think ubuntu archive manager (default GUI for .zip files) lets you modify/edit files inside the .zip without having to extract the whole thing.
hope that helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. So ill experiment with ur base. What is syntax?
Sent from my Beastly EVO.. And did I mention it has 3D?
youngpro83 said:
Thanks a lot. So ill experiment with ur base. What is syntax?
Sent from my Beastly EVO.. And did I mention it has 3D?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fancy word i used in place of code/text. you can open the updater-script inside of the .zip file with a text editor. the updater-script file uses the edify scripting language.
there are a lot of guides on how to use edify and what each phrase means. google the terms, "edify android guide" and there should be a bunch of results. one of the results which looks fairly decent - Edify Script Syntax Explained
hope that helps! good luck!
youngpro83 said:
Okay so I've spent about 2 days tweaking my stock deodexed Rom to my liking and It's super fast and responsive. Faster scrolling and speed hacks. Quadrants in the 2000s. And much more. How do I take this Rom and zip it so other people can flash it if they want?
Sent from my Beastly EVO.. And did I mention it has 3D?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool man! Good luck! Hope to see ya on the dev page.
Sent from my SPH-P100 using xda premium
Alright so progress is being made and its going very well. Only things Im stuck on now is:
1. How do I add certain apps like astro or ES file explorer WITHOUT putting them into the system/apps folder??
2. How do I change the background at boot so that its not the colorful flares that Sprint has on there.
3. How do I remove the 3D apps game apk?
Once I have those figured out I think my ROM will be ready for the public.
youngpro83 said:
Alright so progress is being made and its going very well. Only things Im stuck on now is:
1. How do I add certain apps like astro or ES file explorer WITHOUT putting them into the system/apps folder??
2. How do I change the background at boot so that its not the colorful flares that Sprint has on there.
3. How do I remove the 3D apps game apk?
Once I have those figured out I think my ROM will be ready for the public.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. android package manager monitors two locations for .apk files and will install them as soon as they appear in these two directories: /system/app and /data/app. if you want your rom to install .apk files to /data/app, you'll need to add the package_extract_dir command to your updater-script for /data and also create a data/app directory in the ROM zip file and put whatever apk files you want added in the data/app dir of the ROM zip file.
2. For Android boot animations the system looks in 3 locations in this order. 1) /data/local/bootanimation.zip, 2) /system/media/bootanimation.zip and 3) framework-res.apk . Since there are no bootanimation.zip files on our device, I'm assuming the sprint boot animation is stored in the framework-res.apk file. No worries, as placing any bootanimation file in either /data/local or /system/media will take priority over the Sprint animation in framework-res.apk.
3. 3D Games apk file is located here: /system/app/PGAWidget_HTCEvo3D_Sprint_v100.apk . Simply remove that apk file from /system/app inside the ROM .zip and it will not be loaded.
Let us know if you have any other questions. Hope that helps and good luck in the publishing!
joeykrim said:
1. android package manager monitors two locations for .apk files and will install them as soon as they appear in these two directories: /system/app and /data/app. if you want your rom to install .apk files to /data/app, you'll need to add the package_extract_dir command to your updater-script for /data and also create a data/app directory in the ROM zip file and put whatever apk files you want added in the data/app dir of the ROM zip file.
2. For Android boot animations the system looks in 3 locations in this order. 1) /data/local/bootanimation.zip, 2) /system/media/bootanimation.zip and 3) framework-res.apk . Since there are no bootanimation.zip files on our device, I'm assuming the sprint boot animation is stored in the framework-res.apk file. No worries, as placing any bootanimation file in either /data/local or /system/media will take priority over the Sprint animation in framework-res.apk.
3. 3D Games apk file is located here: /system/app/PGAWidget_HTCEvo3D_Sprint_v100.apk . Simply remove that apk file from /system/app inside the ROM .zip and it will not be loaded.
Let us know if you have any other questions. Hope that helps and good luck in the publishing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man you are the BOMB.COM!!!!
And for 2. I wasnt looking to replace the boot animation. I kinda like the Sprint one. I was trying to replace the actual wallpaper that the phone boots into. So at the home screen I can have my own wallpaper that I choose for my ROM.
Also for 1. Do I need to create a unmount script like the one for /system? Or do I just add the script you mentioned and that is it?
Thanks so much for your help man. I dont think I would have gotten this far without you!!
youngpro83 said:
Man you are the BOMB.COM!!!!
And for 2. I wasnt looking to replace the boot animation. I kinda like the Sprint one. I was trying to replace the actual wallpaper that the phone boots into. So at the home screen I can have my own wallpaper that I choose for my ROM.
Also for 1. Do I need to create a unmount script like the one for /system? Or do I just add the script you mentioned and that is it?
Thanks so much for your help man. I dont think I would have gotten this far without you!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I misunderstood for 2. For the actual wallpaper .. I did a few quick google searches and haven't come up with anything super helpful. Based on this blog post Appears there are two possible locations for the default wallpaper images to be stored, either in the Launcher.apk or in /system/frameworks/framework.jar. Unfortunately, I'm not able to experiment on the device and search more thoroughly. If nobody posts back a better answer I'll look into this tonight.
1. Yea, it would be best practice to mount data, package extract dir /data and then unmount data. You should be able to copy the mount/unmount commands used for system and change the mount points to data and for the mount command change the device point for data .. off the top of my head I think its one number higher, but not positive. cat /proc/partitions to see the exact device mount point.
Hope that helps!
joeykrim said:
Oh, I misunderstood for 2. For the actual wallpaper .. I did a few quick google searches and haven't come up with anything super helpful. Based on this blog post Appears there are two possible locations for the default wallpaper images to be stored, either in the Launcher.apk or in /system/frameworks/framework.jar. Unfortunately, I'm not able to experiment on the device and search more thoroughly. If nobody posts back a better answer I'll look into this tonight.
1. Yea, it would be best practice to mount data, package extract dir /data and then unmount data. You should be able to copy the mount/unmount commands used for system and change the mount points to data and for the mount command change the device point for data .. off the top of my head I think its one number higher, but not positive. cat /proc/partitions to see the exact device mount point.
Hope that helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Helps a bunch!!! I will have to dig deeper because I tried flashing after creating those scripts and I got error 6 when trying to flash. Ill add the mount/unmount commands and see if that fixes it.
youngpro83 said:
Helps a bunch!!! I will have to dig deeper because I tried flashing after creating those scripts and I got error 6 when trying to flash. Ill add the mount/unmount commands and see if that fixes it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To debug flashing errors while in the recovery, open adb shell and type:
Code:
cat /tmp/recovery.log
The recovery log has more details and usually the exact line of code where it failed. Feel free to paste this into pastebin and link up here, or paste into the thread and we can help troubleshoot.
Another step deeper into troubleshooting and debugging land of ROM development! Hope that helps!
Joeykrim, learned more from this thread then searching chefs central..
life64x said:
Joeykrim, learned more from this thread then searching chefs central..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I Agree... This Thread could be on its way to being a little STICKY, Lol!
Nah but Good Thread guys!

Intro To theming? (Dev Wanted)

I've done a lot of theme edits on my phones by decompiling with the NinjaMorph app, editing drawable-hdpi, then compiling again with NinjaMorph.
This doesn't seem to be the way to go for tabs though.
Can someone give me a quick intro?
-What programs to use
-Where the files are that I need to edit
-anything else I might need
I'm pretty handy when it comes to photoshop and I would like to incorporate that into customizing my tab like I did for my phones.
Aha! I found it....I couldn't find what i was looking for in framework-res with Ninjamorph so i looked around a bit and found them in SystemUI under /system/app...
Gonna hop on photoshop and see if changing one of them works.
F**k all of you who knew how to do it and didnt tell me!!
---loljk
Running into a problem now...
When I repack SystemUI with ninjamorph, it force closes.
Does that mean I'll get an error with framework-res too?
Would metamorph work instead?
When i repack framework-res, it goes through all the are you sure you want to replace and do you want to zipalign and all that...then when i get through those, it gets stuck at "Please Wait...Working, please wait..."
Tivo7 said:
When i repack framework-res, it goes through all the are you sure you want to replace and do you want to zipalign and all that...then when i get through those, it gets stuck at "Please Wait...Working, please wait..."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. All lonely in this thread bro? Alright, so screw ninjamorph or whatever you're using. Go and get your adb all setup (Google it) and then get apktool honeycomb addition that can be found in our dev thread. Tphillips has modified it to work with honeycomb really nicely. Then when you have that all setup. I'll try my best to help you figure things out bro. If you think you have some issues setting it all up, just Google it, there's sooo much info on this stuff that will get you through it pretty easily. Sorry for not responding sooner. Been really busy.
Try looking at this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1265213
It details how to do one specific thing to Browser.apk, but the guide can be used for any system apk, including systemui.apk and framework-res.apk.
I'm sorry that I don't have time to go further into this - there has been a death in my immediate family.
task650 said:
Lol. All lonely in this thread bro? Alright, so screw ninjamorph or whatever you're using. Go and get your adb all setup (Google it) and then get apktool honeycomb addition that can be found in our dev thread. Tphillips has modified it to work with honeycomb really nicely. Then when you have that all setup. I'll try my best to help you figure things out bro. If you think you have some issues setting it all up, just Google it, there's sooo much info on this stuff that will get you through it pretty easily. Sorry for not responding sooner. Been really busy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All good bro.
Hooolm said:
Try looking at this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1265213
It details how to do one specific thing to Browser.apk, but the guide can be used for any system apk, including systemui.apk and framework-res.apk.
I'm sorry that I don't have time to go further into this - there has been a death in my immediate family.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link.
Sorry for your loss.
Alright I've been able to decompile, edit whatever, and compile again.
I followed the guide that hoolm posted and have browser, framework-res, and twframework-res in my placeapkhere folder.
I also now have a unsignedbrowser.apk. This is my newly edited one right?
I'll be getting some use out of this thread/info. Thanks guys.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
MINUS Stl said:
I'll be getting some use out of this thread/info. Thanks guys.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome lol...i have yet to get all this working though
I signed my update.zip and tried to flash it but apparently the newer versions of CWM don't work with amend scripting and i need to use edify. I found the counterparts of amend for edify and changed the coding manually and changed the name of update-script to updater-script. I then read that it needs an update-binary too so i found a download for that and put that file with my updater-script (not sure why or what its for, its just gibberish).
Tried to flash and get:
Code:
Installing update...
E:Error in /sdcard/update.zip
(Status 0)
Installation aborted
Here's what i changed to go from amend to edify
I had a file called update-script with..
Code:
show_progress 0.1 0
copy_dir PACKAGE:system SYSTEM:
set_perm_recursive 0 0 0755 0644 SYSTEM:app
show_progress 0.1 10
And I replaced it with a file called updater-script with..
Code:
show_progress (0.1 0);
package_extract_dir("system", "/system");
set_perm_recursive(uid, gid, dmode, fmode, “/system/app”);
show_progress (0.1 10);
And i added the attached update-binary file (unzipped of course)
Tivo7 said:
I signed my update.zip and tried to flash it but apparently the newer versions of CWM don't work with amend scripting and i need to use edify. I found the counterparts of amend for edify and changed the coding manually and changed the name of update-script to updater-script. I then read that it needs an update-binary too so i found a download for that and put that file with my updater-script (not sure why or what its for, its just gibberish).
Tried to flash and get:
Code:
Installing update...
E:Error in /sdcard/update.zip
(Status 0)
Installation aborted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try this one and see if it works.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22014441/updater-script
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22014441/update-binary
Hmm...still getting the same error.
Is there a certain way i need to zip the file?
I hope its not a problem with my compiled files >.<
EDIT: Now that i look at it again...its a different error. The first time i was getting"(status 0)" now i get "(status 6)"
Oh wait...don't you need to know this for the updater script...
I'm editing /system/app/Browser.apk
I did something small with a file somewhere and i cant even remember what i did....but now I get Error (Status 4)
Here are my update zips signed and unsigned.
I edited a PNG in /system/app/Browser.apk using hoolms guide posted on page 1.
After i edited and compiled with APK manager, i got a file called unsignedBrowser.apk (or something like that). I copied that to my METAINF system apps folder and renamed it Browser.apk (you can see exactly where via the update zips i posted previously.
I didn't use the apk signing thing within APK Manager, i used a seperate program called ZipSigner.exe
If it would be better for me to sign via APK manager, please point me to a guide explaining how to do so.
now no matter what I try i get this error
Code:
Installing Update...
E:Error in /sdcard/update.zip
(Status 4)
Installation aborted.
Any idea what is going wrong?
I followed this guide
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1265213
but instead of editing that xml file to change desktopUA or whatever it was for, i edited a PNG in drawable-mdpi.
I deleted the counterpart of that specific PNG in the keep folder, and I DIDNT delete /keep/resources.arsc because I didnt edit an XML file (is that the right way to go?)
one thing you should do is manually push you apks that you modify through adb or root explorer. its an easier way then having to flash everytime you wanna see if something works. i manually pushed the browser apk that you mad. but i see no different at all than stock browser. what did you attempt to change?

[TOOL] Framework Flasher 1.1.4 (1/14/12) - Easily modify and flash framework-res.apk

Finally! After days of struggling to figure out how to modify my ROM's framework-res.apk and create a working flashable update.zip to install the framework-res.apk changes, I have finally figured out how (big thanks to the guys here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=20962080#post20962080) and have created an automated script to help others struggling with the same problem.
Framework Flasher 1.1.4
Feel free to download and experiment with it. This is my first gift to the XDA/Android Hacking community, and I plan on doing more. I just want to test the waters for now Feedback would be nice. Let me know if I've helped you in some way!
---------------------------
What does it do?
It extracts your framework-res.apk file and allows you to edit the files. After editing, the script will compile, sign the apk, create your update.zip with the correct structure for flashing, and then sign the .zip. Everything you need to modify and flash your framework-res.apk file.
How do I use it?
Download the .zip from the link below and extract it somewhere on your PC. Drag the framework-res.apk file that you want to modify and/or flash into the /place-framework-res-here/ directory. Double-click on RunMe.bat and off you go! Do the steps (1-5) in order and you shouldn't have any problems.
Who needs this?
A LOT of people according to how many google searches I did in the past 3-4 days.
Will it work for files other than framework-res.apk?
Currently, no. However it would be easy to implement that functionality if I saw that people would benefit from it.
I found a bug... what do I do?
Post it in this topic. I'll do what I can to make continual updates as long as I see people are benefiting from it. I'm sure there are bugs in it somewhere, so just let me know.
Where do I download this snazzy piece of software?
http://www.mediafire.com/?1nc14hkhs2yrqmt
The little disclaimer
If you download this tool, please say thanks! Not only does it motivate me to continue to improve this software, but it also let's me know how many users are using it! Thanks!
This script is mainly intended for use with editing script files (xml, etc.), and normal (non 9png) images. 9pngs have been successfully repacked using this tool! If you run into any problems, be sure to make it known!
This tools was created to work with the Droid X2. If you are experiencing problems using it, first ensure that you are in fact using a Droid X2.
Change Log
1.1.4 (1/14/12)
- Corrected the Log error. You can now see error logs!
- Corrected an error processing problem where Framework Flasher would instantly close without warning
1.1 (1/7/12)
- Made compatibility tweaks
- Removed unnecessary overhead
1.0 (1/6/12)
- Initial Release
When reporting errors, please ensure that there are no spaces in your file path, and include what ROM and version you are running.
Hello
This is an awesome little tool you got here. I haven't tried it yet but I'll likely give it a shot eventually.
You should add functionality for SystemUI.apk, that's the other "real big" file people like to edit. Just a suggestion based on what I know about theming
Very nice!
So r u telling me this will modify everything including the. 9 png images..also can u get into the xml files as well or images only...i use apk manager and with the. 9 pngs u cannot touch the 9 patches or change the image without using draw 9 patch to ensure the apk will recompile
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
PoorCollegeGuy said:
Hello
This is an awesome little tool you got here. I haven't tried it yet but I'll likely give it a shot eventually.
You should add functionality for SystemUI.apk, that's the other "real big" file people like to edit. Just a suggestion based on what I know about theming
Very nice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I will definitely look into adding this. I'll update the OP with any changes or updates.
Kevin3328 said:
So r u telling me this will modify everything including the. 9 png images..also can u get into the xml files as well or images only...i use apk manager and with the. 9 pngs u cannot touch the 9 patches or change the image without using draw 9 patch to ensure the apk will recompile
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not tested 9pngs with this, it's mainly intended for scripting (xml files, etc. along with normal non 9png images). I've updated the OP to include a little disclaimer stating this fact. Thanks for pointing that out.
.9.png seems to work
Thanks Wesf90 for the tool. I was curious about the .9.png myself. Looking at the script it decompiles and compiles using apktool just like the apkmanager script does so just by looking at your RunMe.bat it looks like it would be fine. I did test it out to be sure though. So I took the framework-res from eclipse 2.0.3 changes some 9.png files and recompiled without any issues. It is important to note that you need to be careful when editing 9.png files to NOT change the black "patches" around the edge of those images. Doing so will cause bad patches and will generate errors when re-compiling. So for example if you apply a filter to the entire image double check that the color value of the black patches are still 000000 (I've done this ). If you don't mess with the patches all should be fine. It also depends on the original framework-res you are starting with. If you use one that has broken 9.pngs in it to start then you will need to fix them before re-compiling (I've done this too ).
Nice work. I especially like that step 4 that creates the update.zip. That is not in apkmanager that I've been using. So following steps 1,2,3,4 sure does make it simpler for a beginner which was your goal. Keep up the good work!
hedwig34 said:
Thanks Wesf90 for the tool. I was curious about the .9.png myself. Looking at the script it decompiles and compiles using apktool just like the apkmanager script does so just by looking at your RunMe.bat it looks like it would be fine. I did test it out to be sure though. So I took the framework-res from eclipse 2.0.3 changes some 9.png files and recompiled without any issues. It is important to note that you need to be careful when editing 9.png files to NOT change the black "patches" around the edge of those images. Doing so will cause bad patches and will generate errors when re-compiling. So for example if you apply a filter to the entire image double check that the color value of the black patches are still 000000 (I've done this ). If you don't mess with the patches all should be fine. It also depends on the original framework-res you are starting with. If you use one that has broken 9.pngs in it to start then you will need to fix them before re-compiling (I've done this too ).
Nice work. I especially like that step 4 that creates the update.zip. That is not in apkmanager that I've been using. So following steps 1,2,3,4 sure does make it simpler for a beginner which was your goal. Keep up the good work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the test run. I've updated to OP to state that 9pngs have been tested.
Creating the update.zip was the hardest part for me, learning how to use update-script and updater-script. Hopefully this will help everyone else get on the right path.
is it possible, that after the editing was done, to simply push the framework to its place? without flashing recovery?
Dude XDA did a writeup on this.. but the article states there is no. 9 compatibility .... which is not true your program decompiles just like apk manager and apk tool do... .9 can be edited the patches simply can't be touched.. making this an awesome little tool !!!
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
Sweet tool, just what I've been looking for
Just wanted to drop in and say thanks for this tool (button hit, donation forthcoming).
I tried this with my framework-res file from and ICS 4.0.1 ROM I'm running and it decompiles perfectly, but after I make edits and try and recompile, the script just closes.
I tried looking at the log in the folder of the tool and it didn't have any information except the date/time I ran the script.
Any thoughts? Would love to make use of this if you think it should work for me. Thanks again!
XT69 said:
is it possible, that after the editing was done, to simply push the framework to its place? without flashing recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, definitely possible if you have ADB access. I may add this feature, but the idea of the tool is primarily to allow users to create a flash-able file for their's, or others', phones. I'll put it on my to-do list though
Kevin3328 said:
Dude XDA did a writeup on this.. but the article states there is no. 9 compatibility .... which is not true your program decompiles just like apk manager and apk tool do... .9 can be edited the patches simply can't be touched.. making this an awesome little tool !!!
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I noticed that about the 9pngs in the article, however several people (including yourself) have stated that 9png's work fine. So hopefully XDA will eventually update the post.
zaxondis said:
Just wanted to drop in and say thanks for this tool (button hit, donation forthcoming).
I tried this with my framework-res file from and ICS 4.0.1 ROM I'm running and it decompiles perfectly, but after I make edits and try and recompile, the script just closes.
I tried looking at the log in the folder of the tool and it didn't have any information except the date/time I ran the script.
Any thoughts? Would love to make use of this if you think it should work for me. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. I plan on releasing another update soon, so send me the file you tried (I sent you a PM), I plan on weeding out small bugs quickly. Once the update is ready, hopefully I can have this bug fixed (or at least resolved)
Wes
zaxondis said:
Just wanted to drop in and say thanks for this tool (button hit, donation forthcoming).
I tried this with my framework-res file from and ICS 4.0.1 ROM I'm running and it decompiles perfectly, but after I make edits and try and recompile, the script just closes.
I tried looking at the log in the folder of the tool and it didn't have any information except the date/time I ran the script.
Any thoughts? Would love to make use of this if you think it should work for me. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
had the same here!
other then that great tool
Ok to u guys having this happen... try to decompile and them recompile immediately ... if this works odds are u damaged a .9 png... those images have a black 1 pixel boarder that cannot be touched
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
Maybe a dumb question but do we flash this in recovery or is this for pc use?Thanks I been itching to try this on my Iced Sam Vib...
Program is for PC use when u r done it will create a flashing zip for u
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
Dougfresh said:
Maybe a dumb question but do we flash this in recovery or is this for pc use?Thanks I been itching to try this on my Iced Sam Vib...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you're absolutely correct. Once you go through the steps and create the update.zip file, simple place that file onto your sd card. Then flash the .zip in recovery.
Wes
Doesn't work for me. It says that echo is off.
Thanks wesf90. Going to DL, and check this out.
Work with any Android?
Will this work with any Android system, like the GS2? Sorry if I missed the answer somewhere above.
Thx.
disclaimernotice said:
Doesn't work for me. It says that echo is off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this happen as soon as you start it?

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