Database Users

Guide REQUEST! apps2sd

I read, and read, and read. Most of the chefs cook this mod into their ROM's but i am using the desire from modaco, so i`m left out.
As far as i understand, you have to create 3 Partitions on the SD Card:
- swap
- Ext2/3?
- FAT32
After that you do some shell editing and that's about it.
I`m sure some are wondering as i do if:
- Can i create the partitions in Windows and then place the card back into the phone?
- If i install apps2sd is backup still required? Or will a new ROM Flash automatically use the installed apps?
So this is an appeal to someone with the heart and knowledge to help us out with a guide.
Thanks

Found this thread, so basically it should work after flashing that ROM on top of the current OS.

You do not need the swap partition... just an ext partition (size your choice)... the rest vfat... and you partition it using Amon_RA's recovery...
And when you flash a new ROM, you might need to re-enable App2SD in that ROM to see the apps installed in the sd ext partition...

a related question.... can the files of the existing apps be moved from /data to the new partition /sd and still function.....or do they need to be reinstalled?

I highly doubt you can just move them...

britoso said:
a related question.... can the files of the existing apps be moved from /data to the new partition /sd and still function.....or do they need to be reinstalled?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried this... was not successful!

I can't even get the "SD Secondary" to show up?!?
I've wiped everything
partitioned:
swap 0
ext 640
then installed a fresh rom I copied over and no "SD Secondary" showing up on the phone... any ideas?
I followed these steps exactly... (minus the memory number difference)
part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P3T2mf5Pu8
part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdKBmWU-ALg

Guys,
If you want to use A2SD. Enothmer's new ROM seems to be the easiest at the moment, BUT many smart devs are putting efforts towards this.
Basically.
Copy your SD to your computer.
Partition it via Recovery.
512mb 96 swap our my settings
do an EXT2 to 3
I did a 3 to 4, you can use 3 though.
Re copy your stuff from computer BACK to your SD.
WIPE everything via recovery. factory, EXT partition, battery, davlik.
Flash Enom's 1.7.1 rom, Log in, Go into spare parts, click disk mgmt, check A2SD stuff, reboot. Your good to go. Use titanium back up, download, whatever.
Again, other good versions should be coming out soon. I think of the current models Enom's seems to be the easiest.

Yeah I pretty much gave up on it for now... it will be more worth it in the future when I get a larger SD card and my list of install apps goes up. For now I just don't go download a ton of apps...

[script][old][already build inCFROOT]Gingerbread Darktremor a2sd for sgace

Thanks To ysgace and all dev.
this is not my job, just made easy to share.
So it's taken a lot of reading from a number of different places but I figured out how to modify the boot.img in the Odin CODE tarball in order to flash with an edited init.rc. I realize that with this power I could have simply built a2sd into the boot.img but one step at a time. So for now, if you want a2sd for Gingerbread (S5830XXKPE) then files and instructions can be downloaded using
http://www.multiupload.com/TBACWA4ZBH
Follow That step included
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1120168
fixed a2sd_enabler.sh.. thanks to tineprogramming
this is the easiest way.. just go to this>> CFROOT
Better Choice >>PSN CLEAN ROM
>>[KERNEL][STOCK GB 2.3.x] 06-11-2012 PSN>> Kernel Memory-Modded SWAPALL v3.0 & SuperSU
Give credit To them who build the best development.

Will this work with VillainROM?
and is this just a script or the entire Rom(modified for apps2SD) itself?

It did not work for me!

have anyone try it yet? review pls

guys i want this on my have i am on villianrom and have also created a ext 2 partition but getting access denied in dos prompt please help me guys please

Still trying for dark tremor
modified rom only work for extream a2sd hihihihi... still find the answer how to port dt on gingerbread

Hey budddy thanks a ton I used darktremors script and then used the APP2SD GUI now the question I have is in settings i can see 168 MB internal storage free, and when i look at titanium backup i can see the following
System ROM : 218 MB (43.3 MB Free)
Internal 189 MB (176 MB free)
SD Card 13.9 GB (10.4 GB Free)
SD card (a2sd) 1.91 GB (1.82 GB free)
my dalvik cache is on sd card so is settings displaying improper info or titanium backup please advice

DO NOT INSTALL THIS ROM I ENDED UP CURRUPTING UP MY 16GB SDCH CARD .. I HAVE GIVEN IT FOR REPLACEMENT.. I HOPE THEY REPLACE IT...
sorry for caps...

imranaryan said:
DO NOT INSTALL THIS ROM I ENDED UP CURRUPTING UP MY 16GB SDCH CARD .. I HAVE GIVEN IT FOR REPLACEMENT.. I HOPE THEY REPLACE IT...
sorry for caps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was not working for me as well tried for 3 days finally i created a 2 GB EXT2 partition and then rooted the phone and used this and works like a charm
the script never worked for me
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=12069632#post12069632

hypergamer1231 said:
Was not working for me as well tried for 3 days finally i created a 2 GB EXT2 partition and then rooted the phone and used this and works like a charm
the script never worked for me
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=12069632#post12069632
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so do you have a2sd by Darktremor?

Whenever i try to create an ext2 partition in my sdcard, it is not being mount and i get a warning saying that the card should be formatted. if i give yes, it gets formatted as one single partition of FAT32.. Please help
I used MiniTool Partition Wizard Home Edition in windows for partitioning

for partitioning use gparted

Before upgraded to gingerbread ROM, it was 2.2.1 where there is a app name "link2sd" free from market, which it mount ext2 partition of sdcard and move per apps apk file to sdcard, of ext2 partition, this is more flexible then Darktremor.
Where with Darktremor, the external sdcard will never able to hot remove from phone and plug it back. Which make external sdcard pointless. remove sdcard card will kill / reboot the phone, given without sdcard, phone can not start up. Also slow performance issues.
Where link2sd allow you select large apk only link to external sdcard, when unplug sdcard the phone still works without reboot / halt.
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/move-selected-apps-to-sd-with-link2sd-app/
cheers
James

keijames said:
Before upgraded to gingerbread ROM, it was 2.2.1 where there is a app name "link2sd" free from market, which it mount ext2 partition of sdcard and move per apps apk file to sdcard, of ext2 partition, this is more flexible then Darktremor.
Where with Darktremor, the external sdcard will never able to hot remove from phone and plug it back. Which make external sdcard pointless. remove sdcard card will kill / reboot the phone, given without sdcard, phone can not start up. Also slow performance issues.
Where link2sd allow you select large apk only link to external sdcard, when unplug sdcard the phone still works without reboot / halt.
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/move-selected-apps-to-sd-with-link2sd-app/
cheers
James
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly it doesn't work on Gingerbread. It's a pity, this app is a must to whom owns an ACE.

dur09 said:
for partitioning use gparted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agreed, always succeed with gparted
mastrone said:
Sadly it doesn't work on Gingerbread. It's a pity, this app is a must to whom owns an ACE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
me too, i didn't try darktremor a2sd yet... hope it works for gingerbread sgace 2.3.4

arronov said:
me too, i didn't try darktremor a2sd yet... hope it works for gingerbread sgace 2.3.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried on KPH ROM (2.3.4) and it doesn't work either...

I tried too, and didn't work

Anyone got this to work already on 2.3.4 KPH?

mohdnurr said:
Thanks To ysgace
this is not my job, just made easy to share.
So it's taken a lot of reading from a number of different places but I figured out how to modify the boot.img in the Odin CODE tarball in order to flash with an edited init.rc. I realize that with this power I could have simply built a2sd into the boot.img but one step at a time. So for now, if you want a2sd for Gingerbread (S5830XXKPE) then files and instructions can be downloaded using
http://www.multiupload.com/TBACWA4ZBH
Follow That step included
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1120168
fixed a2sd_enabler.sh.. thanks to tineprogramming
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great job!
It is possible to do the same thing with 2.3.4 KPH?

I found so many noobs here in ace forum and so little developers and I want to help you. I come from optimus one forum and i like to help.
You need a custom recovery to create an ext partition and to make darktremor a2sd to worked. Amonra or clockworkmod recovery is the best. Then create an ext partition whether ext2, 3 or 4 then flash dta2sd from the darktremor a2sd thread here in xda(search it). The latest ver is 2753 beta 04.
Remember, without ext partition the dta2sd will not worked.
To check if your a2sd is working, download terminal emulator, press su then enter then type a2sd check.
Or download titanium backup agd check if it says a2sd space=???
Or the best way to check is by a2sdgui app, it is a official app from the dta2sd itself. If it says apps are on sd, then your a2sd worked. And if you guys still reducing memory even after moving apps to sd via a2sd gui app, its time to put the dalvik cache to your sdcard.
Fuh, thats a lot of writing on my phone. I love to help because i will buy galaxy gio soon.
Or maybe you guys should take a look at optimus one forum and learn how to make a custom kernel and rom there. Theres a very good thread on guiding how to build a custom rom and kerne. Im pretty surprise so many noobs here. Like i said i really like to help to improve this community
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA App

[GUIDE][07/07/11]How to Partition your SD Card

With the GingerSense ROM’s being the new hotness right now, there is a overwhelming amount of questions about partitioning. This guide is intended to help anyone that may want to partition their SD and not sure where to start. This information was gathered from The Mynions and posted several times in Myn’s Warm2p2 and Project Synergy threads. This guide was created while using Project Synergy RC1, which runs a CM script that has been modified. Come get assimilated!
Please, READ first before attempting if you are a noob, it’ll save you some gray(grey) hair. I am in no way responsible for any issues you have for following this guide, use at your own risk.
WARNING: This will erase EVERYTHING on your SD card so please transfer the contents of your SD card to a computer or external hard drive PRIOR TO starting this procedure.
1. Boot into recovery (hopefully you have amonRA v2.3)
2. Select "Partition SD Card". You will be prompted to set an amount for the SWAP, ext2 and FAT.
3. Enter zero for the SWAP size, 1024 or 2048 for ext2 and the rest for FAT*
4. After the process finishes, select "Upgrade ext2 to ext3"
5. When the process is complete, go to the wipe menu and wipe EVERYTHING in it.
6. From the main menu, select USB-MS (your phone should be connected to your PC) and copy the Synergy ROM(or your ROM of choice) to the root of your SD Card.**
7. Flash Synergy(or your ROM of choice)
8. Be patient at initial bootup because it can be quite long.
9. I recommend that your 3rd party apps be installed freshly from the market initially. They will automatically be place in the ext3 partition. You can verify it by checking to see that they are listed in the /system/sd/ folder which itself contains 3 folders: app, app-private & dalvik-cache.
After you have followed the directions to partition your card, followed by a flash of the rom and installation of your 3rd party apps & games, go to Menu-Settings-SD & phone storage and check your available internal storage space. If it is 300+, it is safe to assume that the built-in a2sd is working. Furthermore you will need a system level file manager to see the /system/sd/ folder. The Astro File Manager cannot see it.
*These sizes are only used for reference, but excellent choices. You may want to consider a swap partition, even though the stock HTC kernel does not support it. Future kernel development may take advantage of swap and doing so now can save the hassle of re-partitioning later. Food for thought.
**This guide was done while using THE Project Synergy ROM, however it should work across the board.
Hope this helps.
Special thanks to dougjamal, lowetax and all the Mynions helping out around the world (We Global!)

F.A.Q.
Q: Do I have to partition my card?
A: No. The main reason people partition is to take advantage of Apps2SD script. This allows for more internal memory and, depending on which version, control over various system settings (Ex.: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7021317&postcount=1).
Q: Do I need to format my SD Card after partition?
A: Actually, no. Will it hurt if you do? No. Creating partitions wipes the SD Card, sets up logical drives(partitions) and formats the space(or you couldn’t write to it). The time consuming part of partitioning is the Card formatting.
Q: Can I run the stock/android A2SD after partitioning?
A: No. The Apps2SD script is different from stock. Using the stock A2SD will give you problems.
Q: Can I do a nand restore after I partition?
A: No. Your SD card's file system has changed and you may experience unfavorable results.

Since there is no "thanks" on the mobile app. Nice guide.
EVO4G SALVAGEMOD TIAMAT YES

Do you need to do this every time you flash a rom?

Chris 2155 said:
Do you need to do this every time you flash a rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.. it's just like windows partitions.. Once they are setup you don't have to redo them. Just wipe the data and reinstall...

interloper said:
Since there is no "thanks" on the mobile app. Nice guide.
EVO4G SALVAGEMOD TIAMAT YES
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I appreciate it.

Since the stock Kernel doesn't support Swap, after first boot, go to terminal, type Su then enter, then type a2sd check.
It will probably say swap not running at boot. It should say that the partition is present and a bunch of other things.
Next type a2sd swappy10 then enter.
Now type a2sd reswap.
If you get an error, you can run a2sd reinstall which will reboot your phone.
Go back to terminal and type Su and then a2sd reswap.
Should be good to go, but you have to run the reswap after every boot til we get custom kernels.
Swyped From The Hippest Phone Using XDA Premium

Chris 2155 said:
Do you need to do this every time you flash a rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As answered, no. Remember however, when you do a wipe now, include SDEXT if you don't already.

Also might want to add in there to backup your SD to your computer so you won't lose any important files, music, or backups.
And after using cm or darktremmors a2sd do not use the Android a2sd or you will have problems.

HipKat said:
Since the stock Kernel doesn't support Swap, after first boot, go to terminal, type Su then enter, then type a2sd check.
It will probably say swap not running at boot. It should say that the partition is present and a bunch of other things.
Next type a2sd swappy10 then enter.
Now type a2sd reswap.
If you get an error, you can run a2sd reinstall which will reboot your phone.
Go back to terminal and type Su and then a2sd reswap.
Should be good to go, but you have to run the reswap after every boot til we get custom kernels.
Swyped From The Hippest Phone Using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the added info HipKat! When we get custom kernels for GingerSense, I'm going to update the OP with swap instructions. I will use your info provided with it.

androidsupra said:
Also might want to add in there to backup your SD to your computer so you won't lose any important files, music, or backups.
And after using cm or darktremmors a2sd do not use the Android a2sd or you will have problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The warning was already there, i just put it in bold to stick out. I will add the stock A2SD info to the faq.
Thanks.

If I am already running Synergy but have not done this, can I just follow the steps and reboot phone or do I need to reflash the ROM to take advantage of the benefit? And if I need to reflash, can I just wipe cache and dalvik or is a total wipe required.
Thanks for the instructions.

Dredz said:
*These sizes are only used for reference, but excellent choices. You may want to consider a swap partition, even though the stock HTC kernel does not support it. Future kernel development may take advantage of swap and doing so now can save the hassle of re-partitioning later. Food for thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn.. i wish i would have known this last night.. I would have added this part..lol

derrickj said:
If I am already running Synergy but have not done this, can I just follow the steps and reboot phone or do I need to reflash the ROM to take advantage of the benefit? And if I need to reflash, can I just wipe cache and dalvik or is a total wipe required.
Thanks for the instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have to reflash the rom, this WILL erase your entire SD Card. Total wipe required for best results.

one last question... after doing this.. when installing apps from market or whatever... you don't have to run an apps2sd app??? They just automatically install to the sd card???

yznhmr said:
Damn.. i wish i would have known this last night.. I would have added this part..lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm running a 2GB part on the OG 8GB card w/no swap. I always wipe everything when I flash a ROM. When we get custom kernels, i will flash the ROM with at the same time. Then I will get SWAP.

Chris 2155 said:
one last question... after doing this.. when installing apps from market or whatever... you don't have to run an apps2sd app??? They just automatically install to the sd card???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, as long as the ROM you are flashing supports it.

Dredz said:
When we get custom kernels, i will flash the ROM with at the same time. Then I will get SWAP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh??

Dredz said:
Yes, as long as the ROM you are flashing supports it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so what if it doesn't? Do you use the apps2sd app?

yznhmr said:
Huh??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bag. I will flash the ROM and The kernel at the same time. Since this requires a full wipe(by my standards anyway) I will re-partition then and designate a swap size.

[ROM][4.0.4][STABLE][MOD] CM9 with /data on the external SD (avoid EU bug)

*** This MOD only works with phones with working internal SD ***
*** DO NOT FLASH THIS IF YOU ARE AFRAID OF EXPERIENCING BOOTLOOPS ***
To those of you who have not been following the Encryption Unsuccessful thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1447303, Several weeks ago I proposed a workaround to reduce the possibility of crippling our phones with the infamous EU bug of ICS: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=26593304&postcount=632
In short, the idea is to force ICS to use /data on the external micro SD instead of the internal. In this way I hope the EU bug will corrupt the external SD (fixable by reformatting it using a card reader on a PC) instead of the internal. In addition, we may be able to reproduce the EU bug and obtain some nice logcats for helping our great devs at finding and hopefully fixing the bug. Besides, I'd rather break a 10USD micro SD card than a 300USD captivate.
The idea is simple so is the "solution". I've developed some scripts that take as input any ICS ROM (tested with CM9, AOKP and MIUIv4) and modify it to use /data on the external SD. I've installed my modified CM9 running with /data on a partitioned 8GB SanDisk class 4 SD card with good performance. BTW, a faster SD does not imply faster performance in this setup, because the way Android uses /data: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1005633
Considering that the modified ICS does not mount /data on the internal SD and mounts the external SD FAT partition as /sdcard, it does not even require the internal 16GB FAT partition... in theory it is less likely that the EU bug will kill the internal SD, but no one knows for a fact. Moreover, the internal SD card FAT partition gets mounted as /emmc, but you can unmount it from Settings>Storage just to be on the safe side.
I've been using the modified CM9 for some time and it works great. Some testers have also helped. Off course YMMV. Please do not report bugs to the developers of CM9 (AOKP or MIUI) if you use this mod because this is not official.
Read carefully before proceeding:
*** Disclaimer: Usual disclaimer applies here as well... you use this at your own risk, I am not responsible for anything that happens to any of your devices. You assume all responsibility when using this ROM. ***
To install this you need a micro SD card with enough space for two partitions (1GB for /data + all the space you need for music, photos, videos, games, etc. on /sdcard)
First, partition a micro SD card using a PC. Create two primary partitions (not logical) in this exact order:
a FAT32 partition that will be mounted as /sdcard: the SD card capacity - 1GB (or more if you have many apps)
an EXT4 partition that will be mounted as /data: 1GB (or more if you have many apps)
There are many programs to partition SD cards. I have used the Disk Utility included with Ubuntu 12.04. I don't have Windows, but some people reported that this may help: http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/SD_card_partitioning
Optional Insert the partitioned SD card in your phone and boot whatever Android you have to check if it works. On CM7 the external FAT32 partition should be mounted as /emmc and the EXT4 as /sd-ext
*** Disclaimer: I've flashed the modified CM9 from CM7.2, CM9 and MIUIv4, so I have no idea if other combinations will work ***
Now follow these steps:
1) Ensure you are on GB Bootloaders and you have a recent CWM recovery (tested with CM7)
2) Verify that the 3 button combo works for booting in CWM. Otherwise STOP here and read more about flashing ROMs.
3) Download the modified ICS: CM9.1 or AOKP b40
4) Download Gapps for ICS: http://goo.im/gapps/
5) Copy the two files to the FAT partition of the partitioned micro SD card using your PC and insert it into your phone.
6) Boot your phone to CWM
7) Wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache, wipe dalvik cache under advanced
8) Flash Rom (install zip from sdcard->choose zip from internal card), it will bootloop because of the new mount points.
9) Remove the battery and reboot into recovery using the 3 button combo
10) Flash Rom again. Note that now the internal SD and external SD are reversed. (install zip from sdcard->choose zip from SD card)
11) Flash Gapps: http://goo.im/gapps/
12) After some minutes (2 to 5) ICS will be ready
This is the output of the mount command after booting:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
*** Please DO NOT report bugs to the developers of CM9, AOKP, Devil or Semaphore kernels if you use this mod because this is not official. ***
All credits to:
- the CyanogenMod team
- the AOKP team
- DerTeufel1980 (for the Devil kernel and his detailed instructions about how to modify the kernel)
- stratosk (for the Semaphore kernel and his instructions about how to compile the kernel)
- all the people who have tested this mod
---
Changelog:
8/29/2012:
CM9.1
8/11/2021:
CM9 stable!!!!
7/19/2012:
CM9 RC2. I will update only when RC/stable versions are released.
7/18/2012:
Kernels removed.
7/17/2012:
Updated Semaphore Kernel (1.2.6)
7/16/2012:
Updated Devil Kernel (1.0.0-rc3)
7/11/2012:
Updated Devil Kernel (0.98.3)
7/3/2012:
Added link to the most recent CM9 nightly (automatically patched and uploaded)
7/1/2012:
Updated Devil Kernel (0.92)
Updated CM9
6/29/2012:
Added Semaphore Kernel. Thanks stratosk!
Added AOKP b40
Updated CM9
6/20/2012:
Added Devil3 Kernel. Thanks DerTeufel1980!
6/19/2012:
Updated CM9
6/16/2012:
New script for modifying any CM9 ROM. Updates are easy!
6/14/2012:
Initial release based on a recompiled CM9
--
IF I HAVE HELPED YOU IN ANY WAY, PLEASE THANK ME or DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=AQF82UCZ9AF6L

* reserved *

* reserved *

Thank you!!
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium

azunino said:
... In theory it is possible to extract from a boot.img file the init.rc file with the mappings and modify it, but I have not idea how (some help please reversing https://github.com/CyanogenMod/android_device_samsung_aries-common/blob/gingerbread/mkshbootimg.py ?). Well, if we can solve that, I can write a shell script to convert any(?) ICS based ROM/kernel and modify it to use /data on the external SD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps this would be of some help?:
HOWTO: Unpack, Edit, and Re-Pack Boot Images

visionlogic said:
Perhaps this would be of some help?:
HOWTO: Unpack, Edit, and Re-Pack Boot Images
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I've tried that. It seems SGS devices use a slightly different format. I'll keep reading about it until I find a way to unpack/repack the images.

I saw "Other kernel will not work" so it seems that you have compiled a modified kernel to change the mount points ? If so I think it's also very promising to be a solution to build a CM to use with broken internal storage...
I'm using stock-based roms with modified kernels but I couldn't manage to repack a working CM compatible kernel...

Fishmanzero said:
I saw "Other kernel will not work" so it seems that you have compiled a modified kernel to change the mount points ? If so I think it's also very promising to be a solution to build a CM to use with broken internal storage...
I'm using stock-based roms with modified kernels but I couldn't manage to repack a working CM compatible kernel...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct. I modified the files that contain the mount points and the updater.sh. The problem with these files is that they are packed together in a ramdisk (ext2 filesystem image), recovery and with the kernel in a boot.img file. Therefore, it is not trivial to modify them to work with any kernel/ICS ROM.
Yesterday, after hours of reading hexadecimal boot.img files... I wrote a python script to unpack a boot.img file and extract from it the kernel, ramdisk and recovery ramdisk. These ramdisks are easy to modify (cpio format), so right now I'm testing a shell script that takes as input any ICS based ROM (or kernel) and modifies it to use /data as my modded CM9. In other words, things are getting interesting ;-)
Once I finish the script It would be very easy to change mount points as you wish because they will be no longer hardwired in each ROM/kernel. So... let your imagination fly.

Updated OP. Now I can automatically convert CM9 and AOKP to use /data on the external SD.
I'm extending the script to handle kernel updates. BTW, some of them seem to use a different boot.img format.

but we can not automatically convert CM9 and AOP to use / data on the external SD. instruction will be for us?

I will post the scripts, but first I have to make them more user friendly and add some error handling code
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA

I wait impatiently, when will it be?

Just to clarify, to those that used this trick in the past (other phones) and got the encryption unsuccessful bug, what happened was, their external sd card got unusable by the phone, but formatting it with a card reader was all it took to bring it back.
I expect that a good look at these corrupt sd cards would bring good insight to solve the problem.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA

manolis said:
I wait impatiently, when will it be?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
during the weekend

manolis said:
I wait impatiently, when will it be?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice

Updated to the CM9 nightly that has some important fixes (WiFi, location)

azunino said:
Updated to the CM9 nightly that has some important fixes (WiFi, location)
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Thank you, you good man!

Question, if I use this and want to revert back, will I able to return to kk4 stock?

takeoutttt said:
Question, if I use this and want to revert back, will I able to return to kk4 stock?
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Yes. You can revert to any ROM.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA

azunino said:
Updated to the CM9 nightly that has some important fixes (WiFi, location)
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Click to collapse
When will the new NIGHTLY?
ROM and this can be done to install from external SD http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1625619

Using 16GB card for streak 5 internal SD

Hmm... this is quite interesting which i taught i want to show you guys this... screenshots taken from my streak 5 of course
When you guys see the red arrow pointing to what... you guys will know what i mean :victory:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
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UPDATE:
While i was playing around today, i managed to get it like in the image below. See where the red arrow pointing at? Neat isnt it?
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p/s: Using 16GB Kingmax class 10 microSDHC for internal and external sd

Now you guys are curious how i managed to do that?
FIRST OF ALL:
You need to open the streak housing ... follow the link below and good luck.. be gentle and be careful .. just do it slow and steady and you will be ok ... no need to rush anything there ... :good:
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Dell-Streak-Teardown/3512/1
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NEXT - SELECT APPROPRIATE USER TYPE:-
LINUX USERS:
Just follow this link > http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=24799755&postcount=65
WINDOWS USERS:
first.. get this... http://www.alexpage.de/usb-image-tool/
make sure it is USB Image Tool 1.59 when you download...
next get gparted-live-0.13.1-2.iso
burn it to the CD...
- after you have extracted the usb image tool... open USB Image Tool.exe
- select the corresponding usb drive and click backup, save it something like streakinternal.img
- it will take some time to complete ( have instant noodle for the time being )
- once done... replace the sd card that you want to transfer the image to and click restore and select the earlier streakinternal.img
- again.. it will take some time to complete (you can have snack this time )
note: make sure the target sdcard is the same or bigger in size (obviously)...
- once completed...
- reboot your pc and insert the burned CD earlier... let it boot from it... just press enter to everything it ask until it fully loaded into linux environment
- gparted should already show your sdcard drive there... it should show /dev/sda1 and below it got two more partition /dev/sda5 (ext3) and /dev/sda6 (ext3)
- select /dev/sda1 and right click it and select move/resize
- there should be visual displaying the drive structure and on the right, there should be arrow, drag it to the most right, click ok
- now, select /dev/sda6 and right click it and select move/resize
- again, on it, there should be arrow on the right, drag it to the most right and click ok
- once all that done, click apply and it will start to do its work..
- let it completes it work and your sd card now should be able to be use as internal sd...
- your streak should be able to boot straight away.. no need to wipe cache or something like that...
- have fun having big internal sd
p/s: i wrote this based on my memory, i hope i dont messed it up
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POSSIBLE FAQ:
-- 01 --
Q - Will the method used gone if i do factory reset?
A - Nope. You can safely do it and the structure will be maintained.
-- 02 --
Q - Can i use more than 16gb card?
A - Theoretically, yes.
-- 03 --
Q - Can we use this as sd storage as well?
A - Sorry. We cant because it is formated in ext3, so windows see it as unformatted medium.
-- 04 --
Q - Cant we create shortcut in external sd to access it?
A - Sorry. We cant because symlink does not work on any windows formatted medium since external sd usually formatted in fat32
-- 05 --
Q - Cant we mount this at all?
A - Somebody has tried it before but since the internal sd never meant to be accessed externally, the support is pretty much impossible.
-- 06 --
Q - How can we access it and where is it located?
A - To access the space, you can use root explorer and wifi file explorer (anything similar will do) and it is located at /data from /
Therefore, you must be rooted to access it.
-- 07 --
Q - So, what the hell am i supposed to do with those huge extra GBs?
A - Well, you can brag bout it to your friends, saying it got this huge internal sd space and can install hundreds of applications or games and still got space left for more.
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MORE ADVANCED MODS.:
If you think having large innerSD is not enough, we could have larger /system dir and possible dual usb mount support by default (in the near future hopefully) for our streak 5.
Have a visit to the link below...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=31643924&postcount=98
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Our streak 5 might be old but it is still competitive regardless
.

Did u change internal storage?we can use that as sd storage or not?
Sent from my Dell Streak using Tapatalk 2

Which SD card is this? I mean make and class...
Sent from my Dell Streak using xda premium

details please..!!!
BEEN TRYING WITH 16GB CARD...REIMAGED THE CARD WITH EXT3 AND ALL BUT IT WOULD NOT ACCEPT 16GB CARD......PLEASE GIVE US MORE DETAIL ON HOW TOs....THANKS IN ADVANCED..

He just installed a 16gb card and formatted it properly.
You must use extended partitions and not primary ones, at least that's what the stock card is set up as

TheManii said:
He just installed a 16gb card and formatted it properly.
You must use extended partitions and not primary ones, at least that's what the stock card is set up as
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Does the benefit come from the class of the sd card or the size? or is it the format (ext3vs4 or some such thing)?

ellisna said:
Does the benefit come from the class of the sd card or the size?
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Click to collapse
class for sd card means speed... so the higher the better..

Speed class determines it's actual read and write speed, FS is important as ext4 is the most efficient fs currently available.
It's supposed to be a good deal faster then yaffs2 and more efficient then ext3

TheManii said:
Speed class determines it's actual read and write speed, FS is important as ext4 is the most efficient fs currently available.
It's supposed to be a good deal faster then yaffs2 and more efficient then ext3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i go on and make it ext4 both for cache and data for the internal sd.. boots up normally and yes... you can see something faster...
its a shame that the CWM 6 not supported ext4 and therefore nandroid backup is impossible for now...
i also tried and make both internal and external sd not in the slot... and see if streak manages to boot up or not.. well... it stuck at dell logo.. lol
so internal sd is a must so that phone can boot due to the needs of use cache and data dir...

I can easily make a build that supports it, it's just that the rom must also support it.
The rom could likely be modified to mount /firstboot as /data, but there's not enough partitions to also have /cache on the nand.

TheManii said:
I can easily make a build that supports it, it's just that the rom must also support it.
The rom could likely be modified to mount /firstboot as /data, but there's not enough partitions to also have /cache on the nand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i see...
well i am using longhorn 2.9.3...
CWM 6 cant read ext4 because how the script work? i really thought it could since it is newer and i know streakmod had issues with ext4...
but when i am thinking back.. it seems it have same baseworks...

It's turned off on the normal S5 build as ext4 requires additional modules, as it normally doesnt use ext4 I simply built it with them off.
I dont recall of CWM 1.8/2.5 (which streakmod is based off of) even supports ext4, the earliest one I can confirm it does is 4.0 as that was the 1st version built against the stock GB recovery. GB was the 1st rom that uses ext4 by default (on devices that launched with GB or newer)

Themanni.
Can we have a third partition on the inner sdcard??? To use as external storage. If so can you help/guide how to!
Sent from my ST25i using xda premium

I havnt actually tried it (but I plan to some day in the future): just manually make the partitions and add an extra one onto the end for /system.
At that point: unless you follow a standardized layout, you're going to need to manually build CWM as CWM needs to know ahead of time the layout and size of the partitions it's going to deal with. If it doesnt it could lead to corrupt filesystems on flashes/nandroids.
If I ever do build it, it'll either be for a 8 or 16 gb card with a defined set of partitions.
You'll also need to modify the rom to actually boot from innerSDx too.

TheManii said:
It's turned off on the normal S5 build as ext4 requires additional modules, as it normally doesnt use ext4 I simply built it with them off.
I dont recall of CWM 1.8/2.5 (which streakmod is based off of) even supports ext4, the earliest one I can confirm it does is 4.0 as that was the 1st version built against the stock GB recovery. GB was the 1st rom that uses ext4 by default (on devices that launched with GB or newer)
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well... i would appreciate if you could make it support by default of ext4... no harm to it right?
lol.. i really thought streakmod comes from 4.0 but it seems i missed that... man ... streakmod really so obselete..

TheManii said:
I havnt actually tried it (but I plan to some day in the future): just manually make the partitions and add an extra one onto the end for /system.
At that point: unless you follow a standardized layout, you're going to need to manually build CWM as CWM needs to know ahead of time the layout and size of the partitions it's going to deal with. If it doesnt it could lead to corrupt filesystems on flashes/nandroids.
If I ever do build it, it'll either be for a 8 or 16 gb card with a defined set of partitions.
You'll also need to modify the rom to actually boot from innerSDx too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
although i really welcome additional 3rd partition.. dont it have issues with mounting? because how streak works and meant to be, it never have one such as sd-ext ... i mean... some have tried to make it appear on windows but failed miserably.. and thus gave up on it.. and since the fs is ext type, we do need to install driver for it such as Ext2Fsd to make it able to read and write on windows... also.. for media file, it may not detect it unless we explicitly want the third partition to be used only for storage .... but if we can make it able to detect media.. that would be even better...
currently that work wonder is by using wifi file browser for now... for storing file inside /data

sd-ext is/was rather redundant as the S5 has a very large (for it's time) /data.
If anything you'd be better off making a large partition to mount as /sdcard and chainmount the real sdcard as /sdcard/sdcard2 or just /sdcard2 on ICS.
I have no idea how easy/hard all this is, I havnt tried any of it.
It really depends on if the kernal can detect additional partitions beyond innerSD0p6
I've bugged n0p about adding MTP into the ICS kernal so you can simply have a very large /data + /data/media, but he's not interested.
(though like it sounds, it only works on ICS or newer, it was introduced in HC 3.2, but we dont have a rom for that)

TheManii said:
sd-ext is/was rather redundant as the S5 has a very large (for it's time) /data.
If anything you'd be better off making a large partition to mount as /sdcard and chainmount the real sdcard as /sdcard/sdcard2 or just /sdcard2 on ICS.
I have no idea how easy/hard all this is, I havnt tried any of it.
It really depends on if the kernal can detect additional partitions beyond innerSD0p6
I've bugged n0p about adding MTP into the ICS kernal so you can simply have a very large /data + /data/media, but he's not interested.
(though like it sounds, it only works on ICS or newer, it was introduced in HC 3.2, but we dont have a rom for that)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats what i have been trying to do this past weeks.. making it /sdcard and chainmount the real sdcard as /sdcard/sdcard2 but to no avail... as it has no real solution to it...
mtp support is a huge leap since many says it has better file handling protocol but if its get added to ics that we have here.. wow.. that one is a huge plus for us.. :good:

have you edited your vold.fstab?
You need to edit that and change the mounts in your ramdisk at the minimum to do so