Comprehensive guide to rooting and configuring the Nook Touch. For new bees. - Nook Touch General

After many hours of reading and searching these forums for answers to various questions I had when rooting my new nook, I decided to write out all the answers the average user (like me) will wish he had known before he started. So here you go, I present all you need to know about rooting and configuring your nook from the box to the promised land of awesomeness.
This is for the Nook Simple Touch (also called NST, N2E) non-glowlight version. After you root your nook, the software advice should be the same, but if you have a glowlight version, see the post by ladykayaker below. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=36035695&postcount=2
A. Rooting
1) Backing up
--- noogie.img
--- nookmanager
--- reclaiming and reformatting your micro sd after using winimage.
2) Firmware version
--- does version matter?
--- updates
3) Touchnooter
B. First Configuration
--- what to expect
--- getting google play and web browsing to work.
--- installing apps from micro sd
C. Make it awesome
--- apps you'll need to patch missing nook functions
--- Multi-touch, fast ink modes, and kernal mods
--- Battery
D. Phone specific apps
--- whatsapp, and getting an IMEI on your nook
--- Phone contacts
E. List of current unsolved problems
--- Media scanner
--- scrolling
--- keyboards
--- video support in certain apps
--- audio
A. Rooting
Part 1. Backing up.
Q: Can I get my device back to stock?
A: Yes, if you take backups before you start.
Step 1. Take your nook out of the box
Step 2. Register for a barnes and noble account
Step 3. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1142983
--- Noogie.img full partition backups ---
In English, this means you have to download noogie.img, and download winimage and use it to (CAREFULLY) write the image to a micro sd card. Boot your nook with the micro sd card. Then use winimage again to copy the physical disk (1.8gb) to a file. Now you can always go back to your stock nook, apparently.
--- Easy Backups and Restoring with Nook Manager ---
You can never be too safe. I suggest you backup with 2 methods.
Search "nookmanager for 1.21 and beyond".
Download nookmanager and write it to a micro sd card just like you did for noogie. Nook manager has a brilliant backup and restore feature and works on all versions, so boot into it and follow the menu to take a backup, it creates a second backup partition on your micro sd. So when you're done, plug in your nook and copy the backup file off and the md5 hash. Follow the previous step to reclaim your micro sd.
--- Reclaiming Your Micro SD ---
To reclaim your micro sd, on windows click start menu, search partition, and open the partition manager. Find your micro sd card which now has a small partition on it, select the partition, and delete it. Right click >> create simple partition >> fat32
Backup(s) finished.
2. Firmware
--- Firmware Version ---
Q: Does firmware version matter?
A: Yes it does, make sure you search for 1.1 update and update your version to 1.1 before rooting with touchnooter. Don't bother with 1.21 yet because all the cool things you've seen and want are done with 1.1 and 1.21 root needs more time to mature and become more user friendly (noob friendly).
To check your firmware version go into settings > device info.
--- updates ---
Q: How do I update to 1.1?
First check your firmware version, if it's 1.0.1, update to 1.1 by downloading the 1.1 firmware (it's a zip file) and moving it into the nook drive on your computer. It will update automatically. Don't wait too long to backup or move to 1.1 because it might automatically update to 1.21. You should update to 1.1 and root immediately. If your device came with 1.2, try this to flash and install 1.1: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1475613
--- touchnooter ----
Once you're on 1.1, download touchnooter and like noogie and nookmanager, make an image on your microsd with winimage and boot the device. the screen will turn black, and then you can take the card out and reboot. However, I found that after running the root once, many /most of the applications didn't function, I had to boot three times with touchnooter for most apps to work. It doesn't hurt so just do it if you have any problems.
B. First Configurations
--- What To Expect ---
Now that you're rooted and running in android, you're probably thinking, "well this sucks, the web browsers don't work and neither do the app stores...."
Calm yourself, it will get better.
--- Getting GAPPS and web browsing ---
Add a google account in gmail, sync it, sign into the same google account with youtube (nobody knows why). Then you will have to "wait a day" for it to work...
Q: Wait a day? FUUUUUU
A: Just joking, you can add another google mail account and sync that, your google play will now work without the wait, but it can be a bit tricky to hit the agree to tos button.
Reclaim your micro sd, you'll need it to install apps if your Opera Mini isn't working.
Search google for opera mobile, download the apk onto your micro sd, it's on opera's website, you should also download opera mini so you can re-install the one that comes loaded if it doesn't work. Rooting several times fixed my opera mini, but if yours is broken re-installing should fix it.
--- installing apps from micro sd ---
Q: How to install apps from micro sd?
A: Find the super manager, open it up, click the button to grant super user privileges, on the second or third tab from the left there is a file manager. Go into it, click the apk, click install.
C. MAKE IT AWESOME
Now that you have opera mini/mobile, can browse the web and google play works, what next?
--- apps you'll need to patch NST broken functions ---
1. Google play search function is broken, before you can start installing apps quickly, use opera mini to search for "search market" , you'll find the google play link, click it, install it.
2. default android home screen looks bad and custom wallpaper support is broken.
Now you probably want a decent looking home screen because face it, adk looks like crap, and you probably noticed you can't set the wallpaper because the media scanner doesn't detect any media = empty gallery = can't select a wallpaper.
use search market to find legacy launcher, install it
search for "wallpaper changer" and "es file explorer", install them. You can now set the wallpaper to any file on your sd card, and your android launcher looks great. Try adusting the font size in settings and adding widgets later.
3. Gallery doesn't work because media scanner is broken.
Some apps require the gallery to work to select images.
Your solution is to download the app "Quickpic" - it will allow you to choose pictures in apps that need a gallery.
4. The default keyboard is not very good, and the nook disables all spelling suggestion bars from keyboards. This makes t9 and chinese input impossible, and can make typing a pain in any language. The solution is to download a back-port keyboard.
Jellybean keyboard is a good back-port, search and install it, it's fully functional with lots of languages. No t9 though
1/2 OF GUIDE. CONTINUED IN MY NEXT POST

notes for Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight
If you have the US Nook with glowlight, firmware version 1.1.5, then follow these instructions :
backup
http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/20...-and-restore-nook-glow-and-nook-simple-touch/
root
http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/20...using-glownooter-includes-googles-app-market/

2/2 OF GUIDE.
--- Kernel, fast ink modes, and multitouch---
If you want multi touch and fast ink, search for oc kernel 1.66 with fastmode. it includes all you need for multitouch and overclocks the cpu. slightly.
FYI: You will need something called "Clockwork mod" or CWM to install the kernel. Google it, you'll need to image it to your micro sd just like you did for noogie.img. After you're done, copy the oc kernel zip file into the root directory, boot up your nook with the CWM sd inserted and follow the instructions to install package from zip.
Fast ink options:
Fast mode vs no refresh
fast mode is highly dithered, and as a result small text is unreadable. however it affects the system wide and it doesn't have any compatibility issues. No refresh is high contrast, low dithering means low dynamic range but text is very readable and sharp. The disadvantage is it seemed very buggy and it's application specific, ie- you have to enable it in each application and it gets a bit buggy or laggy when it switches on and off. It has a lot more configuration potential than fast mode though. I prefer fast mode because it's simple, and very fast. It just works.
--- Battery ---
You'll notice your battery suck as soon as you root. This isn't widely discussed, but it turns out it's do to certain phone system resources being active. This can eat up 10 times more battery than your screen, and a hundred times more than anything else, even using fast mode liberally. Go into file manager and rename /system/app/phone.apk and telephonyprovider.apk. Reboot immediately.
I suggest you also download the app "deep sleep" as well. Battery manager plus is also a good application to keep track of applications individual battery useage.
D. Phone Specific APPS
Q: I want whatsapp
You need to install a static IMEI, google imei nook touch xda and you'll find the thread. Download the exe, install it.
On your phone use search market to install "wifi adb" in wifi adb select on, note the ip address.
Run the imei app you got from xda dev and it will give you a static imei.
install the latest version of whatsapp. You'll notice you can't message anyone or add contacts because nook contacts doesn't work.
download go contacts ex and it will be ok.
E. Current major issues to consider and how to fix them:
--- Scrolling: ---
problem: Scrolling does not work properly, if you use chat programs, or google voice etc. you'll find yourself scrolling through the conversation manually every time. Some apps have difficulty scrolling at all.
Solution: No known fix at this time
--- Media scanner (media storage) ---
Problem: Media scanner fails to add media files from sd card into the media database. This means the default gallery and music applications won't detect any media.
Solution: No known direct solution, although you can edit the db manually using sql.
A better solution is to download an application which includes it's own embedded media search function. An example being quickpic as a gallery replacement.
--- Keyboards ---
problem: Keyboards are missing the text suggestion bar, this means that t9 input and language input like chinese are difficult/impossible.
Solution: Download a back-ported keyboard. Jellybean keyboard is by far the best, have extensive mutli-language support, and the text suggestion bars displays properly. The only downside is it does not have a t9 layout. Baidu, sougou, or any chinese t9 keyboard software will not work on the nook until the proper dependencies/support is patched somehow.
---video support ---
Q: Can I play video?
You can, but you'll be limited to about 10-15 fps with no audio and it will be 1 bit dithered. Download rockplayer to play various video formats. There appears to be a problem with hardware video decoding and only software video players work at the moment. If I discover a fix for broader video support I'll update this.
--- audio ---
Q: Can I play audio?
A: There are some people working on audio implementation through usb host and a cheap 2 or 3 dollar dongle. However, it seems like it's very 'alpha' at the moment, until someone writes an app to automatically configure audio through usb hosts, you can probably forget about it unfortunately.
I'll update this later.

Hi nice so far
You say " make sure you search for 1.1 update and update your version to 1.1 before rooting with touchnooter. Don't bother with 1.21 yet because all the cool things you've seen and want are done with 1.1"
But what if you bought your device lately and it already came with FW 1.2.0 then what do you do?

180 people read this thread and only 6 bothered to click on thanks?? Come on guys!

bentwand said:
But what if you bought your device lately and it already came with FW 1.2.0 then what do you do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

apap said:
+1
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used this
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1475613

fosselman said:
I used this
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1475613
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input, did your device come loaded with 1.2 or was it the result of an automatic update? I updated my guide with a link to touch-formatter.

jun127 said:
Thanks for the input, did your device come loaded with 1.2 or was it the result of an automatic update? I updated my guide with a link to touch-formatter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was on 1.0.x and I manually updated to 1.2.0 and then found out about rooting and wanted gapps so I downgraded to 1.1.0.

bentwand said:
But what if you bought your device lately and it already came with FW 1.2.0 then what do you do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fosselman said:
I used this
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1475613
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bricked my new 1.2.0 device and the thread in the link above saved my butt. That said, it convinced my NSTG that it was a standard Simple Touch (no more glowlight function). I've been looking around for an update to NSTG 1.5 firmware to start over with, hoping the light features will come back. If any of you old salts can let me know if that's even possible I'd appreciate it.
If you're still at 1.2, this thread looks promising: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1675706&highlight=nstg&page=12

Looking at the ;ast pages of the NookManager rooting process it appears that the Amazon App store is US based and doesn't work for UK users (for example). Is there any simple method to fix that so it works outside of the US?
(Post i'm referring to - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=36210882&postcount=110)

Thanks for clearing up the fastMode/noRefresh situation!

I have rooted NST by NookManager. The first step after that was to register device in DeviceRegistrator.apk. Next I installed ale stuff (gapps, amazon ect.) If I decide to flash kernel, it will be necessary to do it again?

Thanks, very in-dept
Renaming Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk to avoid battery drain didn't work for me. I had to delete both and reboot. Now I can use my nook without losing too much battery
Used Total Commander app as my file manager to access /system/app/
Do you have a recommendation for a launcher other than ReLaunch?

dalovar said:
Renaming Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk to avoid battery drain didn't work. I had to delete both and reboot. Now I can use my nook without losing too much battery
Used Total Commander app as my file manager to access /system/app/
Do you have a recommendation for a launcher other than ReLaunch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use lightning launcher it is lite weight and works well for me.

dalovar said:
Renaming Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk to avoid battery drain didn't work for me. I had to delete both and reboot. Now I can use my nook without losing too much battery
Used Total Commander app as my file manager to access /system/app/
Do you have a recommendation for a launcher other than ReLaunch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used ADW Launcher EX for years, and still loving it. Best customizability on any Nook Touch-compatible launcher, at least in my opinion.

Guys after successfully rooting my device and using it for some time it occurred to me that I would spend the $5 gift that comes with every NST. After buying books on B&N and turning on my nook I realized that nook's original software can't connect to the internet even when connected to my home's wifi connection.
I get the error: "Sorry, a problem has occurred. Please try again" in both the B&N library or B&N's shop.
Has anyone been able to download/sync books from B&N AFTER rooting your device?
Is this just a problem that I'm experiencing?
Thank you

dalovar said:
Guys after successfully rooting my device and using it for some time it occurred to me that I would spend the $5 gift that comes with every NST. After buying books on B&N and turning on my nook I realized that nook's original software can't connect to the internet even when connected to my home's wifi connection.
I get the error: "Sorry, a problem has occurred. Please try again" in both the B&N library or B&N's shop.
Has anyone been able to download/sync books from B&N AFTER rooting your device?
Is this just a problem that I'm experiencing?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Can't connect to the internet" at all or just to the B&N sites? If you've disabled/deleted some of the B&N apps you could have problems of this sort. There are all kinds of unlikely dependencies in the B&N system that can break functionality if something is missing.
I'm working with a rooted and modified NST running FW 1.21 and the only limitation I've seen so far is not being able to connect in-store (but I intentionally altered the QuickNav buttons to eliminate "Shop"). I haven't purchased books from B&N but have selected "Free Friday" offerings from the website and they come right down to my NST when it's online, no problem.
I assume you had no problem registering your device, otherwise I would suggest that maybe that error was due to B&N blacklisting the serial number. That's happened before with used/refurbished devices. Then a phone call is in order to B&N to get them to reverse that.

nmyshkin said:
"Can't connect to the internet" at all or just to the B&N sites? If you've disabled/deleted some of the B&N apps you could have problems of this sort. There are all kinds of unlikely dependencies in the B&N system that can break functionality if something is missing.
I'm working with a rooted and modified NST running FW 1.21 and the only limitation I've seen so far is not being able to connect in-store (but I intentionally altered the QuickNav buttons to eliminate "Shop"). I haven't purchased books from B&N but have selected "Free Friday" offerings from the website and they come right down to my NST when it's online, no problem.
I assume you had no problem registering your device, otherwise I would suggest that maybe that error was due to B&N blacklisting the serial number. That's happened before with used/refurbished devices. Then a phone call is in order to B&N to get them to reverse that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't connect to B&N only. The rest of the internet is accessible. I can install apps from Google play from my computer to my device without problem too. The only system apps that i remember deleting are android apps (Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk).
I don't think my serial number is black listed, because I was able to register my nook without problem. But is there any tool online where I could check my serial # statues that would be nice. I'm thinking of resetting to factory settings and rooting again if necessary. thanks for your help

dalovar said:
Can't connect to B&N only. The rest of the internet is accessible. I can install apps from Google play from my computer to my device without problem too. The only system apps that i remember deleting are android apps (Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk).
I don't think my serial number is black listed, because I was able to register my nook without problem. But is there any tool online where I could check my serial # statues that would be nice. I'm thinking of resetting to factory settings and rooting again if necessary. thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both of those apps disabled (.apk --> .OLD) so that's probably not it. To my knowledge there is no on-line way to check on the status of your serial number and now that I come to think of it, if you had no problem registering when you set up your Nook before rooting, there should be no problem with the serial number.
Seems like there was a post similar to yours not too long ago and going back to factory and rooting again fixed the problem, as much of a nuisance as that is. The only other thing that comes to mind is: you're not in the UK are you? Someone else posted a similar problem and it turned out that he needed a UK firmware update to account for changing B&N-UK URLs before he could connect.
If you get the problem sorted, I can't emphasize enough the importance--and convenience--of making a backup with NM. Backup early and often, especially when trying out something new. It saves so much time and hassle in the long run. But first....you need to get it in working condition

Related

[Q] Just got My nook ST shipped to my home... :)

got my nook yesterday, registered,and ready to go...
the e-ink is really good on my eyes and i'm lovin it...
now to what i'm here for..
as everyone i want to hack my nst for a better e reading experience, a li'l browsing, a few gud themes and a few games.
i want some help in doing it. i could have gone through the forums but there being many, it really is a bit hard to choose the right one and in right order. i would like anyone of you to share the links in order of it supposed to be done, i.e. backing up my default files and then to hacking etc. a video tutorial link would be more appreciated. As i have some of my books scanned, suggest a reader to read scanned pdfs after hacking...
and of course i'm not a regular hacker,except that i have hacked my psp once so no problem getting along with the instructions...
Expecting a few gud responses, thanQ
harunaku
TouchNooterwill take care of the rooting. Do a backup before you do anything else.
bobstro said:
TouchNooterwill take care of the rooting. Do a backup before you do anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
k,thanks a lot. I rooted my nook successfully
Now to make backup of my factory files, I tried the thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1142983 which guides me to backup my files. but the noogie.img link does not have any download in that thread. what really is noogie and please give me an alternate link to noogie.img.
thanks
harunaku
You need to follow the redirect link on NookDevs. The page has been moved. noogie.img is available from that page.
thanks again, i'm done with backing up too.
now, i couldn't find a way to install the first app in the nook memory. of course u can use file manager, but there's no file manager preinstalled, is there? how to get to that apk file?
harunaku said:
thanks again, i'm done with backing up too.
now, i couldn't find a way to install the first app in the nook memory. of course u can use file manager, but there's no file manager preinstalled, is there? how to get to that apk file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait... are you trying to do the manual rooting process? There are automated rooters. Noogie is used to backup and root manually (if you want to).
harunaku said:
[...] now, i couldn't find a way to install the first app in the nook memory. of course u can use file manager, but there's no file manager preinstalled, is there? how to get to that apk file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming you used the latest TouchNooter, Super Manager should work. I think SM is new from the version of TN that I last used.
Or, once Market is working, download your favorite.
bobstro said:
Assuming you used the latest TouchNooter, Super Manager should work. I think SM is new from the version of TN that I last used.
Or, once Market is working, download your favorite.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my doubts dont seem to be ending any soon....
-i'm done with everything, even market's working. but i couldn't search in market. when i type in search box and enter - no response...
-i managed to find 'file manager'' in top free app list and installed it. now when i try to install the apks in micro sd card, it says 'for security,ur phone is set to block non android sourced apps',though i checked 'allow non market apps' in nook color tools. suggest me a way to install the apps in card.
-the market shows the apps with $ pricing, how to make it regional?
-sometimes while swiping to scroll, the page goes to the end all the way...
-after rooting the wifi is disconnecting frequently
thanks in advance...
harunaku said:
[...] -i'm done with everything, even market's working. but i couldn't search in market. when i type in search box and enter - no response...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That seems to be a problem some people have and others don't. What version of the B&N firmware are you running?
-i managed to find 'file manager'' in top free app list and installed it. now when i try to install the apks in micro sd card, it says 'for security,ur phone is set to block non android sourced apps',though i checked 'allow non market apps' in nook color tools. suggest me a way to install the apps in card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you need to allow 3rd party apps. Launch NookColor Tools, then toggle the Allow Non-Market Apps settings off and back on. Then try again.
[...] -the market shows the apps with $ pricing, how to make it regional?
-sometimes while swiping to scroll, the page goes to the end all the way...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those aren't really rooting issues.
-after rooting the wifi is disconnecting frequently
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This may be related to the B&N firmware version you're running. Apparently, the NST v1.1.0 has known problems with some 802.11n networks, WPA2 settings and various other random wifi issues. I don't believe TN touches wifi, so it shouldn't have changed.
would you say go ahead, if i say i'm gonna restore the factory settings with the backup and root again?
and yes, i rooted with the latest touchnooter (the link u posted)

[Q] NST rooted flicks in old menu of BN after touchnooter

Hello i should have read the forum before apllying the root process but i pick in one site and only find the forum when the problems began.
I use the Touchnooter2-1-31 thanks for doing it but i use my 32G card so after 30 min no restart i took the sd out and try to power off and the screen became freeze in the same point even after pressing the N button and power 30 seg. power off then on without the card.
By the way i don't have a backup of my default only take out the content of SD card and nook, site not tell me to do it so no return to factory default.
Then i use other card 8G, N2T recovery 0.2 and gain control of NST again and apply with this card the Touchnooter2-1-31 again, since not all programs were in and i could install it .
After 12h i have Gmail and opera mobile but i can't use android market or access to stores of app so i am putting some apps that i can install by email or with .apk
And i copy again the content of .docThumbs and Digital Editions on Nook and on SD and also use the ADE to put the books again in to read but no chance on reeding thems with old BARNES & NOBLE menu
Now for read i have the ezPDF reader.but i don't like it.Aldiko give me error not even install so
I would like to now if i can use the old BARNES & NOBLE menu since i hit N key and home flicks the old BARNES & NOBLE menu and dissapear library put my sreen flashing with the image frozen and his negative image and only with power and N key 30seg i can turn it again but in this process the screen freeze on shop don't open and in nook settings- Social i can change notting flicks but nothing happens?
Is possible to get BARNES & NOBLE menu working again?
Thanks
My question on reading your post is - which version of the NST OS are you starting from?
Something is unhappy, but hard to say what. I would probably reset to stock again, take note of which Nook OS version you are running, and see if one of the other manual nooters works with it.
You make a disk much like the touchnoter disk, but instead of the process running completely automatically, you boot into clockwork recovery mode and choose which zip files to flash.
I threw one together called Tinynoot that gives you root + amazon but no google apps.
There looks like a better implementation called NookManager. Like mine tinynoot it is intended to support a wide range of devices, but it also doesn't install the Google market.
Google apps is a moving target, so you have to be sure the version of the rooting tool you use works with the specific OS installed on your Nook. In order to make Google apps work, core files called framework files are patched. Touchnooter, salsichanooter and I'm blanking on Eded's tool's name are all targeted to getting google stuff working, as well as the basics of getting you root access.
I am guessing that the problem you describe relates to a mismatch between the framework in the touchnooter and the rest of your OS.
Hello my NTS software version was 1.2.* i don't remember this last number but i try when i buy it 2 days ago to install from BN and nothing happens so was in last version, now nook OS how can i see it? Now the software version is undentified by the way yesterday i follow this movie but in the begining the page don't tell me Rooted forever tell me the instructions instead in both times, only in second attempt i get the screen like in movie at min 1:45 Nook Touch Rooting Tutorial - Super Easy Method user TheeBookReader on youtube i can add links
Google play today is working yesterday i install a cracked version but when i pick the apps tell me that the installation will be transfered sooner to my equipment but they don't happear
android market no search so i add searchmarket
When you tell me to reset to stock again is using N2T?
Thanks
Edited to add: i finally do a factory reset and now updating to latest version i will kept my nook as is since here we don't have so many hotspots free to surf on internet, thanks for all the help and info that i receive in this forum

[Guide] Before trying to root NST/NSTG Backup first! Read this.

Suddenly increase of the people trying to root their devices recently.
Something goes wrong and either they have no backup or its damaged and then they have a lot of trouble.
So I'd thought a list a couple of things that you should do BEFORE you try to do anything else to your Nook Simple Touch or Nook Simple Touch Glow aka NST/NSTG
Now I strongly suggest making two backups in different manners detailed below. I personally do this before I even use my NST for first time.
NookManager:
Nookmanager has a great backup tool however it does save it directly onto the sdcard which if is not big enough or has other errors or you simply end up deleting by accident.
Pros: Convenient backup and restore. No need for PC. ADB over wireless to copy backup.
Cons: Must remember to copy off sdcard, at mercy of sdcard failing.
Noogie:
Noogie allows the NST/NSTG partitions to be completely accessible by a PC over a usb cable.
You then use a tool on the PC to backup all the partitions to a file.
Pros: Your backup is stored independent of your sdcard. A bit more verbose by default.
Cons: If your usb cable is dodgy or usb bus errors can be introduced.
Both systems have good points and bad points doing both means if one is not quite right you have an alternative. Its worth doing both.
A complete image of a NST/NSTG is around 1.86GB in size however after compression should be around 280MB.
Now to the details.
I would do Noogie first as you can then use the same sdcard to stick nookmanager on that you may want to do the root with (after backing up correctly).
Some of my nook's usb cables were charge only ones (very handy) so if cable is thin with too cores and long use a different cable.
I would try and avoid using class 10 sdcards for this process.
Noogie
###########
If you use windows use this guide
The same method you stick noogie img onto sdcard you can use to stick nookmanager as well.
After the backup check your event viewer [Start->settings->Control Panel->Administration Tools->Event Viewer->System].
Look for any error Red or yellow warning about disks.
Windows does not pop up something when your having serious disk errors (even to their latest version!)
Remember to "safety remove the hardware" before unplugging the NST.
You will end up with a 1.86GB image file I would suggest compressing it using rar/zip to get to a manageable size plus add some CRC checking.
If you use Linux use this one.
If you linux newbie be very very very careful with the dd command. Its very powerful and a simple typo can ruin your computer.
Make sure nothing is mounted during the process.
Run dmesg or sudo tail /var/log/kern.log to see if any usb or disk errors.
NookManager
##############
Read the Guide
You can use winimage mention in noogie guide to stick Nookmanager on a sdcard too.
When booting off Nookmanager say no to wifi, Rescue->Backup, Use rest of space on SD card, create backup.
Obviously make sure your device is well charged and choose a big enough sd card to hold the backup. Its about 280MB compressed.
Once backup is complete we want to get it onto our PC or something other than a single sdcard which are prone to sudden failure.
Nookmanager has stored the backup on a second partition on the sdcard.
Windows does not like mounting second partitions on removable devices by default so we can't easily be able to access it.
If you can either enable wireless and usb adb to copy which I won't go into now or connect your nook via usb while running nookmanager and it will appear as a mass storage device.
You are looking for a file called "backup.full.gz". Copy that as well as its md5. Make sure you check the size is around 280ishMB.
If you have already connect the stock nook over usb or used noogie over usb to your PC sometimes it will get confused and the drives won't appear in windows explorer.
This is windows getting confused. If you click on the safetly remove device icon you will see two drive letters are assigned its just explorer that can't access them. Easy fix is to reboot. If your like me and dozens of web browsing windows open and regard rebooting as something the power company forces on me few times a year you can do this to access.
Start->settings->Control Panel->Administration Tools->Computer Management->Disk Manager.
You will see the drive letters for your nook there. Right click (don't click format or delete!) and chose open. Explorer will now happily open a window with your drive contents.
Again as with Noogie check your event viewer system for any errors. (make sure hit F5 for refresh)
On linux you can mount the second partition no trouble so either remove sdcard and stick in a reader or use nook via usb cable. Mount and copy. Check size of file. I am sure if using linux and have mastered dd you know how.
So now you should have two full backups using different methods.
Now go forth and root, tinker and learn about with your NST/NSTG to your hearts content knowing you can safely recover.
Personally I like Version 1.2.X Nookmanager as a root method but I was also recommend if you have more than one NST trying out all of kuskro's hardwork on 1.1.X and excellent guides starting here (never tried on NSTG however)
Getting your SDcard back to normal
###################################
After rooting/backing up if you want to put your sdcard back to normal for storage you can't just simply format as the card has been repartitioned.
Easiest tool I have found for doing this is HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool which should be here I think.
Simple to use just select sdcard and hit format. It will automatically repartition and format to the maximum size of your card.
Hi i just had a quick question about the rooting,
When i have rooted, will there be a file manager already on there? so i can download any apk's i want, transfer onto micro sd and then install them? Is this going to be possible?
I ask because i dont particularly want all of the google apps which come in the package thing, and the installation of them seems slightly awkward, main part about it is that wont the imaged nook manager micro sd not have space for more files? but it tells you to put extra files on there.
I havent started the rooted yet but will be in a bit.
Thanks anyway.
flobbadob said:
Hi i just had a quick question about the rooting,
When i have rooted, will there be a file manager already on there? so i can download any apk's i want, transfer onto micro sd and then install them? Is this going to be possible?
I ask because i dont particularly want all of the google apps which come in the package thing, and the installation of them seems slightly awkward, main part about it is that wont the imaged nook manager micro sd not have space for more files? but it tells you to put extra files on there.
I havent started the rooted yet but will be in a bit.
Thanks anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your using nookmanager then the launcher relaunch that comes with is a filemanager. Touchnooter has something too. You don't have to install gapps and can sideload if you want. A lot of apps need a /sdcard so I would recommend having one for storage. Not sure if you need gapps for licensing etc for paid apps. You can use adb over wifi to install apps from a PC ie a filemanager like esfileexplorer if you did not have one available. I would ask your questions regarding any specific root method in their relevant thread....
Crispy3000 said:
If your using nookmanager then the launcher relaunch that comes with is a filemanager. Touchnooter has something too. You don't have to install gapps and can sideload if you want. A lot of apps need a /sdcard so I would recommend having one for storage. Not sure if you need gapps for licensing etc for paid apps. You can use adb over wifi to install apps from a PC ie a filemanager like esfileexplorer if you did not have one available. I would ask your questions regarding any specific root method in their relevant thread....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay ,sorry about wrong thread and whatnot, thank you though!
i think i get the gist of everything now anyway, im very new to all this lol. ill probably just install the gapps anyway now for mail and calendar.
Also just a general question, is battery life decreased at all after rooting? or was the android running all the time even before root and now i can just use it (if that makes sense)
flobbadob said:
okay ,sorry about wrong thread and whatnot, thank you though!
i think i get the gist of everything now anyway, im very new to all this lol. ill probably just install the gapps anyway now for mail and calendar.
Also just a general question, is battery life decreased at all after rooting? or was the android running all the time even before root and now i can just use it (if that makes sense)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Battery life initially perhaps. Your adding gapps running in background. Phone.apk, Music.apk, TelephonyProvider.apk gets installed where it does not need to be.
Joy of rooting is you can uninstall or disable what you don't want. Longterm with some tweaks you extended it a lot. Remember to let screen timeout rather than using power button when to lock screen.
If you don't want B&N stuff just your own ereading system and don't want some gapps disable/freeze all this:
FfileDownloadService.apk,AccountAndSyncSettin gs.apk, AirRuntime.apk, ApplicationsProvider.apk, BnAuthenticationService.apk, BnCloudRequestSvc.apk, ContactsProvider.apk, CrytoServer.apk, DemoMode.apk, DeviceManager.apk, DeviceRegistrator.apk, GlobalSearch.apk, gtalkservice.apk, Home.apk, Library.apk, Music.apk, NookCommunity.apk, Phone.apk, QuickStartActivity.apk, Shop.apk, Social.apk, SysChecksum.apk, Talk.apk, TalkProvider.apk, TelephonyProvider.apk, WaveformDownloader.apk
Crispy3000 said:
Battery life initially perhaps. Your adding gapps running in background. Phone.apk, Music.apk, TelephonyProvider.apk gets installed where it does not need to be.
Joy of rooting is you can uninstall or disable what you don't want. Longterm with some tweaks you extended it a lot. Remember to let screen timeout rather than using power button when to lock screen.
If you don't want B&N stuff just your own ereading system and don't want some gapps disable/freeze all this:
FfileDownloadService.apk,AccountAndSyncSettin gs.apk, AirRuntime.apk, ApplicationsProvider.apk, BnAuthenticationService.apk, BnCloudRequestSvc.apk, ContactsProvider.apk, CrytoServer.apk, DemoMode.apk, DeviceManager.apk, DeviceRegistrator.apk, GlobalSearch.apk, gtalkservice.apk, Home.apk, Library.apk, Music.apk, NookCommunity.apk, Phone.apk, QuickStartActivity.apk, Shop.apk, Social.apk, SysChecksum.apk, Talk.apk, TalkProvider.apk, TelephonyProvider.apk, WaveformDownloader.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
quick question, ive gone and deleted a lot of those apps, not sure if this was caused by that (doubt it) but:
when i go on the quicklaunch and click library, it goes to the relaunch page, not my nook library, any idea whats up
flobbadob said:
quick question, ive gone and deleted a lot of those apps, not sure if this was caused by that (doubt it) but:
when i go on the quicklaunch and click library, it goes to the relaunch page, not my nook library, any idea whats up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should read closer before doing.
If you don't want B&N stuff
A lot of those in the list are for B&N stuff like the library. ie. Library.apk. If you want B&N Apps undo what you have done. Good job you have a backup :silly: One of the reasons I said disable/freeze as well as uninstall. If you are not using an app to disable/freeze (like titainium backup) then you can simply rename them with a root enabled filemanager. e.g. library.apk to library.apk_disabled
Search around for details on what to disable and what they do to see if you want them or not. Don't deregister the nook with B&N apps disabled.
Crispy3000 said:
You should read closer before doing.
If you don't want B&N stuff
A lot of those in the list are for B&N stuff like the library. ie. Library.apk. If you want B&N Apps undo what you have done. Good job you have a backup :silly: One of the reasons I said disable/freeze as well as uninstall. If you are not using an app to disable/freeze (like titainium backup) then you can simply rename them with a root enabled filemanager. e.g. library.apk to library.apk_disabled
Search around for details on what to disable and what they do to see if you want them or not. Don't deregister the nook with B&N apps disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, turns out i did delete the library apk when ishouldnt have, but it turns out that i can just use the file browser which is the homepage for relaunch to access epub files (which open up in the reader) so the library app thing is kinda redundant.
EDIT: everything is fine now, i got a new library app and somehow deleted the keyboard which im getting back now lol

[Tutorial] [OTA 3.0] [Nvidia Shield Tablet] How to debloat and optimize ota 3.0

DISCLAIMER: though this seems safe, there are always risks. Warranty may be void, bugs might crawl out of your shield. I am not responsible for mishaps, bugs, crashes, damage, loss of jobs, girlfriends, and/or if your shield turns into Skynet and begins to destroy the human race!
Firstly, throughout this tutorial I will be shamelessly pointing you toward others threads. Please, give them your thanks. They are masters in their fields and with out them none of this would be happening! Also remember noone gets paid for any of this, they with their skills and I with time do this out love for tech and a desire to help others and see them enjoy their tech as much as we all love ours. That said... Onto the cookies!
*********PLEASE NOTE*********
*********THIS ENTIRE PROCESS CAN BE DONE WITH OUT ANY ACCESS TO A PC!
--BUT--
TO KEEP A LOCKED BOOTLOADER AND AVOID WARRANTY NASTYNESS PLEASE READ
*If you are still on a locked bootloader, and want to easily keep it. Root ota 2.2.1 first, install flashify, and use it to install twrp.
*Rooting ota 3. 0 and using flashify from there will also preserve locked bootloader.
*Rooted ota 2.2.1 or a custom recovery will break nvidias native ota system. You will have need a copy if the FULL OTA from the links provided. They flash easily in twrp. But ONLY THE FULL OTA, NOT THE INCREMENTAL.
******PREREQUISITES (These Are Required)******
*Must be rooted.
If coming from stock, (unrooted, stock recovery, and locked bootloader) Kingroot will root any ota so far.
Install apk, run it, it will most likely reboot your shield, on ota 3 it will freeze, (mine did at around 30% on ota 3, but instead of a reboot, I got a freeze) this is normal. Hold power button until the shield turns off. Boot back up, and run Kingroot again. It should now complete fine, installing Kinguser as root control app. This gives you enough root to run flashify from play store to install the next step. (thanks to China for making kingroot and whoever translated it for us)
Kingroot link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/one-click-root-tool-android-2-x-5-0-t3107461
*Team Win Recovery Project (twrp) must be installed.
Head over here to @Steel01 thread for multi rom twrp. You will only (at the moment) need his modified twrp build. More instructions there. Don't forget to thank him! (Thanks @Steel01)
@Steel01 multi rom twrp thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tablet/development/multirom-v30-unofficial-port-t3025355
*ota 3.0 FULL OTA (thanks to @MidgetMob)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shi...k-recovery-images-ota-library-guides-t2988881
*MEGA may or may NOT work. Mega has issues from time to time. (thanks @Ctrl_Alt_Del for the heads up)
****If MEGA links are not working, here's another source.
Thanks @gavin-phelan for the links.
OTHER Link for full ota: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tablet/general/android-5-1-t3115536
*SuperSU recovery flashable installer. (thanks to @Chainfire)
Link to supersu beta (beta works better for the xposed framework):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/supersu/2014-09-02-supersu-v2-05-t2868133
*Fdroid store for selinux mode changer (needed for viper) and ad away apps! (thanks Fdroid!)
Link: https://f-droid.org
*****OPTIONAL*****
*Xposed super alpha for Android 5.1 (sdk22) (thanks @romracer)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/super-alpha-posted-permission-xposed-t3072979
You must read that thread a bit. You will need the xposed installer from the main xposed lollipop thread. (thanks @rovo89)
Main xposed thread
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3034811
*Gravitybox works on 5.1 now (thanks @C3C076)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/app-gravitybox-v5-0-0alpha-tweak-box-t3037566
*BusyBox - Busybox is required for viper4android install. Make sure to run and install it BEFORE YOU INSTALL VIPER DRIVER. The apk can be installed, but when you run it. It will try to install the viper driver. Selinux must be set to permissive, and busybox installed first.
It can be found in play store.
*selinuxmodechanger can be found in fdroid repository.
*ViPER4Android audio engine (thanks @zhuhang)
For viper install. Be sure to install fdroid and get selinux mode changer. And change to permissive BEFORE YOU INSTALL VIPER DRIVER. the app is fine but for the driver to install selinux must be set to permissive. After that it's fine to set it back to enforcing.
Link: http://vipersaudio.com/blog/?page_id=48
Forum:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2191223
Someone said cookies? (Procedure)
**tip** titanium backup SUCKS FOR backing up app data. Bugs out the apps sometimes. So for games, manually backup saves and place them back after reinstall. It's helpful to use tibu to backup your apps alone. Then use tibu again to make a recovery flashable zip to reinstall them all at once....
*Firstly you will need a root enabled file browser (I use es file explorer)
*On the internal memory, firstly back up any pics or ANYTHING you want saved from internal memory to the external SD card. (I usually name my backup folders starting with a # to keep them separated from anything that's written to external via an app or the system. Helps to keep track.)
*Next delete it ALL. In es file Explorer just as everything in sdcard0. /android gone, all folders, ax them. I even nuked the hidden folders and all. I wanted a totally clean install. So anything in the /sdcard0 folder can get wiped. As wiping through twrp DOES NOT WIPE THESE FILES. And sometimes can cause oddness on new installs. This can also be achieved through twrp but it takes longer. Keep in mind that everything inside /sdcard is rebuilt on FIRST boot. Hence deleting in twrp. Don't navigate to straight / things go bad if you mess about in those files....
*After everything has been deleted on internal, and the folders your not using for backups on external. Namely the /android folder on external. You should be ready to reboot to recovery....
*Now reboot into twrp. Click wipe, advanced, then check dalvik, system, data, and cache. Wipe
*Now flash the FULL OTA for your model of shield.
*Next click the home button in twrp. Then Mount, then, uncheck the box for system, then, re-check it. (remount system)
*Now click on the Home button again, Advanced, File Manager.....
*Now the fun part...
Navigate to /system/app and delete the following FOLDERS, contents and all, by clicking on each folder one at a time, once clicked, it will show you contents of that folder. At the bottom click select, then delete, swipe to delete. For each of the following folders....
++*NOTICE* Some of these folders contain libs (library files) and i discovered some issues with deleting them. (videos not working, possible connection console mode crashing, etc) These folders are indicated below, and any side effects possible due to its removal. Console mode has been solid so far even without the libs. That doesnt mean that it wont cause any issues later and i just havent seen it yet. So BEWARE o0o0o =D
Adobe reader
Books
Calendar
++**Chrome (I use chrome beta) (CONTAINS LIBS) possible connection to the "great chrome slowdown" These ARE SAFE to remove and removal may cure the slowdown bug. either way, using any browser BUT chrome (i.e. Chrome Beta, Dolphin, Opera etc.) also fixes the "Chrome slug races"
Cloud print
Input methods for Japanese and Korean (unless you need it)
++**Drive (CONTAINS LIBS) i havent noticed any side effects from removing these and SHOULD BE SAFE to delete. also i use es file explorer for drive access
Email (I use inbox)
Evernote
Evernote widget
Exchange2
Gmail (I use inbox or reinstall from store)
++**Hangouts (CONTAINS LIBS) i use hangouts for OUTGOING PHONE CALLS, as such i feel these libs are POSSIBLY NOT SAFE to remove. i havent found any issues so far but BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY on an essential core sytem
Holo spiral
Google tts (optional)
Juswrite (I don't use the stylus or handwriting)
latinIME (aosp keyboard)
++**Maps (CONTAINS LIBS) i havent found any issues but NAVIGATION to me is an essential core system therefore i feel these are POSSIBLY NOT SAFE to remove. again BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY
Music2 (I use gonemad music player or reinstall from store)
Newstand
Nvcameraawesome (it sucked and I use camera51)
Phase beam
Play games
++**Print spooler (CONTAINS LIBS) never use(d) it so i dunno really. SHOULD BE SAFE to remove (feedback welcome)
Street
Stylusmobileoem (like I said I don't even HAVE a stylus (unless someone has an extra they are willing to mail....)
Talkback
Trine 2 (unless you like it)
Twitch (unless you use it, also in play store)
++**Videos (CONTAINS LIBS) I had issues playing embedded videos in play store (app trailers) and some websites. i would recommend DO NOT REMOVE THIS. i ONLY left this here for info only. remove ONLY AT YOUR OWN RISK
Write (again with stylus stuff)
++**Youtube (CONTAINS LIBS) never had any issues removing this. but i feel it could be related to my above mentioned video playback bug. this is OPTIONAL.
*now navigate to /system/priv-app
Delete folder musicfx (needs to be gone or disabled for viper4android audio install)
*now navigate to /system/vendor/app
Delete the folder watercolor (dabbler can be gotten from play store)
*if you feel busy /system/media/audio is where the ring tones are and you can delete the ones you don't use for more space but it's only 3mb....
*FINALLY hit the home button in twrp again.
**DO NOT FORGET** Install superSU beta for root!!!
*REBOOT!!
*After system boots up and gets done optimizing, it's safe to reboot back to twrp and flash the xposed framework.
*You're done! That's it... Wait... What? You want even MORE cookies? Well, OK....
*Keep reading for optional steps for even better results!
***PS... Keep checking our friend's @BitOBSessiOn and @twistedumbrella threads for really great kernels for our ota..
Thanks @BitOBSessiOn
Thanks @twistedumbrella
Links:
Bito: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shi.../tweaked-kernel-nvidia-shield-tablet-t3069776
++++++ ***check out @BitOBSessiOn thread, ota 3.0 source built, optimized kernels for all models released!
NEW UNIFIED BUILDS FOR OTA 3.0 (ONE FILE FOR ALL MODELS)
Twistedumbrella: 2.2.1 ONLY http://forum.xda-developers.com/shi...t/stock-lollipop-kernel-cifs-support-t2967839
And some more post script.
PPS **tips**
*System apps always keep a copy of themselves for when it gets updated, so all those apps (that you just deleted) end up being over 400 mb after they all update once. And they ALL HAVE updates at time of install. So you save there. Just takes a minute to reinstall as user apps from the play store,and save a bunch of space.
***WIFI ISSUES!** If you do NOT HAVE a 5ghz router. Go to wifi settings, advanced, wifi band, switch from auto to 2.4ghz, makes the Web run faster and if it's set to auto I notice a good 40 second delay in wifi connecting. Also make sure the box "wifi always scan" is turned in. Otherwise wifi doesn't auto connect at boot.
*Get folder mount from the play store. It automagically patches android to let apps write to external SD. As well as links folders on external to internal so you can move ANY app to sd card. Profit!
*For a cleaner install. Install fdroid, then ad away. And run ad away before you ever open more than play store for es file Explorer to install fdroid. This way ad away is the first or one of the first apps to open. Blocking ads from that point on. That way if apps have built in ads, they won't even be able to load!
*Also thanks to @djdarkknight96 here's a link for a bad ass themed SwiftKey keyboard
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1016053
*To improve system responsiveness, enable developer options (In settings, click about tablet, click build number 7 times.) Then in developer options about midway down, turn "window animation scale" "transition animation scale" and "animator duration scale" from 1.0 to .5 this increases the speed of animations throughout the system/rom
*After installing the gravitybox xposed module, you can turn those 3 animation scales down further to .25 for even faster response.
*Native lcd density for shield tablet is 283.
It comes stock at 320
*Nvidia corporate tegra color scheme. Green is hex (#76b900) rgb (r:118 g:185 b:0), and grey, hex (#5c5c5c) not sure greys rgb. And black.... I looked it up in their corporate and product guidelines pdf.
*You can add apps to console mode by clicking the little + symbol under "android games" and "media apps" in shield hub. They will then be added to the "easier" to navigate shield hub menu.
*In the play store kernel adiutor (yes that's how it's spelled) allows control over the cpu speed and other critical stuff and things. To squeeze alot more juice from your battery, if everything else here is done, I found I could clock the cpu @2ghz (200mhz down from stock) and it's just as fast as true stock. Killer battery savings on top of the improvements already made in ota 3.0
*If you adjust the clock speeds in kernel adiutor... Make sure to reset the minimum to 51 every time and sit and watch to make sure they stuck. They will float around, then settle. But if you exit after altering the max and the minimum is floating high, it will set the minimum to that value.... Found THAT out the hard way......
*The letters that form the word "SHIELD" on the back of our devices.... Are stickers in small indents.... Looks really kewl if taken out. (see post #13 for pics)
+ *POSSIBLE USB ON THE GO (OTG) FIX*
Power off your shield, plug in USB OTG cable with a flash drive in it. Power on the shield. Once booted, pull flash drive and use whatever OTG compatible device you wish (mouse, keyboard, micro missile launcher--thanks ThinkGeek!))
ONE CONDITION! This method BREAKS CHARGING UNTIL NEXT REBOOT! (thanks nvidia!)
Enjoy!
Questions and comments always welcomed and encouraged!
If i forgot something, missed a step, whatever. Let me know!
I'll update/add to this if/when I think of things.
Ideas? Let me know!
CHECK POST #2 FOR UPDATE TIMES.
I'll try to highlight changes until I update again.
Look for the + symbol
Cheers,
Cyris
Mmm cookies just like mom makes!
Just a reminder! ALWAYS CHECK THE MD5 CHECKSUM FOR DOWNLOADED FILES. Md5 checker in play store works great. It can certainly save some headaches!
A SECOND MORE IMPORTANT REMINDER, KEEP A COPY OF YOUR FULL OTA IN THE ROOT OF YOUR EXTERNAL SD CARD. THAT WAY IF THE LIQUID DEFECATION TRULY STRIKES THE AUXILIARY ROTOR. YOU CAN USE NVIDIAS BACKUP STOCK RECOVERY (AT BUGDROID (ANDY ON HIS BACK WITH A RED ! OVER IT) HIT "VOLUME UP" + "POWER") TO WIPE DATA AND FLASH A STOCK FULL OTA AND GET BACK UP AND RUNNING AGAIN. THEN USE KINGROOT, THEN FLASHIFY, THEN TWRP, TO GET ROOT BACK AND CUSTOM RECOVERY....
**UPDATES**
Times are Pacific (my local)
+Initial post 5/25 @ 1300 (apx)
+Updated 5/25 @ 1655
+Updated 5/25 @ 1730
+Updated 5/25 @ 1810 - make sure you check this one for viper audio install
+Updated 5/25 @ 2304 - new full ota links
+Updated 5/26 @ 1030 - @BitOBSessiOn ota 3 kernel release, links posted
+Updated 5/26 @ 1546 - Added usb-otg temporary fix
+Updated 5/27 @ 2200 - Cleanup OP, removed old + symbols
+Updated 6/17 @ 1430 - Added info on folders containing LIBS in the wiping section.
Nice! I will report back once I have redone my tablet.
And please, give me some time. It's the end of a holiday weekend & I have a few things to do before going back to work Tuesday.
Ctrl_Alt_Del said:
Nice! I will report back once I have redone my tablet.
And please, give me some time. It's the end of a holiday weekend & I have a few things to do before going back to work Tuesday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. I created this thread for a laid back easy way to (try) and get the most from our device. Xda was always my go to place to find help and it's a bit different now. Not everyone is a developer, but it shouldn't be hard to get knowledge from those that are. Hell I'm no dev, just like to test stuff, a crack flasher. But at one time I didn't know what root was..... We all were. I know I love it when I show someone my device I spent 100s of hours tweaking just right and the look on their face! At one time that was me. I had to ask questions that probably got a few chuckles. But usually there was someone there to ask. If i can help I figure I SHOULD,
As I said I encourage questions. It may help someone else later on. Cheers!
... Wrong button.....
All is well. And the wipe,install directions from TWRP went flawlessly.
As soon as it booted, I was presented with the Welcome screen, as if it were a brand new device, unlike just updating an older OS. Chose the language, if I had a Google account & signed in...all that cookie dust. Apps from the list I have backed up to the Google servers under my account downloaded & installed automagically.
And best of all....no more "Android is Starting" & no more "optimizing the apps" at cold startup! Big thumbs up there! :good:
By the way, I could not get the full install from the link you provided from another user. It went to Mega & Mega is having transfer issues. It would download about 10 thru 15 % then flash something about a transfer error, then reduce the file transferred back down to 8 or 9 %...then download that again up to around 12 % or so, then back down to 8 %....lather, rinse, repeat...indefinitely! I used this user's link in his post to get the correct ROM: Android 5.1 out now
Just an FYI there.
Ctrl_Alt_Del said:
All is well. And the wipe,install directions from TWRP went flawlessly.
As soon as it booted, I was presented with the Welcome screen, as if it were a brand new device, unlike just updating an older OS. Chose the language, if I had a Google account & signed in...all that cookie dust. Apps from the list I have backed up to the Google servers under my account downloaded & installed automagically.
And best of all....no more "Android is Starting" & no more "optimizing the apps" at cold startup! Big thumbs up there! :good:
By the way, I could not get the full install from the link you provided from another user. It went to Mega & Mega is having transfer issues. It would download about 10 thru 15 % then flash something about a transfer error, then reduce the file transferred back down to 8 or 9 %...then download that again up to around 12 % or so, then back down to 8 %....lather, rinse, repeat...indefinitely! I used this user's link in his post to get the correct ROM: Android 5.1 out now
Just an FYI there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear it went well. And thanks for the info on mega. It does that from time to time. Could be alot of people trying to get that file right now. Links updated.
If you go through the xposed install and all. It gets spooky fast....
can you explain about screen density? native 283? how do you know that? table has 320 dpi
Excellent guide and info. Spent all weekend formatting and dealing with "optimizing apps", this fixed it all, great tablet now
GOALAR said:
can you explain about screen density? native 283? how do you know that? table has 320 dpi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an 8 inch screen. With a resolution of 1920x1200 I'm not sure the math, but it adds up to 283,or there are a few sites that you can go to and enter your the screen info and it will tell you what you density is. Density is how many pixels are in a square inch. Also GSM arena and a few other sites show this data if you Google "shield tablet specs".
Switching from 320 to 283 just makes the screen look sharper. It also can effect what games are listed as compatible in the play store. Example, dead space and dead trigger 2 will not install @ 283. But will run at it. I have dead space myself and it plays fine but I have to side load it or set my density back to 320 in build.prop then install it.
Think of it like running different resolutions on your pc monitor. The monitor will show them just fine, but only 1 is the exact spec from the factory, and look the best.
Thanks For This
Hi, @Pariahnoble. Just wanted to say that this is great, exactly the kind of effort that supports the XDA community.
I am sure that this will be a huge help to a lot of people.
koop1955 said:
Hi, @Pariahnoble. Just wanted to say that this is great, exactly the kind of effort that supports the XDA community.
I am sure that this will be a huge help to a lot of people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! =D Just hope it does in fact help some folks enjoy their shields a little more. I've been pretty unhappy so far, it was this or a Nexus 9, now I don't regret my decision anymore lol
Pictures of back of shield with letter stickers removed
Updated again
I'm surprised there aren't more comments on this thread. This looks great.
By the way, did I miss something or can this actually be done completely without the use of a computer?
radio five said:
I'm surprised there aren't more comments on this thread. This looks great.
By the way, did I miss something or can this actually be done completely without the use of a computer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope didn't miss a beat. This whole process can be done with no pc (I don't have a pc, my shield is my ONLY device.) so I've learned how to do it all locally (on board the shield itself).
This is only just now available, 5/13 kingroot was released that would root the tablet stock off the shelf. And flashify to put on the custom twrp. After that it's good times!
Ps, thanks for the heads up on the no pc thing, I forgot to mention that, OP updated...
That's great news for me since my computer recently took a **** and I'm about to throw my old laptop out the window. (windows vista, won't take adb drivers, runs out of memory using chrome, etc...)
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
radio five said:
That's great news for me since my computer recently took a **** and I'm about to throw my old laptop out the window. (windows vista, won't take adb drivers, runs out of memory using chrome, etc...)
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ouch! I feel your pain. I recently had to try to flash using add (adb but "add" was a great typo) on Windows xp.... Oh yeah... THAT went well.... Then 2 days later kingroot came out.
Just make sure (and I'll add this to the op as well) to keep a copy of the full ota on the ROOT of your external SD card, that way if your shield take a flaming deuce in your hands, you can STILL use nvidia backup recovery. If you have ever seen the "bug droid" (ole Andy on his back and the flaming red ! Over it) hold the "volume up" button and hit power and the nvidia recovery comes up. Let's you flash a STOCK FULL OTA and bam, back in business, just kingroot, flashify, twrp, keep calm, and carry on!
Man, I'm glad you said something! I'm gathering all the files on my external sd card in a folder (downloads/Shield Optimization) and I was getting ready to take the plunge. I'll move everything to the sd card's root before I get started.
I'm also considering backing all of my sd card to a work computer temporarily so I can reformat it. My junk heap of a laptop can't read it but I suspect my shield may have formatted it to a weird..... format.
I just want to have the card ready in the event I want to transfer large files and not wait as long.
Speaking of which, would I be able to format my sd card via my PC with it still in the Shield, connected by a usb cable?
Sorry if I'm getting slightly off topic.
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
@radio five
Firstly the only file you really need in the root folder is the ota zip. That's only because I'm pretty sure that's where the stock recovery will look for it, IF everything goes to hell.
Yes about formatting your card or storing files elsewhere during all this. The closer to a fresh card and internal memory the better.
Not sure what if any besides ntfs that the shield would format it to. But ntfs is recommended. And it's so far the only (I think) supported format for cards over 32gb. Also. After you format it to ntfs, quick format is OK, full is better but much slower on Windows, make sure to name it. Any is OK. "Sdcard" works.
In Windows Explorer, click on the volume (Sdcard you just formatted) to select it. Wait a sec. Then click it again. And name it when it highlights.
It fixes SOMETHING, Noone really knows what, but makes the shield recognize SD cards over 32gb
I'm sure there IS a way to format via adb, but I have no idea how...
What topic? >.< lol all questions are encouraged.

Remove content purchased from B&N

Sorry, this might be a question that has been answered many times but I can't find an answer. A number of titles which I downloaded via wireless when Nook supported the device in the UK appear on my Nook Simple Touch but I cannot delete them. I assume they're on a hidden drive or folder. Do I need to root my device in order to see them and/or delete them?
Thanks for any help.
Paul.
PaulVernon said:
Sorry, this might be a question that has been answered many times but I can't find an answer. A number of titles which I downloaded via wireless when Nook supported the device in the UK appear on my Nook Simple Touch but I cannot delete them. I assume they're on a hidden drive or folder. Do I need to root my device in order to see them and/or delete them?
Thanks for any help.
Paul.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloads from B&N are stored in /data/media/B&N Downloads. I'm afraid you will need to at least root to remove the old books. The easiest way to do this is with NookManager, although it is a little outdated and will add a few things you probably don't want (which you can then remove). A good file manager would also be helpful as Relaunch is kind of difficult to work with in that manner.
Anyway, once you get into the correct directory, just delete the book files from the "Books" folder and also the little "book" file from the Downloads directory.
I've attached a good file manager app which you can side load from your SD card once you get rooted with NookManager. Any questions, just ask. I've been meaning to get around to updating Nook Manager but have been distracted by other projects.
Oh, just in case things go south, the first thing you should do with NookManager once it boots up is to back up your current system, B&N books and all. At least you will be able to return to square one that way if needed.
Edit: as an alternative approach, since you're apparently not rooted and don't want to retain your B&N content, you could just reflash the system to change it over to US firmware (1.2.1) and then update to 1.2.2 (current) in the usual manner. You will be able to register an account with B&N US, if you wish, and your old books will go away in the process. You'll have "brand new" device.
Many thanks
Many thanks for taking the time to give me such a comprehensive and easy to understand answer.
I haven't rooted any device before but have sideloaded onto a Amazon Firestick so should be able to follow instructions to root from the internet.
Thanks again.
Paul.
sideload file explorer
Hi. I have installed NookManager, backed up and rooted the device. I copied the file explorer apk file onto the SD card and thought I would need to click / touch it to sideload it but I get a parse error. Can you give me any advice? Thanks.
PaulVernon said:
Hi. I have installed NookManager, backed up and rooted the device. I copied the file explorer apk file onto the SD card and thought I would need to click / touch it to sideload it but I get a parse error. Can you give me any advice? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mmm......it's that $%*# Relaunch. I just don't get that app and never could figure out how to make it do simple housekeeping tasks. Ugly, too, IMHO
So, originally ES File Explorer was included with NookManager and then it was removed because Relaunch could supposedly manage files, etc. And maybe it can. Perhaps you have to hop on one foot while swinging a dead chicken around your head to get it to perform. Why bother?
Here's where it gets interesting--two options :
1. If you just want your NST to function as it did before, without the books you want to delete, you can go here: https://sites.google.com/site/xcdguides/nook/nookregion and follow the instructions to flash your firmware to US. That will be 1.2.1. You can register that with B&N and then go here: https://help.barnesandnoble.com/app...tware-updates-for-tls-1.2-compliance#ManualDL and follow the directions for manual download of the update for firmware 1.2.2--or maybe it will automatically update when you try to register 1.2.1. Anyway, that will get you back to the functioning e-reader that you know, minus the books from your defunct UK account.
2. If you want to fiddle with more of the Android side of the NST while still retaining the e-reader function minus the old books, then you do need to root, etc. I've assembled an update package for NookManager (attached below) which deals with the issue you were having. You can download the package, unzip it, and apply the changes to the card you prepared with NookManager using your PC.
Specifically:
a. replace the contents of files/data/app with the apps in my update package. Relaunch and Amazon app store will be gone. The first is problematic, as you found, and the second does not work any longer. In their place you will get a real launcher (ADW) and a real file manager (ES) preinstalled.
b. copy the contents of the scripts folder from my update package into the scripts folder of the NookManager card, overwriting where needed. This updates the software so it can also root FW 1.2.2, and adds the installation instructions for ADWLauncher and ES File Explorer. You need to remove from the card the "install_x" files for Relaunch and Amazon app store (the latter might be called something like Venezia if you don't see an entry for Amazon app store).
Once you've made those changes, power down your NST and insert the NookManager card. If you made a backup before rooting (I hope you did), restore it, reboot, and then run NookManager again, this time to root the device.
That should do it. Be aware that when you have an alternate launcher installed, you are given a choice each time you boot. If you choose the Nook Home and make that the default (by checking the little box) there will be no way to get to any of the stuff you just did. And, if you use the QuickNav buttons to go "Home", there will be no way to return to ADW launcher. How to solve this?
Do not check the little box! At least not the first time. Choose ADW Launcher, go to the app drawer and run NookTouch ModManager. There you can assign functions to the various hardware buttons and QuickNav buttons. You might start with the "n" button as whichever home screen you would prefer by default. Then perhaps a long press of the "n" button for the alternate launcher. Anyway, once you've made a way to be able to get back to ADW in some manner, then the next time you reboot or are asked about which launcher to use, you can check the little box for "default" and then make your selection.
Those books you want to get rid of? ES File Explorer can do a lot of things, but it can't get root access without going into its "Settings" (access with the "Menu" button in the status bar at the top of the NST). Somewhere in those settings (under Security?) is a place to check for Root access. When you do this you'll get a Superuser prompt which you should approve. Then also check the "up to root" selection. If you want to do any mucking around in root, you will also need to check the third option to mount the system as r/w. You can return to that when you are done and uncheck it just so you don't accidentally wreak some havoc.
Lots of other settings and capabilities for ES File Explorer, including ways to pretty it up, but that's your call. Ditto for ADW.
Those annoying toasts from Superuser can be turned off. Go into its settings and uncheck the notify on access. You'll still get a prompt for a new request, but you won't get a message every time you access root.
OK, wow. That's a lot.
As always, ask any questions.
A lot! That's a bit of an understatement. That's astonishingly detailed information; it's so good of you to spend the time. I'm really very grateful.

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