Database Users

Looking for a tutorial: how to cook a ROM?

I'm looking for a guide which tells how to make a own custom ROM from another one
I mean:
1. How to add/replace/remove apps in /system/app/?
1. a) Do they need to have special permission?
2. How to replace boot screen?
3. How to add custom kernel?
4. How to add Desire lockscreen/flip clock?
5. How to add transparent notofication area?
6. How to add Power menu?
I've been serching forum, but didn't find such tutorial. Would be very thanful to get this knowledge.
I think that will be very useful for maaaany android maniacs

1. Simple delete/copy apks in .zip file using 7-Zip or any other.
2. I belive you need to put bootanimation.zip in /data/local/ folder.
3. Idk
4. For Desire lockscreen you need edited HtcLockScreen.apk; for flip clock - HtcClockWidget.apk
5. Edited /system/framework-res.apk or /system/framework/com.htc.resources.apk. I'm not sure
6. You need edited /system/framework/android.policy.jar
69. Resign your zip file using Auto Sign

Attachment doesn't load, but I know about resigning ROM after everything is done
Ad. 1. As I thought, but do the need special permissions? And I also wonder one thing. Are they installed while flashing? Cuz they need to be in system registry, I think...

I have found this: http://wiki.android.com.pl/wiki/Kon...iana_instalowanych_aplikacji_razem_z_systemem
No any permissions etc.

Found this, too. Thanks.

to add a custom kernel you have to unpack the boot image and edit the ramdisk manually, although i think there is an option in dsixda's kitchen to unpack and repack the boot.img

I've got two more questions:
1. When signing, three files are created in folder META-INF: CERT.RSA, CERT.SF, MANIFEST.SF. But in other packages I see also com/google/android/update-script in META-INF. How to make it? Is it necessary?
2. If I want to make only flashable update file which changes one app or another file, eg. framework-res.apk, I have to create folder structure: system/framework/framework-res.apk, add it to zip archive (no compression?) and sing using Auto-sing. Am I right?
Edit:
Found nice guide there: update-script syntax

tomekk_nt said:
I've got two more questions:
1. When signing, three files are created in folder META-INF: CERT.RSA, CERT.SF, MANIFEST.SF. But in other packages I see also com/google/android/update-script in META-INF. How to make it? Is it necessary?
2. If I want to make only flashable update file which changes one app or another file, eg. framework-res.apk, I have to create folder structure: system/framework/framework-res.apk, add it to zip archive (no compression?) and sing using Auto-sing. Am I right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The most important part of a recovery update zip is the update script. It will tell the recovery what to do. If you want an example of a basic update package, which replaces one file in the /system/framework (although a different one) can found here. Open this and read the META-INF/com/google/android/updater-script (or whatever its called). The syntax is pretty straight forward and I think its easiest to learn from the examples of updater scripts found here on XDA. For the simple case, of only replacing/adding files to the /system partition you can leave the updater script from the above example as is and only change the files under the /system directory in the zip.
Note, that the above example uses the newer upader-script (I hope I am writing this correctly, I am writing from memory) which also has a binary file in the same directory. Some update zips use the older "update-script" lone text script. For these kind of scripts, you can find a guide here.
Personally, I use RA recovery, and for this recovery you need to sign the update zips (last thing you do of course). At least for RA recovery, both the older "update-script" and the newer "updater-script" work fine, so its up to your personal preference which do you prefer.

Thanks. Found a guide you mentioned a couple of minutes ago and read it.
The more I know, the more questions it brings So one more thing. If I'd like to use the newer version of syntax: "updater-script", I need also to put this binary file in this folder. But I create/edit only "updater-script", binary file is the same for all packages, or do I need to edit it, too?

I built a kernel tool long time ago, very easy to use (only for linux)
1: unzip the file, place it where you want it eg your desktop
2: place boot.img in the working directory
3: double-click the menu icon or launch from terminal
4: it creates a new directory named BOOT-EXTRACT,edit what you want in there or change the kernel etc.. and repack it again via the kernel tool
see screenshot. here for those how want the tool >>> http://www.elelinux.se/tools/kernel_tool.zip
Edit: Only for Hero

tomekk_nt said:
Thanks. Found a guide you mentioned a couple of minutes ago and read it.
The more I know, the more questions it brings So one more thing. If I'd like to use the newer version of syntax: "updater-script", I need also to put this binary file in this folder. But I create/edit only "updater-script", binary file is the same for all packages, or do I need to edit it, too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only the updater-script. The binary is a replacement of the script-interpreter I think, but thats just an assumption.

elelinux said:
I built a kernel tool long time ago, very easy to use (only for linux)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that's a good reason to install newest Ubuntu Thanks!
riemervdzee said:
Only the updater-script. The binary is a replacement of the script-interpreter I think, but thats just an assumption.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's mine assuption, too, but would like to know it for 100%
Edit: I see you use it in your kernel update package. So you write only updater-script and place also update-binary next to it?

LOL, you've got help from every well known hero dev on xda, I'm sure you'll have all the info you need now to start building rom's. Good Luck!

Found an app called Easy Flashable zip Builder on this thread. Will test it soon.

tomekk_nt said:
Found an app called Easy Flashable zip Builder on this thread. Will test it soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it is for MS Windows, or saw I wrong ? I have also built a tool to javasign files,but should probably write a manual first,it is easy to use but some dependencies maybe not so easy for a beginner with Linux.

tomekk_nt said:
That's mine assuption, too, but would like to know it for 100%
Edit: I see you use it in your kernel update package. So you write only updater-script and place also update-binary next to it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correcto

[Q] How to create an flashable .zip file

Hello all,
I am looking for a good comprehensive guide to creating my own .zip files to flash certain changes I like to make when flashing a rom or just adding files.
Now I have found a few good guides here on XDA but they seem to no longer apply as the update script needs to be in edify and not amend. This is the issue I am having so if anyone can point me to a walk through that explains this type of thing I would appreciate it.

Anyone?

lol, i dont think developers/people-with-knowledge would go into a Q&A sub-forum .
I'm neither on of them, however here is my would-be-successful attempt p) :
1- Make all your modifications and finalize them, the root folder must be /system/ .
2- use apktool to recompile as an apk (apktool b system)
3- sign that .apk.
4- rename extension to zip and violla
theoretically, it should work.

Not shure if this can help you, but i created a zip (original Script is from dungphp) to replace files on my device from CWM:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1241244

[How To] Create a custom firmware for SmartQ Ten3 T15

These are the steps explaining you how to create a custom firmware based on the SmartQ firmware releases.
Warning : Creating a firmware and changing the files may cause your device to stop working, I won't be held responsible for any damage caused by this.
Creating a firmware file is actually very easy, not much is involved and nothing more than some basic software is required to create the files. If you don't understand the steps below than maybe you shouldn't fiddle around with this and wait for other members to create these.
There is nothing explained here about the flashing itself, as I will create a seperate How-To about that with pictures explaining the steps of the recovery.
Also there is nothing explained about kernel building itself, I have no clue how to do that and I'll leave that up to SmartQ.
Use the instructions below to make your own Firmware file with the software you want in it and make all configuration changes you want.
1. If you haven't already download the latest official firmware from SmartQ.
2. Extract the zip file. You then have 2 files, a Chinese .txt file with the release notes. And a file called "SmartQT15".
3. Rename the file "SmartQT15" to "SmartQT15.zip". Accept any warning about making the file useless, as in fact you are making it useful.
4. Extract the zip file. Then you end up with 4 new folders :
"boot" - This will be the files required for booting the OS. And possibly the recovery.
"data" - The user apps and data are in this folder.
"META-INF" - The certificate SmartQ used is in this folder and also the update script that manages the update process.
"system" - The actual Android OS.Stay clear of the boot folder, unless you are 100% sure about what you are doing, this may cause a bricked device without the possibility to reflash.
Add apps to the app subfolder in the data folder. Make sure if you do add apps to set the permissions in the update script file and make changes accordingly. The data-extra.tar file is extracted during the update process.
In the "META-INF\com\google\android" folder you can find the updater-script file, you can edit this with Notepad++. This file tells the CWM based recovery what to do and in this file the permissions are set for apps. Also is it required to edit this if you want to create a pre-rooted firmware.
Be carefull what to change in the system folder it can cause your OS not to boot, but it should be no problem to revert back to another build that did work previously as you didn't touch the boot folder and the recovery should work normally.
Once you have made all the changes you wanted to do. You follow the steps back.
5. zip the 4 folders backup using Winzip or WinRAR, whatever suits you best (You can use compression, I tried out Fast, Normal, Good compression in WinRAR and the firmware flashed without problems). Make sure you have the 4 folders in the "root" of your zip file. Use for filename "SmartQT15.zip"
6. Rename the "SmartQT15.zip" file to "SmartQT15" and accept any warning again about changing the extension of your file.
You have now created a flashable firmware file for the SmartQ Ten3 T15.
Copy his file to the root of an empty microSD card and follow my How-To about flashing Custom Firmwares.
Don't use the guide to flash original SmartQ firmwares as this won't work, by changing the firmware package you break the firmware signature and the recovery will check for this during flashing.
Signature checking can be disabled though in the recovery as I will explain in the new How-To.
If you have any questions feel free to post below and I'll do my best to answer them, all the above is based on my experience and from what I could find out on the Internet.

[Q] CWM backup-->flashable rom?

I'm a new developer and have applied all my tweaks and edits via root explorer so far. is there a way to change a CWM backup into a flashable rom file for other users to flash? I searched around a bit, but couldn't seem to find anything about it.

Goto this thread here
follow all the setup to install cygwin & kitchen
once it's all setup you can plug your phone in and create a rom
follow the guide (second method) for creating the rom system files by extracting the system folders from your phone (rom you are using)
you can then turn it into a flashable rom zip

I think you just basically extract the CWM backup, then repackage them in 1 zip file (except for the androidsecure backup).

9steele9 said:
I'm a new developer and have applied all my tweaks and edits via root explorer so far. is there a way to change a CWM backup into a flashable rom file for other users to flash? I searched around a bit, but couldn't seem to find anything about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YOU CAN USE THE CWM BACKUP IN KITCHEN YO MAKE A CUSTOM ROM.BUT YOU CAN'T ABLE TO USE THE BACKUP FILE DIRECTLY AS A CUSTOM ROM.
OTHER HAND YOU CAN MAKE ALSO THIS BACKUP AS A DEODEXED STOCK ROM BY DEODEXING THIS BACKUP FILES.
YOU CAN FIND KICHEN GUIDE HERE-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1801690
YOU CAN FIND DEODEXING GUIDE HERE-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2230337
PRESS THANKS IF I HAVE A BIT SUCCESS TO HELPING YOU.....:thumbsup:

Hmm thats how i make roms that i dont post here though....
In tthe cwm backup u have system.rfs.tar
Extract it using 7zip
U get system.img or u might get a system folder....
Extract the img file using Magic Iso
Open magic iso
In menu..
File>open
Select ur system.img
On the left side pane right click on the disk icon and click extract.select ur destination
Once the files are all extracted copy all of them in a folder named "system"
Now get a meta-inf folder from a custom rom and zip
Meta-Inf and system folder together
U have ur rom...
Ill create a video tutorial for this tomorrow as many people ask this question in different threads of devices....
Sent from my GT-S5360 using xda app-developers app

How do I completely change the icons in the Samsung Galaxy young GT-S5360

Dear brothers :
I installed a custom ROM for my phone samsung Galaxy young GT-S5360
Dedicated Roman Information :
ROM Name:
Hyperion - Titan of the East
Build number:
Hyperion.DXLF2
I did not like the icons
How do I change the entire Icons
You experience a number of applications such as :
ICON CHANGER PRO
Did not do any good
Mentioned application does change the icons and put a shortcut on the desktop
I do not want this
I want to change application icons on the home screen
How so .?

Decompile the application you want to change the icon of with apk tool
You can see what the icon name is in the Android manifest
The icon itself will be located in res/drawable-ldpi
An easier way might be to download an icon pack (search the theme section)
Then open the Flashable zip & find the app name you are looking for - open that folder & put the image you want in there replacing the image in the folder (rename your image to match the one you are replacing)
Then flash it in cwm with system mounted

marcussmith2626 said:
Decompile the application you want to change the icon of with apk tool
You can see what the icon name is in the Android manifest
The icon itself will be located in res/drawable-ldpi
An easier way might be to download an icon pack (search the theme section)
Then open the Flashable zip & find the app name you are looking for - open that folder & put the image you want in there replacing the image in the folder (rename your image to match the one you are replacing)
Then flash it in cwm with system mounted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me, my brother I do not
speak English fluently And it will
help me in the search within the
site I hope you can explain to me
way more steps And a civilian, if
possible, the programs needed

Excuse me, my brothers again
Google to invoke the interpreter
brought to you my problem Found
in another section of this issue :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1699249
Is this Cevedna.? I want to install the
original Android Icons The
Samsung Galaxy S3 Icons How do
I install it.?

abdoosman said:
Excuse me, my brothers again
Google to invoke the interpreter
brought to you my problem Found
in another section of this issue :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1699249
Is this Cevedna.? I want to install the
original Android Icons The
Samsung Galaxy S3 Icons How do
I install it.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
download that icon pack
open it with winrar or any other unzipper
goto the unpack folder
in there you will find a list of folders that relate to the applications - eg Calendar
open the res folder and replace the image in there with the one you want making sure your image has the same file name as the one you are replacing
once done delete any folders to apps you dont want to replace
flash the zip in cwm with system mounted

marcussmith2626 said:
download that icon pack
open it with winrar or any other unzipper
goto the unpack folder
in there you will find a list of folders that relate to the applications - eg Calendar
open the res folder and replace the image in there with the one you want making sure your image has the same file name as the one you are replacing
once done delete any folders to apps you dont want to replace
flash the zip in cwm with system mounted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My brother Before this I did the
following: You download the file
icons You are logged on a recovery
mode You have downloaded or so
to flashing Profile Icons have not
changed I noticed something:
Download file icons by recovery is
not complete Viz: The phone
automatically reboots itself does
not go to me after the download
screen recovery and which ones I
choose reboot system now What is
the problem.?

Do you have a video explaining the
way.?

abdoosman said:
Do you have a video explaining the
way.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No - its pretty self explainitory
Unzip & replace images in the zip within the folder relating to the app
I'm sure you could search YouTube yourself for videos

marcussmith2626 said:
No - its pretty self explainitory
Unzip & replace images in the zip within the folder relating to the app
I'm sure you could search YouTube yourself for videos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I do that by applying Root
xplor.? You unzip the file icons by
applying x-plore And I saw the
images inside folders icons which I
want Question: Are these icons
suitable for all Romat or only
official ROMs.?

abdoosman said:
Can I do that by applying Root
xplor.? You unzip the file icons by
applying x-plore And I saw the
images inside folders icons which I
want Question: Are these icons
suitable for all Romat or only
official ROMs.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you will need to be rooted
you can unzip the zip with any unzipper and rezip once done
you then flash the zip in cwm with system mounted
the rom will need to be de-odexed

marcussmith2626 said:
you will need to be rooted
you can unzip the zip with any unzipper and rezip once done
you then flash the zip in cwm with system mounted
the rom will need to be de-odexed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could not do anything
Down the phone
You go to recovery
You run CWM
I installed icons file
Returned the phone automatically
Icons have not changed Is this correct way.?
Excuse me, my brother That were
not correct,
please media the right
steps to be numbered 1, 2, 3 .....
And the extent of links to software
do I need
Thank you

abdoosman said:
I could not do anything
Down the phone
You go to recovery
You run CWM
I installed icons file
Returned the phone automatically
Icons have not changed Is this correct way.?
Excuse me, my brother That were
not correct,
please media the right
steps to be numbered 1, 2, 3 .....
And the extent of links to software
do I need
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing you didn't mount system before flashing the zip
Remember you also need to be rooted & most likely need to be deodexed (most custom roms are already)

marcussmith2626 said:
I'm guessing you didn't mount system before flashing the zip
Remember you also need to be rooted & most likely need to be deodexed (most custom roms are already)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me, my brother
You multiplied
Phone by Root
Question:
Is it when I Btflish icons of file
recovery and lift off the phone will
change the icons directly or are
there other steps need to be
made.?

abdoosman said:
Excuse me, my brother
You multiplied
Phone by Root
Question:
Is it when I Btflish icons of file
recovery and lift off the phone will
change the icons directly or are
there other steps need to be
made.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read all my previous posts - I can't make it clear other than to say root - mount system in cwm - then flash zip
Change what ever images you want inside the zip keeping file names the same
If you can't understand - I'm sorry I cannot help you

marcussmith2626 said:
Read all my previous posts - I can't make it clear other than to say root - mount system in cwm - then flash zip
Change what ever images you want inside the zip keeping file names the same
If you can't understand - I'm sorry I cannot help you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you brother
Finally able to
be installed
Thank you
Excuse me
if you multiplied So if science
student
Thank you