[Q] Using sd-ext to keep apps - Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo, Pro

Hello,
I would like to be able to use the sd-ext partition as a way to store my apps and if possible the config file of them (like config of an app, game saves, ...).
So, I will be able to install a new rom and use directly all my apps which are still on the sd-ext.
And yes, I known that a backup program can do that but it's far to be as good as what I'm looking for.

Apps can be installed on sd-ext using A2SD Script.
If you want to install a new rom without deleting the installed app,then don't wipe (or factory reset).
But most of rom required wipe during installation.

Link2sd is very good app and I find it better than app2sd because it allows widgets to still be used, (Which i beleive cannot be done with app2sd?)
Free download from play store.
You need to partition your sd card though.
Follow this guide to do it, its very easy and gives all the instructions to work.
I have been following this since my x10 days and now onto my neo phone. I cant live without it.

@svprm: Make a wipe is not a problem as I can save my apps by connecting directly my sd-card to my computer. So if a wipe is really necessary: backup data from sd-ext, make a wipe threw CWM, restore sd-ext, install rom
@gregbradley: I already install Link2SD but it creates symbolic links into the /data folder so if you make a wipe of this folder, you lost those symbolic links. So Link2SD could be perfect if it was possible to save/restore those symbolic links!

I think it will work as you said
1.Install the rom as per insutruction.
2.Install the A2SD script.
3.Restore the sd-ext from pc if you wiped.
4.Boot it.
Try it.

Yes sorry, my fault, I thought that you spoke about Link2SD.
So yes, with A2SD it seems to be possible (which require A2SDGui), in this case all the /data/app is moved to the SD as I understand. This will also save the "config files" (like config of an app, game saves, ...) ?

Yes,Apps and Config can be saved on sd-ext by A2SD++
See this thread for more info:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1716124

Wow, that's a very interesting thread, I was looking after this for a while. Thanks!
But I'v one more question if I can, where are store the "config files"? Into the /data/data folder?
Because there is so many possibilities with those scripts, it's not so easy to choose. Saving "config files" + apps seems to be the better way as dalvik cache could be regenerated quickly.

Config files are saved on /data/data folder.

Ok, so I've the choice between A2SD++ and INT2EXT.
A2SD++ seems to moves some sub-folders from /data while INT2EXT mount the sd-card on /data. So with A2SD++ there is still some sub-folders on the internal memory.
Have you test both of these solutions, which one is the best for you and why? Sorry to ask so many questions, it's the last one promise.

I think it depends on your sdcard speed(class).
INT2EXT working well for me.

Yokav said:
@gregbradley: I already install Link2SD but it creates symbolic links into the /data folder so if you make a wipe of this folder, you lost those symbolic links. So Link2SD could be perfect if it was possible to save/restore those symbolic links!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isnt that why we use titanium backup?
So when we do a wipe we can restore all apps+data from the backup (Stored on the SD card) and have link2sd automatically relink them.
That always works for me.....I think you are finding problems where thay dont exist.

Yes, it will works like this. But for me using a backup tool is not interesting. The goal of storing data to the sd-card is to don't have to make any backup.
So my choice gone for the CronMod script presented by svprm but thanks for your comment, it's always good to have different point of view.

I found another great application to use with the CronMod script: Apps2ROM (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lrenault.tools.apps2rom).
Because external sd-card could never be as fast as internal memory, it's interesting to keep the possibility to move easily an application to the internal memory. And at the same time, to avoid duplicate application after an update.

Yokav said:
Yes, it will works like this. But for me using a backup tool is not interesting. The goal of storing data to the sd-card is to don't have to make any backup.
So my choice gone for the CronMod script presented by svprm but thanks for your comment, it's always good to have different point of view.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True,
But if you change roms you should not use the data froma previous rom, so changing from stock to CM to MIUI etc needs you to use a backup and restore tha apps without data

svprm said:
I think it depends on your sdcard speed(class).
INT2EXT working well for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried with INT2EXT and it's slow...too slow.
Maybe that you've OC your Neo and have a very fast sd-card. I've a class 10 sd-card of 32Go, which should not be so bad.

Related

Extended internal storage... i don't get it...

Ok people, I don't understand any of this. Does anyone care to explain to me how this ext4 thing works and how should my phone be set up?
first of all running cwm5 and ICSunday2
At first I partitioned my phone with cwm5, make a 800mb partition on my sd card. Then I used Titanium backup to move my apps to SD card. I set up from CM settings to install apps to external... now all my memory keeps getting full with time. With that partition I don't think I gained anything just lost almost half my SD card capatity.
my current memory according to Titanium:
system rom: 81/216 free
internal: 65/187 free
sd card 684mb/1.1gb free
Also CM settings sais that the device deosn't have expanded internal storage...
Can anyone help me get back to square one and guide me from a clean slate??
Cheers
P.s. while updateing apps i get storage full warning....
Download s2e this will help
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium
will this detect all my apps and put them in the correct place? including them ones already on the sd card moved by titanium?
EDIT: great it just put me in a boot loop, fkin awesome
Edit2: restoring -_-
I used this on all my phones on my galaxy s i had 724 apps installed and on ace ive got353 apps it will put everything like cache apps etc in your ext
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium
yeah i got that, except that the app got my phone into a boot loop... had to restore from cwm
I'll try to explain (CMIIW):
Firstly, the option in Titanium Backup and CyanogenMod settings refer to native Apps2SD, i.e. the one used by FroYo up. It will move data files to your partition under /sdcard/.android_secure/ and/or /sdcard/Android/
a2sd, however (such as DTA2SD, Link2SD and S2E) takes ALL the files of an application and puts them in the ext4 partition, then creates a link (a shortcut in Windows terms) in /data/app/ (and other concerning directories).
My personal favorite is Link2SD, because you chioose which apps to link, what files of the app to link and supports FAT, ext2, ext3 and ext4 partitions.
I have yet to try S2E.
Sent from my GT-S5830
OK, I get it. Thanks. But will it move the apps from the sd card that the titanium moved?
I tried the apps, both move the apps to regular sd aprtition not to /sd-ext
someone tell me what to do step by step, not "download **"
Jokerman170 said:
I tried the apps, both move the apps to regular sd aprtition not to /sd-ext
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Both apps" as in Titanium Backup and CM7 Settings?
Okay, I'll try to give you directions to use Link2SD (if you want to use another app, that's fine, but I'll only post instructions for Link2SD for the moment):
1. Download and flash CWM 5.
You've done that, right? Okey-dokey, next step
2. Partition your SD card with CWM.
It's recommended to backup then format your SD card in order for it work optimally. After that, boot into CMW and partition from there. I don't remember where, but it should be under the "advanced" option.
You'll get a prompt on how large the partition will be (I recommend 512MB; it's more than enough). After that, there'll be a prompt on the swap size; you should choose 0MB if you don't plan on using swap, otherwise pick ~200MB.
The created partition will use the ext3 partition; DTA2SD and S2E (AFAIK) don't support ext3, but Link2SD does.
3. Download/install Link2SD from the Market.
Pretty straightforward there.
4. Open and set up Link2SD mount scripts.
The first time you open Link2SD, there will be a dialog on what your 2nd partition filesystem is. As stated above, it's ext3, so pick ext3. After Link2SD creates the mount scripts, reboot in order to be able to start using it.
5. Pick apps to move to sd-ext and set up Link2SD settings.
Sidenote: you can't move system apps to sd-ext, for safety reasons.
You can batch-link your apps to sd-ext by: Filter icon (the kitchen funnel thing; don't know what it's called) > User > Menu button > Multi-select > Menu button > Select all > Menu button > Actions > Create link > OK. By doing that, all your apps will be moved to the ext partition.
If you want to automatically link to sd-ext every time you install an app: Menu-button > Settings > Auto-link.
Hope that'll work. Link2SD never fails for me (except for that one time when the mount script didn't work, but that was because I selected the wrong filesystem type; user error).
thanks for the guide. earlyer today I got a little problem I used the link2sd but i selected ext4, i moved the apps, but they went to the normal partition. i deleted link2sd and used s2e, s2e worket but only transfered the apps from my phone not the ones from my SD card that link2sd moved.. now any app i try to install or move the phone reboots... or sais that i have not enough space on my phone to copy back
any helps with that?
edit: ill just restore my backup and start over
Yup worked fine now, thank you so much again. You should post it somewhere as tutorial for noobs

Moving from link2SD to another apps2SD script

Currently I have an HTC Explorer on the stock ROM with stock kernel, and it is rooted and I use link2SD to move all my apps to my SD card. However, this method does not move the application data. I would like to install a new apps2SD script that will move app data as well as apps, as I am running out of space due to the data.
The problem I am facing is that with link2SD, I am using a FAT32 partition (my current stock kernel does not support ext partitions). Almost all my apps are on this FAT32 partition. I believe if I switch to a different script, I must use an ext partition. I think I will need to install a custom kernel that supports ext partitions (and init.d scripts?) and create a new ext partition.
My questions are these:
1. Will installing a new kernel be enough without installing a new ROM? (If so, can anyone suggest one for the Explorer that adds ext & init.d support? Preferably as few other features as possible, I'd like to stick reasonably close to stock)
2. How can I move all my existing apps from the FAT32 partition to the ext partition, and also move all the data currently on internal storage to the ext partition, without losing anything? (If I back everything up with Titanium Backup, make the switch, and then restore the backup once the script is installed, will that work? If so, do I need to do a wipe at any point?)
3. Which apps2SD script should I use? I have read about several, and have no idea which is best.
4. How do I actually make the switch? Do I uninstall link2SD, remove the FAT32 partition and replace it with an ext2 partition, install the new script in recovery, then boot up? Or would that cause problems with the remnant symlinks made by link2SD? Do I need to do a wipe at some point?
I realise I am asking a lot of questions here, at this point I am beginning to regret not going with a custom kernel and a full a2sd script in the first place. Any help would be much appreciated.
Would like to know also..

[Q] Internal Space

Hello i have bought and phone and all apps are installed in external card.
But the folders of dalvik-cache and data/data have at least 100mb, and it results in some 10mb free in this partition, i need to instal more apps, and i receive a result that i didnt have space...
I was Atrix 4G owner, and didnt have this issue...
Please anybody a suggestion? I already installed all ...2SD apps and all apps are in SDCard...
Thanks guys!!
Velcis Ribeiro said:
Hello i have bought and phone and all apps are installed in external card.
But the folders of dalvik-cache and data/data have at least 100mb, and it results in some 10mb free in this partition, i need to instal more apps, and i receive a result that i didnt have space...
I was Atrix 4G owner, and didnt have this issue...
Please anybody a suggestion? I already installed all ...2SD apps and all apps are in SDCard...
Thanks guys!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is your new phone?Have you tried making a SD-EXT partition & move dalvik-cache to it?
How can i do that? I tried moving and link dalvik-cache to /sdcard but no result, it cant be linked in sdcard...
!!!
I cant install CWM or another recovery :/
Velcis Ribeiro said:
How can i do that? I tried moving and link dalvik-cache to /sdcard but no result, it cant be linked in sdcard...
!!!
I cant install CWM or another recovery :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try these steps
1. Make an ext3 partition of your desired size on your sd card using a pc partitioning tool called minitool and put it back in your phone.
2. Install an app called link2sd and launch it.
3. Select ext3 when the app asks for which type of partition the mount scripts need to be created.
4. Reboot the phone.
5. Again launch the app and this time if it shows the change log, the mount scripts are installed correctly.
6. Select the apps you want and create links. You can link the app as well as its dalvik cache.
7. You can even set the app to create links automatically when you install a new app.
8. All the linked apps will be in the sd ext3 partition and best thing is that widget apps too will work.
Hope this helps you.
texasranger770 said:
Try these steps
1. Make an ext3 partition of your desired size on your sd card using a pc partitioning tool called minitool and put it back in your phone.
2. Install an app called link2sd and launch it.
3. Select ext3 when the app asks for which type of partition the mount scripts need to be created.
4. Reboot the phone.
5. Again launch the app and this time if it shows the change log, the mount scripts are installed correctly.
6. Select the apps you want and create links. You can link the app as well as its dalvik cache.
7. You can even set the app to create links automatically when you install a new app.
8. All the linked apps will be in the sd ext3 partition and best thing is that widget apps too will work.
Hope this helps you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can do it but only with Fat32 partition, because i didnt have CWM my phone is XingLing, and doing by Fat32 its ok, but the cellphone stills to slow and i cant fix launcher in memory, i think it have 160mb ram because it shows 138mb used, 9.1 free
How can i drop almost processes? Or delete things that i cant use, i have root, but i dont know what to delete!
And another issue, my phone is MTK6573 based, and i cant found a scatter file for it, because i dumped all the phone and want to recover system.img
Thankz!!

Insufficient storage available SGS3 Rooted even with space

Hi all,
I have come to a conclusion that I need more suggestions than most posted threads that have similar issues. I am past the basic tests, but I am sure there are more options.
The issue: I cannot install any new APK's either from Google Play or even via ADB. I am getting the common "Insufficient storage available" error. I assume all installed files land in /data/app first which is on the internal storage. So I have attached some screenshots below that prove that everything should be working fine given there is a lot of free space left.
Also, other things I have done are:
- Wipe dalvik cache and /cache
- Fix Root permissions
- copy /system/xbin/busybox to /system/bin (cannot update busybox since I cannot install or overwrite due to this error)
- Check both /storage/sdcard0 and /storage/sdcard1 have enough space.
1- you should ask the moderator to move it to S3 Q&A
2- I've also encountered this kind of issue in the past. If you are using Philz recovery:
backup all files on sd + nandroid backup to sd1, do 'wipe to install a new rom', mount&storage->format system, format data and sdcard (it will delete your previous rom and all files on internal sd, so don't forget to copy a new one to your external sd, and be careful not to format sdcard1)
Now you can restore your nandroid backup (don't forget to copy backed-up files to sd afterwards) or to install a freash one
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Try an app called Diskusage ... maybe it helps.
sergiomc22 said:
Try an app called Diskusage ... maybe it helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hard to install any new APK's / apps since I get this message every single time.
Nothing worse than someone saying why don't you try... app; don't think they understand your dilemma. Can you install an. Apk from phone or ext men?
Can you install things if you remove your ext sd?

Re-Partition /system and /data ?

i just wanted to ask if it is possible to re-partition /system and /data partition .. i am thinking of pulling some of /system memory and add it to /data because my system has around 60mb+ more free memory which i can't use while my /data is only less than 20mb free and its irritating to see the low memory notification ..
or is it possible to pull some of /cache memory and add it to /data ?
thanks
xlSKYFiRElx said:
i just wanted to ask if it is possible to re-partition /system and /data partition .. i am thinking of pulling some of /system memory and add it to /data because my system has around 60mb+ more free memory which i can't use while my /data is only less than 20mb free and its irritating to see the low memory notification ..
or is it possible to pull some of /cache memory and add it to /data ?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try using scripts like CronMod to increase you internal memory. All you need is a rooted phone and an SD Card with ext partition. You can create an ext partition from CWM (Advanced> Partition SD card> Size (maximum 1GB)>Cache (0MB)). Make sure to backup your SD card before you create the ext partition. Here is the link to the script,
Cronmod Unofficial / Data2sdext
Hope I Helped
mahithm said:
Try using scripts like CronMod to increase you internal memory. All you need is a rooted phone and an SD Card with ext partition. You can create an ext partition from CWM (Advanced> Partition SD card> Size (maximum 1GB)>Cache (0MB)). Make sure to backup your SD card before you create the ext partition. Here is the link to the script,
Cronmod Unofficial / Data2sdext
Hope I Helped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i found CronMod a couple of days ago, well i tried Data2Ext .. when i installed it my phone was 80% more laggy, i don't know why .. but i kinda like it more since it shows the sd-ext partition on the app manager instead of the original device storage .. but still, i'll try cronmod
also, it says on the thread that the attached files are outdated, but the links on the post seems to be dead
also, i added facebook, facebook messenger, google play services, hangout, clean master and quickpic to the .zip of the rom so they would be pre-installed to the /system but still my device storage is only at 30~40% initial after flashing considering that the apps are installed in the /system partition
i also tried TouchWiz ROM, it's great but i haven't installed a single app yet but the /data partition seems to be 60% Loaded already ?? is there a remedy for it ? thanks
you helped me again, hit thanks :good:
by the way, will cronmod work with pre-installed apps ? i mean the system apps ?? will cronmod manage to move all of its Dalvik Cache and Data to SdExt ??
xlSKYFiRElx said:
i found CronMod a couple of days ago, well i tried Data2Ext .. when i installed it my phone was 80% more laggy, i don't know why .. but i kinda like it more since it shows the sd-ext partition on the app manager instead of the original device storage .. but still, i'll try cronmod
also, it says on the thread that the attached files are outdated, but the links on the post seems to be dead
also, i added facebook, facebook messenger, google play services, hangout, clean master and quickpic to the .zip of the rom so they would be pre-installed to the /system but still my device storage is only at 30~40% initial after flashing considering that the apps are installed in the /system partition
i also tried TouchWiz ROM, it's great but i haven't installed a single app yet but the /data partition seems to be 60% Loaded already ?? is there a remedy for it ? thanks
you helped me again, hit thanks :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is how CronMod works. It basically loads the /data to /sd-ext so that now /sd-ext contains all the data files. Now we mount the ext partition as the new /data mount point. Then all files in /sd-ext are moved back to /data. Since certain files like gps will not work when it is in ext partition, it is then moved back to /sd-ext. Then all the contents in /data and /sd-ext in binded so that any change in any of them is reflected to original. This is initialized every time at the boot. The reason CronMod lags is because the ext partition is loaded as the mount point for /data. Since SD card read/write operations are slower than internal memory read/write operation, /data operation will be slow. This is can be solved to a greater extend if you have a Class 8 or 10 SD card. BTW which verson did you install? If you installed CronMod by croniccorey then gps will not work. Go with CronMod Unofficial by Styke. Also this doesn't affect /system partition. Using this script will not increase the /system space. It will only increase the /data memory, so that you can install more apps and games.
---------- Post added at 11:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:00 AM ----------
xlSKYFiRElx said:
by the way, will cronmod work with pre-installed apps ? i mean the system apps ?? will cronmod manage to move all of its Dalvik Cache and Data to SdExt ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since this script moves the /data partition to your ext, none of the pre-installed apps are moved to ext partition. /system thereby system apps remains intact. I suggest you install apps like facebook, facebook messenger, google play services, hangout and clean master after you setup this script. Once you install an app as system app, it can never be moved to ext partition. Hope I Helped
Since this script links the /data partition to your ext, none of the pre-installed apps are moved to ext partition. /system thereby system apps remains intact. I suggest you install apps like facebook, facebook messenger, google play services, hangout and clean master after you setup this script. Once you install an app as system app, it can never be moved to ext partition. Hope I Helped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i see, i think you didn't understood my question, sorry for that .. i mean, will the system applications cache and dalvik cache be linked to the sd-ext ?? .. nonetheless, i'll try again
but, do you happen to have a link to the latest versions ?? the latest version links are dead on the thread so i can't find a download link
thumbs up again for you mate, you help a lot
EDIT: also, will be SDHC be sufficient to aid the lag (even for a little ?) its a Class 10 32GB RIDATA MICRO SDHC
xlSKYFiRElx said:
i see, i think you didn't understood my question, sorry for that .. i mean, will the system applications cache and dalvik cache be linked to the sd-ext ?? .. nonetheless, i'll try again
but, do you happen to have a link to the latest versions ?? the latest version links are dead on the thread so i can't find a download link
thumbs up again for you mate, you help a lot
EDIT: also, will be SDHC be sufficient to aid the lag (even for a little ?) its a Class 10 32GB RIDATA MICRO SDHC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL I explained everything in detail thinking that you will understand. Long story short, CronMod script basically moves /data to ext partition. Since all the system and user application's dalvik cache is present in /data, Yes, it will be moved to ext. Nothing in /system will be moved to ext partition. All system apps are present at /system/app, so it can't be moved. User apps that you install goes to /data/app, so those will be moved. Also download the latest version from the "Attached Files" section in the same link. It works. Before you buy a new SD Card, try this in your current SD Card. See if it lags a lot. I might have an another solution. If that too doesn't work, you can buy a new SD Card. Do post the result. Hope I Helped
mahithm said:
LOL I explained everything in detail thinking that you will understand. Long story short, CronMod script basically moves /data to ext partition. Since all the system and user application's dalvik cache is present in /data, Yes, it will be moved to ext. Nothing in /system will be moved to ext partition. All system apps are present at /system/app, so it can't be moved. User apps that you install goes to /data/app, so those will be moved. Also download the latest version from the "Attached Files" section in the same link. It works. Before you buy a new SD Card, try this in your current SD Card. See if it lags a lot. I might have an another solution. If that too doesn't work, you can buy a new SD Card. Do post the result. Hope I Helped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i get stuck at bootscreen with cronmod, i don't know why, with Data2Ext, with my previous experience with is is ultimate lag
xlSKYFiRElx said:
i get stuck at bootscreen with cronmod, i don't know why, with Data2Ext, with my previous experience with is is ultimate lag
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using any other data2ext scripts currently apart from CronMod? Usually installing CronMod on a device that already has a data2ext script will give this error. Make sure to delete all other data2ext scripts if present. Since you are stuck at boot screen, you will have to reflash the rom. Make sure to do Mounts and Storage>Format /system before flashing the new rom. There are two ways by which you can install CronMod. First one is by flashing the zip from CWM (in that case you have to mount /system before flashing). Second one is the easiest one. Just extract the CronMod zip file. You will get a file 40int2ext in /system/etc/init.d/. Now extract the rom that you are going to flash, put the file 40int2ext in /system/etc/init.d/ and then compress it back. Done! Now flash the rom and you are good to go. Try the second method. Make sure you have an ext partition and the rom has init.d support (all custom roms has init.d support). If that method doesn't work or devices lags like hell, then post here and I'll be glad to share the other method. Hope I Helped

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