I am trying to make some minor changes to framework-res.apk in /res/values/bools.xml
I used apktool to decompile and make my changes but I am not sure how to properly re-compile.
Just "apktool b framework-res" errors out with invalid resource names.
Finally got it to re-compile by pasting the resource.arsc. from original apk(Dunno if this is correct way)
Then, after re-compile I paste the META-INF from the original apk.
I am hesitant to push this onto my phone now because to file sizes of the modified and original .apk differ by like 2mb. And theres 100 more files in /res of the modified .apk. (Now shows file I was trying to access by decompiling before)
Can I safely push the .apk? or am I doing it completly wrong?
Thanks!
( I did search forums and web before, but did not find anyone having to copy resource.arsc before re-compiling)
trailblazerz11 said:
I am trying to make some minor changes to framework-res.apk in /res/values/bools.xml
I used apktool to decompile and make my changes but I am not sure how to properly re-compile.
Just "apktool b framework-res" errors out with invalid resource names.
Finally got it to re-compile by pasting the resource.arsc. from original apk(Dunno if this is correct way)
Then, after re-compile I paste the META-INF from the original apk.
I am hesitant to push this onto my phone now because to file sizes of the modified and original .apk differ by like 2mb. And theres 100 more files in /res of the modified .apk. (Now shows file I was trying to access by decompiling before)
Can I safely push the .apk? or am I doing it completly wrong?
Thanks!
( I did search forums and web before, but did not find anyone having to copy resource.arsc before re-compiling)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FOr me, APKtool works as ****...
What you can do: pull /system/framework/framework-res.apk ~/backup
and then you can push. If it doesn't work, then boot into recovery, select mount system and push back the old one.
OT: I don't get why you should use original resources.arsc...
offtopic: when I decompile framework-res using apktool, I get other file structure then normal extract. example: my framework-res doenst have a raw-folder, but apktool decompiled has...
mDroidd said:
FOr me, APKtool works as ****...
What you can do: pull /system/framework/framework-res.apk ~/backup
and then you can push. If it doesn't work, then boot into recovery, select mount system and push back the old one.
OT: I don't get why you should use original resources.arsc...
offtopic: when I decompile framework-res using apktool, I get other file structure then normal extract. example: my framework-res doenst have a raw-folder, but apktool decompiled has...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is due to the raw folder being combined into the resources file. Search for apkmultitool it is a far easier tool to use and will do everything you need. That goes for both posts
Before doing that, create a flashable zip containing the framework-res.apk file which you can use in case you get a black screen or something.
So that you don't have to restore.
You do realize that resources.arsc, aka resources directory is the collection of xml and other data. You take it from another ROM, how on earth will your xml edits be preserved?
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
I need to edit the bools.xml file in framework-res.apk and an a bit stuck on the apktool. I used the APK Multitool to decompile the framework-res.apk file. I then used notepad++ to edit the bools.xml file. I then recompiled it using the APK Multitool and pushed it to /system/framework overwriting the original (after first making a copy of the original). On reboot the phone is stuck in a boot loop.
I managed to use ADB shell to restore the original file and it now boots (I lost all the synchronise stuff but not a big deal). So I have been searching and have found various posts about the later versions of apktool not working very well.
I have a fairly clean Windows 7 x86 installation with Java 1.6 and am using this to do the work on. Can someone point me in the right direction as to how to edit/recompile the framework-res.apk file?
Andy
I actually also trying to edit bools.xml located in framework-res.apk
I'm using Apk Changer it may be easier.
after some tries (and bootloops) I've managed to do some changes in framework-res : replacing pictures -> It works
after decompiling the apk, when I edit values within bools.xml , & then choose to compile, it creates a folder called "keep" and i have to delete edited files in that folder so as to replace them by my customized files.
BUT I don't find the folder "values" that contains bools.xml . Therefore, the generated apk will not make changes done in bools.xml .
Does anyone has any idea about Editing that xml ?
More details & Tuto :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916814
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9066440&postcount=1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9978779&postcount=62
@ADB100
Advanced Decompiling
Sometimes, you have that pesky app that just won't decompile correctly. Usually, it's an app related to others, like a proprietary system app based off framework-res.apks.
When this happens, you need to ensure that the frameworks are there to have the app's recourse tables properly compile.
For either apktool or apk manager, find a folder on your computer called "apktool."
The should be a folder in here called "framework," and inside that, a 1.apk.
For an app that is dependent on the framework-res.apk in a specific phone/rom, take the framework-res.apk for that rom and rename it 1.apk.
Replace the default one in the folder with yours.
If there's a second one, like the twframework-res.apk for Samsung phones, rename it 2.apk and place it in the "framework" folder.
Now, decompile like normal, and everything should be good
//By theimpaler747
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-Yasser-
-yasser- said:
I actually also trying to edit bools.xml located in framework-res.apk
I'm using Apk Changer it may be easier.
after some tries (and bootloops) I've managed to do some changes in framework-res : replacing pictures -> It works
after decompiling the apk, when I edit values within bools.xml , & then choose to compile, it creates a folder called "keep" and i have to delete edited files in that folder so as to replace them by my customized files.
BUT I don't find the folder "values" that contains bools.xml . Therefore, the generated apk will not make changes done in bools.xml .
Does anyone has any idea about Editing that xml ?
More details & Tuto :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916814
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9066440&postcount=1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9978779&postcount=62
@ADB100
-Yasser-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The values folders get compressed into the resources.arsc file so in the keep folder delete this file and your changes will stick
not sure if you got this figured out yet but if not heres how the whole process should go.
Code:
apktool if framework-res.apk
if on a sense based rom do this too
Code:
apktool if com.htc.resources.apk
change to the directory where your framework-res.apk is
Code:
apktool d -f framework-res.apk out
or something like this if apktool is not in your path
Code:
apktool d -f ~/Desktop/framework-res.apk ~/Desktop/out
easy way to build is to cd to out folder
Code:
cd ~/Desktop/out
to build apk
Code:
apktool b
then just sign apk if needed
if you are on linux you can try this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1446233
wes342 said:
not sure if you got this figured out yet but if not heres how the whole process should go.
Code:
apktool if framework-res.apk
if on a sense based rom do this too
Code:
apktool if com.htc.resources.apk
change to the directory where your framework-res.apk is
Code:
apktool d -f framework-res.apk out
or something like this if apktool is not in your path
Code:
apktool d -f ~/Desktop/framework-res.apk ~/Desktop/out
easy way to build is to cd to out folder
Code:
cd ~/Desktop/out
to build apk
Code:
apktool b
then just sign apk if needed
if you are on linux you can try this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1446233
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this. This is what I have done but it hasn't worked for me so far. I am not sure whether I need to sign the file or not - I suspect I do?
Apart from the boot-loop another thing that worries me is the file sizes - the original framework-res.apk is 6,135,120-bytes whilst the new one is 3,319,608-bytes.
My ROM is based on the stock rooted 3.12.405.1 by nitro. The framework-res.apk already had a modification (the default wallpaper was changed) and I changed this back by just replacing the image in the .apk from WinRar and this worked fine. I want to edit the bools.xml file and get it back into the resources.arsc file.
Andy
ADB100 said:
Thanks for this. This is what I have done but it hasn't worked for me so far. I am not sure whether I need to sign the file or not - I suspect I do?
Apart from the boot-loop another thing that worries me is the file sizes - the original framework-res.apk is 6,135,120-bytes whilst the new one is 3,319,608-bytes.
My ROM is based on the stock rooted 3.12.405.1 by nitro. The framework-res.apk already had a modification (the default wallpaper was changed) and I changed this back by just replacing the image in the .apk from WinRar and this worked fine. I want to edit the bools.xml file and get it back into the resources.arsc file.
Andy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you don't have to sign the framework API. System apks are signed. What edits are you trying to do?
zelendel said:
No you don't have to sign the framework API. System apks are signed. What edits are you trying to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I want to edit is the bools.xml file so I can enable the SIP client to work over 3G: i.e. change this line in the file and re-cook it
Code:
<bool name="config_sip_wifi_only">true</bool>
This is potentially the 1st step though. If I can sucessfully edit this then I will probably try other things.
Andy
ADB100 said:
All I want to edit is the bools.xml file so I can enable the SIP client to work over 3G: i.e. change this line in the file and re-cook it
Code:
<bool name="config_sip_wifi_only">true</bool>
This is potentially the 1st step though. If I can sucessfully edit this then I will probably try other things.
Andy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so here is a step by step that I have used to make just this edit.
Apkmultitool is the one I use.
1. Decompile the apk
2. Change the false to true
3. Compile with option 11
4. In the keep folder delete the resource.asc file and then finish compiling.
5. Put New apk in zip removing the unsigned so it is named properly
6. Flash
zelendel said:
Ok so here is a step by step that I have used to make just this edit.
Apkmultitool is the one I use.
1. Decompile the apk
2. Change the false to true
3. Compile with option 11
4. In the keep folder delete the resource.asc file and then finish compiling.
5. Put New apk in zip removing the unsigned so it is named properly
6. Flash
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK - just removed and reinstalled APK Multitool, verified the path environment variable and followed these steps - Step 3 where it asks whether this is a system apk I said yes and when it asks about copying files I said yes. The resulting file is now 5,653KB compared to the original that is 5,992KB. I assume the difference is the lack of signing?
Does this sound right?
Andy
ADB100 said:
OK - just removed and reinstalled APK Multitool, verified the path environment variable and followed these steps - Step 3 where it asks whether this is a system apk I said yes and when it asks about copying files I said yes. The resulting file is now 5,653KB compared to the original that is 5,992KB. I assume the difference is the lack of signing?
Does this sound right?
Andy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That and the compression level that is used. It will also change if you optimize the pngs. Nothing to really worry about
I am obviously doing something fundamentally wrong
I followed the instructions to the letter, created the unsignedframework-res.apk, renamed it, pushed it to to my device (adb remount, adb push framework-res.apk system/framework/framework-res.apk) and rebooted - boot loop. Tried signing it with APK Multitool and then pushing this file. This time it booted but I had forced close on all sorts of things. Restored the original file and it is working again but all the sync stuff has screwed up meaning I need to re-flash as my ROM has stuff in /data that will get wiped if I do a factory reset.
Any other pointers or do you want to try editing the file for me and I'll see if yours works? I have attached the original file.
Andy
ADB100 said:
I am obviously doing something fundamentally wrong
I followed the instructions to the letter, created the unsignedframework-res.apk, renamed it, pushed it to to my device (adb remount, adb push framework-res.apk system/framework/framework-res.apk) and rebooted - boot loop. Tried signing it with APK Multitool and then pushing this file. This time it booted but I had forced close on all sorts of things. Restored the original file and it is working again but all the sync stuff has screwed up meaning I need to re-flash as my ROM has stuff in /data that will get wiped if I do a factory reset.
Any other pointers or do you want to try editing the file for me and I'll see if yours works? I have attached the original file.
Andy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried to change it for you,
Code:
<bool name="config_sip_wifi_only">false</bool>
The file size is reduced to 3.23 Mb maybe it's bcz of optimizing effect..
check if it works .
-Yasser-
-yasser- said:
I've tried to change it for you,
Code:
<bool name="config_sip_wifi_only">false</bool>
The file size is reduced to 3.23 Mb maybe it's bcz of optimizing effect..
check if it works .
-Yasser-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Thanks for this. Just renamed this and pushed it to my DHD, rebooted and yep it works. I haven't built a ROM with it yet but this tells me something is wrong at my end....
I have a fairly vanilla Dell PC with Windows 7 Ultimate x86 OEM. I have installed the DSIXDA kitchen and have been building ROMs for my DHD for a while. I have some of the Android SDK installed but maybe not all or updated (not sure if this is a problem?) but enough for adb.exe to work? I have installed the APK Multitool (obviously) and some other utilities (Ultimate Multi Tool, HTC Sync)
Other than that its a pretty clean machine - Microsoft Security Essentials and WinRar is all that's installed. This is a spare PC that I wiped recently and installed Windows 7 on and all I am really using it for is making android ROMs.
EDIT: Just built a ROM with this framework-res.apk as swapping this after I have configured account sync seems to screw the accounts up (they sync but aren't displayed in Settings, Accounts & Sync). Anyway the ROM built OK and its all working. I'd really like to know what I am doing wrong with editing the APK?
Andy
OK.
I don't really know what's wrong with your PC, or procedure ..
I'll tell you what I am doing, that may helps.
I'm using apk changer . download it from here
I think It's nearly the same as other tools, although you can try it.
For editing framework-res.apk,
first open cmd : cd <..>\apk_changer\other (folder containing apktool.jar)
then type : java -jar apktool.jar if <PATH To>\framework-res.apk
It should tell you that "framework installed to ..."
Now put your framework-res.apk in "place-files-here-for-modding"
and run apkchanger.bat choose 1 (decompile) and 3 (for sources & resources)
Do your modifications.
then return to bat, type 3 (compile). yes for system apk & yes for replacing original files.
a 'keep' folder will be created, delete resources.asc inside it.
type enter within cmd & you're done . check the new file in "place-files-here-for-modding" (unsignedframework-res.apk)
Yasser
-yasser- said:
OK.
I don't really know what's wrong with your PC, or procedure ..
I'll tell you what I am doing, that may helps.
I'm using apk changer . download it from here
I think It's nearly the same as other tools, although you can try it.
For editing framework-res.apk,
first open cmd : cd <..>\apk_changer\other (folder containing apktool.jar)
then type : java -jar apktool.jar if <PATH To>\framework-res.apk
It should tell you that "framework installed to ..."
Now put your framework-res.apk in "place-files-here-for-modding"
and run apkchanger.bat choose 1 (decompile) and 3 (for sources & resources)
Do your modifications.
then return to bat, type 3 (compile). yes for system apk & yes for replacing original files.
a 'keep' folder will be created, delete resources.asc inside it.
type enter within cmd & you're done . check the new file in "place-files-here-for-modding" (unsignedframework-res.apk)
Yasser
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Thanks for replying. I am going to wipe and reinstall Windows 7. I know it seems a bit drastic but its the only way I can eliminate it - plus its just a PC in the corner that has no important stuff (apart from the android stuff) on it.
Andy
Hi
sorry if for expert devs this is a basic question
I have been looking around but I did not found this explained
HOW TO CHANG THE ICON ASSOCIATED WITH AN APK ????
I know how to open a apk with 7 zip and that I have to change the png file there
but which file ?????
do I need to change just the file associated with the icons or all the others ?
I mean .... inside (for example) mm.apk I found the icons related to contacts.apk to email.apk etc ... do I need to chenge all of them with the new ones ?
decompile and recompile
Decompile the app with apktool and go into the res folder and find the icon u want to replace ,,change it and recompile with apktool.Lastly sign the app and you are good to go
I have never tried change icons but i tried to change the background images for dialer and system menu. I used the same method mentioned above by opening the apk using 7zip and changing the images files with my custom images and rename them exactly the same as old ones.
Then I used CWM to flash the zip which contains the modified apk (i.e. contacts.apk and framework-res.apk)
However, I would recommend that you backup your ROM before flashing the modified zip file just in case something wrong happens.
Good Luck
I remember that there is a tool much faster than apktool ti decompile recompile but ... I have not been on the forum for long and I lost it
Is it also possible to change only theicon by using vrtheme ? if yes can someone explain how ?
Thanks
Give this thread a whirl...should be very useful
Basic theming guide by Dully79
Darkside Agent said:
Give this thread a whirl...should be very useful
Basic theming guide by Dully79
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All very interesting I am sure I will use it at some point
I installed Java SDK and APKtool ... I remembered what they are for ... but still ...
the only thing I needed to know was if I need to change all the images in res or only that associated to the icon.....
ads7112 said:
All very interesting I am sure I will use it at some point
I installed Java SDK and APKtool ... I remembered what they are for ... but still ...
the only thing I needed to know was if I need to change all the images in res or only that associated to the icon.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fine, whatever, ignore my post
Please .. do not missunderstand me !!!
Your help is very much apreciated
I knew approximately what to do to modify the theme also if in general I preferred kitchen uot
Instead I was hoping in a simple change of icon afetr decompressing/decompiling the apk but apparently it is not so simple ...never mind
OK so i modified the framework-res.apk of a rom i recompiled it without signing. The problem is that i want to replace the old framework-res.apk in the zip file before flashing the rom.
When i do this either with 7 zip or winrar i get stuck in bootloop BUT if i flash only the framework-res.apk with an update.zip after i install the rom it works perfectly .
I searched all over and from what i read this should work... do i need to sign the apk if i replace it in the zip before flashing?
And if i need to sign it how i do that, i just sign it with apkmanager?
I haven't this problem, but try to sign it. They are many tools and apps for Android (also Linux) and Windows.
fd1999 said:
I haven't this problem, but try to sign it. They are many tools and apps for Android (also Linux) and Windows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you just open the .zip file replace the apk and it works?? Can you sugest some tool for signing? cause i signed it with apk manager and it din't work i got stuck at boot animation only this time it stops completly it doesn't loop...
Also i have the same issue with Settings.apk , this one if i put it in the zip before flashing it doesn't open even if i sign it or not ... what the hell am i doing wrong???
If i flash them individualy with .zip update after i flash the rom, everything works fine . But i want to modify the rom before flashing... to have only one zip ...
gafaysto said:
OK so i modified the framework-res.apk of a rom i recompiled it without signing. The problem is that i want to replace the old framework-res.apk in the zip file before flashing the rom.
When i do this either with 7 zip or winrar i get stuck in bootloop BUT if i flash only the framework-res.apk with an update.zip after i install the rom it works perfectly .
I searched all over and from what i read this should work... do i need to sign the apk if i replace it in the zip before flashing?
And if i need to sign it how i do that, i just sign it with apkmanager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what actually happens is when u decompile apk with apktool and then recompile it, signature gets mismatched so it gets stuck on bootloop. To solve this use apkmanager and decompile it as system app, perform changes and then recompile by following instructions therein
fundoozzz said:
decompile it as system app, perform changes and then recompile by following instructions therein
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that the option to decompile apk <with dependencies> cause i don't find any other option to decompile , or i have to switch decompile mode ???
gafaysto said:
Is that the option to decompile apk <with dependencies> cause i don't find any other option to decompile , or i have to switch decompile mode ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup decompile with dependencies
fundoozzz said:
yup decompile with dependencies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok i got it working , the problem was that i skipped a step when building the apk , when it offered to copy any additional files in order to ensure
least number of errors it seems that is an very important step ...
gafaysto said:
Ok i got it working , the problem was that i skipped a step when building the apk , when it offered to copy any additional files in order to ensure
least number of errors it seems that is an very important step ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fundoozzz said:
perform changes and then recompile by following instructions therein
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I said
So I bought this little phone and I was baffled that there are so few language options to select.
The phone is for my father (the english evades him) therefore I need my mother language on it.
Phone Version XT1021
OS:
Android 4.4.2 Blur_Version.20.11.14.condor_retaildsds.retaildsdsall.en.03 Updated to 4.4.4, rebuilt in a deodexed ZIP file, and a system.img file
Ho needs it, I can upload it, I have either the update.zip or system/boot img files.
What I tried:
I tried to recompile the framework-res, system and other 15~20 apps, on some it worked on some it did not.
I am using the Nexus 5 translations files
On those that worked I managed to activate them by using a morelocale app from market and the translations work just fine.
On systemUI.apk I am getting force close
On framework-res.apk the phone freezes.
How I decompile/recompile and test the apps.
1) Decompile the app
2) Add the new values
4) Recompile
5) Copy the new app created app and the original one in a folder.
6) Open both apps
7) Drag and drop the resources.asrc file in the original apk and when you are asked how would you like to compress the file, I select STORE (I use winrar)
So if anyone managed to edit the framework app, systemUI and he is kind to share how he did it without getting any bootloops and force close, I would be very appreciative.
Now, regarding the boot.img
I tried to unpack it, using the classic method, it unpacks ok, the problem is on repacking,
Is there a special tool to do it or what ?
Why do i need
I need the adb.secure to be 0, and also the security off, so I can be able to use ADB REMOUNT and monitor adb logcat since the device starts. and also to be able to push apps to system using adb.
So, ho has the information and he is kind to share ?
here is the proper way to decompile and recompile the apk in a proper way
1. Make sure you have the latest version of the apktool
2. install the framework (try using 4.4.2 framework if 4.4.4 one gives error)
3. Decompile make changes
4. Choose option compile system app in apktools
5. now when it asks to delete all the things you have modified then delete the res and resources.arsc file and if you have made any smali changes delete the classes.dex too
6. go back to script and press enter
7. now open both MODIFIED APK and UNMODIFIED APK and then DRAG AND DROP androidmanifest.xml and meta inf from UNMODIFIED TO MODIFIED APK
8. push it and set rw-r-r permission
and if you are getting the error unable to remount then install adb insecure app by chainfire
thats it
happy modding
any help comment below by quoting or mentioning my name(i get notification so that i can give quick responce )
Prashanth Meesara: said:
here is the proper way to decompile and recompile the apk in a proper way
1. Make sure you have the latest version of the apktool
2. install the framework (try using 4.4.2 framework if 4.4.4 one gives error)
3. Decompile make changes
4. Choose option compile system app in apktools
5. now when it asks to delete all the things you have modified then delete the res and resources.arsc file and if you have made any smali changes delete the classes.dex too
6. go back to script and press enter
7. now open both MODIFIED APK and UNMODIFIED APK and then DRAG AND DROP androidmanifest.xml and meta inf from UNMODIFIED TO MODIFIED APK
8. push it and set rw-r-r permission
and if you are getting the error unable to remount then install adb insecure app by chainfire
thats it
happy modding
any help comment below by quoting or mentioning my name(i get notification so that i can give quick responce )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try like this, thx for the input.
globula_neagra said:
I will try like this, thx for the input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anytime bro . if you get any errors I will help you on Teamviewer
Sent from my Moto E using XDA Free mobile app
I managed to add the language using your method, only with one mention, I think on framework you have to select STORE when you add the file to the archive.