[Q] ASUS memopad 7 (ME176CX-1E041A) OTG?

[tuxic001]

dd should be also available in your Android shell without any additional installation, I've already used it once.


Dunno. As a semi-paranoid user I like DroidWall (requires root), it allows you to restrict Internet access for a few apps you select only, so they don't talk secretly to the Internet. Some other useful apps if you have root:

• Root file explorer: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.estrongs.android.pop
• If you just want to backup data of one app TitaniumBackup may be also useful.

You can basically just "freeze" (pretty much the same as disabling) the apps instead of removing them so you don't need to backup. There are various apps on the app store which require root and can do this for you, e.g. AppFreezer (there are also tons of other apps doing this, just search for the one you like best.) Generally you can diable most of the apps you can also see in your app list, just don't disable something like SystemUI or something similar.

Ok, next problem...(as you may already have guessed...

I am digging into Titaniumbackup (vers.:7.2.0.1) backup and want to set the backup folder onto my external sdcard.
"Folder not writeable" it says.
I googled and found sdcard fix apps -- for kitkat.
I found the advice (not for my ME167CX though) that with Lollipop one has to set the "Document provider" in the
preferences...
But I really didnt find such a setting.
As a Linuxarian, I know, it is a one liner of a change in /etc/fstab or where/whatever it is called on android...but I feel a lot better
if a app would do a remount -o rw <mountpoint> instead of changing boot files in the heart of the matrix...

How can I fix this...I want to minimalize the write accesses to the internal flash as much as possible
(any further apps for that purpose?)

Best regards,
tuxic (or better: "fixit" ? )

 

[lambdadroid]

Ok, next problem...(as you may already have guessed...

I am digging into Titaniumbackup (vers.:7.2.0.1) backup and want to set the backup folder onto my external sdcard.
"Folder not writeable" it says.
I googled and found sdcard fix apps -- for kitkat.
I found the advice (not for my ME167CX though) that with Lollipop one has to set the "Document provider" in the
preferences...
But I really didnt find such a setting.
As a Linuxarian, I know, it is a one liner of a change in /etc/fstab or where/whatever it is called on android...but I feel a lot better
if a app would do a remount -o rw <mountpoint> instead of changing boot files in the heart of the matrix...

How can I fix this...I want to minimalize the write accesses to the internal flash as much as possible
(any further apps for that purpose?)

You would need to change a Android configuration file or something - never done this so I can't help you with this BUT while apps don't have write access to the external sdcard directly they can write into their dedicated data folder. On your external sdcard (check with the file explorer) there should be a folder Android/data or something with already a few folders in. TitaniumBackup can write to its folder in Android/data/com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup or something similar by default (if it doesn't exist, simply create it). If you select this folder in the app for the backups you should be able to create them on the sdcard.

 

[tuxic001]

You would need to change a Android configuration file or something - never done this so I can't help you with this BUT while apps don't have write access to the external sdcard directly they can write into their dedicated data folder. On your external sdcard (check with the file explorer) there should be a folder Android/data or something with already a few folders in. TitaniumBackup can write to its folder in Android/data/com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup or something similar by default (if it doesn't exist, simply create it). If you select this folder in the app for the backups you should be able to create them on the sdcard.

Ok...that is beyond my plain old UNIX/Linux knowledge....
Thanks a lot, cyandro - it works!

Best regards,
tuxic

 

[Mis012]

You would need to change a Android configuration file or something - never done this so I can't help you with this BUT while apps don't have write access to the external sdcard directly they can write into their dedicated data folder. On your external sdcard (check with the file explorer) there should be a folder Android/data or something with already a few folders in. TitaniumBackup can write to its folder in Android/data/com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup or something similar by default (if it doesn't exist, simply create it). If you select this folder in the app for the backups you should be able to create them on the sdcard.

With lollipop update, apps can also write to folders they create themselves. Or you can use Titanium Backup or another app to make your file browser system app, so it can do whatever it wants with sdcard (if your filebrowser doesn't already bypass the restriction somehow using root.) And dd is also an option, of course (how could I forget )
Once my tablet will return, I will try to do something to bypass the need of powered hub, will include it in tutorial on dual boot
And don't worry about my name, it's just it looks terrible to me when I see it. That's why I don't like sites which convert BIGsmallBIg to bigsmallbig.

 

[tuxic001]

With lollipop update, apps can also write to folders they create themselves. Or you can use Titanium Backup or another app to make your file browser system app, so it can do whatever it wants with sdcard (if your filebrowser doesn't already bypass the restriction somehow using root.) And dd is also an option, of course (how could I forget )
Once my tablet will return, I will try to do something to bypass the need of powered hub, will include it in tutorial on dual boot
And don't worry about my name, it's just it looks terrible to me when I see it. That's why I don't like sites which convert BIGsmallBIg to bigsmallbig.

Hi Mis012,

Tutorial on dual boot?
OH YEAH!
Dual boot for Android and Linux would be SO nice! Cant wait....

Ok, next two "problems"/questions:

I used AppFreezer to screw up my ME176CX....
Read: I overfreeze the system: Suddenly USB MTP didn't made any connection to my PC anymore.
To get the sweat off my head as fast as possible I melt ALL applications, which were freezed and rebooted
my tablet and TADA! it works again. So far so nice...but: Is there is a list of apps which can be frozen without
problems and without harming a base funcionalty?

How can I speed up startup times after shutdown?
Autostart manager and another app, which name I currently dont remember promise
to stop autostarting and preloading, but with mixed results. Any recommandations
for a app which does this better?

I found an Xserver for Android on pay.store.

Is there any other profen way than Wifi to make a connection to the ME176CX via ethernet from my PC?

The AriettaG25 (a very small (three poststamps) embedded Linux system) does ethernet over
USB...so....

Any way?

The hackers keyboard DOES include the "|" symbol. Nice keyboard for ... hacking on the ME176CX
("hacking" meant in way of "exploring technique") ideal!

Oh damn, this nice "little" tablet is such an interesting piece of hardware to hack !

Best regards
tuxic

 

[lambdadroid]

I used AppFreezer to screw up my ME176CX....
Read: I overfreeze the system: Suddenly USB MTP didn't made any connection to my PC anymore.
To get the sweat off my head as fast as possible I melt ALL applications, which were freezed and rebooted
my tablet and TADA! it works again. So far so nice...but: Is there is a list of apps which can be frozen without
problems and without harming a base funcionalty?

I don't have one, however I would say every app you can start directly from your home screen you should be also able to freeze without major problems. Better keep the other ones.

How can I speed up startup times after shutdown?
Autostart manager and another app, which name I currently dont remember promise
to stop autostarting and preloading, but with mixed results. Any recommandations
for a app which does this better?

I doubt you can do much against this, the device generally seems to require a lot of time for starting, I guess it's actually the Android version provided by ASUS or something in it. A custom ROM may be able to help with this, however currently there is no ROM available yet (we still need to figure out how to bypass the bootloader lock).

Is there any other profen way than Wifi to make a connection to the ME176CX via ethernet from my PC?

Why do you need an ethernet connection? Is USB not enough?

 

[tuxic001]

I don't have one, however I would say every app you can start directly from your home screen you should be also able to freeze without major problems. Better keep the other ones.


I doubt you can do much against this, the device generally seems to require a lot of time for starting, I guess it's actually the Android version provided by ASUS or something in it. A custom ROM may be able to help with this, however currently there is no ROM available yet (we still need to figure out how to bypass the bootloader lock).


Why do you need an ethernet connection? Is USB not enough?

Hi cyandro,

Thanks for your reply!

OK, good rule of thumb! Will try that!

I need an ethernet connection, since some installed apps ( in my case: GNURoot) needs that.
GNURoot installs a rudimentary Linux Rootfs on SDcard, and after that the installer wants to
access the internet to download a user customizable list of Linux applications.

What other connection via ethernet can I establish other than Wifi ?

Bootloader:
What does the bootloader say, whether its loads a valid kernel?
Why not to install single binaries (for example everything in /usr/bin or equivalent)?
Or is it my lack of knowledge of the whole process ... which dont let me the truth here?

Best regards,
tuxic

 

[tuxic001]

Hi,

I saw, that some experienced Androids here are flashing the newest update to Lollipop onto their devices.

Is it now proofed save that the bootloader will not be updated in the sense of "blocking out" or "more locked"
or anything else, which will limit the freedom of developers ?

Is it OK to update?

Thanks a lot for any help in advance!
Best regards,
tuxic

 

[lambdadroid]

Hi,

I saw, that some experienced Androids here are flashing the newest update to Lollipop onto their devices.

Is it now proofed save that the bootloader will not be updated in the sense of "blocking out" or "more locked"
or anything else, which will limit the freedom of developers ?

Is it OK to update?

Thanks a lot for any help in advance!
Best regards,
tuxic

Yes, I got my powered OTG hub a 2 days ago and was still able to boot things like Linux even after the update. You should be able to install it without any additional limitations.

 

[tuxic001]

Yes, I got my powered OTG hub a 2 days ago and was still able to boot things like Linux even after the update. You should be able to install it without any additional limitations.

I am happily rooted. What is the safest wayz to update from Lollipop to Lollipop (I have already downloaded the corresponding firmware,
so that is no problem...I am in search of the right path..."There is a difference in knowing the path and walking the path, Neo" - Morpheus.
So...I am keen in digging down the rabbit whole...but I am trying to not to hit my head too hard against something. I DEFINETLY WANT THE RED PILL! )

 

[lambdadroid]

I am happily rooted. What is the safest wayz to update from Lollipop to Lollipop (I have already downloaded the corresponding firmware,
so that is no problem...I am in search of the right path..."There is a difference in knowing the path and walking the path, Neo" - Morpheus.
So...I am keen in digging down the rabbit whole...but I am trying to not to hit my head too hard against something. I DEFINETLY WANT THE RED PILL! )

If you've downloaded the full firmware from the ASUS support site you should be able to simply copy it to your sdcard and install it with the temp CWM recovery for example, then just install update_SuperSU again and you're already rooted again. When I updated my device the full firmware was not yet available (only the update) so I had to install the older clean firmware again first and then update, it should be easier for you.

 

[tuxic001]

If you've downloaded the full firmware from the ASUS support site you should be able to simply copy it to your sdcard and install it with the temp CWM recovery for example, then just install update_SuperSU again and you're already rooted again. When I updated my device the full firmware was not yet available (only the update) so I had to install the older clean firmware again first and then update, it should be easier for you.

Hi cyandro,
thank you for your help again !

Just to get sure:

1) Useing the full update
2) Bring tablet in fastboot mode
3) Use temp cwm as if I did for my first rooting
4) Install ZIP - but instead of SuperSU I will select the update instead
5) wait
6) What happens here? Rebboots? Should I initiate anything or does the table all
necessary steps? (I read something about "optimizing applications" twice?)
7) Goto 1) and procedd but this time select SuperSu as installation
8) Done

Is it OK?

Thanks a lot for every help in advance!
Best regards,
tuxic

THIS FORUM IS THE ROOT OF ALL GLORY!

 

[lambdadroid]

Hi cyandro,
thank you for your help again !

Just to get sure:

1) Useing the full update
2) Bring tablet in fastboot mode
3) Use temp cwm as if I did for my first rooting
4) Install ZIP - but instead of SuperSU I will select the update instead
5) wait
6) What happens here? Rebboots? Should I initiate anything or does the table all
necessary steps? (I read something about "optimizing applications" twice?)
7) Goto 1) and procedd but this time select SuperSu as installation
8) Done

Is it OK?

Thanks a lot for every help in advance!
Best regards,
tuxic

THIS FORUM IS THE ROOT OF ALL GLORY!

You missed a few steps:
1) Download full update from http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/EeePAD/ME176C/UL-K013-WW-12.10.1.24-user.zip and copy to sdcard
2) Bring tablet in fastboot mode
3) Use temp cwm as if I did for my first rooting
4) Install ZIP - but instead of SuperSU I will select the update instead
5) wait
6) wait
7) Don't worry that no progress is shown
8) wait
9) Select reboot
10) Let it update something UEFI related
11) Wait
12) Wait
13) Root
14) Wait
15) Done

 

[tuxic001]

You missed a few steps:
1) Download full update from http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/EeePAD/ME176C/UL-K013-WW-12.10.1.24-user.zip and copy to sdcard
2) Bring tablet in fastboot mode
3) Use temp cwm as if I did for my first rooting
4) Install ZIP - but instead of SuperSU I will select the update instead
5) wait
6) wait
7) Don't worry that no progress is shown
8) wait
9) Select reboot
10) Let it update something UEFI related
11) Wait
12) Wait
13) Root
14) Wait
15) Done

Point 10) looks suspicoius....
Is it known what is done with this step?

(sorry for being over careful....I am new in this kind of bussiness... )

 

[lambdadroid]

Pint 10) looks suspicoius....
Is it known what is done with this step?

(sorry for being over careful....I am new in this kind of bussiness... )

No idea. Maybe something related to the time bug in the older lollipop version or something... Booting Linux etc. is still working fine after the update so you don't really need to worry about it =)

 

[tuxic001]

You missed a few steps:
1) Download full update from http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/EeePAD/ME176C/UL-K013-WW-12.10.1.24-user.zip and copy to sdcard
2) Bring tablet in fastboot mode
3) Use temp cwm as if I did for my first rooting
4) Install ZIP - but instead of SuperSU I will select the update instead
5) wait
6) wait
7) Don't worry that no progress is shown
8) wait
9) Select reboot
10) Let it update something UEFI related
11) Wait
12) Wait
13) Root
14) Wait
15) Done

OK, this time...it failed (no harm)
It says something like *update is for K13 this is K13_1 failed...update aborted"

I rebooted into my "old" Lollipop .
Unfortunately the search function does not understand me13_1 and makes me131 from it and finally found "me, 131" the rest of the hits were HTC related.
When I remember correctly, there is a file to fix somewhere...on the tablet...or was it in the ZIP?...cant remember and unfortunately I dont refind that
part of thread again...
Any idea?
Best regards,
tuxic

 

[lambdadroid]

OK, this time...it failed (no harm)
It says something like *update is for K13 this is K13_1 failed...update aborted"

I rebooted into my "old" Lollipop .
Unfortunately the search function does not understand me13_1 and makes me131 from it and finally found "me, 131" the rest of the hits were HTC related.
When I remember correctly, there is a file to fix somewhere...on the tablet...or was it in the ZIP?...cant remember and unfortunately I dont refind that
part of thread again...
Any idea?
Best regards,
tuxic

I've seen a few people report this, no idea what is causing it. You should be able to install the update if you edit the update ZIP in META-INF/com/google/android/updater-script and simply remove the check there (the first line if I remember correctly). Then make sure to update the ZIP and copy it again to your sdcard.

 

[tuxic001]

I've seen a few people report this, no idea what is causing it. You should be able to install the update if you edit the update ZIP in META-INF/com/google/android/updater-script and simply remove the check there (the first line if I remember correctly). Then make sure to update the ZIP and copy it again to your sdcard.

Ok.....exactly a week ago I received my ASUS Memo Pad 7 ME176CX...and now I am here and I am HACKING STOCK FIRMWARE!
This is a bad forum .... this is a really bad BAD forum .... once I was just another guy and now ... now I am guilty for altering stock firmware.
BIG

This forum is GENIOUS, HELPFUL and FRIENDLY! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

Currently it says "Android is upgradeing...optimizing app 36. max............"
So far so nice.
Waiting, fingers crossed....

Best regards,
tuxic

 

[tuxic001]

Ok.....exactly a week ago I received my ASUS Memo Pad 7 ME176CX...and now I am here and I am HACKING STOCK FIRMWARE!
This is a bad forum .... this is a really bad BAD forum .... once I was just another guy and now ... now I am guilty for altering stock firmware.
BIG

This forum is GENIOUS, HELPFUL and FRIENDLY! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

Currently it says "Android is upgradeing...optimizing app 36. max............"
So far so nice.
Waiting, fingers crossed....

Best regards,
tuxic

Hi,

"Oooops....I did it again" (Britney Spears)
"Its a UNIX system...I know it" (Jurassic Park)

Ok, seems allright now. "Optimizing applications" feels weird...is it really true, that so many applications were 'wrong' in some way?
Why weren't they packed "optimized" in this firmware package...it was a full install...so no need to care about an old installation...

Software version is displayed as "5.0" still. Am I alone with this? Or still a typo?

Best regards,
tuxic

 

[lambdadroid]

Ok, seems allright now. "Optimizing applications" feels weird...is it really true, that so many applications were 'wrong' in some way?
Why weren't they packed "optimized" in this firmware package...it was a full install...so no need to care about an old installation...

I think installing one of the full firmware package also deletes your cache, so the apps will need to be compiled to native code or something similar again, which is then stored in the cache. Not completely sure how this is working but you should only get it once or twice after the update.

Software version is displayed as "5.0" still. Am I alone with this? Or still a typo?

The Android version hasn't changed with the update, it is still 5.0 and if the download description is still saying something wrong then the typo was just not fixed yet.