I'm going to use this thread to put up various guides on customizing your Kobo Vox. I'll rank them in two areas; expertise required and my opinion on how vital it is to making the Vox better)

Each tutorial will list all the tools you need and tell you if you need to complete another one or more of the other tutorials first. I will use as many screenshots as I can and try to make it as simple as possible.

Keep coming back here as I'll be adding content as much as I can!


Table of Contents:

1. Rooting your Vox (Expertise: Beginner, Importance: critical) (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1821405&postcount=2)
2. Unrooting your Vox (Expertise: Beginner, Importance: ???) (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1821478&postcount=3)
3. Removing unwanted apps manually (Expersise: Intermediate, Importance: moderate) (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1827573&postcount=26)

Coming soon:
4. Removing unwanted apps automatically (Expertise: Beginner, Importance: moderate)

1. Rooting your Vox (Expertise: Beginner, Importance: critical)

Prerequisite Tools, Apps or Tutorials
The only prerequisite for this tutorial is to enable USB debugging. To do this simply go into Settings > Applications > Development and tick the USB debugging box.

Steps

1. Open the web browser and download the GingerBreak program. I've hosted a version of it that I have confirmed works on the Vox. Just click here (http://jefftheworld.com/gingerbreak.apk) if you're browsing from your Vox.
http://jefftheworld.com/01roottutorial/001.png

2. You'll now see the program (Android uses a .apk file format for apps) sitting in your downloads. You may have to open the downloads program or it may open automatically.

To start the install click on the gingerbreak-1.apk.
http://jefftheworld.com/01roottutorial/002.png

3. Pretty obvious what you got to do at this screen. Press install.
http://jefftheworld.com/01roottutorial/003.png

4. It will install.
http://jefftheworld.com/01roottutorial/004.png

5. Now click open.
http://jefftheworld.com/01roottutorial/005.png

6. You'll see a screen like the one below. You do not need to have a microSD card, this message references the internal memory. If you're plugged into a computer and you've mounted the internal memory to the computer you must unmount it from the computer for now.

If you're unsure of all this, just make sure you're unplugged from the computer and that you device hasn't just turned on (you'll see a "preparing sd card" message on your notification bar for a few seconds after booting your device, make sure that's not there). If you've got nothing along your notification bar other than the download symbol you see in the screenshot below, you're safe.
http://jefftheworld.com/01roottutorial/006.png

7. Close that warning and you'll see the following screen. Just tap Root Device!
http://jefftheworld.com/01roottutorial/007.png

8. You'll see this screen and within a couple minutes your device will reboot.
http://jefftheworld.com/01roottutorial/008.png

9. Once it's rebooted you'll now see an app called Superuser in your app drawer. You're done! You've successfully rooted your Vox!

Remember to turn off USB debugging in your settings!
http://jefftheworld.com/01roottutorial/009.png



Additional Notes:
Superuser works by acting as a gatekeeper of root access. Other apps an request root access but you will get a notification from Superuser before they are allowed to gain root access. You can choose to accept or decline access and you can choose to have Superuser remember your choice for the future.

Generally you'll never need to open the Superuser app itself, unless you're changing settings or want to revoke access to an app you'd previously given access.

Within the Superuser app you'll see a list of programs you've allowed access. Some apps may have multiple entries, if they have multiple processes that require root access.
http://jefftheworld.com/01roottutorial/010.png

You'll also see a log of all root access granted through Superuser.
http://jefftheworld.com/01roottutorial/011.png

And a page with settings you can muck about with.
http://jefftheworld.com/01roottutorial/012.png

2. Un-rooting your Vox (Expertise: Beginner, Importance: ???)

Prerequisite Tools, Apps or Tutorials
Obviously you need to have completed the first tutorial in order to complete this one. This tutorial is not one that has any concrete usefulness, there's no real benefit to unrooting, but if you wish to do it you can.

The other requirment is to enable USB debugging. To do this simply go into Settings > Applications > Development and tick the USB debugging box.

Steps

1. Find the GingerBreak app in your app drawer and open it. If you uninstalled it after rooting, reinstall it (http://jefftheworld.com/gingerbreak.apk).
http://jefftheworld.com/02unroottutorial/001.png

2. Press the big "Unroot" button.
http://jefftheworld.com/02unroottutorial/002.png

3. GingerBreak will remove Superuser and reboot your device.
http://jefftheworld.com/02unroottutorial/003.png

4.After it reboots, press your menu button and click manage applications.
http://jefftheworld.com/02unroottutorial/004.png

5. Click on GingerBreak...
http://jefftheworld.com/02unroottutorial/005.png

6. Uninstall it.
http://jefftheworld.com/02unroottutorial/006.png

7. Dudes, it's really that easy.
http://jefftheworld.com/02unroottutorial/007.png



Note: If you void your warranty by rooting, I can't suggest that you unroot in order to return your device. That would be wrong.

Also Note: Any apps that require root can now be uninstalled, too. Since they're useless.

Can we install Android Market after rooting?

Not yet. Jeff and others are working on it at XDA (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1323660).

Any ideas for more tutorials, just ask!

Jeff; installing the app gives me a virus warning - "eu.chainfire.gingerbread is infected". What gives????

On your Vox? The file is totally safe, I can assure you. It may be giving a false nagative since GingerBreak writes to normally locked system directories.

Thanks, will try it.

My virus detector picked it up too - and said "it dealt with it". Hope it works - it is pretty stringent due to our work server access and it is a right royal pain sometimes.

Pardon my ignorance, but why would the average user want to root their Vox? If they're not careful or don't know what they're doing, they might screw things up, no? Like logging into Windows or Linux as 'admin' or 'root'. What benefits are there to doing that?

I'm going to use this thread to put up various guides on customizing your Kobo Vox. I'll rank them in two areas; expertise required and my opinion on how vital it is to making the Vox better)

Each tutorial will list all the tools you need and tell you if you need to complete another one or more of the other tutorials first. I will use as many screenshots as I can and try to make it as simple as possible.

Keep coming back here as I'll be adding content as much as I can!


Table of Contents:

1. Rooting your Vox (Expertise: Beginner, Importance: critical) (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1821405&postcount=2)
2. Unrooting your Vox (Expertise: Beginner, Importance: ???) (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1821478&postcount=3)


Coming soon:

3. Removing unwanted apps manually (Expersise: Intermediate, Importance: moderate)
4. Removing unwanted apps automatically (Expertise: Beginner, Importance: moderate)

Pardon my ignorance, but why would the average user want to root their Vox? If they're not careful or don't know what they're doing, they might screw things up, no? Like logging into Windows or Linux as 'admin' or 'root'. What benefits are there to doing that?

It allows the user to do things you wouldn't otherwise be able to do, like delete useless apps/links that can suck up space/memory, and other things you might require admin rights for.

But you're right, an average/novice user shouldn't be mucking about with things like this. However, if they decide to do so, it's at their devices own peril.

Pardon my ignorance, but why would the average user want to root their Vox? If they're not careful or don't know what they're doing, they might screw things up, no? Like logging into Windows or Linux as 'admin' or 'root'. What benefits are there to doing that?

There is almost no danger in using the rooting method I detailed above, other than voiding your warranty.

The average user certainly wont be logging in as root very much (or at all, perhaps) but having root access is required to install and use a great number of apps.

When you buy a desktop computer, as the owner, you have admin access. Why should it be any different on a phone or tablet?

I agree, as long as you're aware of the danger. I only log in as root to my computer when necessary. Even though I consider myself fairly technical (I'm a programmer), I like to play safe. And if there are no significant benefits (plus it voids the warranty), why bother? Of course, the choice should be up to you, not the manufacturer or retailer.

I've installed a couple of apps that weren't from Kobo's market (I downloaded them directly from the developer's web site), and I didn't have to log in as root. I just turned on the option to "install from unknown sources". I haven't tried uninstalling anything (and probably won't, until I start to run out of memory), so I don't know about that.

There is almost no danger in using the rooting method I detailed above, other than voiding your warranty.

The average user certainly wont be logging in as root very much (or at all, perhaps) but having root access is required to install and use a great number of apps.

When you buy a desktop computer, as the owner, you have admin access. Why should it be any different on a phone or tablet?

I agree, as long as you're aware of the danger. I only log in as root to my computer when necessary. Even though I consider myself fairly technical (I'm a programmer), I like to play safe.

I wish I had clients like you 'cause the programmers here at the office are terrible for getting caught with their pants down :).

Usually Technical people are the worse ones to give this sort of access to because they are also usually the most overconfident "it'll never happen to me" sort of people when it comes to virii and malware, and are also the first machines to get hit with the blasted things :D

All else being equal, I positively do NOT want to root my device. What I DO appreciate is your sourcing and recommending any apps which improve the user experience WITHIN the Kobo-sanctioned environment.

You have another thread that addresses just exactly this; it ought to be a sticky as well.

And should you folks find a non-invasive way to install Android Market (so, for example, I could add Scotiabank app), that would be terrific.

Karma you to!

All else being equal, I positively do NOT want to root my device. What I DO appreciate is your sourcing and recommending any apps which improve the user experience WITHIN the Kobo-sanctioned environment.

You have another thread that addresses just exactly this; it ought to be a sticky as well.

And should you folks find a non-invasive way to install Android Market (so, for example, I could add Scotiabank app), that would be terrific.

Karma you to!

Not sure it will be possible to install market without rooting. We'll see. Either way, if something goes wrong your warranty will be voided.

And should you folks find a non-invasive way to install Android Market (so, for example, I could add Scotiabank app), that would be terrific.

Karma you to!

I haven't tried it myself yet, but this person posting at Digital Forums has some ideas (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showpost.php?p=1348218&postcount=25) for those who have other Android devices (like me, wooo!)

I haven't tried it myself yet, but this person posting at Digital Forums has some ideas (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showpost.php?p=1348218&postcount=25) for those who have other Android devices (like me, wooo!)

This will not let you install Android Market or the proprietary google apps, but I was excited when I saw that the latest version of Astro (thanks Jeff) had the backup apk function. There may be an app I can get by using that from my Nexus S backup. So far, I have what I need on the Vox.

so how do I remove apps I don't want on my vox? after rooting my vox "apps" list in superuser is empty.

i've read that you can improve performance - ie. speed, battery etc. how do u go about in doin this?

This will not let you install Android Market or the proprietary google apps, but I was excited when I saw that the latest version of Astro (thanks Jeff) had the backup apk function. There may be an app I can get by using that from my Nexus S backup. So far, I have what I need on the Vox.

I would recommend Titanium backup for that, since you can even set scheduled backups of all your installed apps and data (aside from built-in stuff, unless you're rooted).

My thanks to Jeff, too. I also have a Nexus S, and it worked perfectly. I installed Astro on my phone, backed up the app I wanted to transfer, copied it to my computer and from there to the Vox, and installed it. I still can't access Android Market directly from my Vox, but this will do for now.

This will not let you install Android Market or the proprietary google apps, but I was excited when I saw that the latest version of Astro (thanks Jeff) had the backup apk function. There may be an app I can get by using that from my Nexus S backup. So far, I have what I need on the Vox.

I have movies downloaded onto my SD card. Do you know how I can watch them?

I have movies downloaded onto my SD card. Do you know how I can watch them?

Look at one of Jeff's other threads: jefftheworld's Best App Package! (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156201)

He includes a zip file that includes VLC Media Player.


Keith

3. Removing unwanted apps manually (Expersise: Intermediate, Importance: moderate)

Prerequisite Tools, Apps or Tutorials
First, you'll need to follow the instructions in the first tutorial and root your device.

Second, you'll need to download and install terminal program. I prefer ConnectBot, but there are plenty of terminal programs out there.

Thirdly, you'll need BusyBox installed. Grab it from my app pack or online.

(NOTE: Make sure you install the busybox apk and then RUN IT to complete the install!)


Steps

1. First, using your terminal of choice, connect to the local shell. Some terminals will default to local, or be local-only. ConnectBot requires you choose the local option and enter a nickname (it can simply be blank for local).
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/001.png

2. In the console type:

mount | grep /system

The mount command wants to output all the mount data on your device, but the pipe (this thing --> |) sends the output to a grep command which filters it and prints only the lines that contain "/system", which is the line we need.
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/002.png

3. You'll see that the ro (read-only) flag is active, meaning we can't currently delete anything in this area of storage.
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/003.png

4. Time to get to work. Type "su" to request (and gain) root access. If successful you'll see your shell prompt change to a # symbol.
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/004.png

5. To remount the /system partition as read-write just type:

mount -o remount,rw -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk0p1 /system

You may notice your text scrolling off the edge of your screen, that's fine. http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/005.png

6. Anyway, I'm not going to get into what all that means, but it will remount /system as read-write.

You can confirm that by running that same command we wrote earlier:

mount | grep /system

And you'll see the ro flag has become an rw flag.
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/006.png

Now, change directory to the folder with the built-in apps.

cd /system/app
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/007.png

7. Typing "ls" will list all the apps in this folder. It will probably scroll off the top of your screen but in ConnectBot you can scroll up and down with the touchscreen.
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/008.png

8. To permanently remove an app simply use the command:

rm appname.apk
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/009.png

9. To temporarily remove an app, use the command:

mv appname.apk appname.apk.bak
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/010.png


Additional Notes:

The following is a list of all apps found on a stock Vox as of the last firmware update:

AccountAndSyncSettings.apk
ApplicationsProvider.apk
Browser.apk
Calculator.apk
Calendar.apk
CalendarProvider.apk
CertInstaller.apk
Contacts.apk
ContactsProvider.apk
CubeLiveWallpapers.apk
DefaultContainerService.apk
DeskClock.apk
DownloadProvider.apk
DownloadProviderUi.apk
DrmProvider.apk
Email.apk
FacebookStub.apk
FirmwareUpdate.apk
Gallery3D.apk
GetJarStub.apk
GmailStub.apk
HTMLViewer.apk
HelpStub.apk
INQFacebook.apk
INQWidgets.apk
Kobo.apk
KoboOsProvider.apk
KoboTimeTracker.apk
KobobooksLauncher.apk
LatinIME.apk
Launcher2.apk
LiveWallpapers.apk
LiveWallpapersPicker.apk
MagicSmokeWallpapers.apk
MediaProvider.apk
MerriamWebster-1.1.1.apk
Music.apk
OTAServer.apk
PRAndroid.apk
PackageInstaller.apk
People.apk
PicoTts.apk
Protips.apk
Provision.apk
QuickSearchBox.apk
ScrabbleFree.apk
Settings.apk
SettingsProvider.apk
SetupWizard.apk
SystemUI.apk
TelephonyProvider.apk
Term.apk
TtsService.apk
TwitterStub.apk
UpdateCheckService.apk
UserDictionaryProvider.apk
VisualizationWallpapers.apk
VpnServices.apk
YoutubeStub.apk
ZinioReader.1.06.4097.Regular.apk
ZinioSettingsProvider.1.06.4257.Kobo.apk
globe2go_10.15.11.apk
rdio-release-0.9.16.apk


Anything ending in Stub.apk is just a link to a website and can safely be removed (you can remove them in bulk by using *Stub.apk with the rm command).

Here are the apps I've removed and therefor confirmed as safe to remove:

FacebookStub.apk
GetJarStub.apk
GmailStub.apk
HelpStub.apk
INQFacebook.apk
INQWidgets.apk
MagicSmokeWallpapers.apk
MerriamWebster-1.1.1.apk
PRAndroid.apk
People.apk
ScrabbleFree.apk
Term.apk
TwitterStub.apk
YoutubeStub.apk
ZinioReader.1.06.4097.Regular.apk
ZinioSettingsProvider.1.06.4257.Kobo.apk
globe2go_10.15.11.apk
rdio-release-0.9.16.apk

you da'man jeff!'

a minor hiccup on my way to freeing myself from globe2go etc..

when I tried to $ mont | grep/system
I'm getting "permission denied" message even though my vox is rooted. any idea why?

a minor hiccup on my way to freeing myself from globe2go etc..

when I tried to $ mont | grep/system
I'm getting "permission denied" message even though my vox is rooted. any idea why?

Make sure you spell it mount and ensure there's a space between grep and /system. What you type should look like this:

mount | grep /system

You should be able to run the mount command without gaining root, but you could try typing su to gain root first. If you'll still having issues, PM me and I'll try to walk you through the problem.

you da'man jeff!'

I second this assertion!:iloveyou:

Oddly enough, grep doesn't appear to be present on my Vox. I presume it should be in /system/bin?

I downloaded busybox installer and used busybox grep instead.

Where might one get grep, since it would be easier to use it directly?


Keith

Oddly enough, grep doesn't appear to be present on my Vox. I presume it should be in /system/bin?

I downloaded busybox installer and used busybox grep instead.

Where might one get grep, since it would be easier to use it directly?


Keith
Not being an Android user (yet) have you looked at the BusyBox FAQ:

Installing Busybox

If the Busybox executable is renamed to one of the commands it supports, it will act as that command automatically:

ln -s busybox pwd
./pwd

This allows you to create a bunch of symlinks or hardlinks to the Busybox executable, add them to your $PATH, and let a single Busybox provide a standard set of command line tools. The --list option to busybox gives the list of supported commands in an easily scriptable form. (The --list-full option gives full paths, such as usr/sbin/test, to help create a Busybox-based root filesystem.)

mkdir bbdir
for i in $(busybox --list)
do
ln -s busybox bbdir/$i
done

To launch Busybox's built in command shell with the $PATH giving access to just Busybox's built-in commands:

PATH=$(pwd)/bbdir bbdir/sh

Great guides!

But I have an issue....

I must type "SU" in connect bot or I get "permission denied'.

Once I type "SU", then if I enter your command, I get : "grep: not found"

Please help!

Great guides!

But I have an issue....

I must type "SU" in connect bot or I get "permission denied'.

Once I type "SU", then if I enter your command, I get : "grep: not found"

Please help!


Try "su", small case. If that still doesn't work, then you've got one of two problems. Either Superuser isn't installed (you did root your Vox, right?) or it's been set to automatically deny permission to your terminal program. In which case you just open Superuser, double tap on the entry for your terminal of choice and hit "forget".

Try "su", small case. If that still doesn't work, then you've got one of two problems. Either Superuser isn't installed (you did root your Vox, right?) or it's been set to automatically deny permission to your terminal program. In which case you just open Superuser, double tap on the entry for your terminal of choice and hit "forget".

Yes, I rooted the Vox and connect bot appears in Super User with allow permissions. I removed it and the re authorized it when it asked. I still get the exact same results. Not sure where I am going wrong. I have included a couple of screen shots.

79023

79024

Yes, I rooted the Vox and connect bot appears in Super User with allow permissions. I removed it and the re authorized it when it asked. I still get the exact same results. Not sure where I am going wrong. I have included a couple of screen shots.



grep is not included on the Vox. Install Busybox - it includes grep. Busybox is one of the apps included in Jeff's best apps in thread jefftheworld's Best App Package! (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156201)


Keith

Yeah, it's part of busybox. Either way, the grep commands are not required. It's just as confirmation that you're doing it right.

Cool thanks!

It worked without grep :-)

My Vox is now free of bloatware. Thanks for the great guides and all the help.

Just a quick question re: rooting. If you root the device, can kobo software updates still be installed? Will the device need to be re-rooted after installing such an update as the imminent one we are hearing about? Thanks.

Hate bumping my own post but does anyone know the relationship between rooting and the kobo updates? Thanks.

Hate bumping my own post

Vampire, behold! Don't you eat that kitten!

Just run Gingerbreak again.

Thanks a lot, hieronymos, that makes sense!

Dunno, but I generally unroot devices or unjailbreak before I run any firmware updates, to avoid issues with system files not being upgraded to the correct version. If you used Gingerbreak, just open the app, click "Unroot Device", wait for it to restart, then apply the update and use the 'Root Device' option once the updates are done.

I didn't think of that before updating. I had to reroot and remove all the apps I had removed before update.

Yeah, quite possibly it is safer to "unroot" prior to an update. That's annoying that you have to re-remove apps after an update though.

But this should do it: connect with ADB (you don't need root on your device).
See this for Ubuntu: http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157958&highlight=adb

Then:

adb root (since we're on a cable we can get root temporarily)
adb shell pm list packages - will list all packages, find which one you want
adb shell pm disable [name of the package]

you're set.

By the way, my list is:

package:com.android.quicksearchbox
package:com.kobobooks.android.twitterstub
package:ca.jamdat.flight.scrabblefree
package:com.kobobooks.android.facebookstub
package:com.inqmobile.android.facebook
package:com.inqmobile.suite.b
package:com.zinio.android.settings
package:com.newspaperdirect.pressreader.android
package:com.rdio.android.ui
package:com.newspaperdirect.globe2go.android
package:com.inqmobile.android.facebook.apps.people
package:com.zinio.mobile.android.reader
package:com.kobobooks.android.gmailstub
package:com.merriamwebster

So these are safe.

su command works, nothing after that.
mount | grep /system returns a grep: not found.
Is there a syn tech issue I am missing.
is returns is: not found.
Not even list does anything:help:

That sounds like BusyBox and it's symbolic links are not being found.

What version of BusyBox do you have installed?

Hmmm never thought of that..... checked and BusyBox was missing I guess since the update.
Will try again..... thanks Jeff

I want to thank jefftheworld for his awesome tutorials!

That being said, now that I know a little more than I did, I probably would go about the "app removal" stuff a little differently. I found typing using the onscreen keyboard in connectbot to be pretty painful and this contributed to me deleting the apps rather than renaming them (I didn't feel like typing a dozen mv commands in connectbot). If I had it to do over, I would just use ES File Explorer. It has a root option as well as one to mount /system as read/write. Would have been really easy to rename those apps in ES I bet!

I will second that. Thanks Jeff.
I got my apps deleted and yes it was bit tedious but it works. I will take a peek at ES.

I am wondering though how do I move my new bootaudio.mp3 from the download file to the /system/media file.
Every time I try I get a error about cross device

Tried cp instead of mv?

How did you take the screenshots on your Vox? Thanks.

The one linked in Jefftheworld's Best apps (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156201) is a root app, so you have to root your vox, but it is called 'ShootMe' I assume this is the one JefftheWorld uses as he links it as one of his best ones..

I did find this one that is non-root: http://www.apktops.com/no-root-screenshot-it-2-10.html I'm not sure how well it is as I have a rooted device and have installed the ShootMe app instead. Reading further it has to go through a computer, so it may not be best.

Thanks Jesslynne.

That was it THANKS.
So finally my Vox starts up with Buzz Lightyear saying "there seems to be no sign of intelligent life anywhere"..... I know not everyones cup of tea :rofl:

Tried cp instead of mv?

I could go with to infinity and beyond :)

Today's update appears to have reinstalled all of the apps I removed. :S

Today's update appears to have reinstalled all of the apps I removed. :S

That'll happen with some updates, unfortunately.

That'll happen with some updates, unfortunately.

Just curious, if you "freeze" apps using titanium rather than removing them, will they stay frozen after an update?

Yep. As long as your app data is still there.

Thanks, good to know.

Hello,

I downloaded a VLC to my Kobo Vox and still cannot play wma files. I have tried converting the wma files to mp3 however they are protected. Is there a way to play these files on my Vox?

I think you would have to strip the drm from them first...I don't believe you will find anything that plays protected wma on android.

I think you would have to strip the drm from them first...I don't believe you will find anything that plays protected wma on android.

Do you know how I would go about doing this?

Thanks

No but you can google for tools that claim to do this.

Thanks. I found a few programs that claim to remove the DRM. Hopefully one of them will work

Yeah, VLC will play wma files but DRM files will always be an issue.

Pls forgive a newbie question (this is my 1st post); I followed Jefftheworld's advice on rooting my Kobo Vox, and then tried to follow the instructions on removing apps. I downloaded and installed ConnectBot and BusyBox (in that order); everything seemed to work as intended. However, when I now run ConnectBot and select 'local' (from a pulldown), I get the display:
Connecting to null:22 via local
failure: Local shell is unavailable on this phone

Any ideas? ... thanks

Thanks. I found a few programs that claim to remove the DRM. Hopefully one of them will work

I have the name of one that absolutely works...PM me for it. It's not free however...

Pls forgive a newbie question (this is my 1st post); I followed Jefftheworld's advice on rooting my Kobo Vox, and then tried to follow the instructions on removing apps. I downloaded and installed ConnectBot and BusyBox (in that order); everything seemed to work as intended. However, when I now run ConnectBot and select 'local' (from a pulldown), I get the display:
Connecting to null:22 via local
failure: Local shell is unavailable on this phone

Any ideas? ... thanks

I had that error originally too. It had to do with the wrong version of busybox being installed or busybox not being installed properly. Reinstalling and choosing a different version fixed it.

That being said, unless you are a masochist, I would suggest using es file explorer in root mode to rename/delete apps. Much easier than typing in the horrible connectbot window.

Your instructions are clear and easy to follow but with all due respect, (and as a complete and utter noob) I'm just wondering how rooting the device makes it better. Does it improve functionality and if so, how?

I'm going to use this thread to put up various guides on customizing your Kobo Vox. I'll rank them in two areas; expertise required and my opinion on how vital it is to making the Vox better)

Each tutorial will list all the tools you need and tell you if you need to complete another one or more of the other tutorials first. I will use as many screenshots as I can and try to make it as simple as possible.

Keep coming back here as I'll be adding content as much as I can!


Table of Contents:

1. Rooting your Vox (Expertise: Beginner, Importance: critical) (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1821405&postcount=2)
2. Unrooting your Vox (Expertise: Beginner, Importance: ???) (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1821478&postcount=3)
3. Removing unwanted apps manually (Expersise: Intermediate, Importance: moderate) (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1827573&postcount=26)

Coming soon:
4. Removing unwanted apps automatically (Expertise: Beginner, Importance: moderate)

Your instructions are clear and easy to follow but with all due respect, (and as a complete and utter noob) I'm just wondering how rooting the device makes it better. Does it improve functionality and if so, how?

Well, for example if you want android market access and don't want to resort to adb, you need to root. And that's just one example.

Another is that it gives you access to remove the bloater apps it comes with that you don't want/use that take up space that could otherwise be used for apps you do use.

I haven't rooted mine and have no desire to. One disadvantage I can see from reading this forum is that whenever there's an update, you first have to un-root it to update the Vox and then go back through all the work again to customize it and remove the default apps all over again.

I haven't rooted mine and have no desire to. One disadvantage I can see from reading this forum is that whenever there's an update, you first have to un-root it to update the Vox and then go back through all the work again to customize it and remove the default apps all over again.

The "unroot before update" part is apparently a myth brought over from ios jailbreaking. It is true you have to remove the default apps again but using es file explorer, this is 5 minutes work and you _can_ remove them again which you can't without root. Another option (if you simply don't want to see the default apps or allow them to run but don't care about recovering their space) would be to freeze them using titanium backup. This would survive an update and again would require root.

Your instructions are clear and easy to follow but with all due respect, (and as a complete and utter noob) I'm just wondering how rooting the device makes it better. Does it improve functionality and if so, how?

If you can't think of a use for rooting your device, then you probably won't appreciate the improved functionality.

As far as I can tell, most apps can be installed without resorting to root. Also as far as I can tell, adb also gives you root access to the device. Which means that you don't actually need to root a Vox to modify it. I'm guessing that covers the most common cases where people want to do more with their device.

So I came across this...

http://lifehacker.com/5877356/qtadb-brings-android-file-management-app-installation-and-more-to-your-desktop

Haven't tried it yet but it looks promising.

This is strange. My device is rooted, and I've tried all 4 versions of Busybox that were in the original guide, yet when I attempt to connect with ConnectBot it tells me that local shell is unavailable.

I figure I'd just use ES File Explorer and remove the bloatware that way, yet even after putting it in root mode and making /system writable uninstallation fails.

Did I miss a step somewhere?

I would like to see this here as a guide to install Google Market. From XDA http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20985453&postcount=70

1) On your device, go to Menu -> Settings -> Applications and ensure "Unknown Sources" is checked, then press development and enable "USB debugging";
2) On your device, download and install GingerBreak-V1.20.apk from here;
3) Open Gingerbreak and click on "root device". Your device will reboot. You are now rooted;
4) On your device, download a file manager that has root access (like ES File Explorer or File Expert), and install it;
5) On your computer, downloaded and extract gapps-gb-20110828-signed.zip from here;
6) Transfer the following files from the extracted zip (on your computer) in the /system/app folder to a microsd card, and place the microsd card in your device:
- GenieWidget.apk
- GoogleBackupTransport.apk
- GoogleCalendarSyncAdapter.apk
- GoogleContactsSyncAdapter.apk
- GoogleFeedback.apk
- GooglePartnerSetup.apk
- GoogleServicesFramework.apk
- MarketUpdater.apk
- MediaUploader.apk
- NetworkLocation.apk
- OneTimeInitializer.apk
- Vending.apk
7) On your device, using your file manager, mount the /system partition as read-write;
8) On your device, copy all the apk's from step 6 to the /system/app directory using your file manager;
9) On your device, set the permissions to 644 (Owner : read/write, group read, everyone read) using your file manager; *see not below;
11) Restarted your device;
12) Go to Menu -> Settings -> Accounts & Sync, and add your Google account;
13) Launch market;
14) Download YouTube and GMail if you so desire.
15) Done. Enjoy!

*Note: If you can't figure out how to change permissions in your file manager, you can download Terminal emulator, install it, open it, and type the following:
su
chmod 0644 /system/app/GenieWidget.apk
chmod 0644 /system/app/GoogleBackupTransport.apk
chmod 0644 /system/app/GoogleCalendarSyncAdapter.apk
chmod 0644 /system/app/GoogleContactsSyncAdapter.apk
chmod 0644 /system/app/GoogleFeedback.apk
chmod 0644 /system/app/GooglePartnerSetup.apk
chmod 0644 /system/app/GoogleServicesFramework.apk
chmod 0644 /system/app/MarketUpdater.apk
chmod 0644 /system/app/MediaUploader.apk
chmod 0644 /system/app/NetworkLocation.apk
chmod 0644 /system/app/OneTimeInitializer.apk
chmod 0644 /system/app/Vending.apk

Terminal Emulator : http://goo.gl/cPG7o
ES File explorer: http://goo.gl/Lklm4

3. Removing unwanted apps manually (Expersise: Intermediate, Importance: moderate)

Prerequisite Tools, Apps or Tutorials
First, you'll need to follow the instructions in the first tutorial and root your device.

Second, you'll need to download and install terminal program. I prefer ConnectBot, but there are plenty of terminal programs out there.

Thirdly, you'll need BusyBox installed. Grab it from my app pack or online.

(NOTE: Make sure you install the busybox apk and then RUN IT to complete the install!)


Steps

1. First, using your terminal of choice, connect to the local shell. Some terminals will default to local, or be local-only. ConnectBot requires you choose the local option and enter a nickname (it can simply be blank for local).
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/001.png

2. In the console type:

mount | grep /system

The mount command wants to output all the mount data on your device, but the pipe (this thing --> |) sends the output to a grep command which filters it and prints only the lines that contain "/system", which is the line we need.
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/002.png

3. You'll see that the ro (read-only) flag is active, meaning we can't currently delete anything in this area of storage.
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/003.png

4. Time to get to work. Type "su" to request (and gain) root access. If successful you'll see your shell prompt change to a # symbol.
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/004.png

5. To remount the /system partition as read-write just type:

mount -o remount,rw -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk0p1 /system

You may notice your text scrolling off the edge of your screen, that's fine. http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/005.png

6. Anyway, I'm not going to get into what all that means, but it will remount /system as read-write.

You can confirm that by running that same command we wrote earlier:

mount | grep /system

And you'll see the ro flag has become an rw flag.
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/006.png

Now, change directory to the folder with the built-in apps.

cd /system/app
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/007.png

7. Typing "ls" will list all the apps in this folder. It will probably scroll off the top of your screen but in ConnectBot you can scroll up and down with the touchscreen.
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/008.png

8. To permanently remove an app simply use the command:

rm appname.apk
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/009.png

9. To temporarily remove an app, use the command:

mv appname.apk appname.apk.bak
http://jefftheworld.com/03removeapps/010.png


Additional Notes:

The following is a list of all apps found on a stock Vox as of the last firmware update:

AccountAndSyncSettings.apk
ApplicationsProvider.apk
Browser.apk
Calculator.apk
Calendar.apk
CalendarProvider.apk
CertInstaller.apk
Contacts.apk
ContactsProvider.apk
CubeLiveWallpapers.apk
DefaultContainerService.apk
DeskClock.apk
DownloadProvider.apk
DownloadProviderUi.apk
DrmProvider.apk
Email.apk
FacebookStub.apk
FirmwareUpdate.apk
Gallery3D.apk
GetJarStub.apk
GmailStub.apk
HTMLViewer.apk
HelpStub.apk
INQFacebook.apk
INQWidgets.apk
Kobo.apk
KoboOsProvider.apk
KoboTimeTracker.apk
KobobooksLauncher.apk
LatinIME.apk
Launcher2.apk
LiveWallpapers.apk
LiveWallpapersPicker.apk
MagicSmokeWallpapers.apk
MediaProvider.apk
MerriamWebster-1.1.1.apk
Music.apk
OTAServer.apk
PRAndroid.apk
PackageInstaller.apk
People.apk
PicoTts.apk
Protips.apk
Provision.apk
QuickSearchBox.apk
ScrabbleFree.apk
Settings.apk
SettingsProvider.apk
SetupWizard.apk
SystemUI.apk
TelephonyProvider.apk
Term.apk
TtsService.apk
TwitterStub.apk
UpdateCheckService.apk
UserDictionaryProvider.apk
VisualizationWallpapers.apk
VpnServices.apk
YoutubeStub.apk
ZinioReader.1.06.4097.Regular.apk
ZinioSettingsProvider.1.06.4257.Kobo.apk
globe2go_10.15.11.apk
rdio-release-0.9.16.apk


Anything ending in Stub.apk is just a link to a website and can safely be removed (you can remove them in bulk by using *Stub.apk with the rm command).

Here are the apps I've removed and therefor confirmed as safe to remove:

FacebookStub.apk
GetJarStub.apk
GmailStub.apk
HelpStub.apk
INQFacebook.apk
INQWidgets.apk
MagicSmokeWallpapers.apk
MerriamWebster-1.1.1.apk
PRAndroid.apk
People.apk
ScrabbleFree.apk
Term.apk
TwitterStub.apk
YoutubeStub.apk
ZinioReader.1.06.4097.Regular.apk
ZinioSettingsProvider.1.06.4257.Kobo.apk
globe2go_10.15.11.apk
rdio-release-0.9.16.apk

Addition

after going to /system/apps to save time from typing in all the stubs do the following :

rm *Stub.* (note: Stub must be capitalized)

How long should it take for Gingerbreak to finish rooting? Mines been stuck at "rooting... Running exploit..." for almost an hour.

If you've got the March 2nd update, gingerbreak won't work. Kobo inadvertently removed the ability either accidentally or purposely? I don't know.. I haven't updated for that reason.

Gingerbreak doesn't take long to run, certainly less than a minute.

Sadly I do have the March 2nd update. I hate it and it is actually what pushed me over the edge to finally root my vox.

Then you have to try the more complicated adb instructions in the March 2 update thread. Good luck.

Yeah, except they didn't post specific instructions so I don't even know how to follow.. I probably would do so if that were the case. Just to get FB working again. But.. I'm not going to..

Especially if it means replacing the bloat ware and unable to uninstall them.

As of March 2 update this sticky thread isn't valid.