moving apps to Sd card

[Stericson]

So, I have found where the apps are stored and to test the possibility of moving the files to my sd card I want to move a folder to my sd card. Yet, when I use the command "mv data/app-private sdcard/app-private" I get "failed on data/app-private - cross device link"

Does anyone know why this is happening?

[damnitpud]

Because you have to have more then just root access, you have to remount with read and write access.

[Stericson]

Well, I changed the permissions on data and data/app so that now I can see all of my downloaded apk files from the android market, problem is even if I move them to my sdcard I won't be able to install them because the file manager doesn't know how to open them.

hmm...could run them directly from terminal....

[LGSilva]

How about symlinks?

[Stericson]

what are you suggesting? using symlinks to make a shortcut to what? and why? the point is that I am trying to get these files off of my phones memory and onto my sdcard....If I could run these apk files from my sdcard than they may reinstall onto the sdcard right?

[LGSilva]

I just found your solution with step-by-step instructions
http://androidcommunity.com/forums/f...nt-panic-2895/

[betawind]

what are you suggesting? using symlinks to make a shortcut to what? and why? the point is that I am trying to get these files off of my phones memory and onto my sdcard....If I could run these apk files from my sdcard than they may reinstall onto the sdcard right?

symlink != shortcut

Lets start right there. A symlink is a symbolic link, a special type of file that points to another file or directory and not to data. It allows the same file to have different names and/or locations.

That being said, he has a good point. If you can copy the data you want on the sd card to the sd card, then create a symlink to it, then it should cause the OS to try and access the data off the phone and be seamlessly directed to the sd card.

Regarding installing apk files from the sd card, I honestly doubt it. The sd card is not seen as a seperate drive to Android, its just another folder. I doubt the installer just installs it to whatever directory it happens to be in.

[Stericson]

betawind,

Thanks for that clarification, also, in regards to your solution lgsilva I was trying to do this but I can't move the folder...it keeps saying cross device link. Also, I don't know how to use a symlink, could someone explain how I would do this?

Edit

So I could move the apps folder to the sdcard and use a symlink to redirect the os towards the folder on the sdcard whenever it need to be accessed?

[LGSilva]

Maybe this work (found on google, 100% untested):

You are probably getting an EXDEV error - it means you can't link files that are on physically separate devices.

Why?

Because each device has to be mounted or the link will not work. When the other disk dismounts the link becomes broken.

Try making a soft link

ln -s file1 file2

It works across devices.

[Stericson]

Lg your post is regarding how to make a symlink correct? So, I still have to get the files moved over to my sdcard right? Well, I have to go to bed, got work in the morning, will have to work on it later. Coincidentally, while the downloaded apk files are stored in data/app I think the files actually relating to the installation of these files is in data/data

Maybe, someone will get it while I'm at work or asleep.