[Captivate Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] AdamOutler:
Introduction:

Here is how you can obtain unrestricted file access to your phone.

Most of the time you don't need to access the restricted areas of your phone. Sometimes it's required. I like to use SSH/sftp as it is very compatible with everything.

Here are some of the benefeits of using this technique:

Dual mount ( you can copy to and from the phone while using the sdcard)

wireless mount (copy to your sdcard without cable)

wireless root shell (root terminal access)

This guide will allow you to do the following things:

modifying data partition

grabbing APKs from your phone

unlimited access to all data

full, unrestricted access on your /system partition

Warning:

By using the techniques available in this thread, you will have unlimited access to your phone. This will give you the ability to destroy your phone. Realize that you must be careful of performing any modification as there are thousands of files on your phone and trying to find the problem can be a nightmare. It's a good idea to keep a written log and a backup of any files you modify so that you can go back and restore them.

You will need:

Root access

This guide expects your phone to be rooted at the start. The easiest way to make the root account available on your phone is to use Super1Click.

How-To:

1. mount system rw

a. mount system RW with market app sgs tools

b. mount system RW with market app "mount system r/w"

2. enable a SSH/SFTP server

a. enable sshd server with market app "QuickSSHd" -paid $1, and very much worth it.

b. enable sshd server with market app "SSHDroid" - free, limited features

Make sure you select a SECURE password so that it cannot be brute force hacked over the cell network.

3. Make a shortcut on your desktop to your phone's ssh and sftp addresses

a. under linux:

sftp://root@192.168.1.xxx

gnome-terminal -x ssh -X root@192.168.1.xxx

b. under Mac:

sftp://root@192.168.1.xxx

terminal -x ssh root@192.168.1.xxx

c. under Windows:

use WinSCP -for help with setting up winSCP, see post #4

or putty (thanks boardsportsrule)

Shortcuts make things easier to access. Creating shortcuts will allow you one-click wireless dual mount, or one-click root shell. This basically makes your phone like a USB drive attached to your computer at all times.

4. copy to or from "/system/app" or "/data/app" freely

NOTE: Any SFTP Client can be used like "root explorer", the paid market app

a. use a filemanager like Astro to network sftp into loopback address (sftp://127.0.0.1) and copy the file

b. use your computer to SFTP into your phone and copy the file

5. reboot the phone after applying battery mods or new system apks.

This should get you going in the direction you want.

Why use SSH instead of ADB?

SSH is a tunneling protocol, meaning SSH itself is not a protocol, but rather a transport mechanisim. It's an encrypted and password protected tunnel from one computer to another. ADB is unencrypted and designed for a USB connection. Using ADB Wireless allows anyone on your network to push applications and run commands on your phone without authentication. This is a huge security hole. While ADB wireless can do the same things, it's not equipped to do the job properly. As a rule, use ADB for debugging applications or for wired connections. SSH, because of it's small footprint and no processor usage when idle is perfect for an always-on, password protected, encrypted, secure connection.

Hit me up with any suggestions or comments. I will happily add your information in here.

Disclaimer: All materials presented are for informational purposes. This video is not an authorization, advertisement, nor a suggestion to flash your phone with custom firmware. In no event shall I be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, spcial, exemplary, or concequential damages, including but not limited to loss of data, business interruption or damage to equipment. This information is released AS-IS with no written or express warranty or liability.