Bug? File.DirRootExternal returns internal dir

[colin van Blommestein]

Version 2.70 Basic4Android

Dim TargetDir as String

If File.ExternalWritable = True then
TargetDir = File.DirRootExternal
msgbox(TargetDir,"External Storage"))
else
TargetDir = File.DirInternal
msgbox(TargetDir,"Internal Storage"))
end if

I'm using a Samsung Note 2 with a memory SD card.
The above code returns the same result with the card in or out.
I can access and write to the card with other programs.

File.DirRootExternal returns the Internal memory path

Appears to be a bug in version 2.70

 

[Erel]

This is not a bug.
Devices have at least two standard storages. The internal storage and the external storage. If the device also has a SD card then the SD card is the third storage.

Google discourages the use of SD cards.

 

[DonManfred]

The changes are new to android 4.4 (KitKat).
Badly that i must say: it´s not a bug, in googles eyes it is a security feature

 

[jack shephard]

Hi,
I noticed that when I copied a file to DirRootExternal via my B4A application and then connect my Note3 phone to my PC (via USB cable)
The file can not be seen in windows "My Computer"
But if I run the fileManager of the phone and move the file some where and back to Root, THEN it will be visible on the PC file manager !!!

I think B4A is writing the file with some incorrect attributes on the DirRootExternal.

 

[DonManfred]

DirRootExternal is NOT you External (additional) SDCard. It is the SDcard INTERN...

Devices have at least two standard storages. The internal storage and the external storage. If the device also has a SD card then the SD card is the third storage.
This, third, SDCard is the External.

 

[myriaddev]

This explains a lot of strange things!! Thanks you.

 

[fotosettore]

So in conclusion, sorry for my stupid questions :

-- >what is the solution for app that searchs for REALLY external sd ?
-- >how can i understand that i'm using the sd i inserted and not inside one ?
in other words : is there a way to determinate exactly the name and the the right way to read/write on it/them ?
many thanks

p.s. android is going more and more towards unnecessary complications ...

 

[Erel]

Access to external SD cards is quite limited started from Android 4.4.

Unless there is a good reason you don't need to think about it at all and just use File.DirRootExternal or File.DirDefaultExternal.

 

[fotosettore]

thanks for reply, erel
this limitation means that for a lot of apps we must downgrade to a lower android version than 4.4
... or use a rooted smartphone ...