Removing the NASCAR app from your Palm Pre
by Hans Kokx on Jun.24, 2009, under Tips & Tricks, Visitor Favorite
Introduction
Ever since the Palm Pre came out, there has been a dull uproar over the inability to remove certain apps, specifically the NASCAR app that nobody seems to use. A typical downloaded application can be removed by pressing [orange] while tapping on the application icon. A dialog will pop up that gives you the option to delete the application. Unfortunately, this option does not exist for the NASCAR application.
The Solution
By editing the json file, we can enable the removal of the NASCAR application. If you are not familiar with json, I suggest reading up on it here. You will need a rooted Pre, you will need to mount your filesystem as read/write, and you will need to edit the json file. Let's step through this process.
- First, you will need to root your pre, if you haven't already done so.
- Next, you need to remount the file system as read/write.
mount -o remount,rw / - Finally, we need to edit the file. Use vi to open /usr/palm/applications/com.handson.app.nascar/appinfo.json
We need to edit the file to include a line at the end of the list, before the closing bracket that reads:
"removable": true
Reboot your device by either pulling the battery, holding the off key, or using the key combination [orange]+[sym]+[r]. The application should be removed from your home screen. Additionally, you can now remove the application folder.
Conclusion
While this removes the NASCAR application now, it is difficult, if not impossible, to say if it will stay removed when Palm pushes their next mandatory OS update. At least we will have one less useless application icon on our screen until then.
Update: There is a fantastic explanation of JSON over at http://posterous.danielmiessler.com/using-json-to-exchange-data-betterexplained. 11/29/09
June 26th, 2009 on 11:44 am
Why on earth would it come with a NASCAR app by default!?
June 26th, 2009 on 11:45 am
Because of the “Sprint NEXTEL Cup,” I would assume.
October 23rd, 2009 on 3:47 am
To hide a few of the standard apps you can use WebOS Quick Install. It is a java program: WebOSQuickInstall.jar. Click on it in Windows Explorer with the Pre connected to the PC with the USB cable and choose “Just charge”.
When the window opens on the PC choose “Tools” in the menu. Then “Tweaks”. Click on the “Styling Mods” tab. There you have the options “Hide Nascar application”, “Hide NFL application” and a couple others.
The program offers several other options and also the ability to install programs on the Pre.
October 23rd, 2009 on 12:27 pm
Yeah, you’re right NeilP. This article was done before that app came out, and should be used for historical/reference/educational purposes only. It’s much safer to use the WebOS Quick Install method now. Thanks for pointing that out!
March 20th, 2010 on 1:58 pm
Nascar rules! I just wish that Mark was doing better this year.
March 26th, 2010 on 8:29 pm
I would have no idea! I don’t follow Nascar and I removed the app! Let’s hope that Mark can drive fast and turn left!
March 21st, 2010 on 3:41 pm
I never, ever would have believed I would need to know this thank goodness for the web, right?
March 26th, 2010 on 8:28 pm
The Internet is the world’s mind-dump! I’m glad my experiences and knowledge have helped a wayward traveler. :)
March 26th, 2010 on 8:27 pm
I’m sorry, I’m not sure I follow what exactly you’re trying to accomplish. You shouldn’t need a computer at all to accomplish this task, except for running commands on your phone. Perhaps you can explain a bit further, so I can help you solve this problem?
July 16th, 2010 on 11:03 am
Does this only “hide” the icons or does it take it off completely ?? Deleting them would speed up the phone, hiding them would do nothing other than not display them….correct??
July 16th, 2010 on 11:45 am
Using this method would remove the files from your phone.
July 18th, 2010 on 7:17 pm
I’ve had my Pre given that shortly after launch and am glad to get (by means of this forum) that I can now set a ring tone on incoming text messages and can lookup by means of e-mails and this kind of. Now is there any hope for an upcoming release in which I can research my calendar? Would make my job a great deal much easier, finding dates of last appointments. No other complaints, except that yesterday I was in and out of Sprint assistance (not unusual). I believe I used to be roaming, and looked at my calendar. Anything in the calendar was 1 hour earlier than what I had input. The clock was a single hour early as well. I had been scared to death–then, the moment we got back into Sprint assistance once again, anything was normalized. Has this happened to anybody else?? Seeking forward to answers, but please recall, I’m no techie and speak English instead of technospeak.
July 18th, 2010 on 9:01 pm
I have had issues with the WebOS calendar in the past, as well. It appears that it doesn’t handle UTC settings properly, and will mangle the date and/or time (depending on when your appointment is for). There is nothing you can do about this, however. You will have to wait for Palm/HP to fix the issue.