Fix Android Market Update Issues [build.prop]

I have been using a custom build.prop file for a while now on my Droid X. There are several benefits [example] for doing so; the main one for me is a higher virtual screen resolution, also known as “LCD density”. This can be done via various methods, including programs such as LCD Density Changer, or manually with adb by editing the field in ‘/system/build.prop‘. My current favorite setting for the ro.sf.lcd_density paramater is 192 (vs 240 stock). The following shows the improvement in screen space you see when adjusting the LCD density:

I recently ran into a problem where the Android Market doesn’t update properly anymore. I kept getting “This app is incompatible with your DroidX” errors when trying to install programs I know should work. The fix I stumbled onto (in some DroidX forum somewhere) was to change the LCD density back to stock (via editing build.prop). Apparently Google is getting more strict about enforcing various app’s requested features, sometime erroneously.

Here are the steps to take to fix the Android Market update fail (most likely due to a modified LCD density in build.prop):

1. Change the LCD density back to device defaults (via build.prop file).
• If reverting the LCD density does not work, you can try changing the ro.build.fingerprint, as seen here, or reverting the build.prop file back completely to stock.
2. Remove the .android_secure/ folder on the SD card (via adb or Root Explorer).
3. Reboot.
4. Select: Settings > Applications > Manage Applications > Market > “Clear Data”.
5. Enjoy working Market again, and install updates!