I'm using mero's wiping tool before flashing a new version of Revolution HD.
But I'm wondering if it's really necessary, at least the Easy-Update 1.0 version. What it does is:
Will format(wipe) the following:
* BOOT
* SYSTEM
* CACHE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 1.3 full wipe doesn't wipe BOOT anymore because it's completely rewritten anyway. Why is it needed with Easy-Update?
About SYSTEM. When flashing a new ROM it says "formatting partitions". I *guess* that's the system partition, so then wiping it wouldn't be necessary?
And the CACHE partition, does it really need to be wiped? I'd think that the OS manages this partition so that when there are cache files from an app that's now gone due to flashing it will delete them.
So if I don't want to loose my DATA partition do I really need to wipe BOOT/SYSTEM/CACHE?
And now the next part of my question...
I guess when flashing so often it's good to once in a while wipe DATA as well. Though I'm a bit reluctant about this as well since Android was created with people in mind who are uninstalling/installing apps every day so DATA shouldn't litter easily.
Anyway, when I decide to wipe it, I want to keep some of the data. For example games or apps that have considerable customization or save data.
For that I use Titanium Backup. Now I'm wondering if I restore some of my apps incl data, that will partly contradict the wiping. So what's the use wiping DATA then, removing data of apps that are gone due to flashing?
Related
Upon booting up via Vol. Down + Power, there are four options (fastboot, recovery, wipe cache, and simunlock). What happens when you wipe cache?
I just installed a new ROM (well updated), couldnt get it to boot as I was stuck on the custom boot screen, but after wipe cache it loads up?
Does this effect the functionality at all? Please help. Thanks
I believe this is a factory wipe, but is a dumbed down version, that does not wipe /sd-ext partitions etc. Just removes /data programs and user info, but won't touch any /system applications.
It is used to reset the phone without actually booting up the OS
Any particular reason why my ROM wouldnt boot up normally but requires a cache wipe in order to boot?
trenwei said:
Any particular reason why my ROM wouldnt boot up normally but requires a cache wipe in order to boot?
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Click to collapse
Soms roms will require you to wipe dalvik cache in order for the new rom to boot (conflicts can be caused), and wiping this cache would do it, however you can just wipe dalvik cache from recovery not this hboot menu.
For future reference when changing roms, especially when changing to someone elses rom (and especially especially when its a different base) you should be doing a full wipe
A full wipe is:
-Data (factory reset)
-Dalvik Cache
-Ext partition (although sometimes you can get away with skipping this one)
You should be able to wipe those three from both Amon-RA and Clockwork Mod recoveries.
NOTE: I am sleep deprived, so this will proberly not make alot of sense
I'm not that technical with the Android system (have worked with linux abit though)
Deleting the cache would remove any saved data from the system. These saved items may contain anything from images to which default program is loaded, to which widgets are loaded on the homscreen.
This is why after a new install the phone takes a little longer booting up, creating all the new files. If you need me to go into cache, use Google.
Another theory would be:
After an upgrade, some files and apps think that the system has changed owners, so their permissions change from read/write to read/only etc.
With this, some system files will become inaccessible, will be unable to be edited and so forth.
A way around this would be to "fix" the permissions of the data, changing the owner of the files allowing read/write permissions
Rom Manager has a nice little feature that allows you to fix permissions, and has come very helpful for me, with my switching to and from OD/Pinky, and restoring LauncherPro, which likes to FC at every restore -.-.
Ok, I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but I can never get rid of stuff completely.... like my Gapps are still there after everything and all I install is CM
I tried:
Wipe data/user settings
Wipe Cache
Wipe Davlik Cache
I also tried:
Wipe data/user settings
Wipe Cache
Wipe Davlik Cache
Format Data (in Partitions)
Format Cache (in Partitions)
Format Boot (in Partitions)
Format System (in Partitions)
I have tried both these options and I am still left with remnants of previous ROMs. Any suggestions? Do I have to load PC36IMG.zip and then root everytime to have a clean install? Seems a little extreme...
hurricane350 said:
Ok, I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but I can never get rid of stuff completely.... like my Gapps are still there after everything and all I install is CM
I tried:
Wipe data/user settings
Wipe Cache
Wipe Davlik Cache
I also tried:
Wipe data/user settings
Wipe Cache
Wipe Davlik Cache
Format Data (in Partitions)
Format Cache (in Partitions)
Format Boot (in Partitions)
Format System (in Partitions)
I have tried both these options and I am still left with remnants of previous ROMs. Any suggestions? Do I have to load PC36IMG.zip and then root everytime to have a clean install? Seems a little extreme...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
amon ra or clockwork and what version
iitreatedii said:
amon ra or clockwork and what version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clockwork 2.5 (previously), but I just switched to RA Recovery v2.2.2 still have Gapps on my phone... CM doesn't include Gapps right? I remember having to install them before unless something changed
Can't get rid of gapps, dude. CM requires it that they be there so they're protected files that you can't erase (unless you flash a new rom, which has all the gapps built in anyway).
I hope you like Google programs, because you are stuck with em
AbsolutZeroGI said:
Can't get rid of gapps, dude. CM requires it that they be there so they're protected files that you can't erase (unless you flash a new rom, which has all the gapps built in anyway).
I hope you like Google programs, because you are stuck with em
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love Gapps! I just suspect some of my FCs is because I had an older version of them. I am running CM7 now and I have the new GB Gapps but I thought it was odd that Gmail, Maps, etc was still on there before I even flashed the new Gapps
So to answer my original question, there is no way to completely wipe short of reimaging with PC36IMG and rooting again?
Run FORMAT_ALL from the post below. Once its down booting your new install, do not put your information into the setup wizard (just keep hitting skip). This will get you a clean install. REMEMBER FORMAT ALL WILL ERASE EVERYTHING ON YOUR PHONE (not sdcard/recovery/boot/s-off).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=785271&highlight=format
bwcorvus said:
Run FORMAT_ALL from the post below. Once its down booting your new install, do not put your information into the setup wizard (just keep hitting skip). This will get you a clean install. REMEMBER FORMAT ALL WILL ERASE EVERYTHING ON YOUR PHONE (not sdcard/recovery/boot/s-off).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=785271&highlight=format
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Click to collapse
I'll give it a go, but according to Caulkin's thread all it is doing is what I did already! (wipe data, cache & format boot/system) I will try it out though. Thanks!
I did never try skipping the setup wizard... Hmm
hurricane350 said:
I did never try skipping the setup wizard... Hmm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the key, it will not restore the old apps, if you skip the wizard.
Well, I did it! Yippee!
I did the following this time around:
Wipe data/user settings
Wipe cache
Wipe Davlik cache
Ran Caulkin's Format_all.zip
Installed CM7 nightly
Funny thing is, it bypassed the setup altogether... I'm guessing because Gapps were finally gone! It brought me right to the home screen, I opened up apps and no Gmail, no Market, nothing! Finally!
So I rebooted Recovery, installed GB Gapps and I am running smooth as butter (No FCs yet!)
Thanks everyone! Especially bwcorvis for the link to Caulkin's script
Glad i could help
I'm currently running Synergy, and have been flashing nightlies every so often to keep up wit hthe changes and small errors that I encounter, hoping there's a fix in them, However reflashing a nightly every few days can be a pain as I keep having to reset all of my phone settings (ringtone, notifications, display, accounts, sms, etc...)
What is everyone's opinion of the best way to reliably backup your phone settings to easily restore them to a new rom after a flash?
I use Titanium Backup, but honestly I'm not sure what all the system settings are saved as, or even if that's a good idea as the way settings are setup might have changed from the las tbackup, and don't want to screw things up.
Ideas?
All you have to do is reboot into recovery, wipe cache and dalvik, and then create a nandroid backup of only the data. If you have an ext3 partition and your third party apps are stored there, then also select to backup the sd-ext and your android.secure (if you have paid apps). Now all you have to do after a clean install of Synergy or its nightly builds is to boot to your homescreen, bypass the sign-in stuff, and then remove all of the default homescreen widgets. After that, reboot into recovery, wipe cache & dalvik and then restore the aforementioned backup. When you reboot, all of your settings, data, apps and homescreens will be as they were on your previous installs.
posting & replying via my EVO 4G
dougjamal said:
All you have to do is reboot into recovery, wipe cache and dalvik, and then create a nandroid backup of only the data. If you have an ext3 partition and your third party apps are stored there, then also select to backup the sd-ext and your android.secure (if you have paid apps). Now all you have to do after a clean install of Synergy or its nightly builds is to boot to your homescreen, bypass the sign-in stuff, and then remove all of the default homescreen widgets. After that, reboot into recovery, wipe cache & dalvik and then restore the aforementioned backup. When you reboot, all of your settings, data, apps and homescreens will be as they were on your previous installs.
posting & replying via my EVO 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the reply. just to be sure I understand you completely, using my current rom, would this be the proper order?
reboot into recovery (I use Amon Ra)
wipe CACHE, & DALVIK-CACHE
backup the following items: [ ]boot, [ ]system, [x]data, [ ]cache, [ ]recovery, [ ]wimax, [ ]sd-ext, [x].android_secure
wipe ALL userdata/factory reset
flash latest rom
boot to homescreen
remove all widgets/icons
reboot into recovery
restore nandroid backup created above
reboot normally
Also, as a side note, when wiping before flashing rom, I usually wipe ALL, CACHE, & DALVIK-CACHE, which are covered above. With the new Amon Ra, should I be wiping any of these as well before I flash? - DATA, SDCARD:.android_secure, BOOT, SYSTEM, SDCARD, SDEXT, DATA:battery stats, DATA:rotate settings?
Thanks for all the info! I appreciate it!
Include the sd-ext in the backup if you have an ext3 partition with apps on it. Other than that, you got it right. As for what to wipe before flashing, if I'm just flashing nightlies, I sometimes only wipe cache & dalvik, but I'm big on wiping EVERYTHING in amonRA's wipe menu EXCEPT the SD card before I flash a rom.
posting & replying via my EVO 4G
okay. thanks.
this is actually a follow up question, but the sd-ext, is that a special partition that I can setup that will expand the base storage of my EVO onto the SD card so I stop getting complaints about running out of space? And can that be setup through Amon Ra?
I'm having issues with my ROM, and someone here suggested doing a nandroid backup, a clean install, then restore just DATA from nandroid.
But is this any different from just wiping SYSTEM and reinstalling ROM?
I was under the impression that a full wipe just wipes SYSTEM + DATA, whereas wiping SYSTEM just wiped SYSTEM.
I thought for a real "clean install" I need to wipe SYSTEM + DATA ("factory reset") then restore data with Titanium Backup, e.g.
Do the last one...
Restore Apps one by one. Don't make a nand data restore.
Sent from my SPH-L710
d0g said:
I'm having issues with my ROM, and someone here suggested doing a nandroid backup, a clean install, then restore just DATA from nandroid.
But is this any different from just wiping SYSTEM and reinstalling ROM?
I was under the impression that a full wipe just wipes SYSTEM + DATA, whereas wiping SYSTEM just wiped SYSTEM.
I thought for a real "clean install" I need to wipe SYSTEM + DATA ("factory reset") then restore data with Titanium Backup, e.g.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your having issues with the Rom, a FULL Wipe, and Flash is usually your best bet. Try to avoid restoring to much Data. Especially system Data.
Use TiBu and restore apps only, and data only if you absolutely must, game saves, user apps that don't interfere with system on a per app basis. Use TiBu before wiping to backup your SMS and Call Log data as xml before wiping and then restore them the same way.
☆SoA: Son's of Android™☆
I like to break stuff!
I looked through many threads, posts, websites, and tutorials, but none of them say how to literally wipe my device completely (it could be that it's not possible), what I want to do is completely remove literally everything so that it's like a brand new hard drive without even any files in it.
'Factory Reset' doesn't remove everything because android still boots after a factory reset and android wouldn't be able to boot if there were no files on the device. TWRP doesn't remove everything either because how is twrp running, and I can still see the androids root directories in twrps file manager (TWRP does tell me that there's no OS installed, but then why is there still a functioning file system with actual files in them).
I want to completely wipe everything so that any future roms I download will have no way to be affected by any old kernels/roms/apps that I have installed in the past. I want to clean install android on top of a literally empty phone hard drive. If this isn't possible then what's the closest to that that I can get? Cuz I tried various roms and I had bugs that persisted between multiple roms even though other people said that they didn't have these issues.
In case you're wondering: I'm currently running LineageOS 15.1, oreo 8.1
Your best bet it to wipe using stock image. Reinstall TWRP and wipe system, cache and data before installing new ROM
I agree with the advice given by Vanschtezla.
Also, if you would completely wipe all data on the phone's storage then that would also wipe the partition table. The storage area is divided into partitions which are mounted to for example /system /data and /cache when your phone boots.
Also there is no real need to "wipe everything" as you say as that could brick your phone. If you just boot TWRP and wipe using "Factory reset" and additionally: System then everything should be clean enough to install a new ROM. Depending on the ROM it will wipe the System partition anyway.
Kernels reside in the system partition so when you wipe System, any Kernel is gone
Pre installed (system) Apps sit in the System partition so wipe System and they are gone
User Apps sit in the data partition so wipe data (that is included in the Factory reset) and they're gone
All in all I think you're expecting issues that simply do not exist. Especially if you just follow the instructions of the (custom) ROM you want to install.
THANK YOU!
peterpv said:
I agree with the advice given by Vanschtezla.
Kernels reside in the system partition so when you wipe System, any Kernel is gone
Pre installed (system) Apps sit in the System partition so wipe System and they are gone
User Apps sit in the data partition so wipe data (that is included in the Factory reset) and they're gone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I was looking for! Why don't any "How to wipe your phone" guides say these things (even the ones that get more technical don't mention what exactly gets deleted for each wipe option, which is why from your perspective it was probably very weird to read my question).