Develop Bugs

Does Nandroid backup cache's also?

If I do a Nandroid backup and then do a full wipe/reset and wipe the cache partition and dalvik-cache, will my Nandroid restore the cache's also?

The dalvik-cache will be rebuilt at next boot based on the applications present, so it shouldn't matter. You could clear dalvik now and reboot, and it would just regenerate for you. Some people do that to "clean up" every once in a while, I believe. I think the regular cache is similar, there shouldn't be anything there that can't be replaced (re-cached) when it's needed again.
Even so, I believe they do get backed up because my first boot after a Nandroid restore recently didn't take as long as it would have if the dalvik cache was being rebooted, but that's only an anecdotal answer.

[Q] Wiping Cache from Recovery? *PLEASE HELP*

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?
Click to expand...
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 -.-.

[Q] Complete Wipe?

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
Click to expand...
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

[Q] Problems after restoring backup (Virtuous 1.0.2). Need help! What I did wrong?

Hi,
I have searched around not found clear answer about this. I've been having Virtuous Sense w/Fixes & Enhancements : DZ Base 1.85.72.2 (v1.0.2) ROM -installed for a little while with stock kernel working fine. It was getting so slow, so yesterday I decided to try out Virtuous Unity Sense 3.0 based on Pyramid with Streamline SenSe Test Kernel v2 2.6.35.13 for Virtuous Unity Sense 3.0 because someone recommended it.
So I did full backup with Clockwork Mod recovery (the same as nandroid?), did full wipe and tried it out. Did not like it and thought too much work with starting everything all over again. So I went to clockworkmod recovery and restored backup I took earlier. After it I had an idea, I could install Virtuous kernel to make things run smoother. So I installed Virtuous Advanced 1.1.2 kernel which is recommended for Virtuous 0.9.5 or newer. Since I have 1.0.2 it was ok.
When starting system, my wallpaper and almost every app data was gone. Home screens were empty. I thought it should have restored my earlier settings completely? Does new kernel cause this? But I could have lived with it. Except
Virtual keyboard did not have finnish laoyout, no ä's and ö's. Neither there were international layout in settings. Outer keyboard works though.
HTC Clock/weather cannot find my city. In weather app when you search manually, there is about only 5 cities from Finland. Why?
Screen flickers sometimes and won't turn on if I dont' rape it on.
There is nothing in SMS, my messages are lost! I thought they were supposed to be synced in from Google like usually?
EDIT: Oh and yeah, Android Market website says "No devices detected"
Only good thing is this runs smooth and fast unlike any kernel I've used before. The problem is I want it to work without problems, like before. Did I install wrong kernel? What is good kernel for virtuous, with finnish weather and layout? How to fix these things?
How I can restore the kernel I had before? How can I fully reset the phone like how it was when I bought it?
I would really appreciate the help! Thanks in advance!

From what you are describing it looks like you're data partition was not restored, you can reboot in clockworkmod and format data and cache, afther that from the advanced restore menu you can restore only the data partition, that way you will have the new system with the advanced kernel, and you old data.
If you want to completely restore the old system you have to format data and cache, from the "mounts and storage" menu format /system and from advanced format dalvik cache, after that you can restore you're backup.
When I flash a new rom after all my settings I always do a nandroid backup, that way in case of something goes wrong or the rom becomes laggy, I restore the nandroid backup and I don't have to go thru all the pain of customizing the phone again.

Just wanna make sure I'm understanding correctly..
All your data was fine after you restored your nandroid; it wasn't until you flashed the advanced kernel that things went wrong?

tun4f1sh said:
Just wanna make sure I'm understanding correctly..
All your data was fine after you restored your nandroid; it wasn't until you flashed the advanced kernel that things went wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answers!
Sorry for being unclear. No, the first time I restored nandroid I didn't see my wallpaper and all my app data seemed to be lost. I thought it was because of I tried Unity with different kernel, but of course it could not have been, because nanroid should restore everything as it was, right?
I have now installed Unity again to test, but I don't like it, some bugs and so much to do all over again, so I'm going to try to restore the earlier virtuous 1.0.2 backup again, will report here how it goes...
The thing is, I'm not sure if the backup went right, because when I backuped it I didn't check the output message. The backup size is 1,3 gigs so I guess it went right... but i'm officially f*cked if the space ran out during the backup or something like that... but tryin to restore it again now...

So what I did now again (this is what I also did before) in this particular order:
CWM Recovery:
Wipe data/factory reset
Wipe cache partition
Advanced -> Wipe Dalvik Cache
Backup and restore -> Restore -> 2011-07-03.18.40.43/
Reboot
(took about 15 minutes)
The result: "Loading... this could take few minutes." everything seems to look fine, but there is default wallpaper and empty home screen with home button and long press -tutorials. It is syncinc, so some credentials are there, but for example foursquare app asks for accounts... the app info are mostly not there. This is what my problem was in the first place when restoring. Could Unity installation somehow affect my files, or something?
If you want to completely restore the old system you have to format data and cache, from the "mounts and storage" menu format /system and from advanced format dalvik cache, after that you can restore you're backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trying this now. Just made the point out what was my problem. Thanks! Will report, if it's okay to you.

ionut.micu said:
If you want to completely restore the old system you have to format data and cache, from the "mounts and storage" menu format /system and from advanced format dalvik cache, after that you can restore you're backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I tried it like this:
wipe data/factory reset
wipe cache partition
mounts and storage -> format /cache
mounts and storage -> format /data
mounts and storage -> format /system
advanced -> wipe dalvik cache
backup and restore -> restore -> 2011-07-03.18.40.43/
reboot
...and the result is the same stated in first message. Things buggy / missing.
ionut.micu said:
When I flash a new rom after all my settings I always do a nandroid backup, that way in case of something goes wrong or the rom becomes laggy, I restore the nandroid backup and I don't have to go thru all the pain of customizing the phone again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I always nandroid backup also, but this time it did not restore as expected.

Use a file manager and go into sdcard - clockworkmod - backup - 2011-07-03.18.40.43, can you confirm that you got data.img in that folder, if not then your data wasn't backed up (in my backups data.img is about 150mb).
If data.img was backed up
Reboot into clockworkmod
backup and restore
Advanced Restore
2011-07-03.18.40.43
Restore data
If that doesn't help your data partition was not backed-up correctly and I think there is nothing you can do.

ionut.micu said:
If that doesn't help your data partition was not backed-up correctly and I think there is nothing you can do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems to be the case that it did not backup the whole thing, space run out or something. I did not double check the backup result, my bad... This is confirmed because I just restored the 2011-04-28.09.01.03 backup and it took about half an hour, a lot more than the most recent backup which was supposed to be bigger.
I will remember from now on, double check backup every time before full wipe!

[GUIDE] A Noob's Guide to Flashing ROMs Manually

Here's the guide for rooting by rivera82falcon:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1219246
Guide for installing ROMs by me:
Before installing the ROM...
1, Download Titanium Backup from the market, allow superuser permissions, then click menu>batch>backup all user apps.
2. Make sure fastboot is off in settings>power.
3. Put the ROM zip on the root of your SD Card
4. Download SMS Backup and Restore, and backup your SMS.
5. Back up your contacts by checking "back up my data" or something like that under settings/privacy
How to install the ROM...
1. Turn off phone, and hold power and volume down until you get a white screen that says Hboot.
2.Volume down/up is for scrolling; power is for selecting.
3. Scroll down and select RECOVERY.
4. Scroll down and selected BACKUP AND RESTORE.
5. Select BACKUP and wait for it to finish.
6. Hit the back button to go back to the main menu.
7. Scroll down and select WIPE DATA/FACTORY RESET.
8. Scroll down and select WIPE CACHE PARTITION.
9.Hit the back button to go back to the main menu.
10. Scroll down and select ADVANCED, then WIPE DALVIK CACHE.
11. Hit the back button.
12. Select mounts and storage and select FORMAT SYSTEM.
13. Hit the back button to go back to the main menu.
14. Scroll down and select INSTALL ZIP FROM SD CARD, then CHOOSE ZIP FROM SD CARD, then whatever the ROM zip is.
15. Let it do its thing. This may take 5-10 minutes. DON'T PULL THE BATTERY.
16. When it is finished, hit the back button to go back to the main menu.
17. Select REBOOT SYSTEM NOW. This boot may take up to 15-20 minutes so be patient. Once again, do not pull the battery!
18. Run the initial setup. When you're setting up your google account, make sure the "keep data backed up" or whatever box is checked. This will make sure to restore your/keep your contacts backed up.
19. Redownload Titanium Backup. Hit menu/batch/restore missing apps with data.
20. Redownload SMS B+R. Restore your SMS.
21. Enjoy your new ROM!

Nice guide for those not wanting to use a ROM manager.

When I restore the user apps will that also restore the app settings and gamesaves?
Sent from my HTC Droid Incredible 2 via the XDA app.

klabit87 said:
When I restore the user apps will that also restore the app settings and gamesaves?
Sent from my HTC Droid Incredible 2 via the XDA app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend restoring the app only, and then go back and restore the data. You will then have whatever settings you had as well as game scores, levels etc after doing this. Just make sure that before you flash a new rom, to make a new backup, or at least a backup of the apps or games that may have had the settings, scores or levels changed. I have gotten into the habit of backing up my games after I get done playing. Nothing worse than flashing a new rom, and have to go back a few levels and start over

Just wondering - what exactly does formatting do? I've always done a system wipe, cache wipe, and dalvik wipe before flashing but I've never formatted. I've flashed a good half dozen ROMs without issue, so I was just wondering what the deal was with formatting.
I also haven't been wiping battery stats when flashing. That one makes sense to me though.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using XDA App

cory.spicer said:
Just wondering - what exactly does formatting do? I've always done a system wipe, cache wipe, and dalvik wipe before flashing but I've never formatted. I've flashed a good half dozen ROMs without issue, so I was just wondering what the deal was with formatting.
I also haven't been wiping battery stats when flashing. That one makes sense to me though.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't wipe batt stats unless your flashing on a full battery. Really just a full data wipe and dalvik cache wipe will do it.... Then mount system and fix permissions if you're having trouble with rom after install/reboot. Can't hurt to follow above procedures, minus a battery stat wipe every time. That will reduce your battery's life over time...
Sent from my Incredible 2 using XDA App

Formatting is generally used to erase the SD Card, such as if your were going to partion the SD Card, or change the File System IE Ext 3 to Ext 4.

Guys, I updated the OP, based on feedback.
And I think the reason that I did all that extra wiping was from back in the droid incredible 1 forums. When gingersense roms came out, the op's of every thread said to wipe EVERYTHING like 3 times. I just did everything once, but still. I probably didn't need to wipe all that stuff.

Maybe change the title to "Noob's Guide to Flashing ROMs Manually"? The noob way to flash a ROM (or managing/creating backups) is definitely using Rom Manager.

Done. Good point, although ROM manager is known to mess things up.

Yeah what's now in the OP is the exact procedure I've been using, it's been working great so far.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using XDA App

I've never wiped battery stats, not really sure what the benefit is. Used multiple batteries and ROMs on my previous phone.
If you do a factory reset it wipes your data and cache. I generally just do a factory reset/dalvik wipe on new ROMs. When flashing over a ROM, just format cache and dalvik.
If you are really picky you can go into advanced and wipe each partition there manually.

thanks for the great write up. i hope this isn't a stupid question, but when you're switching roms and doing all this formatting do you lose your pictures, text messages, contacts, etc.???

wiping cache and dalvik is redundant after doing a data wipe/ factory reset. dalvik cache lives on the data partition. and the factory reset wipes cache already anyway.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using XDA App

shoman24v said:
I've never wiped battery stats, not really sure what the benefit is. Used multiple batteries and ROMs on my previous phone.
If you do a factory reset it wipes your data and cache. I generally just do a factory reset/dalvik wipe on new ROMs. When flashing over a ROM, just format cache and dalvik.
If you are really picky you can go into advanced and wipe each partition there manually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wipe battery stats now, but not through recovery. I download battery calibration from the market, and follow the instructions in the app. Major increase in battery life.
lddrew said:
thanks for the great write up. i hope this isn't a stupid question, but when you're switching roms and doing all this formatting do you lose your pictures, text messages, contacts, etc.???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you wipe cache and/or dalvik cache only, no. If you wipe data/factory reset, you will lose any of the above on PHONE STORAGE. You can save pics to the SD card, so they won't be deleted, you can download SMS Backup and Restore from the market for texts. For contacts, some ROMs have backup assistant. For those that don't, make sure you check "backup my settings" under settings/privacy on your current ROM. This will back up your contacts to you google account. After you flash a new ROM, just check the "backup my settings" box when setting up your google account. Also, just redownload SMS B+R, and restore your SMS. If your pics are on the SD, they will still be there, you don't have to do anything. Hope this helps.

Lots of edits in the OP.

AgalychnisCallidryas said:
I wipe battery stats now, but not through recovery. I download battery calibration from the market, and follow the instructions in the app. Major increase in battery life.
If you wipe cache and/or dalvik cache only, no. If you wipe data/factory reset, you will lose any of the above on PHONE STORAGE. You can save pics to the SD card, so they won't be deleted, you can download SMS Backup and Restore from the market for texts. For contacts, some ROMs have backup assistant. For those that don't, make sure you check "backup my settings" under settings/privacy on your current ROM. This will back up your contacts to you google account. After you flash a new ROM, just check the "backup my settings" box when setting up your google account. Also, just redownload SMS B+R, and restore your SMS. If your pics are on the SD, they will still be there, you don't have to do anything. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you so much, i've been doing a lot of reading but this has all the answers i was looking for in one place. i really appreciate it. thanks!!

This is the only guide I've managed to find that gives simple and concise instructions. Many other guides leave out steps, use different names for things, or use abstract terminology.
Very well done and a HUGE thank you! I'm new to rooting and I've been trying different roms like I've been doing it for years.

I'm glad I helped. I flashed my first ROM with my friend giving step-by-step instructions over the phone lol.

This is exactly what I do for ALL of my android devices.
However...especially when going from aosp to sense...or vice versa...system, data and cache should really be formatted.
This is really a solid habit to get into...as I do this with every ROM. This way I can accurately find bugs if applicable and helps me determine if the ROM quality is up to snuff.
Kinda like hand tightening lugs on wheels and torquing them.
Great writeup. Thanks!
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium