Best way to wipe? Lol - Droid Incredible Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

What do you do to make your roms run great everytime. Wipe data 1x, 2x, 3x. Etc. I get force closes and wondering if I didn't wipe right. I also got boot manager with miui stable as rom 1. It's been acting wierd lately. Hoping Simone can give me tips on flashing through clockwork and installing through boot manager for best results.
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda app-developers app

I don't use boot manager, but for a clean install of a ROM, format boot and system, and wipe data/Factory Reset, all just once.
cvpcs.org/blog/2011-06-05/time_to_wipe_data/cache

Boot to cwm recovery.
Go to mounts and storrage menu.
Format every option available except emmc and sdcard.
Flash rom of your choosing.

PonsAsinorem said:
I don't use boot manager, but for a clean install of a ROM, format boot and system, and wipe data/Factory Reset, all just once.
cvpcs.org/blog/2011-06-05/time_to_wipe_data/cache
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what this guy said. Wipe data/factory reset takes care of /data, /datadata, and /cache all in one stroke. All that's left is /boot and /system

Also, with MIUI you may need to clear out your app cache regularly. Use this App Cache Cleaner, it's super simple. That should help your fc problems.

These are the steps I follow when flashing ROMs. Seems to work well for me:
Reboot your phone into Bootloader Mode. (You can do that by pressing and holding the Volume Down and Power buttons until HBOOT boots.)
Using the Volume keys, highlight Recovery and select it by tapping the Power button. Your phone will now boot to Recovery Mode.
Create a NANDroid backup of your current ROM. Go to Backup and Restoreand select Backupon the next screen. Wait until recovery finishes backing up your ROM.
Once done, go back to the main menu and perform a full wipe:
[*] ----> Select Wipe data/factory resetand confirm the action on the next screen.
[*] ----> Select Wipe cache partition and confirm the action on the next screen.
[*] ----> Go back to the main menu and select Advanced.From there, select Wipe Dalvik Cache and confirm the action on the next screen.
Select Install ZIP from SD card.
Select Choose ZIP from SD cardand locate the ROM.zip file. Confirm the action on the next screen to flash the ROM to your mobile phone.
Go back to the main menu and flash GoogleApps.zip in the same manner as in steps 6 and 7.
Go back to the main menu and select Reboot system now. This will reboot your phone with the new ROM.

What I normally do is boot into cwm and just do the factory reset/data wipe and that makes everything run nice and smooth whenever i flash a new rom.

ardax said:
Exactly what this guy said. Wipe data/factory reset takes care of /data, /datadata, and /cache all in one stroke. All that's left is /boot and /system
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I find that if you don't also do /boot and /system some things linger that can cause problems. I did not do this recently and it still remembered Wifi locations, brought up an old wallpaper and sounds choices via music and ringtones were severely limited. Don't be afraid, do what the man says!!

CyanoLou said:
Yes. I find that if you don't also do /boot and /system some things linger that can cause problems. I did not do this recently and it still remembered Wifi locations, brought up an old wallpaper and sounds choices via music and ringtones were severely limited. Don't be afraid, do what the man says!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to format boot. Some devices don't even support that option. Plus flashing a new ROM always flashes a new boot.img in its place which overwrites the old one. System is OK but then you have to flash gapps with updates where before its optional. Wiping system isn't a bad idea on sense ROMs as it doesn't always get wiped by the script. On aosp it does and on cm it wipes system after backing up gapps.
Also WiFi and wallpaper choices are stored in datadata not system. If wallpapers come back after a factory reset that is due to Google restore. Sound choices are stored in a database that needs to rebuild after a wipe.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

And in swoops tiny wielding the clue-by-four.
Normally I'll only wipe /system if I'm switching ROMs. Updating dailies doesn't require it.

Related

confused sorry for n00b question.

I used simpleroot and rooted then flashed recovery
downloaded the latest rooted .6 version of the OTA update
I copied the .zip containing the downloaded ROM.
Do I just boot to the recovery (I chose the RA one) and flash the ROM from there?
This is slightly more involved than flashing a winmo phone, so I'm proceeding with caution.
I'm at Android system recovery <2e>
reboot system now
apply sdcard:update.zip
wipe data/factory reset
wipe cache partition
You're correct. There should be a menu option for choosing a zip from your SD card. You should do a data wipe, cache wipe, and dalvik wipe first, then choose the new ROM and let it go. Back up your stuff first, it will all get erased!
SilverZero said:
You're correct. There should be a menu option for choosing a zip from your SD card. You should do a data wipe, cache wipe, and dalvik wipe first, then choose the new ROM and let it go. Back up your stuff first, it will all get erased!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did back my stuff up...
Now I'm having trouble getting back to that recovery screen I'm at the screen with the red triangle with the exclamation mark.
What do I press to get those options back?
I keep getting the cant open cache/recovery/command
Do I need to use the PC for any part of this?
You may want to boot into your system and install ROM Manager, then flash ClockworkMod or re-flash Amon RA from there. Can you boot into your system?
Also, at the red exclamation screen, I think you have to push power + volume UP to get into recovery, but I'm not sure. Seems like that was one of the middle steps when I did my rooting, during the period that one of the custom recoveries was on there before I flashed ClockworkMod.

[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 -.-.

[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

[Q] Question regarding flashing rom

I tried searching didnt get specific answer I am needing. I have been flashing roms for about 1 year. Its possible I have been messing it up, although my phone has always worked correctly (CM of different flavors). I usually use the following:
hboot/recovery
wipe dav/factory reset/wipe battery stats
install rom
now I am trying very hard not to make things more difficult for another user. I am trying to flash a sense rom Stock Plus v2.1.
In the install instructions it states:
Full Wipe and Flash Instructions:
Make a Nandroid Backup of your current rom
Reboot into ClockworkMod
Choose "wipe data/factory reset"
Go into "mounts and storage" menu and choose "format /boot" and confirm
Choose "format /system" and confirm
Go back to main menu and choose "install zip from sdcard"
Browse your sdcard for the rom zip and flash!
**Note: I know there are a million methods that folks say to follow for a full wipe, including: wiping dalvik, wiping cache, etc. Let me explain why that's unnecessary. The "wipe data/factory reset" option erases your /data, /cache and /data/data partitions, so doing the "wipe cache" option would be redundant. Dalvik-cache is just a folder that resides on the /data partition (Already cleared, remember, so redundant again). The ONLY 2 partitions, that effect the wipe, and were not already cleared are /boot and /system. I've changed roms quite a bit and this method is fast and works everytime.
I read the note but am confused. I have not heard of the things in red above. Could someone explain what I have been doing wrong, or why that would need to be done for rom to function properly? Thanks
Aerysana said:
I tried searching didnt get specific answer I am needing. I have been flashing roms for about 1 year. Its possible I have been messing it up, although my phone has always worked correctly (CM of different flavors). I usually use the following:
hboot/recovery
wipe dav/factory reset/wipe battery stats
install rom
now I am trying very hard not to make things more difficult for another user. I am trying to flash a sense rom Stock Plus v2.1.
In the install instructions it states:
Full Wipe and Flash Instructions:
Make a Nandroid Backup of your current rom
Reboot into ClockworkMod
Choose "wipe data/factory reset"
Go into "mounts and storage" menu and choose "format /boot" and confirm
Choose "format /system" and confirm
Go back to main menu and choose "install zip from sdcard"
Browse your sdcard for the rom zip and flash!
**Note: I know there are a million methods that folks say to follow for a full wipe, including: wiping dalvik, wiping cache, etc. Let me explain why that's unnecessary. The "wipe data/factory reset" option erases your /data, /cache and /data/data partitions, so doing the "wipe cache" option would be redundant. Dalvik-cache is just a folder that resides on the /data partition (Already cleared, remember, so redundant again). The ONLY 2 partitions, that effect the wipe, and were not already cleared are /boot and /system. I've changed roms quite a bit and this method is fast and works everytime.
I read the note but am confused. I have not heard of the things in red above. Could someone explain what I have been doing wrong, or why that would need to be done for rom to function properly? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming you are talking about formatting system and boot? If so, cm is different than sense roms, and this data needs to be wiped. The fact that you have been using cm for so long, explains why you haven't had issues with your wipe method. The data has just been overwriting itself, which doesn't work when going from aosp to sense, or vice versa.
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium
actually I have 2 different phones. both are htc inc orig, 2 different users. my personal phone has cm. I do not format boot or system and never have. however, when reading about flashing stock plus v2.1 on the other dinc that is freshly rooted with nothing ever having been flashed, it said to do what was highlighted in red (format boot and system). I had never heard of that.
okay, so format boot and system are needed if you are going from asop to sense (did not know that guess I got lucky). So is it still necessary to format boot and system before flashing on a dinc that was just rooted last night and nothing has been done other than rooting? stock is sense, the rom i would like to flash to the newly rooted phone is sense, so it is or is not needed?
I guess it comes down to what is exactly being wiped/formatted in the following:
data wipe/factory reset
format boot
format system
Yeah I guess thats what im trying to ask. Maybe if I understand what those areas are, then I can better understand why they would need to be wiped/formatted.
Oh and thank you for your reply, I do appreciate the help, and maybe im a bit slow in my thinking today. So please bear with me.
The boot and system files/data take on different characteristics and can be stored differently, depending on the base of the Rom. Base being froyo, gingerbread, Dinc2, Evo, aosp, etc. Things are stored in different places, which means new roms need these areas cleared before flashing in order to work properly.
Edit: Most of these roms have been ported from other devices. If flash instructions are provided, it is best to follow them for best results.
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium
okay i think i understand. will do it. thanks for taking the time to help. sometimes it takes me a few to get it sorted out.

[Q] ViperX venom tweaks won´t stick - flash problems

When installing the new uppdate ViperX 3.3.0 - can I do a full wipe and install that or do I need the former versions first (3.2-3.2.4)?
I´ve had problems flashing numerous times but finally got it on the phone and then made the 2 other uppdates ota to 3.3.2 but when I´m in the venom tweaks and change the max cpu to 1300 and changes back to 1500 after a while and sometimes after reboots.
I checked the ticker "aply settings on boot". Sometimes the min cpu freq also changes by itselfes to 1300....
The "mount system r/w" ticker also never stays checked....
I´ve had problems flashing, it only worked when I didn´t do a full whipe on the 3.3.0 version.
Sometimes the flash crashed after 10-15% and sometimes when the flash was ok and finished I ended up on the white htc logo.
I did this:
1: Move the zip file to htc in my download folder.
2. using winrar, get the boot.img file - moved that to my Boot_Flash_Script folder.
3. Go to Bootloader
4. Connect htc one x to the pc - fastboot usb
5. In the Boot_Flash_Script folder - dubbelclick on the flash-boot-windows file.
The boot.img flashes ok and also the cache is cleared.
6. unplugg the htc and go into recovery.
7. Using Aroma Installer I wipe cache, wipe dalwik cache and (maybe this is wrong) wipe System.
8. Then I click Install - find the zip file and excecute that.
9. Choose the stock kernel.
10. Full wipe.
11. flashes.
Then it sometimes crashed at 10-15% or flashes ok and when i hit "Reboot" it hangs itself on the white htc logo.....
This also happened when I tried to flash Icecoldjelly…
What am I doing wrong?
Noooob-thanks,
Nothing really, but download the latest full rom and check the MD5 number, flash the boot.img again and do a full wipe in recovery....
Wipe cache partition
Wipe data/factory reset
Advanced - wipe dalvik cache
Mounts & storage - format cache, data, system
Just to be sure and then install the Rom.zip. choose in the aroma for a full wipe again and continue....the question about the kernel you answered correct with NO.
the mhz option probably doesn't stick because there is only a stock kernel available, we don't have custom kernels yet ....
When wipeing and factory reset, does it erase anything on my sd-card?
It shouldn, right, since its on sdcard0...?
Even with a factory reset it shouldn't erase nothing?
Nope
Great.
Thanks!
So after flashing the boot.img, go into recovery and basicly wipe everything except external storage?!
Under "Mount" there are 4 tickers : Mount System, Mount Data, Unmount Cache, Unmount SD Card.
Unmount Cache & Unmount SD Card are checked....
What to do there?
And then just flash the Rom, Full wipe in Aroma, chose stock kernel and that should do it?!
I will quote myself ! Do NOT touch the mount stuff only touch the FORMAT stuff
And ofcourse you do NOT format sdcard !!!
Mr Hofs said:
Nothing really, but download the latest full rom and check the MD5 number, flash the boot.img again and do a full wipe in recovery....
Wipe cache partition
Wipe data/factory reset
Advanced - wipe dalvik cache
Mounts & storage - format cache, data, system
Just to be sure and then install the Rom.zip. choose in the aroma for a full wipe again and continue....the question about the kernel you answered correct with NO.
the mhz option probably doesn't stick because there is only a stock kernel available, we don't have custom kernels yet ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashed the boot.img.
Wiped everything and did a factory reset then flashed the Rom and it worked.
Think the factory reset did the trick - the only thing I didn´t do before.
Thanks!!!!!!!!
Finally !!!

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